Best Trendy Restaurants in South Loop
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Half Sour
A bar-led New American spot with comfort classics done with polish.
Notable Picks
#1
Half Sour
8.2
A South Loop New American bar-restaurant that leans into comfort-forward plates with a drinks-first energy. It hits best when you keep the order tight—one signature starter, one sandwich or entrée, and a shared side—then settle in for the bar vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Latkes, Fried chicken sandwich, Steak frites
What Makes it Special: A bar-led New American spot with comfort classics done with polish.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
An elevated Loop brasserie-style room that’s strongest when you order like a French tavern: one soup, one steak-frites, and a martini or glass of red. It works best for business lunches and early dinners where the menu’s classics hit reliably without turning into a marathon.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Lobster Roll
What Makes it Special: French-inspired tavern classics with a steak-frites backbone.
#3
Forno Mauri
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A compact Printer’s Row pizzeria focused on Neapolitan-style pies with a more premium ingredient and wine-forward feel than a typical family slice shop. It’s best for a small family that wants a quick, high-quality pizza dinner—one pie per two people keeps it clean and avoids pizza overload.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita-style Neapolitan pizza, Daily pizza special, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: A small, modern Neapolitan-pie room that prioritizes ingredient-driven simplicity.