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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Lakeshore East

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270 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
1. Mercadito - River North
4.6
Exceptional(6583)
$$$$
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 136 times today
Located in the heart of Chicago’s River North, Mercadito River North offers elevated Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere made for gathering. From award-winning tacos and seasonal guacamole to an extensive mezcal and tequila selection, Mercadito is an all-day destination for bold, authentic flavors. Join us for brunch, weekday lunch, happy hour, or dinner and enjoy chef-driven dishes, signature margaritas, and unforgettable moments in one of River North’s favorite dining spots.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
2. Duck Duck Goat
4.7
Exceptional(6147)
$$$$
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 161 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.
A photo of STK - Chicago restaurant
3. STK - Chicago
4.0
Excellent(7258)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 239 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago restaurant
4. Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago
4.4
Awesome(475)
$$$$
• Latin American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 28 times today
Welcome to Toro by globally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, Chicago’s premier pan-Latin restaurant just steps from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. Our menu blends bold Central and South American flavors with modern culinary techniques, offering everything from weekday breakfast and lunch to bottomless weekend brunch, and lively happy hour specials and weekend live entertainment. Indulge in guest favorites like fresh ceviche, tender short rib tacos, and the show-stopping flaming tomahawk steak. Perfect for group celebrations, private events, or pre-theatre dinners, Toro pairs unforgettable Latin flavors with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Reserve your table today and experience Latin cuisine without borders.
A photo of Michael Jordan's Steakhouse restaurant
5. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse
4.5
Awesome(5739)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 41 times today
At Michael Jordan's Steak House, we are stewards of legacy rooted in heartfelt hospitality. From the sear on each cut of our Legendary Steak Flight to rolling each piece of our Wagyu Short Rib Truffle Pasta, we strive for the same greatness, spirit and soul that Michael demonstrated on the court. Join us for a romantic date night for a seafood tower garnished with oysters, shrimp and lobster. For a more cozy atmosphere, join us at the bar for a round of our signature cocktails and spirit-free drinks like the Jump Man, Airpresso Martini or Banana Old Fashioned. Break away from a typical brunch with 1-hour bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys alongside Breakfast Burgers. No greater care is taken with private, fine dining in our historic space as we play a part in crafting unforgettable celebrations— from birthdays to anniversaries and every night in between. Rest assured, our team of all-stars will curate an exceptional group dining experience through our 23-Layer Cake for dessert.
A photo of Matilda restaurant
6. Matilda
4.6
Exceptional(292)
$$$$
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 40 times today
Matilda embodies resilience, discovery, and creative love for food. Inspired by a chef blending Mexico’s and Peru’s culinary traditions, Matilda channels technique and heart. Co‑founded by Michelin‑recognized Chef José Luis Chávez, the menu features dishes like Baja-style scallops, ceviche, birria, and agave‑ and pisco-forward cocktails. Located at 535 N Wells in River North, just steps from the Merchandise Mart—ideal for date nights, group dinners, and events. Beneath, Clandestino, an intimate social cocktail bar, invites guests into a hidden world of curated drinks, Latin soul, and connection. Clearly distinct in style and spirit—and perfect for memorable evenings.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
7. SUSHI-SAN - River North
4.8
Exceptional(1676)
$$$$
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 146 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Barrio restaurant
8. Barrio
4.4
Awesome(3127)
$$$$
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 80 times today
Located in the heart of River North, at 65 West Kinzie Street, DineAmic Hospitality added its first Mexican restaurant, Barrio, to the hospitality group's culinary roster in 2017. A creative take on traditional Mexican fare with American influences, Barrio is a 6,000-square-foot space accommodating 200 guests indoors and throughout our 3 private dining spaces and 70 guests amongst our expansive outdoor patio. Barrio is located near the Chicago River, right on the cusp of downtown in River North.
A photo of Crying Tiger restaurant
9. Crying Tiger
4.6
Exceptional(525)
$$$$
• Southeast Asian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 156 times today
Crying Tiger is a celebration of the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia led by Chef Partner and James Beard Finalist Thai Dang. The menu balances the bold, vibrant flavors of the region: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
A photo of RAMEN-SAN - River North restaurant
10. RAMEN-SAN - River North
4.8
Exceptional(403)
$$$$
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 79 times today
Ramen-san is a bold and energetic neighborhood joint that slings hot noodles, ice-cold beer and rare expressions of Japanese whisky all to the tune of the best ’90s hip-hop in town. It respects the traditions but keep things uniquely untraditional in its yuzu sake bombs, crispy dumplings, spicy kimchi fried ramen and more. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining seven days a week.

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