A cheese pizza in a delivery box, plus two paper cups of Coca-Cola. — Courtesy of Coca-Cola

12 of Chicago’s Best Restaurants for Ordering Takeout

By Vox Creative Updated Sep 21, 2020, 6:11pm EDT

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Courtesy of Coca-Cola

By Vox Creative Updated Sep 21, 2020, 6:11pm EDT

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Even for the best at-home cook, dinner prep on the nightly can become a drag. Fortunately for us, Chicago restaurants offer plenty of takeout options across neighborhoods, cuisines, and price points to make sure everyone in the party has their pick. What’s more? With Coca-Cola on the menu at each of these spots, every one of these restaurants has your drink pairings covered, as well.

From chicken pot pies in Pilsen to dim sum downtown, here are 12 of the best places to pick up a show-stopping dinner right now.

A number of Chicago restaurants have resumed dine-in service at 25 percent capacity. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit chicago.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Smoque BBQ

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Go big at this barbecue haven, which has a loyal following for its team’s dedication to quality products and from-scratch techniques. To satisfy a larger appetite, order several platters to share, such as sliced brisket, baby back ribs, and pulled pork (more modest portions can be found in sandwich form). Pair it all with a Coke, no matter what you pick for your main.

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

(773) 545-7427

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Bartoli's Pizzeria

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Those craving Chicago-style deep dish pizza will love this Roscoe Village joint, where the team spent more than a year perfecting their tomato-herb sauce. Find it layered between a cracker-thin crust and generous handfuls of Wisconsin cheese, where every slice you grab can pull apart for what feels like miles. Visit on game day, and order a signature pie or make your own creation, since nearly 20 kinds of toppings await.

1955 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

(773) 248-0455

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Ramen Wasabi

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A night in with noodles won’t do you wrong. And if other Japanese small plates make their way into the mix, then all the better. Find these favorites and more at this Logan Square restaurant, where eight kinds of ramen are on offer, from the hakata red (with Berkshire pork belly and scallions) to the spicy roasted garlic miso (complete with a soft-boiled egg). Match them up with other menu-musts, like pork belly buns and Tokyo spicy wings.

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2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 227-8180

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En Hakkore Bibimbap & Taco

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There are endless bold flavors at this Bucktown restaurant, known for its clever spin on Korean staples. Begin with the jap chae, a sweet potato noodle stir fry topped with vegetables and beef, then dig into a bibim-bap bowl full of veggies and protein. Don’t forget to try the tacos, too, which are served on flaky paratha bread with kimchi and sesame, an approach that’s far from traditional.

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1840 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 772-9880

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Where to Find Korean Food in Chicago

Big Star

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This beloved hangout offers tacos to-go with all the necessary fixings. Their Big Star DIY Taco Kits equip at-home diners with everything needed to assemble the ultimate taco, from tortillas and sauces, to veggies and proteins. Go for some of the house specialties — namely the al pastor, with pork shoulder and pineapple, or the barbacoa, with braised beef and guajillo.

1531 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 235-4039

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Fry the Coop

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This restaurant specializes in Nashville hot chicken, and the team here takes their heat levels seriously. Choose between six layers of spice for a variety of house favorites, from jumbo chicken tenders with coleslaw to a fried chicken and cheese sandwich on billowy brioche. For a balanced finale, order a Coke alongside the chicken and waffles, served with smoked bacon and hot maple syrup.

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1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

(312) 600-6198

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Chicken and waffles from Fry the Coop in Chicago. — Courtesy of Fry the Coop

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Brown Bag Seafood Co.

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Takeout is equal parts easy and healthy at this River North outpost, where freshly cooked and affordable seafood is the focus. A three-step menu guides diners through their choice of seafood (from grilled salmon to crispy shrimp), prep method (like sandwich or salad), and add-ons (think tater tots and slaw). For a taste of one of their signatures, try the seasonal special or fish and chips.

414 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 846-6774

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Talay Chicago

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The number of menu categories alone at this Thai and sushi destination is expansive, meaning everyone at the table can get their fill. Kick things off with some tom kha soup and chicken satay before diving into pad Thai or pad see ew. Save room for their range of sushi rolls: You can get everything from California rainbow to crunchy spicy tuna.

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1222 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 733-0812

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Minghin Cuisine - South Loop

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Dim sum is just as fun at home when it’s from this South Loop favorite, where steamed barbecue pork buns, shrimp crepes, and lotus leaf-wrapped sticky rice are the stars of the show. Start with several shareables before moving on to traditional mains, like orange chicken and shrimp fried rice or beef lo mein and Chinese broccoli.

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1234 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 386-1111

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The Momo World

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A dinner of dumplings is always a good idea, especially when those dumplings are accompanied by an entire menu of Himalayan street food favorites. Diners can choose from more than 20 kinds of dumplings, each with a different filling and prep method (from soup-based to stir-fried). Pair them with any of the venue’s takes on biryani, a spiced basmati rice dish that’s a classic staple of Nepali cuisine.

727 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 733-8637

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Pleasant House Pub

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After spending time abroad, Art and Chelsea Jackson decided to offer their own interpretation of classic English fare with this British-inspired pub. Enjoy several savory “royal” pies, from steak and ale (with beef stew and shallots) to mushroom and kale (in white wine and parmesan sauce). Other choices are just as comforting, too: Try the bangers and mash, rarebit mac and cheese, or curry chips.

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

(773) 523-7437

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A savory pie topped with sesame seeds, from Pleasant House Pub in Chicago. — Courtesy of Pleasant House Pub

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The Nile of Hyde Park

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This restaurant has spent more than 25 years serving Middle Eastern cuisine rooted in generation-spanning traditions. Fill your table with starters like stuffed grapevine leaves and baked spinach pie, then pass around entrees of chicken shawarma, beef shish kebab, and lamb kifta. For dessert, try the ma’amoul — sweet semolina cookies filled with nuts or figs.