As the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’ prepares for its fourth season, excitement is brewing not only for the show but also for Chicago’s dynamic food scene. Fans and food enthusiasts looking to indulge in the flavors of the Windy City can turn to the cast of ‘The Bear’ for guidance on where to eat.
Ayo Edebiri, who plays one of the central characters, has raved about Ohh Wee It Is, a local soul food restaurant. During her Golden Globe acceptance speech for Best Television Female Actor in a Musical/Comedy, she referred to it as ‘some of the best food of my life.’ Edebiri has made a point to visit this establishment with her co-star Lionel Boyce.
Jeremy Allen White, known for his role in the show, has also shared his go-to restaurant picks. He highlighted Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, a highly-regarded steakhouse, and La Scarola, an esteemed Italian restaurant, as his top two dining spots in Chicago. White’s love for the local food scene doesn’t stop there—he’s also been seen enjoying meals at Birrieria Zaragoza, a family-owned eatery that has become a favorite among the cast.
Matty Matheson, another cast member, echoed White’s praises for Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, declaring the restaurant’s shellfish tower to be a dish he might select as one of his last meals. He also touted the roast chicken and mashed potatoes as ‘fully banana town.’ When it comes to hot dogs, Matheson has a unique pick—he lauds Gene and Jude’s in River Grove, stating he enjoys his order with an orange pop and extra salt on the fries.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who shares in the culinary appreciation, joined Matheson for a meal at Shaw’s Crab House. The seafood restaurant has a reputation for delightful dishes and celebrated the cast on social media for their support during the show’s third season. They notably highlighted ‘The Whole King Crab Experience’ in an appreciative Instagram post.
Lionel Boyce also backed the culinary merits of Shaw’s Crab House, specifically recommending the buffalo shrimp to those looking for a snack. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Boyce also showcased his love for Kasama, a Filipino bakery and restaurant located in East Ukrainian Village. He mentioned the breakfast sandwiches and pastries as must-tries, even noting the line that often forms outside as a testament to its popularity.
Liza Colón-Zayas shared her post-filming comfort food favorite with the Chicago Sun-Times, mentioning Ponce Restaurant in Hermosa. She expressed her fondness for their pasteles, traditional Puerto Rican tamales filled with pork. Colón-Zayas has opted for delivery from the restaurant, likely due to her busy schedule filming.
In a recent outing, the entire cast of ‘The Bear’ visited Vito and Nick’s, a family-run pizzeria located in Chicago’s South Side. This visit to the beloved local establishment was shared via Facebook, with the pizzeria joyfully stating, ‘It’s always a pleasure when The Bear cast comes in – Thank you Chef.’
As fans gear up for the latest season, the culinary recommendations from the cast are sure to inspire a culinary adventure across Chicago’s vibrant dining landscape.
image source from:nbcchicago