clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Guide: Where to Eat Soup During This Year's Polar Vortex Winter

View as Map

With the Windy City chills in full effect, not much warms you up better than slurping a bowl of soup. From thick and creamy to light and brothy, restaurants around Chicago are putting their spin on the classics and creating new twists to combat the winter blues. Check out the map to see where you can escape the Polar Vortex and warm your body and soul.


Eater Chicago intern Aimee Gasior contributed to this story.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Slurping Turtle

Copy Link

Takashi Yagihashi's noodle-nirvana is ladling up freshly-made ramen and udon in River North that will spice up your winter. People in Ann Arbor can expect a location to open there too.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Copy Link

For those looking for Jewish-deli-comfort food, head over to this old-school delicatessen for the real deal, Matzoh Ball Soup. Using the same recipe since 1943, it's no surprise that it's the best selling soup on the menu.

Spicy Monkey Soup Co

Copy Link

Two signature soups (tomato; vegetable) are available to customize in two locations (French Market; Lincoln Park). Daily specials and grilled cheese sandwiches complete the winter comfort food experience.

Gene's Sausage Shop

Copy Link

Cooked daily from Amish chickens, this vintage Polish delicatessen with two locations (Lincoln Square and 5330 W. Belmont) has a chicken noodle soup that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Taste of Lebanon

Copy Link

This Andersonville hole-in-the-wall is a perfect place to grab a quick bite or order in some take-out to avoid the bone chilling weather. Made fresh, the hearty lentil soup is a nice addition to a winter meal.

Podhalanka

Copy Link

If you're missing your Babcia's sour borscht soup, travel to this Polish Triangle restaurant that time forgot for a traditional serving of beetroot. If borscht isn't your fancy there are over six other "zupy" to choose from.

Quartino

Copy Link

Three choices of zuppe are available at the Gibson's group Italian ristorante in River North. Besides a traditional minestrone, sun-dried tomato and chicken soups are also offered.

Municipal Bar + Dining Co.

Copy Link

For the month of January, newly-appointed executive chef Donald Penza has created a soup flight featuring three 4 oz cups of soup for $8. Instead of choosing between roasted butternut squash, roasted tomato soup, or loaded baked potato, you can have them all.

Chicago Q

Copy Link

For those in the mood for both barbecue and soup, stop by Chicago Q. Topped wtih a pastry puff, the smoked chicken pot pie soup contains Q's pulled chicken, smoked corn, celery, carrots, peas and potatoes in a creamy soup with thyme and garlic.

Soupbox

Copy Link

Whether you're in River North or Lakeview, stop by this quick-service soup spot for a bowl of one of the 12 different flavors.

Barbakoa

Copy Link

Throughout January, this suburban restaurant is offering a tortilla soup with roasted Amish chicken, pasilla peppers, avocado, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and homemade cream.

Frontera Grill & Topolobampo

Copy Link

Rick Bayless' iconic restaurant sells a take on a classic tortilla soup. Utilizing the central Mexican chile pasilla, the "sopa azteca" includes grilled chicken, avocado, hand-made Jack cheese, thick cream, and tortilla strips.

UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi

Copy Link

Ranging from subtle to spicy, this Japanese kitchen located in the South Loop puts their spin on the traditional udon and ramen. Just in case it's too cold to venture out, delivery is available.

Capt'n Nemo

Copy Link

This north burbs sandwich shop is a decent spot for a quick sit-down or take-away meal. Offered hot or frozen, six choices are available for choosing.

Greek Islands

Copy Link

In addition to serving the traditional Greek chicken, rice, and lemon soup, Greek Islands offers five other options to satisfy a Mediterranean soup craving. Check out the menu for daily specials.

GT Fish and Oyster

Copy Link

Missing the comforts of the East Coast? Giuseppe Tentori's River North seafood hotspot offers a clam chowder with Neuske’s bacon and house-made oyster crackers.

Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine

Copy Link

Check out this Indian spot for a change from the standard chicken noodle soup. Whether in the Gold Coast or Schaumburg, three "shorbas," or traditional spiced Indian soups, are available daily.

With 12 rotating daily varieties for all diets and flavor cravings, Zoup often has an option for anyone. In addition to the Loop location, there's one in Downer's Grove, multiple state locations, and a Glenview spot opening next month.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Copy Link

If the snow has you trapped in the Viagra Triangle, shuffle over to Hugo's for the "bookbinder." For $5 a small bowl, the soup features a house-made fish stock base, vegetables, dry sherry and fresh fish.

