1. The Doughnut Vault
8.7
401 1/2 N Franklin St (at W Kinzie St), Chicago, IL
Donut Shop · River North · 144 tips and reviews
Chicago magazine: CAUTION: Beware of a doughnut coma after eating here. Our dining editor's pick: "The gingerbread stack—light and, uh, gingery." Read more.
ivy t.: Gingerbread doughnuts all year? We're meant for each other doughnut vault! I love u!
Christy Tidwell: The gingerbread stack is amazing, especially fresh and warm.
2. Café Tola
9.0
3612 N Southport Ave (Addison St), Chicago, IL
Empanada Restaurant · Lakeview · 41 tips and reviews
Eleanor Davis: Really good gingerbread latte!
Liliana S: Mole Empanadas, Sirloin Steak Empanadas, goat cheese n potato taquitos, caldo de elote, maple bacon long johns- everything delicious!!
Time Out Chicago: Housemade empanadas (such as an outstanding black-bean, plantain and goat-cheese one) are warm and taste just made (which they probably were). http://tmoutchi.us/13RnXNp
6. Mercadito
8.0
108 W Kinzie St (btwn Clark St & LaSalle Blvd), Chicago, IL
Mexican Restaurant · River North · 249 tips and reviews
Mary Kay Hardcastle: Eater says try the Cookie Cutter ($11) made with gingerbread rooibos tea-infused Herredura reposado, Ferrand Curacao, lemon, Negra Modelo beer and garnished with bourbon smoked sugar and orange peel.
Marco Morelli: torrejas de bolillo dessert (creme anglaise soaked mexican bread, vanilla ice cream, cajeta sauce - like french toast with ice cream on top!), Camaron Ceviche and the Toreado Guacamole are must gets.
Michael Caputo: Try the Camaron tacos. It's shrimp, roasted garlic, chipotle mayo, avocado and it's amazing! Read more.
8. Noon O Kabab
9.0
4661 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Middle Eastern Restaurant · Albany Park · 46 tips and reviews
Arielle India: What can I say that hasn't been said? Go to NOK. It can get pretty busy at peak times, so plan accordingly. The wait staff is excellent and always friendly. Food is phenomenal. Need I say more. 9.5/10
Sharif Nassr: You can't go wrong with the: beef koubideh, lamb koubideh, or chicken skewers. Order medium. The dill rice with saffron is moist as always. Love the cheese and bread amuse. Ask for their spicy sauce.
Adisak Pochanayon: Come for lunch and get the lamb plate with dill rice.
9. Brindille
7.8
534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
French Restaurant · Near North Side · 16 tips and reviews
Reserve: At Brindille in Chicago, a savory tarte tatin of artichokes, potatoes and gruyere pairs perfectly with the Rib of Beef and its sauce of red wine, marrow and thyme. Read more.
Natalya Lisa: The most romantic place to spend a birthday-Thanks to the staff for making everything wonderful. Wines selection is perfect for the menu. If you have a special occasion this is the perfect place.
Matt Wiener: Amazing! The entire experience was well worth it. If time allows go with the tasting menu.
11. More Cupcakes
8.1
1 E Delaware Pl (at N State St), Chicago, IL
Cupcake Shop · Near North Side · 40 tips and reviews
Cindy M.: Chocolate Hazelnut too die for
K: Get the Salted Caramel cupcake; it's buttery, creamy, & caramel-dreamy!
Casandra S.: you must try a salted caramel cupcake at more.. its simply to die for!! go quick, they sell out daily!
12. DMK Burger Bar
8.7
2954 N Sheffield Ave (at W Wellington Ave), Chicago, IL
Burger Joint · Lakeview · 257 tips and reviews
Etosha Moh: Holiday burger and gingerbread milkshake is a whimsical adventure on a wintery Chicago day!
Damon Sununtnasuk: It may sound odd, but the #14 salmon burger with ginger and sriracha Asian slaw is the best. We had the #5 bison burger and #4 pepper /egg / bacon burger and both were far from the salmon.
Christophe Bakunas: The parm truffle cream french fries are insanely delicious
Jamie F: One of my fave hotels ever. View from 16th floor bar is beyond breathtaking and if you're lucky enough to be here at holiday x, the elevator is re-covered in actual gingerbread!! A must see!
Michael Dorsey: Gorgeous hotel. Very upscale and conveniently located on the Chicago River.
Explore Chicago: In 2009, the Trump Tower became the second-tallest building in the United States after Chicago's Willis Tower. Read more.