Fab Happenings: Top 5 Macaroni and Cheese in Chicago

When the temperature drops outside, there is nothing more comforting than macaroni and cheese. There is nothing in the world I would rather do than stuff my face with a bowl of ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness. From the instant packages they sell in stores to mom’s homemade version, I can’t seem to get enough of the stuff.

It is no surprise that many restaurants are offering their versions of this classic comfort food. Although the main components are as simple as noodles and cheese, there are numerous ways of preparing it. Do you prefer it thick or saucy? Perhaps loaded with meat or seafood? Do you like it broiled or with the addition of crunchy breadcrumbs on top? Whatever your preference, there is a macaroni and cheese in the city to cater to everyone’s palate.

I have braved the cold weather and scouted the city in search of the best. So without further ado, here’s my list of the top 5 macaroni and cheese in Chicago…

5. AMK Kitchen Bar

AMK Kitchen Bar is a casual neighborhood eatery and whiskey bar, serving up to 60 varieties of whiskeys, 50 craft beers, and seasonal cocktails. The menu is inspired by classic comfort food with a modern twist, using local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible.

Price: $9

Noodle: Cavatappi

Cheeses: a blend of Asiago, Fontina, Gouda, Havarti, and Provolone

Topping: Panko Breadcrumbs with Jalapeños and Bacon

Winner of last year’s “Golden Noodle” trophy at Chicago’s Mac and Cheese Fest, AMK Kitchen Bar is the talk of the town when it comes to their outrageously cheesy creation. Served in a mini cast iron skillet, the noodles are beautifully cooked and coated in a thick, creamy sauce. I can forsake the slightly grainy mouth feel since everything else was on point. I love the inclusion of the crispy pieces of house-made bacon and Asiago crisps. The jalapeño bacon crust on top adds an extra crunch and flavor to the whole dish. Good news for spice lovers, it comes with their highly addictive house-made habanero hot sauce on the side.

FAB TIP: They can make the macaroni and cheese kid-friendly. An added bonus…there is free street parking. Yay!!!

{Location}
AMK Kitchen Bar
Bucktown || 1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 276-4400

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
 

4. Feast

Chef/restaurateur Debbie Sharpe (who also owns Goddess and Grocer, Goddess and the Baker) is behind this contemporary American spot, which offers upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. The cuisine is inspired by Chef Sharpe’s travels with famous rock stars, including Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones. The menu features an eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Indian, Italian, and Latin American influences.

Price: Small $7, Large $12

Noodle: Cavatappi

Cheese: Parmesan

Topping: Buttered Panko Breadcrumbs

You know you have something good if you have been serving the same recipe for the past 16 years. The macaroni and cheese has been on the Feast menu ever since they opened in 1999. The corkscrew-shaped noodles are tossed with crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes, and scallions, which is then bathed in a Parmesan cream sauce. This dish reminds me of one of my favorite pasta dishes of all time…carbonara. It was unbelievably rich and smooth with a good amount of flavor from the Parmesan cheese. The panko breadcrumbs provide a great textural contrast to all the creaminess.

FAB TIP: They can customize the macaroni and cheese to your own liking. Just ask them nicely and they will try to accommodate your needs to the best of their abilities.

{Location}
Feast
Wicker Park || 1616 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 772-7100

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
 

3. Mindy’s Hot Chocolate

I have been a long time fan of Mindy Segal’s desserts from way back when she started her pastry chef career with stints at Spago, Charlie Trotter’s, Marché, MK North, and MK.

Segal offers more than her rich chocolate creations and heavenly treats at her restaurant, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. There is also an excellent dinner menu that rotates depending on what’s fresh, local, and in season. It ranges from sophisticated small plates or heartier entrées, to killer desserts. The weekend brunch menu features an excellent selection of both savory and sweet items, and is among the most popular in town.

Price: $13

Noodle: Elbow Macaroni

Cheeses: Gruyere and American

Topping: None

One thing that never changes on the menu at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate is their macaroni and cheese. There is nothing fancy about it – just simple and straightforward. This one still stands strong without unnecessary mix-ins. The tender elbow macaroni swims in a velvety pool of liquid cheesiness. The top is lightly brûléed under a broiler to give it a slight smokiness. It is a comforting bowl of macaroni and cheese that is unpretentious yet utterly divine.

FAB TIP: Try to go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to avoid the crowds and long wait.

{Location}
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
Wicker Park || 1747 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 489-1747

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. The Southern

The Southern is a laid-back Wicker Park bar that offers a wide selection of small-batch bourbons, whiskeys, microbrews, and artful cocktails. Influenced by the South, the elevated bar food menu uses fresh ingredients from local farms and sustainable sources. During the warmer months, go hangout at their gorgeous rooftop deck decorated with cabanas.

Price: $10

Noodle: Cavatappi

Cheeses: a blend of White Cheddar, Fontina, and Gruyere

Topping: Brown Butter

The macaroni and cheese at The Southern is one of the most popular things on the menu. But nothing prepared me for how good it was going to be. In fact, it went above and beyond my expectations. It came in an unassuming bowl of perfectly cooked cavatappi noodles mixed with the right amount of creamy Mornay sauce. I could literally taste each and every single ingredient without it overwhelming each other.

What brought this dish to the next level? It was the irresistible topping made with an unusual method of frying milk powder in clarified butter. The result is a nutty crunch that adds a level of complexity to the macaroni and cheese. It was seriously hard to put my fork down until there was nothing left.

FAB TIP: They have macaroni and cheese Mondays during spring, summer, and fall months. Three different varieties are offered: original, with meat, or with veggie.

{Location}
The Southern
Wicker Park || 1840 W North Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 342-1840

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

1. GT Fish and Oyster

When GT Fish and Oyster opened its doors in 2011, it filled a need in the Chicago’s restaurant scene. Award winning chef, Giuseppe Tentori developed a fresh and creative small-plate seafood menu, which is part traditional and part modern. The nautical-themed décor, inventive food, and accommodating staff make this one of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

Price: $19

Noodle: Orecchiette

Cheeses: a blend of Fontina, Mild and Sharp Cheddar

Topping: Brioche Breadcrumbs

Although I am a purist at heart, there is always an exception to the rule…like this life-changing (no joke!) GT “Mac & Cheese”.  It comes out piping hot and the consistency of the sauce is neither too thick nor too thin. Chef Tentori adds sweet English peas and luscious chunks of lobster to his creamy masterpiece. Not to mention the buttery brioche breadcrumbs, which give it an extra oomph and richness. Although all of this might sound over the top, there is a certain restraint about it that allows each component to shine right through. Every bite was well balanced and positively scrumptious.

FAB TIP: Get the clam chowder, lobster roll, and pork belly sliders. You won’t regret it.

{Location}
GT Fish and Oyster
River North || 531 W Wells St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 929-3501

{Price Range}
$$$ ($36-$65)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

Pardon me as I salivate all over again after writing this article. Wherever you are coming from, macaroni and cheese is a timeless classic for anyone and everyone to enjoy!

What are your favorite places for macaroni and cheese in the city? Let me know!

Savor Every Moment,
Sherrie

Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.