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Cuddle up with a cozy bowl.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Where to Order Soup in Chicago

'Tis the season to stay toasty

by Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new
View as Map
Cuddle up with a cozy bowl.
| Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago
by Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new

Whether one is facing an overcast fall (or, frankly, spring) day or a frigid stretch of winter, there’s arguably no better remedy than soup. From rich and filling vegetarian chili to hearty pozole, the city’s restaurants tout a wide variety of belly-warming options to keep the gloomy feelings and bitter winds at bay. Here’s where to find the city’s best steaming bowls of soup.

Note: Ramen and pho are excluded and placed in their own categories.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Pho 5 Lua

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Pho is delicious year-round but it’s essential when the temperatures dip. One of the best bowls is found at Pho 5 Lua on the northwest side, far from Argyle Street. The Vietnamese staple cures any ailment (or hangover) with an intense beef broth and add-ins like rice noodles, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, and more.

6261 N McCormick Rd, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 509-0909
(773) 509-0909

Andy's Deli & Mikolajczyk Sausage Shop Inc

Copy Link

Andy’s Deli has multiple locations, known as a place for the Polish, and adjacent European communities, to find groceries. The deli counter serves sandwiches with wonderful Polish ham and other delights as well as chicken noodles and a variety of soups. There’s also borsht. 

5442 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 631-7304
(773) 631-7304

Also featured in:

Big Jones

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The signature Gumbo Ya-Ya at Paul Fehribach’s acclaimed Southern restaurant is packed with Amish chicken, andouille sausage, and buttered Arkansas rice. The Cajun dish can be enjoyed as either a starter or a full meal, and is available by the pint or quart.

5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640
(773) 275-5725
(773) 275-5725

Taste of Lebanon

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This Andersonville hole-in-the-wall offers tasty Lebanese food at wallet-friendly prices. Made fresh, the hearty lentil soup is a nice addition to a fall or winter meal. Savor it in the unfussy dining room, decorated with a beachy wall mural or take it to go.

1509 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-1600
(773) 334-1600

Pick Me Up Cafe

Copy Link

This venerable vegan- and vegetarian-friendly spot has fully settled into new digs after relocating to Uptown in April 2020. The neighborhood may have changed, but fans can rest assured that its popular meat-free chili is as heartwarming as ever.

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 248-6613
(773) 248-6613

Also featured in:

Han Bat

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Hidden away in the back of a parking lot on Lawrence Avenue, this unassuming Korean spot specializes in ox bone soup. Called seolleongtang, the milky white broth is known as a hangover remedy because of its simple-yet-comforting flavor. Each bowl also contains choice of brisket, flank steak, tripe, tendon, or tongue. It’s accompanied by rice and kimchi and can be seasoned to taste with salt, chopped green onions, and chili paste.

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-8640
(773) 271-8640

Also featured in:

Cafe El Tapatio

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Whether it’s chicken tortilla or cream of roasted poblano pepper, the Mexican soups at this mom-and-pop spot are made with plenty of love. Don’t expect any frills, just some good old fashioned home-style cooking. A second outpost is located in Glenview.

3358 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
(773) 327-5475
(773) 327-5475

Andy's Thai Kitchen

Copy Link

Tom yum soup is a Thai favorite and its spices are much needed during the cold season. The rich and funky, spicy and sour broth is characterized by notes of lemongrass, alongside other ingredients like mushroom, onion, tomato, and cilantro. For a heartier option, go with ATK’s boat noodle soup: A complex, dark broth filled with brisket, rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, fried pork skins, and more.

950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-7821
(773) 549-7821

Also featured in:

Le Bouchon

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France’s iconic onion soup dates back centuries and needs little introduction. Thaw off by diving into Le Bouchon’s top notch version. It’s a beef stock full of caramelized onions with a layer of melted gruyere on top. It’s also available at sibling restaurant Obleix in River North.

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-6600
(773) 862-6600

Also featured in:

Pozoleria San Juan

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One of Chicago’s small community of pozolerias offers the hominy soup in three different varieties: Roja, verde, and blanco. It comes with a number of toppings including avocado, cilantro, lime, radish, and cabbage, as well as chicharrones that are perfect for dipping.

1523 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL, 60651
(773) 276-5825
(773) 276-5825

Podhalanka

Copy Link

If Chicagoans are missing babcia's sour soup, travel to this Polish Triangle restaurant that time forgot for a bowl of zurek, a traditional white borscht. If the fermented rye soup isn't their fancy, there are over several other "zupy" to choose from.

1549 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60642
(773) 486-6655
(773) 486-6655

Lao Peng You

Copy Link

Lao Peng You’s Chinese food isn’t what most Chicagoans are familiar with as handmade dumplings come out in bowls of piping hot sweet and sour broth. Suan tang shui jiao originated from Central Asia, and while it’s not a traditional soup, this broth-based dish ticks a lot of the boxes and is superior in many ways. If traditional soup is the target, the restaurant sells an outstanding chicken noodle version.

