Oh and I can't add much to the fish guide cuz I'm gluten free, but for folks visiting heres some spots I like a lot:
Sticky Rice Thai (on Western in Lincoln Square) - pretty legit Thai food, in a city with rather disappointing options otherwise
Smoque BBQ (on Pulaski in Old Irving Park) - legit BBQ approved by this former Virginian (on the NC border) who grew up on some of the best pork in the world
Moneygun (West Loop) - I don't drink anymore, but when I did I really enjoyed doing it here
Buona Beef (mostly in the Burbs but a few in the city - hit up the one in Oak Park and then go skate the bowl in Cicero) - people will tell you to go to Portillo's and it ain't bad (my wife is from the town it originated in, and even her fam are Buona loyalists), the hot dogs and burgers are especially good, but if you want a consistent Italian beef with the best giardinera in town hit up a Buona and you won't regret it
Four Letter Word Coffee (on Diversey in Logan) - incredible coffee, and great pastries if you get there before they sell out
Metric Coffee (outskirts of the West Loop on Fulton) - my favorite coffee in town, especially if you like espresso
Ritual Coffee (North Center) - serves Metric and does it well, solid spot to hit up before a morning sesh at Wilson Skatepark near by
Dollop Diner (Andersonville) - pretty solid coffee, but great Breakfast, perfect for post morning sesh above ^
now the controversial portion: Tacos / Mexican food ... it's fucking amazing here, maybe I lived in NYC too long, but honestly it's as good as LA though a bit different
L'Patron (Logan) - get the Ribeye and Onion taco, you'll thank me (everything is good)
Victor Bueno (Pilsen) - everything you order here will be better than almost anything you've ever had
Drive around Hermosa/Avondale/Belmont-Cragin and hit up any Taqueria/Birria spot you see and it will be amazing
Tiztal (Ravenswood) - I love Mexican breakfast, and their chilaquiles will make you extremely happy
Lonesome Rose (Logan) - hipster gringo Mexican food, but real good and dope atmosphere
Rojo Gusano (Ravenswood) - fancy gringo Mexican food that's real good
Chicago is such an amazing food town, and now I'm hungry!