Tania Ramirez

My List of Restaurants to Visit in Chicago This Summer

• Alinea

  • Why: One of Chicago’s most renowned fine-dining establishments, Alinea is a three-Michelin-star restaurant offering an innovative culinary experience with creative presentations. Ideal for special occasions.

  • Location: Lincoln Park

• Girl & the Goat

  • Why: Known for bold flavors and inventive dishes, Chef Stephanie Izard’s flagship restaurant is a cornerstone of Chicago’s food scene. Reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead!

  • Location: West Loop

• Pequod's Pizza

  • Why: A celebrated spot for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Pequod's is recognized for its caramelized crust and flavorful toppings. A must-try for pizza lovers.

  • Location: Lincoln Park

• The Purple Pig

  • Why: Famous for its Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring shareable plates and a lively dining atmosphere.

  • Location: Magnificent Mile

• Avec

  • Why: A sleek, minimalist space serving rustic Mediterranean dishes like chorizo-stuffed dates and wood-fired paellas. Great for casual yet elevated dining.

  • Location: West Loop

• Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

  • Why: Known for its outstanding selection of seafood and steaks, Joe’s is ideal for both elegant dining and business lunches.

  • Location: River North

• RPM Italian

  • Why: A modern Italian restaurant offering refined pasta dishes and a polished dining experience. Great for a night out.

  • Location: River North

• Jim's Original

  • Why: A historic Chicago spot since 1939, Jim's Original is known for its iconic Polish sausages and hot dogs served with grilled onions. A true taste of Chicago’s street food history.

  • Location: Roosevelt Road (Near UIC Campus)

• Sunda New Asian

  • Why: A stylish destination blending flavors from Southeast Asia with unique twists. Their sushi and diverse menu appeal to adventurous diners.

  • Location: River North

• Au Cheval

• Why: Recognized for its indulgent burgers, Au Cheval offers perfectly cooked patties with optional thick-cut bacon and a fried egg. The diner-inspired setting adds to the experience.

• Location: West Loop

Parking Safety Tips While Visiting Chicago's Restaurants

Exploring Chicago's vibrant food scene is exciting, but parking in the city can pose challenges. Whether you're heading to a fine-dining spot like Alinea, savoring deep-dish pizza at Pequod's, or enjoying street food at Jim's Original, here are some parking safety and insurance tips to protect your vehicle and enhance your dining experience:

• Choose Secure Parking Near the Restaurant:

  • Many of Chicago's top restaurants, like Au Cheval and Girl & the Goat, are located in busy neighborhoods such as the West Loop. Select well-lit parking garages or lots near your destination. Apps like SpotHero can help you find reliable parking options close to your restaurant.

• Remove Valuables Before Heading In:

  • If you're dining near tourist-heavy areas like The Purple Pig or Sunda New Asian, avoid leaving valuables in your car. Even small items, such as shopping bags or loose change, can attract unwanted attention.

• Know Your Insurance Coverage for Parking Incidents:

  • Dining at popular spots like Pequod's Pizza or Joe's Seafood sometimes means parking in tight spaces. Ensure your insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage to handle incidents like vandalism, theft, or accidental damage.

• Be Mindful of Restaurant Peak Times and Street Parking Rules:

  • Restaurants like Au Cheval and RPM Italian can be busy during peak hours, making street parking harder to find. Pay close attention to parking signs to avoid tickets, and be aware of seasonal restrictions like Chicago’s winter parking bans.

• Use Apps for Stress-Free Parking:

  • Many of Chicago’s top dining destinations are located in bustling areas. Apps such as ParkChicago or SpotHero allow you to reserve parking near places like Avec or Jim’s Original, ensuring you arrive on time without parking hassles.

• Keep Insurance and Emergency Info Handy:

  • While enjoying your meal at restaurants like Girl & the Goat or Sunda, keep your proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers accessible. It's always better to be prepared for unexpected situations.

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I always knew I wanted to have my own business. I am passionate about building teams, but what I enjoy the most is being present when our policyholders experience an ‘Ah-Ha!’ moment at our office. I’ll be the first to say that insurance now a days seems all the same and it is so easy to get coverage anywhere. I get it. I have insured people from all walks of life. Where it comes full circle for me is when we deliver on our word, and I hear “this is why I love State Farm.”

I am fueled by my passion for understanding the nuances of cross-cultural communication, which is why I choose to start my career in the heart of the Albany Park, North Park, Avondale and Logan Square communities. We’ve proudly served our customers with Auto, Home, Life, and Health insurance since 2011. Did you know? The 60625 area is recognized as the most diverse zip code in the entire U.S.! With two convenient locations on Elston and Lawrence Avenue, we’re here to better serve you.

I am a product of Chicago and while I grew up in the southwest side of Chitown, I am a proud Cubs fan, but I am a Chitown sports fan, nonetheless. I attended DePaul University where I obtained my Bachelors. A proud Dog Mom for Luna my Boston Terrier, you’ll see her at the office from time to time. We are a dog-friendly, bicycle-friendly office.