The food writers at Eater Chicago continuously update a list of their top picks for the city’s most essential restaurants, called the “Eater 38.”
“This collection of Chicago’s best restaurants provides answers for the classic question: ‘Where would you dine if you had one night in the city?’ The list recognizes some all-time greats and restaurants who have pushed culinary boundaries.”
The Winter 2021 edition includes Hyde Park’s Jade Court (a new addition to the list) as well as Virtue, a longtime favorite.
Jade Court is referred to as “a revelation in Hyde Park,” and earned praise for “…push(ing) boundaries with their renditions of Cantonese classics” as well as its “noteworthy” bar program “…with unique collaborations and tropical-style drinks.” Eater adds, “The University of Chicago has found the perfect partner with Jade Court, a restaurant that creates a destination-worth venue with options that appeal to the locals in their community.”
Jade Court owner Carol Cheung, the daughter of noted restaurateur Eddy Cheung, also gets a shout-out: “Customers would be wise to trust Carol Cheung’s recommendations: she has an uncanny understanding of which dishes to suggest to customers, running the gamut from seafood to beef.”
With Virtue, “Chicago restaurant veteran Erick Williams has finally launched the restaurant he’s been dreaming of opening. In his new space, Williams is intent on smashing all expectations for Southern food and hopes to give diners a new perspective on Black cuisine.” Virtue was recognized by Eater as one of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2019.
Jade Court is located at 1516 E. Harper Court and serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Hours on Tuesday-Thursday are 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. On Friday-Saturday the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Reservations may be made here, or order online.
Virtue is located at 1462 E. 53rd Street and serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 4-9 p.m. Reservations may be made here.
