Chicago may be labeled the “Second City,” but many would argue it’s a capital in many regards. Food is one area where we excel. Our pizza is legendary, and our cocktails, barbecue and burgers are top tier. Even the street food holds its own in a world filled with constant competition.
Monitoring this competition, of course, are all the food bloggers who spend their nights enjoying the restaurant scene and their days in the amusement park environment of the city. As folks return to in-person dining, many will be look online to learn what restaurants they should visit. As a result, we’ve taken a look at some of the best food blogs on Instagram to follow and find your new favorite restaurant.
Be sure to thank us later.
See Also: The 4 Finest Sweet Shops In Chicago
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With 14,000 followers, Michelle isn’t necessarily limited to Chicago (hence the “Midwest” title), but she has put herself at the forefront of the North Side food scene. Reviewing restaurants, pick-up locations for coffee and donuts, mixed and canned cocktails, and even desserts, Michelle is a good follow for anyone just looking for a snack in the city, or someone looking for an aesthetically pleasing feed!
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While some may sneer at the title of “snob,” Chele has fully earned it, explaining on her website how she’s earned her Bachelor’s in Food Science, a Master’s in Family and Consumer Science, and a Mixologist License to boot. Her 8,000-follower-strong Instagram account displays her exploits for all to see, whether that be sitting in at a new restaurant, taking in some of the Chicago scenery, or holding a live discussion of food and mental health’s relationship. In all regards, this is a wonderful Chicago-based creator to follow.
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While not solely focused on Chicago food, Christine’s lifestyle account is a perfect match for anyone first arriving in the city and looking for fun, family-oriented activities and restaurants. Some of the hottest areas in the city are featured on her feed, including places to get iced coffee, the best barbecue and burger joints, and some of Chicago’s greatest attractions including the new area outside Wrigley Field and Chicago River Tours. Christine also focuses on bolstering her community, even adminstering Facebook groups for those new to the city.
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Chicago is not a seaside town—despite what Lake Michigan will make you believe. To find a seafood-focused blogger is definitely a treat. With more than 17,000 followers, Pooja has highlights, reels and posts about some of the best places in the Windy City to find fish, oysters, lobsters and more. Like others on this list, Pooja does not focus solely on fish and notes some other quirks of the Chicago food scene, including novelty restaurants and little lifestyle pieces within the city.
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Not really a fan of typical restaurant eating? This street food blogger, who refers to himself as simply “Mayo," is just the follow for you. With a mentality of “thinking global, eating local,” Mayo goes from truck to stand looking for some of the best pickups on the street, whether that be burgers at Lollapalooza, the best barbecue stands, or even 3 a.m. breakfast burritos. While he currently holds 2,500 followers, he’s one of the fastest \-growing food influencers in the game, and you’re going to want to hop on the hype bandwagon before it leaves the station.
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One of the more popular blogs on this list with 126,000 followers, 312 Food isn’t reviewing the underground options others might take in, but it's still a staple of the food scene in the city. Reviewing both new restaurants and popular chains along the riverside (for example, reviewing a Chicago barbecue joint and Dunkin’s latest boba drink), Erin Byrne’s creation is a constantly-growing empire that highlights everything Chicago, from the beaches to food at O’Hare Airport. Can’t get more in-depth than that.
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With 260,000 followers, if you’re not following CFA by now, you might be the minority. This is a blog that knows its aesthetic and uses it well, displaying some of the best food in Chicago in flattering angles and arrangements, and working regular themes like caviar, margaritas and giveaways galore. The blog truly is a lifestyle instead of a hobby, as the group engages in content creation of a different scale, whether that be trips to other food scenes (Michigan, San Diego, New York City) or highlights of the different Chicago neighborhoods. Even for those just researching a Chicago tour, this is a must see.
Photography by: Borzoo Moazami / Unsplash
