In a recent episode of Tasting Chicago, host Sylvia Perez takes viewers on an exciting journey through the real Chicago restaurants that inspired and appeared in the popular Hulu series The Bear. From iconic South Side pizza joints to high-end Michelin-starred kitchens, these locations reflect the city’s rich dining heritage.
One notable stop is Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria, located at 8433 South Pulaski Road. This legendary establishment has been serving its famous ultra-thin, cracker-crust tavern-style pizza since 1932. Now celebrating its 105th birthday this year, Vito & Nick’s is renowned for its old-school charm, which includes a strict no-reservations policy, cash-only payments, and no delivery options. The restaurant embodies the working-class food culture that The Bear celebrates, and it has become a pilgrimage site for pizza enthusiasts seeking that crispy thin crust experience. In fact, the cast of The Bear visited and filmed at Vito & Nick’s for Season 3, further cementing its connection to the show’s narrative and Chicago’s dining history.
Another important venue highlighted by Perez is Mr. Beef on Orleans, found at 666 North Orleans Street in River North. This small, no-frills Italian beef sandwich shop has been a cherished local institution since the 1970s. The Bear drew inspiration from Mr. Beef, as the creator, Christopher Storer, is a childhood friend of owner Chris Zucchero. Season 1 of the series saw filming take place inside Mr. Beef, and the show’s original setting, “The Original Beef of Chicagoland,” was designed to mirror the real-life establishment’s atmosphere, layout, and menu.
Venturing into fine dining, viewers are introduced to Ever Restaurant, located at 1340 West Fulton Street. This celebrated 2-Michelin-star restaurant, helmed by chef Curtis Duffy, is known for its attention to detail, artistry, and innovative tasting menus. In Season 2 of The Bear, key plot points revolve around a high-end restaurant in Copenhagen, a scenario heavily influenced by establishments like Ever. The show has collaborated with renowned fine-dining chefs, including Curtis Duffy, who provided insights to the kitchen scenes.
Lastly, Tasting Chicago features Afterbar at 310 South Canal Street, a newer cocktail and bar-food spot that opened in 2023. Known for its menu inspired by Chicago’s hospitality culture, it served as a gathering place for The Bear’s cast and crew, especially during the filming of Copenhagen scenes. Affectionately dubbed the ‘unofficial Bear bar,’ Afterbar has become a beloved venue among the show’s fans.
For those who wish to share their favorite restaurants and potential spots for future episodes, Tasting Chicago invites submissions. Interested individuals can send a 30 to 60-second video to [email protected] to potentially see their favorite hidden gem featured on the show.
Through these diverse culinary experiences, Tasting Chicago highlights how food can shape cultural narratives, bringing together the vibrancy of local dining with the storytelling of The Bear.
image source from：fox32chicago
