Two Illinois restaurants were named to the New York Times’ restaurant list for 2026.
The publication announced its coveted list, naming the 50 top restaurants in the country, with one Chicago eatery and one suburban spot making the cut for Illinois.
“For the 2026 list of our 50 favorite restaurants in the United States, the scouting team was bigger than ever. As the 16 of us traveled the country, we ate in all kinds of places, from small-town Wisconsin to downtown Manhattan,” the report states. “Our picks aren’t ranked, and if a restaurant was on a previous year’s list, you won’t see it here.”
Making the top 50 report were Creepies in Chicago and Kouklas Greek Eatery in Niles, both of which are newer spots in the region.
Creepies was cited for its French bistro-inspired menu that not only tackles “textbook perfection,” but also veers away from the rulebook.
Meanwhile, Kouklas was noted for its family-style restaurant and menu, which reviewers said “makes a compelling case that we should be eating better Greek food — and more of it.”
Several other Midwest spots also made the cut, including Michigan’s Tacos Wuey and Roses, Minnesota’s Khue’s Kitchen and Wisconsin’s Hama Hama Oyster Saloon and La Sirena.
It’s not the first time Creepies has made restaurant industry headlines.
The restaurant, which opened in August of 2025 and quickly garnered attention from the Michelin guide, was also recently named on Bon Appetit’s list of ