Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
Near North Side American
Bourdain stopped into the original subterranean location for a double cheeseburger on The Layover's Chicago episode.
Caprarius Curated
Bourdain Ate Here
by Benny · 12 places · 3 dishes · Updated Aug 6, 2026
Every still-open Chicago spot Anthony Bourdain hit across his three visits — the smoked-fish shack and tamale stands of No Reservations, the taverns and beef stands of The Layover, and the old-school joints of Parts Unknown.
to track which of these you’ve been to.
The Publican
Near West Side American $$$
On The Layover's Chicago episode, Bourdain ate lake perch, blood sausage, and frites with eggs at Paul Kahan's beer-hall-style restaurant.
Publican Quality Meats
Near West Side European $$
Bourdain sampled the charcuterie — blood sausage included — at this butcher shop and cafe on The Layover's Chicago episode.
Doughnut Vault
Near North Side Dessert / Bakery $$
Bourdain grabbed coffee and a maple buttermilk doughnut at this tiny River North vault on The Layover's Chicago episode.
Jimmy's Red Hots
Humboldt Park American $
Bourdain ate a classic Chicago-style hot dog at this Humboldt Park stand on The Layover's Chicago episode.
What to order
The dog Bourdain ate on the episode.
Girl & The Goat
Near West Side Mediterranean $$$
Bourdain dined with chef Stephanie Izard here on The Layover's Chicago episode; it later made his personal list of favorite Chicago restaurants.
What to order
Among the dishes Bourdain ate with Izard on the episode.
Valois Restaurant
Hyde Park American $$
Bourdain ate meatloaf and mac and cheese at this Hyde Park cafeteria on the 2016 Parts Unknown Chicago episode.
Longman & Eagle
Logan Square American $$
On the 2016 Parts Unknown Chicago episode, Bourdain ate beef tartare, bone marrow, and tripe confit here, praising a place 'where the flannels and neck beards are abundant, and the food is excellent.'
Ricobene's
Armour Square Italian $$
Bourdain ate the breaded steak sandwich with music producer Steve Albini here on the 2016 Parts Unknown Chicago episode, calling it 'a thing of beauty… and tasty.'
What to order
The sandwich Bourdain shared with Steve Albini on the episode.
Topo Gigio Ristorante
Near North Side Italian $$
Bourdain ate veal saltimbocca at this Old Town Italian-American mainstay on the 2016 Parts Unknown Chicago episode.
Old Town Ale House
Near North Side American $
Bourdain's Chicago anchor: he drank here with owner Bruce Elliott on The Layover, then built much of the 2016 Parts Unknown Chicago episode around the bar and its regulars.
Simon's Tavern
Edgewater European $
Bourdain drank Schlitz at this Prohibition-era Andersonville tavern on The Layover's Chicago episode.
Curated by
Caprarius
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