River North, Chicago's vibrant heart, pulsates with energy, offering a culinary tapestry as diverse as its population. But amidst the steakhouses and Michelin-starred restaurants, a comforting classic reigns supreme: mac and cheese. This article dives deep into the best 12 mac and cheese dishes River North has to offer, exploring variations, price points, and overall dining experiences to help you navigate this cheesy culinary adventure.
The Creamy Classics: Traditional Mac & Cheese Done Right
These restaurants offer a comforting, nostalgic take on the mac and cheese experience. Expect perfectly cooked pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and perhaps a few subtle enhancements.
1. RPM Italian: Elevated Comfort Food
RPM Italian's mac and cheese isn't just mac and cheese; it's an experience. Their version features a luxurious blend of cheeses, perfectly cooked pasta, and a subtle hint of truffle oil that elevates the dish to new heights. The portion size is generous, perfect for sharing (though you might not want to).
Price: $$ Ambiance: Upscale Italian Key Features: Truffle oil, generous portion
2. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: A Classic with a Twist
Bavette's, known for its steakhouse fare, offers a surprisingly delightful mac and cheese. Their version maintains a classic feel, but the addition of crispy breadcrumbs adds a textural contrast that elevates the experience beyond the ordinary. The creamy cheese sauce is rich and decadent, perfectly complementing the tender pasta.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Classic Steakhouse Key Features: Crispy breadcrumbs, rich cheese sauce
3. Rosebud on Rush: A Chicago Institution
Rosebud on Rush, a Chicago institution, delivers a consistently reliable mac and cheese. This is a no-frills, comfort-food approach done exceptionally well. The cheese sauce is creamy, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the portion size satisfying. It’s a solid choice for a classic mac and cheese experience without the bells and whistles.
Price: $ Ambiance: Classic Italian-American Key Features: Reliable, classic, satisfying portion
Beyond the Basics: Creative Mac & Cheese Creations
These establishments take the mac and cheese concept and run with it, incorporating unique ingredients and flavors for a more adventurous experience.
4. Sunda: Asian-Inspired Mac & Cheese
Sunda's mac and cheese isn't your grandma's recipe. They infuse Asian-inspired flavors into their mac and cheese, creating a unique and exciting twist on a classic dish. Expect unexpected spices and ingredients that create a harmonious blend of East and West.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Modern Asian Fusion Key Features: Asian-inspired flavors, unique ingredients
5. RPM Steak: A Luxurious Indulgence
RPM Steak, a sister restaurant to RPM Italian, offers a luxurious mac and cheese experience. The ingredients are top-notch, the preparation impeccable, and the overall presentation stunning. This is a dish for those who want to indulge in a truly elevated mac and cheese experience.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Upscale Steakhouse Key Features: High-quality ingredients, exquisite presentation
6. The Dearborn: Gastropub Goodness
The Dearborn's mac and cheese represents the best of gastropub fare. Expect a well-executed dish that balances comfort and creativity. They often incorporate seasonal ingredients, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
Price: $ Ambiance: Modern Gastropub Key Features: Seasonal ingredients, balanced flavors
Gourmet Mac & Cheese Experiences: Indulgent Delights
These River North restaurants provide elevated mac and cheese experiences that are perfect for special occasions or a truly indulgent treat.
7. Maple & Ash: Steakhouse Decadence
Maple & Ash, known for its high-end steakhouse fare, offers a mac and cheese that is truly decadent. Expect a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and luxurious toppings that elevate the dish beyond the ordinary.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Upscale Steakhouse Key Features: Rich, creamy sauce, luxurious toppings
8. Monteverde: Italian Comfort Meets Fine Dining
Monteverde's mac and cheese showcases their commitment to quality Italian ingredients. Their version features fresh pasta, a flavorful cheese sauce, and perhaps a few carefully chosen additions to enhance the flavor profile. This is Italian comfort food elevated to fine dining standards.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Modern Italian Key Features: Fresh pasta, flavorful cheese sauce
9. The Purple Pig: Mediterranean Flair
The Purple Pig offers a unique mac and cheese that incorporates Mediterranean influences. Expect a rich and creamy sauce with subtle Mediterranean herbs and spices that complement the pasta perfectly. This is a mac and cheese with a twist.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Lively Mediterranean Tapas Key Features: Mediterranean flavors, unique spice blend
Beyond the Traditional: Unique Mac & Cheese Options
These River North gems push the boundaries of what mac and cheese can be.
10. Andros Taverna: A Greek Twist
Andros Taverna brings a unique Greek twist to the mac and cheese game. Imagine the creamy richness of traditional mac and cheese enhanced with Greek herbs and spices. A truly unique culinary adventure.
Price: $ Ambiance: Lively Greek Taverna Key Features: Greek herbs and spices
11. Public House: Gastropub Fun
Public House delivers a fun, gastropub style mac and cheese. Their version might feature unique toppings or creative flavor combinations, making it a worthwhile exploration for adventurous palates.
Price: $ Ambiance: Casual Gastropub Key Features: Creative toppings and flavor combinations
12. Little Goat: Stephanie Izard's Culinary Genius
Little Goat, helmed by acclaimed chef Stephanie Izard, is guaranteed to deliver an inventive and unforgettable mac and cheese. Expect the unexpected, a dish that might challenge your preconceptions of what mac and cheese can be.
Price: $$ Ambiance: Innovative, playful Key Features: Chef Izard’s culinary creativity
This comprehensive guide should help you find the perfect mac and cheese in River North to suit your taste and budget. Happy eating! Remember to check restaurant websites for updated menus and pricing.
