If you love food and prestige television in equal measure, you’re probably as obsessed with The Bear as much as we are. In addition to offering a heart-wrenching portrayal of grief, generational trauma, and found family, The Bear is also a touching love letter to Chicago’s culinary scene, and here are some of the best dining spots featured on this show.
Mr. Beef
The iconic sandwich shop that started it all, Mr. Beef is a clear inspiration from the run-down restaurant from The Bear, and it even doubled down as a filming location for the series.
Avec
Avec was also one of the restaurants heavily featured in the second season of The Bear. Famous restauranteur Donnie Madia even agreed to let the cameras inside their kitchen and made a cameo on the show.
Kasama
We’ve seen Sydney visit countless restaurants while looking for inspiration for The Bear ahead of its opening, including this beloved bakery and modern Filipino restaurant in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village.
Margie’s Candies
Not all of the dining establishments on Sydney’s list were Michelin-starred or fancy, including this confectionery and ice cream parlor, often considered a Chicago icon.
Ever
Michelin-star fine-dining restaurant where Richie staged in Season 2 might be fictional, but it was filmed inside a real restaurant – the two Michelin-starred Ever run by Chef Chris Duffy.
