Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in South Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestSouth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AvondaleBerwynBridgeportBucktown / Wicker ParkBurbankChina Town

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

282 restaurants available nearby

1. Chemistry

4.4

Awesome(1707)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Hyde Park

Booked 107 times today

Chicago's premier black-owned steakhouse. Located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood! Enjoy the finest steak while experiencing excellent white glove service. Chemistry exemplifies black excellence at its finest.**Please Note** We are not open for dinner service on Friday night. ALL RESERVATIONS ARE 90 MINUTES WITH A 15 MINUTE GRACE PERIODLarge Parties over 12: Are unable to make an online reservation. Please Email your request to reservations@chemistrychicago.com

2. Virtue

4.9

Exceptional(758)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Hyde Park

Booked 62 times today

Stationed in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness. We’ve worked hard to create a warm, honest & thoughtful space. We pride ourselves on unpretentious service, timing & most importantly providing great value. At Virtue we use heritage techniques to create some familiar flavors, & some new ones. We hope to see you soon.

3. Cantina Rosa

4.6

Exceptional(53)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Hyde Park

Booked 11 times today

Stationed in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Cantina Rosa is a tropical cocktail bar focused on agave spirits and featuring delicious Mexican inspired snacks from Virtue Hospitality.Bar's terms and conditionsWe are grateful for your support. Please take a moment to read all of our restaurant's policies. We accept reservations for up to 6 guests. We require a $15 per person deposit at the time of making the reservation and it is applied to the final bill. As a courtesy to all of our guests we allow 90 minutes for all of our reservations along with a 15 minute grace period for late arrivals. If you have any questions please reach out to the restaurant directly at 773-420-3735. All guests must be 21+ to enter the bar.

4. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12134)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 125 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

A photo of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago restaurant

5. Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago

4.4

Awesome(163)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Latin • Downtown / Loop

Booked 43 times today

Toro Chicago, from critically acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, is a vibrant Latin restaurant known for seamlessly blending bold Central and South American flavors with the innovative culinary techniques of Chef Sandoval. We offer a bespoke dining experience that celebrates the rich histories of Latin cuisine through a diverse menu, all hosted within a dynamic and lively environment. From tantalizing tapas to inventive entrees, each dish at Toro is crafted with a passion for excellence and a commitment to quality.

A photo of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant

6. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(482)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Pilsen

Booked 34 times today

Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto | Jōtō restaurant

7. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto | Jōtō

4.9

Exceptional(340)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • West Loop

Booked 35 times today

Starting April 6, all reservations will be for Joto, our incoming sushi concept - book now to be among the first to experience what’s next!CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's West Loop – where expertly distilled spirits meet exquisite sushi. Enjoy our seasonal cocktails and a standout Omakase experience featuring dry-aged fish from Japan. Choose your ambiance: the lively front lounge with a beautifully lit bar and historic distilling tanks, or the serene back dining room with eclectic décor and an Omakase bar. Daily happy hour, whiskey/sake flights, and a patio setting provide diverse experiences. Open for lunch and Sundays, we cater to all occasions. Join us for unmatched culinary excellence and spirited adventures.

8. Lips - Chicago

4.9

Exceptional(999)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • South Loop

Booked 15 times today

JOIN US AT LIPS CHICAGO FOR THE #1 DRAG SHOW CHICAGO'S ONLY TRUE LA CAGE DRAG SHOW PALACE EXPERIENCELips is the Ultimate in Drag Dining! Dinner, Drinks, and Fabulous Entertainment!SHOW SCHEDULEThursdays - The Divas ShowFridays - The Glamour GirlzSaturday Afternoon - Dragalicious BrunchSaturday Dinner - Glitz and GlamSunday Afternoon - Dragalicious Gospel BrunchPER PERSONThursday - $36.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Saturday Brunch - $45.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)Friday & Saturday - $52.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Sunday Brunch - $45.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)*Pricing above does not include drinks, tax, or tip.

9. Dawn Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(343)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Hyde Park

Booked 49 times today

Everyday begins at Dawn and we invite you to begin yours with us! At Dawn A.M. Eatery we offer an array of southern inspired dishes, cocktails, and bakery items that will delight the senses. Our goal is to bridge generations through recipes in our vibrant yet comfortable space nestled in the historic Hyde Park Neighborhood. Just steps from the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th street beach, and the new Obama Presidential Center let Dawn become your next favorite dining destination!

10. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3938)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 56 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Parag
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food as always, the chairs are upholstered and could be updated as they are hard to clean.
More info
The Indian Garden - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.5
R
RyanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food and amazing drinks at a good price, the butter chicken is the go to dish.
More info
Bar Goa-ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.4
M
Mary
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Had a lovely dinner with friends. The menu is full of winners, food was delicious. Our waiter Jack was attentive and fun. Manager/sommelier Kent checked in several times, very engaging. We felt welcome and cared-for.
More info
Mia FrancescaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.5
L
Lulu
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Oggi = greatness. Food is as consistent as it was many years ago. I’ve been coming here for over 25 years . Staff told me oggi has be around for over 35 years. We love that!
More info
Oggi Trattoria- Chicago AvePrice: Moderate• Italian• West Town
•
4.6
B
BingVIP
Chicago / Illinois •70 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Excellent midday meal: postickers, lemon shrimp, sole filets in black bean sauce, garlic green beans, shrimp fried rice; excellent service: quiet atmosphere at a corner table.
More info
Lao Sze Chuan - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Chinese• River North (Chicago)
•
4.3

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