Brasserie by LM

Copy Link

The South Loop French bistro has your cheese-laden take on French onion soup. Its "onion soup gratinee" is made with homemade beef stock and garnished with gruyere cheese and croutons.

Loading comments...

Slurping Turtle

Takashi Yagihashi's noodle-nirvana is ladling up freshly-made ramen and udon in River North that will spice up your winter. People in Ann Arbor can expect a location to open there too.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

For those looking for Jewish-deli-comfort food, head over to this old-school delicatessen for the real deal, Matzoh Ball Soup. Using the same recipe since 1943, it's no surprise that it's the best selling soup on the menu.

Spicy Monkey Soup Co

Two signature soups (tomato; vegetable) are available to customize in two locations (French Market; Lincoln Park). Daily specials and grilled cheese sandwiches complete the winter comfort food experience.

Gene's Sausage Shop

Cooked daily from Amish chickens, this vintage Polish delicatessen with two locations (Lincoln Square and 5330 W. Belmont) has a chicken noodle soup that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Taste of Lebanon

This Andersonville hole-in-the-wall is a perfect place to grab a quick bite or order in some take-out to avoid the bone chilling weather. Made fresh, the hearty lentil soup is a nice addition to a winter meal.

Podhalanka

If you're missing your Babcia's sour borscht soup, travel to this Polish Triangle restaurant that time forgot for a traditional serving of beetroot. If borscht isn't your fancy there are over six other "zupy" to choose from.

Quartino

Three choices of zuppe are available at the Gibson's group Italian ristorante in River North. Besides a traditional minestrone, sun-dried tomato and chicken soups are also offered.

Municipal Bar + Dining Co.

For the month of January, newly-appointed executive chef Donald Penza has created a soup flight featuring three 4 oz cups of soup for $8. Instead of choosing between roasted butternut squash, roasted tomato soup, or loaded baked potato, you can have them all.

Chicago Q

For those in the mood for both barbecue and soup, stop by Chicago Q. Topped wtih a pastry puff, the smoked chicken pot pie soup contains Q's pulled chicken, smoked corn, celery, carrots, peas and potatoes in a creamy soup with thyme and garlic.

Soupbox

Whether you're in River North or Lakeview, stop by this quick-service soup spot for a bowl of one of the 12 different flavors.

Barbakoa

Throughout January, this suburban restaurant is offering a tortilla soup with roasted Amish chicken, pasilla peppers, avocado, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and homemade cream.

Frontera Grill & Topolobampo

Rick Bayless' iconic restaurant sells a take on a classic tortilla soup. Utilizing the central Mexican chile pasilla, the "sopa azteca" includes grilled chicken, avocado, hand-made Jack cheese, thick cream, and tortilla strips.

UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi

Ranging from subtle to spicy, this Japanese kitchen located in the South Loop puts their spin on the traditional udon and ramen. Just in case it's too cold to venture out, delivery is available.

Capt'n Nemo

This north burbs sandwich shop is a decent spot for a quick sit-down or take-away meal. Offered hot or frozen, six choices are available for choosing.

Greek Islands

In addition to serving the traditional Greek chicken, rice, and lemon soup, Greek Islands offers five other options to satisfy a Mediterranean soup craving. Check out the menu for daily specials.

Related Maps

GT Fish and Oyster

Missing the comforts of the East Coast? Giuseppe Tentori's River North seafood hotspot offers a clam chowder with Neuske’s bacon and house-made oyster crackers.

Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine

Check out this Indian spot for a change from the standard chicken noodle soup. Whether in the Gold Coast or Schaumburg, three "shorbas," or traditional spiced Indian soups, are available daily.

Zoup

With 12 rotating daily varieties for all diets and flavor cravings, Zoup often has an option for anyone. In addition to the Loop location, there's one in Downer's Grove, multiple state locations, and a Glenview spot opening next month.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

If the snow has you trapped in the Viagra Triangle, shuffle over to Hugo's for the "bookbinder." For $5 a small bowl, the soup features a house-made fish stock base, vegetables, dry sherry and fresh fish.

Brasserie by LM

The South Loop French bistro has your cheese-laden take on French onion soup. Its "onion soup gratinee" is made with homemade beef stock and garnished with gruyere cheese and croutons.

Related Maps