We didn’t have to wait long for the return of the standout FX series The Bear.
One of the biggest breakout TV shows of 2022 is already back for its second season, along with its chaotic (and strikingly accurate) depictions of Chicago kitchens and effortlessly wearable workwear aesthetic.
If you're out of the loop, the multi-award winning Disney+ series is a comedy-drama about a young, successful chef (played by the legendary Jeremy Allen White) who returns to his hometown of Chicago to run his deceased brother’s sandwich shop, the fictional 'The Original Beef of Chicagoland'.
However, season two features a bunch of real-life and much-loved Chicago restaurants, from Michelin starred and James Beard Award winners to bakeries and butchers to takeaway pizza joints. We’ve rounded them up so you can find them next time you’re peckish in the Windy City.
Read on to cop the entire list of restaurants that fature in season two of The Bear.
Mr Beef
River North
Even though The Original Beef of Chicagoland doesn’t exist, it’s actually inspired by River North’s Italian beef restaurant, Mr Beef, that started out as a stand back in 1979. The show’s producer Chrisopher Storer is friends with Mr Beef’s owner Chris Zucchero, and the real-life venue provides the storefront for the fictional restaurant.
Kasama
Ukrainian Village
In episode three, Sydney heads out on a foodie tour of Chicago in search of inspiration for the restaurant’s new menu. Her first stop is popular Filipino bakery and restaurant, Kasama, where she orders their famous breakfast sandwich with longaniza, a hash brown, mushroom adobo, mango tart, and a matcha latte. This James Beard Award winner (and first Filipino venue to win a Michelin star) is run by a husband and wife team and located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighbourhood.
Lao Peng You
Ukrainian Village
Sydney’s Chicago food tour takes her to the famous Ukrainian Village restaurant Lao Peng You. Known for their homemade noodles and dumplings, the BYOB Northern Chinese spot is run by two brothers, Daniel and Eric Wat, who also make cameos throughout the episode. You can spot their real-life Cong You Bing, a type of scallion pancake, being rolled out too.
Margie’s Candies
Bucktown
In the same episode, named Sundae, Sydney ends her food tour at Margie’s Candies for some sweet indulgence. Located in Bucktown on the north side of Chicago, and famous for its gigantic sundaes served in clamshell dishes, Margie’s has been selling ice cream, shakes and candy for over 100 years.
Giant
Logan Square
Episode three also sees Sydney chat to another chef at a fictional French restaurant. This is actually Logan Square’s Giant, and the scene features their real chefs working in the background of the shot.
Avec
River North
While on the hunt for inspiration, Sydney ends up hanging out with famous restaurateur Donnie Madia (who at one point actually worked at Mr Beef) at his Mediterranean-meets-Midwest restaurant, Avec. Sydney gets a menu briefing from chef Dylan Patel, and tries to steal some of their staff.
Publican Quality Meats
West Loop
The whistlestop tour finds Sydney at West Loop’s artisanal butcher, Publican Quality Meats, which serves up homemade charcuterie, sandwiches and pop-up dinners. Their head butcher gives Sydney an intro to beef butchery, as well as offering some words of warning.
Elske
West Loop
At the end of episode three, Sydney spends time in a different kitchen to work on some new dishes. This venue is actually Michelin-starred Elske in West Loop, and chef David Posey makes a very brief cameo at the start of the scene.
Ever
West Loop
In the seventh episode, Richie visits a fictional upscale diner to discover the essence of hospitality. The real-life restaurant used for filming is Ever, a renowned two Michelin-starred venue operated by chef Chris Duffy and his long-term collaborator Michael Muser.
Pequod’s
Lincoln Park
While Richie is working, he pops out to fetch a deep dish pizza at the request of a customer. He ends up at one of Chicago’s most popular pizza spots, Pequod's Pizza, famed for their infamous deep dish pies.
Weber’s Bakery
Garfield Ridge
Opened in 1930, Weber’s is a Chicago institution and famous for its range of cakes, tortes and donuts. In episode three we see Richie’s daughter, Eva, recount his ex-wife’s promotion, getting the mysterious “good cake” from Weber’s Bakery.
After
West Loop
Ever’s cocktail lounge, After, also makes a sneaky appearance. The scenes where Marcus travels to Copenhagen to perfect his pastry skills, are actually shot back in Chicago at this bougie bar.
If you can't get enough of The Bear, head over here to check out how to recreate the show's seamless chef aesthetic.
Image credit: Salt Your Pasta Water, Kasama, Lao Peng You, 2 Hangry Chix, Joe Amabile, Avec Restaurant, Publican Quality Meats, Elske, Weezie Eats, Ever Restaurant, After