Chicago Restaurants That Anthony Bourdain Loved

The family-run Mexican spot Taqueria El Asadero is one of Bourdain's favorite haunts. Since 1993, it has served everything from tacos to tortas and tamales.

In an episode of "The Layover," Bourdain said, "Their lengua taco is the way to go." The dish features braised beef tongue in a corn tortilla with onion and cilantro.

Old Town Ale House is a dimly lit dive bar with walls full of intriguing artwork. Opened in 1958, it’s a laid-back pub with eccentric patrons.

Bourdain once said, "There is something about the Ale House — its willingness to accept all who stagger in its doors [...] serves for me as a happy metaphor for a city I love."

Bourdain visited Jimmy's Red Hots during an episode of "The Layover," and proclaimed that "the Chicago Red Hot is the finest example of hot dog on the planet."

The spot's been serving Chicago-style dogs since 1954. Bourdain ordered a classic: a Vienna beef dog on a hot steamed bun with all the fixings that come on a Depression-style dog.

In 2015, Bourdain listed Girl & The Goat as one of the restaurants that came to mind when he thought of Chicago. Previously, he'd also called the spot "magnificent."

The contemporary spot offers globally inspired dishes. One of Bourdain's favorites was the roasted pig face with a sunny side egg, tamarind, cilantro, and red wine-maple sauce.

An admirer of Vietnamese cuisine, Bourdain also had a favorite Vietnamese spot in Chicago, called Tank Noodle, located at the intersection of Argyle and Broadway.

The restaurant serves classic Vietnamese dishes like fresh spring rolls and pho. Adventurous ones can also try the deep-fried quail or spicy fermented fish hot pot.