From dishes customizable down to the spice blend to meals you literally make yourself at your table—do-it-yourself food options make dining out easy for even the pickiest of eaters and adds some fun to the experience. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best DIY, made-to-order-focused restaurants in Chicago—and a couple of build-your-own cocktails to make things extra interesting.
340 W. Armitage Ave. 773-281-9101
What would a DIY food roundup be without fondue? Go a la carte with cheese fondue served with apple wedges, grapes and assorted breads for dipping ($15.95) or chocolate fondue with an assortment of fruit, pound cake, Rice Krispies Treats, graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows for dipping and roasting ($15.95). If you want to spring for something a little heavier, choose one of Geja’s entrees like the beef and lobster ($55.95/person) which comes with cheese fondue, salad, vegetables, dipping sauces, flaming chocolate dessert fondue and coffee.
Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot
2342 S. Wentworth Ave. 312-929-3224
Never had a hot pot before? No worries—it’s simple and cost effective once you get the hang of it. Think of it as fondue, except you’re actually cooking the food you order. Start by picking your broth—spicy, original or half and half—and then pick the food you want to go with it. Meat and veggies will come raw, and noodles will come uncooked. You simply put the food items in the boiling broth, wait for them to cook (about 15 seconds for red meat, two minutes for veggies and three minutes for seafood, chicken and noodles) and dig in! Choose the all-you-can eat option for endless plates of food ($21.99) or go a la carte if you’re not that hungry.
6 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-9440
Stop by Imperial Lamian on a weekday between 3 and 6 p.m. for happy hour build-your-own Lamian ($12). First, pick your style of house-made noodles including regular, flat or hand-shaved. Then, pick from pork, miso or beef broth. For your protein you have the options of pork belly, beef brisket, mixed mushroom, minced pork or char siu and wonton. Need a little something extra? Add on an egg for $1, charsiu for $2 or a wonton for $2.
15 W. Illinois St. 312-874-7270
Think Moscow mules have to be simple and classic? Think again. For $5 on Thursdays, Fremont will hand you a copper mug with a shot of vodka and send you on your merry way to their build-your-own Moscow mule bar, complete with ginger beer, juice varieties, an assortment of bitters, fruit and—in case all that wasn’t enough—candy, because gummy worms are always an appropriate garnish.
1021 W. Armitage Ave. 773-697-3735
Customize literally everything about your burger at this Lincoln Park counter-service restaurant. Start with the patty with a choice between the house-blend prime beef, grass-fed prime beef, sirloin steak, turkey, lentil brown rice, bison, salmon and shrimp ($8.50-$11.95). Then choose between 11 different spice blends, five different buns, seven different cheeses, as many traditional complimentary toppings as you please and premium add-ons like black truffle mayo, avocado and foie gras.
6979 N. Sheridan Road 847-886-2601
“Cheese your own adventure” with Midnight Mac and Cheeserie’s build-your-own mac. Start with one of the house combos like “Antonia’s Decadent Lobster” with gruyere, roasted garlic and lobster ($14.50) or the house mac with sharp cheddar, gruyere and crumb topping ($9.50) and choose add-ons from a variety of cheeses, veggies, proteins and “extras” ranging from curry to goat cheese to mini meatballs. This ain’t no Kraft.
101 E. Erie St. 312-667-6793
Light a candle, ask for it three times, spin in a circle and it will appear. Baptiste and Bottle offers bottomless (yes, you read that right) bloody marys and mimosas during brunch at their create-your-own bar. ($22). Start with your liquor of choice, then head over to the bar to choose your own hot sauce (do you sip it mild or hot?), spices, juice and garnishes. See, not so spooky after all.
110 W. Illinois St. 312-644-0500
Sunda offers build-your-own Poke bowls starting at just $15. The bowl starts with wakame, red onion, sesame seeds, scallions, masago and puffed rice, but the rest is up to you. Pick a base of rice or greens, a protein like tuna, albacore or salmon, two vegetables to add some extra color and as much sauce as you want. Additional toppings like tofu ($4), king crab ($8) and mango ($4) can be thrown in for an extra charge.
101 E. Erie St. 312-667-6796
Sizzle yourself silly at Noyane with hot-stone DIY cooking. The rooftop restaurant offers multiple cuts of Japanese A5 black wagyu, which guests then cook on a hot stone at their table. Choose from a tenderloin, ($45), ribeye ($54) or New York strip ($50). Each comes with mushroom vinegar sauce, wasabi, a selection of salts, finger limes, fried shallots, pickled veggies and other toppings to get all dressed up with.
2218 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-270-4418
Go pho yourself at Fuh in Lincoln Park with customizable versions of the popular Vietnamese soup. Start with your base order—pho noodles or a pho soup bowl ($8.95)—then pick your protein, broth, veggies and extras. Protein selection includes beef brisket, pulled beef, meatballs, chicken breast, rare steak, stir fried mushrooms and crispy tofu. Choose as many vegetables as you desire from the options of mixed cabbage, carrots, basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, green onions, mint and cilantro. Finish it off with a sauce and make it as spicy or mild as you like.
@AudreyGorden | agorden@redeyechicago.com
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