BYO (bring your own booze, beer or wine) is one of those restaurant qualities that I try to look for when dining out. It’s cheaper (usually), much more casual and a great place to dine with groups. Chicago has an abundance of BYO options ranging from casual to upscale dining, so I have rounded up a list of my favorite spots throughout the city. If you have any favorites I should try, send suggestions my way.

I have been to all these places with my friends or with the family, they would make a great Valentine’s Day dinner. Most of them don’t take reservations, so I recommend going early!

Old Jerusalem

This place is one of those places that when you walk in, you feel at home right away. It almost feels like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen. I think they have some really great falafel and chicken schwarma. Ther is a corkage few, but if you are hanging out for awhile, it’s definitely worth it!

Sushi Mon

Located in Lincoln Park, this BYO sushi restaurant has a wide variety of sushi rolls, sushi bowls, pressed sushi and an impressive list of veggie rolls. My personal favorites are the Godzilla, V6 and Sparking rolls (see all three below). They recently expanded from one tiny room to now a much bigger space. The service is friendly, prices are great and no corkage fee. Go check it out and tell them I sent you 🙂

Sushi Mon: 2441 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Little Meatball

This place is the cutest! And the owners are husband and wife and are so hospitable. They are great with Noah and Mila and we love the food! The meatballs, greek meatballs and pizza is great. They don’t take reservations and it’s pretty small, but we have never waited for a table. It would make a cute family Valentine’s Day spot for sure.

Little Meatball 2364 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

L’ Patron

You know those places that you could just spend hours at? Well, this is that kind of place. Their TACOS are literally my favorite in the city, it’s BYO and now that they opened their patio, omg! GO!

L’ Patron 3749 w Fullerton Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647

90 Miles Cuban Cafe

My family has been coming to 90 Miles for years now for their traditional Cuban cuisine. We have celebrated graduations, anniversaries and birthdays here. In fact, we had Mila’s baptism here :).

It is huge, has an outdoor seating and the decor all make for a fun dining atmosphere. The empanadas and ropa vieja are not to be missed, some of the best I have ever had (sorry mother-in-law!)

The service is top-notch, especially since there are many large groups at time. They take reservations and it is definitely recommended. In addition to being BYOB, they have a sangria and mojito mix, so bring wine or rum they will make you a cocktail. There are a few locations in the city. To find out more information, click here. They do take reservations, so if you are looking for Valentine’s Day, I would definitely see if they have any availability.

1. 3333 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
2. 3101 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
3. 2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Caro Mio

For our very first Valentine’s Day (almost 8 years ago…), we came to the Italian BYO Caro Miro and have gone several times since. Located in Ravenswood, this cozy, neighborhood spot has homemade pastas with huge portions, big enough to share. The pesto filled gnocchi is the best and chicken parmesan is also another favorite. There is not a corkage fee, but if you plan on sharing entrees, there is a $4 sharing fee. They recently expanded their dining room and take parties to up to 80 people now. Reservations are taken for parties of 4 or more. Bring your appetite and a bottle or two for some delicious Italian food.

Caro Miro: 1833 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Semiramis

This Lebanese restaurant is intimate, welcoming and the food is fantastic. I love the mixed grilled platter, falafel, and hummus are delicious. There is plenty of street parking, but it is located right off the Kedzie Brown Line stop. There is a corkage fee and don’t take reservations, but so worth the wait. Promise.

Semiramis: 639 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

If you are looking for something with a patio or rooftop, check this post out here. What are you favorites? If you head to any of the places above, tag me @thechicagogoodlife so I can see!

Until next time…

Christine