Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Chicago

There’s no denying that an Instagram worthy restaurant is every bloggers dream. Heck, it’s probably more than just a bloggers dream. Even before I started my Instagram and blog, I gravitated towards restaurants that had a pleasing aesthetic.

With the rise of social media, everyone is eager to share the cutest dining options around. So that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today. This blog post has 12 of the most Instagram worthy restaurants in Chicago. You’ll be eager to share these on your own social channels!

COFFEE SHOPS & CAFES:

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

I’ve been here a handful of times and each visit leaves me more satisfied than the last. They are famous for their drinking chocolates but also serve a wide assortment of pastries, chocolate treats and coffees.

Their presentation is very photo worthy and the ambiance inside makes for the perfect photo-op. It gives me the feeling of being inside a charming European café.

HERO Coffee Bar

This coffee spot is a hidden gem in Chicago and I say that quite literally. The location is easy to miss because it’s squeezed inside a quiet alleyway off Jackson Boulevard.

There is no seating inside but you can order at the counter and sit outside in the alley, weather permitting. They have one of the best Oat Milk Vanilla Latte’s in the city!

Sweet Mandy B’s

I went here for the Instagram pic but I go back here for the delicious treats. They serve everything from coffee to breakfast pastries to desserts.

They have a location in Lincoln Park and a location in Streeterville. The photo I posted above is at the Lincoln Park location.

RESTAURANTS:

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

I moved to the Gold Coast neighborhood in May and was so excited to see I was around the corner from this place. I was living in Wicker Park before I moved which meant I rarely made it all the way to the East side for brunch. This place definitely lives up to all the hype!

Not only is the ambiance great but so are the food and drinks. They have an outdoor dining garden (hence the name) which is open when weather permits. The exterior décor is a beautiful combination of white, blue and wood paneling. Perfect for your IG feed!

Pizzeria Due

I haven’t actually eaten at these next two restaurants so, unfortunately, I can’t share anything about their food. When I first walked past the giant staircase here, I knew I needed to get a photo.

Side note: if I’m ever shooting content at a business of any type, I try my best to also be a paying customer. That way I’m not just using their property for free without giving back.

I happened to shoot photos here and at the next location on a whim early in the morning. They weren’t open for the day yet but I will be back to check out the indoor décor soon!

Su Casa

This is another place that I haven’t eaten at yet but will soon! The colors and design of their exterior make me feel like I’ve transported to another country. It certainly doesn’t feel like downtown Chicago.

It’s literally right next door to Pizzeria Due so you can’t miss it with it’s bold yellow and green design. Plus, how adorable is this Avocado Alley doorway?

The Hampton Social

I’m switching it up and taking you across the country for this adorable East Coast inspired spot. You’ve probably seen their famous “Rose All Day” sign before, making them one of the top Instagram worthy restaurants in Chicago.

Travel Tip: there are two locations in the downtown area – River North and Streeterville. While both locations do have the famous “Rose All Sign”, this specific shot was taken at the River North location.

I’ve eaten here many times over the last few weeks and I’m never disappointed. Their food is excellent, drinks are phenomenal (obviously, you need to try any of their Rose drinks) and the service is always top-notch.

The Original House of Pancakes

I’m rounding out the restaurant section of this post with what I consider a hidden gem. In my 3 years of being part of the Chicago blogging community, I’ve never seen anyone share photos from this place. Prior to moving a few blocks away, I didn’t know it existed myself.

We’ve ordered carry-out a few times since moving into the neighborhood, but I haven’t checked out the inside yet. The outside is adorable and gives me all those old-school diner vibes. And yes, their breakfast food is ahh-mazing! You need to check them out!

DESSERTS:

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM

I know this isn’t considered a restaurant, but it certainly counts as Instagram worthy. This was the first and only Sprinkle’s Cupcake ATM I’ve ever been to. Sure, a $5 cupcake is a little overpriced, but most things are in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I think its worth it if you get some nice photos too!

Jeni’s Ice Cream

If cupcakes aren’t your dessert of choice, you must check out Jeni’s Ice Cream. I lived across the street from the Wicker Park location for two years so you can imagine how much of their ice cream I’ve consumed. There are a handful of locations across Chicago both downtown and in the suburbs.

Travel Tip: The specific location where my photo was taken was at the Oak Brook Mall in the suburbs. If you don’t want to leave the city but are looking for a similar aesthetic, head to the West Loop location on Randolph Street.  

Doughnut Vault

There are a lot of really great doughnut places in Chicago but this one is at the top of my list. It’s nestled behind the Merchandise Mart in River North, so it has a quieter street vibe.

It’s a walk-up and order at the window type of shop . The doughnuts are so popular, they close when they sell out for the day which may be earlier than their official closing time. Plan ahead.

Travel Tip: in the winter months, they put an external door up which blocks a lot of the “cuteness” of the storefront. Visit in the off-season if you’re looking for an aesthetic that’s more like mine.  

Stan’s Donuts

Stan’s has been a Chicago donut staple since they first arrived in 2014. There are 12 locations across the city so you’re bound to be close to one no matter where you’re staying.

Their “pocket” donut’s (which are stuffed with filling) are my weakness. The nutella banana is my favorite! They also serve less-indulgent flavors if you prefer something a little more simple.

Have any other Instagram worthy restaurants in Chicago to add to my list? Let me know in the comments or let’s chat on Instagram!

Looking for other things to do while visiting Chicago? Check out other Chicago related blog posts: Photo Worthy Locations in Chicago HERE, my Chicago Mural Guide HERE & Best Chicago Christmas Lights HERE.

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