The wait is finally over, “The Bear” Season 3 is out now on Hulu. The critically acclaimed restaurant drama is the show that everybody is talking about and this mainstream attention is shining a spotlight on the Chicago food scene.
From high-end Michelin-starred establishments to local delicacies, it is no secret that Chicago has one of the most diverse and thriving food scenes in the country.
With the dream form of method acting, cast members of “The Bear” have immersed themselves in the rich world of the Chicago food scene, giving the actors a clear perspective of the world their characters inhabit.
It also means that they have become experts on the Chicago food scene over the years. Lionel Boyce, Matty Matheson and Corey Hendrix share recommendations for some of their favorite food spots in the city.
Lionel Boyce
After making a name for himself as part of Odd Future, the multihyphenate made waves for his critically acclaimed performance as pastry chef Marcus Brooks in “The Bear.”
Just like his fan-favorite character, Boyce has developed a real passion for food and gets inspired to travel around the world to try different cuisines.
When Boyce isn’t in his hometown of LA or traveling the world, it’s a safe bet that he’s in Chicago filming “The Bear.” Over the years, Boyce has immersed himself in the city’s food scene and has some favorite spots he recommends people to try.
Batter & Berries
“Batter & Berries is one of my favorites for breakfast not only because it has incredible French toast, but there was also a waiter there that would come by with riddles every time he checked on my table, and as a person who loves riddles and puzzles, this is a dream scenario,” Boyce said.
2748 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-248-7710, batterandberries.com
Chiu Quon Bakery
“They have a pork bun there that is one of the greatest things I’ve ever had and that alone makes it worth mentioning,” Boyce said.
2253 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-225-6608, cqbakery.com
Doma
“I come here often every time I’m in Chicago. It has breakfast sandwiches and hash browns (the hash browns rival what McDonald’s hash browns were to me in my childhood). It also has a chicken Caesar salad and matcha lemonade that I love,” Boyce said.
946 N. Orleans St., 312-643-0527, domachicago.com
Matty Matheson
Despite his character, the friendly mechanic Neil Fak, being one of the few in the show who is unable to cook, Matheson has a rich history as a successful chef and restaurateur.
Before achieving mainstream fame in “The Bear,” Matheson was a well-known celebrity chef. He starred in Vice’s “Munchies” and subsequently launched his own YouTube cooking show “Cookin’ Somethin’ W/ Matty Matheson.”
The Canadian also owns a number of successful restaurants in Toronto, where he started his culinary journey as a chef in the early 2000s. It is safe to say that Matheson is more than qualified to give great food recommendations for the people of Chicago.
Lucia’s
“So freaking cute inside. A little deli, a little home cooking; it’s a dream spot. The sausage on a bun with cheese and peppers is truly unbelievable,” Matheson said.
1825 W. North Ave., 773-292-9700, facebook.com/luciaschicago
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
“Going to Bavette’s and getting the shellfish tower with an extra pound of crab with a side of fries and green salad is maybe one of my last meals for real. Also, for a steakhouse, their roast chicken and mash is fully banana town,” Matheson said.
218 W. Kinzie St., 312-624-8154, bavettessteakhouse.com
Birrieria Zaragoza
“Always so fire,” Matheson said. “They have the best tortillas ever, and the goat is always so succulent it’s nutso. The cabeza is my fave. Best family, best tacos.”
4852 S. Pulaski Road, 773-523-3700; 4800 N. Broadway, 773-334-5650; birrieriazaragoza.com
Corey Hendrix
Hailing from the West Side of Chicago, Corey Hendrix rose to fame in the hugely popular series “The Chi” and “Fargo” before landing the role of Gary “Sweeps” Woods in “The Bear.”
As a born-and-raised Chicagoan, Hendrix said it was “hard putting this list together” because there are “so many places to choose from.” However, this gives him a unique perspective on what makes the city’s food scene so special and different from the rest of the country.
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
“A very slept-on spot,” Hendrix said. “The lobster and grits is a must.”
3235 W. Addison St. Suite C, 773-754-8523, chesasbistro.com
“An upscale Italian restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel located downtown. I’m not a steak guy, but the steak I had there was amazing. Changed my perspective,” Hendrix said.
401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-1724, treditarestaurant.com
Soulé
The creole-infused soul food spot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood describes itself as “the official taste of home away from home.” “My favorite dish is the blackened catfish and shrimp over dirty rice and I also love the chicken spaghetti,” Hendrix said.
3615 W. Roosevelt Road, 773-696-9485, soulechicago.com
The Soul Food Lounge
This soul food restaurant in the North Lawndale neighborhood fuses global soul food cuisine from Italy, Mexico, America and Asia. Hendrix described the food and atmosphere as amazing. “I usually get the marsala braised pot roast and Brussels sprouts,” he said. “The Brussels sprouts are unusually good. I also enjoy the short ribs.”
3804 W. 16th St., 312-635-4272, thesoulfoodlounge.com
Adam Davidson is a freelance writer.
