Great eats near the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

With restaurants lining every city block within Chicago's busiest neighborhoods, it's hard to narrow a list of great places to eat below 50. Unfortunately, having not spent extensive amounts of time in Chicago, we have only been able to sample a small amount of the amazing cuisine. With that being said, out of all of the food that we have eaten in Chicago, here are our top 5 picks (as of now).

(www.thrillist.com)

1. Local Root
Locally sourced and all organic, Local Root is perfect for an earthy and delicious meal. The menu is constantly changing with the seasons to accommodate in-season locally grown fruits, vegetables, and their catch of the day. As if the food didn't make Local Root enticing enough, the staff will help to keep you coming back for me. Between allowing specialty orders, having the head chef come out to make sure everything is perfect, and great knowledge and recommendations on all of the drink options, the entire staff makes sure that you will not forget your dining experience.

(www.examiner.com)

601 N. McClurg Court Chicago, IL - USA - 60611
http://www.localrootchicago.com/

2. Gino's East
Equally famous for their fun, carefree atmosphere as their meaty legend deep dish pizza, Gino's east is a Chicago style pizza icon. While you wait for your deep dish pizza to cook- roughly 45 minutes for a small- order up some cheese sticks and we promise that you won't be disappointed. If you still have some time after that, grab some white out or colored pens to leave your mark on the exposed brick walls that will give you an idea of just how many people call Gino's their favorite pizza place in Chicago.

Gino's East has 4 locations throughout Chicago, the one below in River North is where we always stop in.
500 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, IL - USA - 60654
http://www.ginoseast.com/

3. Glazed and Infused
The location we frequented was small and hidden inside another restaurant, easy to walk right past but don't be fooled, Glazed and Infused is a morning breakfast stop not to be missed. Friendly staff serve up some amazing doughtnuts (not donuts according to their sign), fresh tea and coffee, a variety of juices and are never lacking in smiles. If you have the time, sit down and enjoy your breakfast at the single table while socializing with the staff and others who got "glazed". While you're at it, throw your doughnut in the microwave for 7 seconds, the staff promises it will be life changing and they don't lie.

Glazed and Infused has 5 locations and the one we frequented was their small River North store.
30 E. Hubbard Chicago, IL - USA - 60611
http://www.goglazed.com/

4. Yolk
A favorite spot for breakfast and brunch, yolk offers traditional American breakfast options for those craving something more filling than Starbucks. But that isn't all, these innovative breakfasts are accompanied with specialty juices that you won't be able to get enough of. Cute, fun, and good food? Sounds like stopping in for breakfast is an idea that no one could question.

(Taken from Yolk's facebook page)

Like many popular restaurants, Yolk has multiple locations throughout Chicago- 4 to be exact. One of which is, again, in River North where you can stop in for breakfast before popping back up to Michigan Avenue for some shopping.
747 N. Wells Chicago, IL - USA - 60654
http://www.eatyolk.com/

5. Waffles Cafe
Home to the new Cronut aka mixed pastry craze, the Wonut, Waffles Cafe is serving up some seriously sweet breakfast treats. A mix between a waffle and a donut, covered in any kind of topping you can think of is as sickly sweet and life changing as one would imagine. Doughy and crunchy, covered in chocolate, sprinkles, etc, the Wonut from Waffles Cafe is a cannot miss food stop while in Chicago.

(www.chicagotribune.com)

203 E. Ohio Street Chicago, IL - USA - 60611
http://www.wafflescafechicago.com/