Nothing makes you want a warm bowl of soup more than a cold January day in Chicago. Chicago is one of the biggest food meccas in the world, so it's no surprise that you can find one of the best bowls of soup you've ever had here, no matter what you like or where you live in the area. Here's a look at five of the best in the city and suburbs.
French Onion
Mon Ami Gabi2300 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago
What better place to get a great French onion soup than at a French bistro? Mon Ami Gabi's onion soup au gratin is the perfect take on this classic soup. With a base that isn't too salty, the soup is topped with croutons and baked gruyere cheese that is a perfect creamy companion to the onion flavor. And at just $7.95, it's easy on the wallet, too. There is also a gluten-free alternative to the recipe for the same price. In the suburbs? There's also a location in west suburban Oak Brook.
Liver Dumpling
Bavarian Lodge1800 Ogden Ave., Lisle
If you're looking for an authentic taste of Bavaria, you have to try the Bavarian Lodge's special liver dumpling soup. At under $6 a bowl, it truly is a meal in itself. With a beef broth base and a very large homemade dumpling, it tastes like something Grandma made in her kitchen while you watched the snowfall from the window.
Matzo Ball
Max and Benny's461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook
There's a local legend that Max and Benny's matzo ball soup will cure just about anything, from the common cold to laryngitis, and once you taste it, you might believe what you've heard. It's a traditional matzo ball soup with a mild broth that isn't too salty, and you can add chicken pieces and veggies to it if you wish. It's a house specialty that's served daily.
Chicken Soup
XOCO449 N. Clark St., Chicago
If you're looking for a different take on the classic warm-up, you have to have the wood-roasted chicken pozole from XOCO. At $11.95, it's pricier than the other options, but it's well worth the cost, as you will definitely be satisfied after you finish the bowl. This take on chicken soup has chicken, corn, crunchy garnishes, chiles, and lime. Not too spicy but with enough kick to make it unforgettable. Soup is available at XOCO after 11 a.m. for dine-in or take-out.
Lobster Bisque
Nick's Fish Market10275 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont
If you love a rich seafood soup, but you're a little tired of the run-of-the-mill clam chowder, give the lobster bisque at this location a try. It's rich but doesn't have the heavy, butter-laden feel to it that some bisques can have. At just $10, this soup has not only the classic lobster bisque ingredients, but also with a bit of shrimp and sherry, too. If you're in the city, there's also a location in the Merchandise Mart downtown.
From classic French onion to a more exotic take on chicken soup, soup in the Chicago area is a culinary adventure. Whether you're in the suburbs or in the city, with all of these options available, you should never have to open a can this winter.