Eat Like a Cast Member From 'The Bear' at These 12 Chicago Restaurants

Everyone’s favorite restaurant drama is back. 

Multi-Emmy-award-winning series The Bear drops all ten episodes of its third season on Hulu this Wednesday, June 26 at 9 p.m. ET — the first chance for fans to binge-watch the sometimes-stressful yet eminently delicious series in one go.

But just like a buffet full of tempting treats, there's no need to overstuff yourself at first glance. As actor Ayo Edebiri, who plays Carmy’s formidable sous chef Sydney, said in a recent press conference: It’s okay — and perhaps even suggested to pace yourself, digest every episode, and let the flavors and thoughts linger before pressing play on the next one.

In the meantime, Chicagoans (and visitors) can certainly attempt one of the loftiest of epicurean goals: dine like the show's food-focused stars, who ate around the Midwest culinary capital during the months-long filming of the show's highly anticipated third season. No doubt, following the cast of The Bear as the stars filmed in Chicago and nearby suburbs this past spring became a pastime for some, while other super fans followed the cast closely by way of social media and spotted them dining around town after wrapping a day’s shoot.

Here are a handful of places the cast dined at across Chicago while filming on location:

Birrieria Zaragoza

Fans and taco lovers were excited to see Jeremy Allen White (Carmy) spotted at Birrieria Zaragoza in Chicago’s Archer Heights neighborhood in late March. The taqueria may be familiar to some, as it was also featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. In a recent press conference, White mentioned that he loves Chicago’s fast-casual scene, which includes global street foods, hot dog stands, and, of course, Italian beef. 

La Scarola

This old-school red sauce joint was a fun stop for the cast to fill up on pasta and more. Though we don’t know the cast’s exact orders, you can expect Italian-American classics, like chicken Vesuvio, eggplant parm, linguine with clams, and plenty more specialty in-house creations. 

Viaggio

Viaggio Ristorante, and old-school Italian spot, also earned a shout-out from the cast at the press conference, which may hint at some red sauce influences at The Bear (aka The Original Beef of Chicagoland). 

Kasama

Ayo and Jeremy were spotted together at Kasama on March 21, which spurred a social media frenzy speculating on potential plot points. Spoiler: There’s no romance between the two this season, and we don’t know yet if their characters or their real-life personas wanted to revisit the season two spot in Ukranian Village, known for its excellent Filipino fare. 

Duck Duck Goat

This Stephanie Izard spot is a Chicago highlight from the Top Chef winner and a hard reservation to sync. Of course, the West Loop staple welcomed in the cast of the prestige food show for a taste of Izard’s not-quite chaos cooking, offering Chinese staples like dim sum and noodles with fun twists, such as duck and goat spring rolls, tempura fried branzino, tamari soft serve, and so much more. 

Big Star

Chicagoans love the Mexican fare at Big Star, and Jeremy, Ayo, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Cousin) were seen enjoying brunch and drinking margaritas together at the West Town location. Visit for chilaquiles in salsa guajillo, cornmeal griddle cakes with cinnamon butter, and churro french toast. 

Gene and Jude’s

This classic Chicago dog stand is a known favorite of Matty Matheson’s, and even appeared briefly in season 2, episode 7. “Gene and Jude’s is by far my favorite hot dog in all of Chicagoland,” Matheson told Esquire. “It’s the perfect size and snap and I always get it with an orange pop. Two dogs, mustard, onion, sport peppers, and extra salt on the fries.” In business since 1946, the yellow-brick hot dog stand boasts no seats, no ketchup, and no pretense. 

Margie’s Candies

In a press conference, the cast mentioned treating themselves to sweets at this old-school ice cream parlor, where Sydney indulges in a sundae in season 2, episode 3. Their reviews ranged from “We went there” to “It was okay.” But who can resist the pull of nostalgia, a decadent turtle sundae, and a skyscraper soda with the works?

Ponce

Chicago’s Puerto Rican culinary scene called out to Liza Colón-Zayas (Tina), while she was filming season three. "My favorite was this restaurant,” she said. “I just missed home, and I wanted that."

Publican Quality Meats

The cast was spotted dining at this beloved butcher shop, market, and cafe. It makes sense, given that their show is — or at least was — centered around beef. The shop offers brunch and lunch menus, including sandwiches with meats cured, cooked, and smoked in-house. 

Avec 

The cast dined together at this Mediterranean restaurant, known for its small and shareable Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant did make a cameo in the second season, so it’s likely a favorite of the team if they’ve returned for a family dinner together. 

Wrigley Field

Liza Colón-Zayas threw the first pitch at a Cubs game this spring — with the cast showing up to support the sporty moment. It’s probably safe to say the group also enjoyed some Chicago baseball fare while watching the game, perhaps some Garrett’s popcorn and a classic Chicago dog.