The acclaimed series The Bear has brought the vibrant spirit of Chicago’s restaurant scene to the forefront, with its characters frequenting an eclectic mix of dining establishments.
Set primarily in a fictional fine-dining restaurant, the show serves as a tribute to the city’s actual culinary landscape, showcasing everything from beloved local dives to Michelin-starred venues.
In a delightful twist, the cast of The Bear has taken their appreciation for the gastronomic delights of Chicago off the screen, frequently visiting various top-notch eateries around the city.
**Vito and Nick’s: A South Side Pizza Staple**
One of the standout spots the cast has been seen at is Vito and Nick’s, a South Side pizzeria that boasts a loyal following among locals.
Known for its tavern-style pizza, Vito and Nick’s has served the Ashburn neighborhood for nearly a century.
While details of their order remain a mystery, the signature Italian beef pizza is a likely favorite among the cast members.
**Ohh Wee It Is: Soul Food Favorites**
Ayo Edebiri, who plays the character Syd, enjoyed a visit to Ohh Wee It Is, a soul food restaurant, alongside co-star Lionel Boyce.
Edebiri declared the food as “some of the best of my life,” reflecting on the rich offerings from the menu which includes oxtails, pot roast, and shrimp and grits.
With locations in the Beverly and Burnham neighborhoods, the restaurant captures the essence of Southern comfort food.
**Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf: A Downtown Steakhouse**
For those looking for a stylish dining experience, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf has garnered admiration from several cast members, including Jeremy Allen White and Matty Matheson.
Renowned for its superb steaks and charming ambiance, the restaurant is a coveted choice in downtown Chicago.
Matty Matheson shares his fondness for the restaurant, mentioning the shellfish tower and extra pound of crab as a potential last meal.
**Ponce Restaurant: A Taste of Puerto Rico**
When filming in the city, Liza Colón-Zayas, known for her role as Tina, explored Ponce Restaurant, a family-owned spot within Hermosa neighborhood.
First opened in 1998, Ponce specializes in authentic Puerto Rican dishes that entice diners with options like seafood, grilled meats, and traditional jibaritos.
**Birrieria Zaragoza: Home of the Best Birria**
Another Chicago institution, Birrieria Zaragoza located in Archer Heights, has also attracted the attention of Jeremy Allen White.
This well-known casual dining spot focuses on birria, featuring stewed goat served with soft corn tortillas and rich consommé broth.
The menu also boasts delicious cheesy quesabirria, ensuring a tantalizing experience for patrons.
**Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap: Classic Italian Delights**
Matty Matheson, a passionate chef off screen, frequently makes a stop at Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, a renowned restaurant in Little Italy.
The old-world culinary spot offers classic Italian dishes that have kept fans coming back for more, with recommendations for grilled calamari and sausage and peppers.
**Doma: A Chic Café Experience**
In a modern twist, Doma, a chic café with a European influence, has also made its mark on The Bear’s filming scene.
Just steps away from Mr. Beef, which inspired “The Original Beef of Chicagoland” on the show, Doma even features in the season three storyline.
The café offers a sunny back patio, a charming space that cast members have enjoyed in between filming.
**Shaw’s Crab House: A Seafood Institution**
Shaw’s Crab House stands out as a long-standing institution in Chicago’s dining scene, recognized for its fresh seafood.
With a classic, inviting atmosphere characterized by red leather booths and bustling oyster bars, the restaurant appeals to seafood lovers.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Matheson have both dined at this iconic venue, indulging in dishes like king crab legs and shrimp cocktails.
The list doesn’t end there, with cast members also spotted at other fantastic Chicago dining locations, including Avec, Big Star, Duck Duck Goat, RPM Seafood, Gene and Jude’s, Viaggio Ristorante, Lucia’s, La Scarola, Kasama, Margie’s Candies, and Publican Quality Meats.
As The Bear continues to shine a light on Chicago’s culinary landscape, its cast embraces the city’s gastronomic offerings, further enriching their experience both on and off screen.
image source from：choosechicago
