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SPONSORED: Ted Allen’s Picks for Bold Flavors in Chicago

by Jessica Carei
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by Jessica Carei

For Ted Allen, host of Food Network's Chopped and All-Star Academy, heartburn is an occupational hazard. But as a PEPCID® product user, he certainly doesn't let heartburn get in the way of enjoying some of the city's best restaurants.

The PEPCID® Brand curated a list of restaurants that focus on bold flavors, and Ted - the former senior editor for Chicago Magazine - has picked his some of his favorite hotspots, both places he's visited or he's hoping to try. Consider a visit to the restaurants below and don't let heartburn stop you from enjoying a great culinary experience.

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If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The Publican

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Ted's Pick! Part of Paul Kahan's massive Chicago empire, The Publican is his ode to all things seafood, pork, and beer. Aside from the must-order pork rinds, it's terribly difficult to decide what to fill your stomach with. So you might want to let the kitchen decide — for just $65.

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555
(312) 733-9555

Also featured in:

Topolobampo

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Ted's Pick! After 25 years in business, Rick Bayless' Michelin-starred Topolobampo is still innovative, continually redefining what Mexican cuisine is and can be. The menu isn't divided by courses, but by categories like “soulful,” “vibrant” and “luxurious.” Topolobampo is a true Chicago experience that should be tried more than "once-in-a-lifetime."

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
(312) 661-1434

Also featured in:

Au Cheval

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If you are looking for the best cheeseburger in America, look no further than three-year-old Au Cheval. They stick American cheese in between and on top of each patty, toast the bun, and add Dijon. Of course, you can add things like foie gras, an egg or bacon. To avoid the wait, go for a quick lunch or after hours.

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
(312) 929-4580

Also featured in:

Little Goat

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Ted's Pick! Just down the street from Au Cheval is Stephanie Izard's homage to the great American diner, Little Goat. But there is sophisticated cooking going on behind those griddles. Don't let the large menu overwhelm you. Go for the diner classics like sandwiches or breakfast classics — which is served all day — and let the flavors surprise you.

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 888-3455
(312) 888-3455

Also featured in:

Intro Chicago

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We're very excited to be hosting our PEPCID® Tastemakers event at Intro, especially because its latest guest chef is Erik Anderson. Chef Anderson, whose Chicago tenure will be a brief pitstop, made his name at Catbird Seat in Nashville before moving up to Minneapolis to begin work on his own restaurant Brut. For his concept at Intro, Anderson is looking to go French. We're already excited.

2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0002
(773) 868-0002

Also featured in:

Cemitas Puebla

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Cemitas Puebla is the perfect no frills dining scenario. At the original Humboldt Park location, you can grab out-of-this-world cemitas — authentic poblano sandwiches stuffed with various fillings made on sesame seed rolls and slathered with avocado and chipotle adobo — as well as other classic Mexican street food from the Puebla region. Their use of fresh ingredients and a respect to traditional flavors make this one of the best Mexican joints in the city.

817 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 455-9200
(312) 455-9200

Also featured in:

Dove's Luncheonette

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Ted's Pick! Another Paul Kahan outfit, Dove's Luncheonette fills Chicago's need for a solid Tex-Mex joint. Inspired by an excursion around the Texas-Mexico border, Dove's menu offers border mainstays like chile rellenos, tamales and enchiladas as well as a collection of 70+ different types of tequila.

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

Also featured in:

Nico Osteria

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Esquire recently named Nico Osteria one of the Best New Restaurants in America — and rightfully so. The kitchen, run by former Eater Young Gun and recent James Beard nominee Erling Wu-Bower, produces some of the finest house-made pastas and fresh seafood dishes in Chicago. You cannot go wrong here.

1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 994-7100
(312) 994-7100

Also featured in:

Yusho

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Ted's Pick! Run by Matthias Merges — a veteran chef who spent 14 years as the Executive Chef of Charlie Trotter’s — this Japanese yakitori was inspired by the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo fish markets. Get the crispy chicken skin, quail eggs and sweetbreads. And, of course, the ramen.