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624

Also featured in:

Uncle Mike's Place

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A pioneering Filipino American diner with more than three decades under its belt, Uncle Mike’s has earned a place in the heart of many Chicagoans with its lugaw, a garlic-infused rice porridge that delivers homey comfort. Garnished roasted garlic and lemonn, co-founder Lucie Grajewski calls it “miracle soup” because it always seems to cure whatever might ail her.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
Uncle Mike’s Place stands tall among Chicago diners.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Star of Siam

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This River North Thai restaurant may have a dated decor, but the food is still fresh at Star of Siam. The soup section offers a little bit more than most Thai restaurants geared at Western tastes. The chicken noodle soup is an example of a fusion dish spiked with a little Thai spices to appeal to the masses. The Tom Yum soup is also recommended.

11 E Illinois St #1, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 670-0100
(312) 670-0100

Also featured in:

Greek Islands

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Greeks and non-Greeks alike favor this longtime restaurant for well-executed classics in a traditionally-decorated space. The avgolemono, or egg lemon soup, is an extra creamy version made with chicken broth, rice, egg yolks, and lemon juice. Greek Islands offers outdoor seating and takeout and delivery.

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855
(312) 782-9855

Also featured in:

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Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

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For those seeking Jewish comfort food, head over to this timeless delicatessen for a real deal matzah ball soup. Using the same recipe since 1942, it's no surprise that it's the best selling soup on the menu.

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL, 60607
(312) 939-2855
(312) 939-2855

Mustard Seed Kitchen

Copy Link

This takeout-only South Loop spot from James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams (Virtue) specializes in satisfying and reliable everyday foods (think salads, sandwiches, and burgers). It also serves up a silky-smooth tomato basil soup that could evoke childhood memories, as well as Cajun chicken gumbo with gold rice and turkey chili.

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-0062
(312) 326-0062

Also featured in:

Taipei Cafe

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Beef noodle soup, a beloved dish in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, takes center stage at Bridgeport’s Taipei Cafe. The spicy beef broth is loaded with tender braised beef, chewy noodles, pickled cabbage, and green onion. Variations include an herbal broth version.

2609 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 374-1986
(312) 374-1986

Also featured in:

Taqueria Los Gallos

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There are more than just tacos on the menu at this Little Village taqueria. In fact, its signature dish is a soup from the Mexican city of Guadalajara called carne en su jugo. Translating to “meat in its juices,” the soup stars beef broth teeming with grilled steak, avocado, bacon, and pinto beans.

4211 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 762-7452
(773) 762-7452

Birrieria Zaragoza

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Renowned for its roasted goat, Birrieria Zaragoza serves up a fantastic complementary dish: Consommé. It's cooked without meat drippings, so vegetarians are in the clear. A second location is open in Uptown.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 523-3700
(773) 523-3700

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Pho 5 Lua

6261 N McCormick Rd, Chicago, IL 60659

Pho is delicious year-round but it’s essential when the temperatures dip. One of the best bowls is found at Pho 5 Lua on the northwest side, far from Argyle Street. The Vietnamese staple cures any ailment (or hangover) with an intense beef broth and add-ins like rice noodles, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, and more.

6261 N McCormick Rd, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 509-0909
(773) 509-0909

Andy's Deli & Mikolajczyk Sausage Shop Inc

5442 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Andy’s Deli has multiple locations, known as a place for the Polish, and adjacent European communities, to find groceries. The deli counter serves sandwiches with wonderful Polish ham and other delights as well as chicken noodles and a variety of soups. There’s also borsht. 

5442 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 631-7304
(773) 631-7304

Big Jones

5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640

The signature Gumbo Ya-Ya at Paul Fehribach’s acclaimed Southern restaurant is packed with Amish chicken, andouille sausage, and buttered Arkansas rice. The Cajun dish can be enjoyed as either a starter or a full meal, and is available by the pint or quart.

5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640
(773) 275-5725
(773) 275-5725

Taste of Lebanon

1509 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

This Andersonville hole-in-the-wall offers tasty Lebanese food at wallet-friendly prices. Made fresh, the hearty lentil soup is a nice addition to a fall or winter meal. Savor it in the unfussy dining room, decorated with a beachy wall mural or take it to go.

1509 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-1600
(773) 334-1600

Pick Me Up Cafe

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

This venerable vegan- and vegetarian-friendly spot has fully settled into new digs after relocating to Uptown in April 2020. The neighborhood may have changed, but fans can rest assured that its popular meat-free chili is as heartwarming as ever.

4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 248-6613
(773) 248-6613

Han Bat

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Hidden away in the back of a parking lot on Lawrence Avenue, this unassuming Korean spot specializes in ox bone soup. Called seolleongtang, the milky white broth is known as a hangover remedy because of its simple-yet-comforting flavor. Each bowl also contains choice of brisket, flank steak, tripe, tendon, or tongue. It’s accompanied by rice and kimchi and can be seasoned to taste with salt, chopped green onions, and chili paste.

