As winter approaches, it’s the perfect time to start enjoying our cozy favorites—sweaters and a warm bowl of soup. While we take soup season seriously, we also prefer not to spend all our time cooking. That’s why finding the best soup in the city is essential. Let us tell you—we’ve found it! Here is the best soup in Chicago for any night of the week.
Best Intentions
Best Intentions is a beloved neo-dive bar with a thoroughly Midwestern vibe, and it also serves incredible soup in Chicago. As a community gathering place frequented by many Logan Square regulars, their version of classic Jewish Matzo Ball soup is packed with flavor. It’s simmered with duck fat, lemongrass, and ginger, making it a comforting dish for any day of the week.
Address: 3281 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
RL Restaurant
While Ralph Lauren is globally renowned for its high-end clothing, it also features a decadent restaurant in the heart of the Magnificent Mile that serves one of the best soups in Chicago. The Lobster Bisque, made with Maine lobster and a smooth, creamy stock, melts in your mouth.
Address: 115 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
La Grande Boucherie
Located in Chicago’s Belle Époque building in River North, this unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic structure’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Our favorite soup here is Soupe à l’oignon. This traditional French onion soup is filled with croutons and topped with layers of Gruyère cheese, leaving you exclaiming “ah” after your first bite.
Address: 431 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Lao Peng
At Lao Peng, you’re welcomed like an old friend in a vibrant atmosphere with steaming food. The highlight here is the dumpling dough with broth; each half-moon dumpling can be filled with a variety of options, including beef and green onion, pork and chives, or mushroom and chives. These dumplings served in soup—that’s one of our favorites in Chicago—are called ‘suan tang shui jiao’ and originated from Xi’an in Central Asia.
Address: 2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
The Goddess and Grocer
The Goddess and Grocer is a high-end café offering soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. With multiple locations throughout Chicago, you can enjoy their hearty Lentil Kale Soup anywhere. This bowl is packed with chunky vegetables and boasts rich, bright flavors from tomato paste and lemon.
Address: Various Locations
Taqueria Los Gallos
Surprisingly, the standout dish at this taqueria is not its tacos but a signature soup from Guadalajara, Mexico, called carne en su jugo, which translates to “meat in its juices.” This flavorful soup features beef broth brimming with grilled steak, avocado, bacon, and pinto beans.
Address: Various Locations
avec River North
At Avec, the real star is the soup on their lunch menu. The roasted seasonal vegetable soup is one of the most comforting yet healing soups in Chicago. It’s simple, filled with roasted vegetables, and elevated by two toppings: creamy sesame yogurt and zesty green chili Doug.
Address: 141 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Minyoli
In Andersonville, Minyoli serves a unique Taiwanese beef noodle soup in Chicago with rich broth and delicate noodles. This complex broth hints at sweetness and anise, accompanied by chunks of braised beef.
Address: 5420 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640