1301 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 288-1010
(773) 288-1010

Also featured in:

Trenchermen

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Pat Sheerin's take on modern American fare is nothing short of delicious. Set in an old bathhouse, settle in with a nice cocktail and some small plates for a perfect evening.

2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-1540
(773) 661-1540

Also featured in:

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The Publican

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Ted's Pick! Part of Paul Kahan's massive Chicago empire, The Publican is his ode to all things seafood, pork, and beer. Aside from the must-order pork rinds, it's terribly difficult to decide what to fill your stomach with. So you might want to let the kitchen decide — for just $65.

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555
(312) 733-9555

Topolobampo

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Ted's Pick! After 25 years in business, Rick Bayless' Michelin-starred Topolobampo is still innovative, continually redefining what Mexican cuisine is and can be. The menu isn't divided by courses, but by categories like “soulful,” “vibrant” and “luxurious.” Topolobampo is a true Chicago experience that should be tried more than "once-in-a-lifetime."

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
(312) 661-1434

Au Cheval

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

If you are looking for the best cheeseburger in America, look no further than three-year-old Au Cheval. They stick American cheese in between and on top of each patty, toast the bun, and add Dijon. Of course, you can add things like foie gras, an egg or bacon. To avoid the wait, go for a quick lunch or after hours.

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
(312) 929-4580

Little Goat

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Ted's Pick! Just down the street from Au Cheval is Stephanie Izard's homage to the great American diner, Little Goat. But there is sophisticated cooking going on behind those griddles. Don't let the large menu overwhelm you. Go for the diner classics like sandwiches or breakfast classics — which is served all day — and let the flavors surprise you.

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 888-3455
(312) 888-3455

Intro Chicago

2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614

We're very excited to be hosting our PEPCID® Tastemakers event at Intro, especially because its latest guest chef is Erik Anderson. Chef Anderson, whose Chicago tenure will be a brief pitstop, made his name at Catbird Seat in Nashville before moving up to Minneapolis to begin work on his own restaurant Brut. For his concept at Intro, Anderson is looking to go French. We're already excited.

2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0002
(773) 868-0002

Cemitas Puebla

817 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Cemitas Puebla is the perfect no frills dining scenario. At the original Humboldt Park location, you can grab out-of-this-world cemitas — authentic poblano sandwiches stuffed with various fillings made on sesame seed rolls and slathered with avocado and chipotle adobo — as well as other classic Mexican street food from the Puebla region. Their use of fresh ingredients and a respect to traditional flavors make this one of the best Mexican joints in the city.

817 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 455-9200
(312) 455-9200

Dove's Luncheonette

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Ted's Pick! Another Paul Kahan outfit, Dove's Luncheonette fills Chicago's need for a solid Tex-Mex joint. Inspired by an excursion around the Texas-Mexico border, Dove's menu offers border mainstays like chile rellenos, tamales and enchiladas as well as a collection of 70+ different types of tequila.

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

Nico Osteria

1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Esquire recently named Nico Osteria one of the Best New Restaurants in America — and rightfully so. The kitchen, run by former Eater Young Gun and recent James Beard nominee Erling Wu-Bower, produces some of the finest house-made pastas and fresh seafood dishes in Chicago. You cannot go wrong here.

1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 994-7100
(312) 994-7100

Yusho

1301 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Ted's Pick! Run by Matthias Merges — a veteran chef who spent 14 years as the Executive Chef of Charlie Trotter’s — this Japanese yakitori was inspired by the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo fish markets. Get the crispy chicken skin, quail eggs and sweetbreads. And, of course, the ramen.

1301 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 288-1010
(773) 288-1010

Trenchermen

2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Pat Sheerin's take on modern American fare is nothing short of delicious. Set in an old bathhouse, settle in with a nice cocktail and some small plates for a perfect evening.

2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-1540
(773) 661-1540

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