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-8640
(773) 271-8640

Cafe El Tapatio

3358 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657

Whether it’s chicken tortilla or cream of roasted poblano pepper, the Mexican soups at this mom-and-pop spot are made with plenty of love. Don’t expect any frills, just some good old fashioned home-style cooking. A second outpost is located in Glenview.

3358 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
(773) 327-5475
(773) 327-5475

Andy's Thai Kitchen

950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Tom yum soup is a Thai favorite and its spices are much needed during the cold season. The rich and funky, spicy and sour broth is characterized by notes of lemongrass, alongside other ingredients like mushroom, onion, tomato, and cilantro. For a heartier option, go with ATK’s boat noodle soup: A complex, dark broth filled with brisket, rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, fried pork skins, and more.

950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-7821
(773) 549-7821

Le Bouchon

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

France’s iconic onion soup dates back centuries and needs little introduction. Thaw off by diving into Le Bouchon’s top notch version. It’s a beef stock full of caramelized onions with a layer of melted gruyere on top. It’s also available at sibling restaurant Obleix in River North.

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-6600
(773) 862-6600

Pozoleria San Juan

1523 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL, 60651

One of Chicago’s small community of pozolerias offers the hominy soup in three different varieties: Roja, verde, and blanco. It comes with a number of toppings including avocado, cilantro, lime, radish, and cabbage, as well as chicharrones that are perfect for dipping.

1523 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL, 60651
(773) 276-5825
(773) 276-5825

Podhalanka

1549 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60642

If Chicagoans are missing babcia's sour soup, travel to this Polish Triangle restaurant that time forgot for a bowl of zurek, a traditional white borscht. If the fermented rye soup isn't their fancy, there are over several other "zupy" to choose from.

1549 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60642
(773) 486-6655
(773) 486-6655

Lao Peng You

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Lao Peng You’s Chinese food isn’t what most Chicagoans are familiar with as handmade dumplings come out in bowls of piping hot sweet and sour broth. Suan tang shui jiao originated from Central Asia, and while it’s not a traditional soup, this broth-based dish ticks a lot of the boxes and is superior in many ways. If traditional soup is the target, the restaurant sells an outstanding chicken noodle version.

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624

Uncle Mike's Place

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A pioneering Filipino American diner with more than three decades under its belt, Uncle Mike’s has earned a place in the heart of many Chicagoans with its lugaw, a garlic-infused rice porridge that delivers homey comfort. Garnished roasted garlic and lemonn, co-founder Lucie Grajewski calls it “miracle soup” because it always seems to cure whatever might ail her.

1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5318
(312) 226-5318
Uncle Mike’s Place stands tall among Chicago diners.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Star of Siam

11 E Illinois St #1, Chicago, IL 60611

This River North Thai restaurant may have a dated decor, but the food is still fresh at Star of Siam. The soup section offers a little bit more than most Thai restaurants geared at Western tastes. The chicken noodle soup is an example of a fusion dish spiked with a little Thai spices to appeal to the masses. The Tom Yum soup is also recommended.

11 E Illinois St #1, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 670-0100
(312) 670-0100

Greek Islands

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

Greeks and non-Greeks alike favor this longtime restaurant for well-executed classics in a traditionally-decorated space. The avgolemono, or egg lemon soup, is an extra creamy version made with chicken broth, rice, egg yolks, and lemon juice. Greek Islands offers outdoor seating and takeout and delivery.

200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855
(312) 782-9855

Related Maps

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL, 60607

For those seeking Jewish comfort food, head over to this timeless delicatessen for a real deal matzah ball soup. Using the same recipe since 1942, it's no surprise that it's the best selling soup on the menu.

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL, 60607
(312) 939-2855
(312) 939-2855

Mustard Seed Kitchen

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

This takeout-only South Loop spot from James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams (Virtue) specializes in satisfying and reliable everyday foods (think salads, sandwiches, and burgers). It also serves up a silky-smooth tomato basil soup that could evoke childhood memories, as well as Cajun chicken gumbo with gold rice and turkey chili.

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-0062
(312) 326-0062

Taipei Cafe

2609 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Beef noodle soup, a beloved dish in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, takes center stage at Bridgeport’s Taipei Cafe. The spicy beef broth is loaded with tender braised beef, chewy noodles, pickled cabbage, and green onion. Variations include an herbal broth version.

2609 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 374-1986
(312) 374-1986

Taqueria Los Gallos

4211 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623

There are more than just tacos on the menu at this Little Village taqueria. In fact, its signature dish is a soup from the Mexican city of Guadalajara called carne en su jugo. Translating to “meat in its juices,” the soup stars beef broth teeming with grilled steak, avocado, bacon, and pinto beans.

4211 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 762-7452
(773) 762-7452

Birrieria Zaragoza

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

Renowned for its roasted goat, Birrieria Zaragoza serves up a fantastic complementary dish: Consommé. It's cooked without meat drippings, so vegetarians are in the clear. A second location is open in Uptown.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 523-3700
(773) 523-3700

Related Maps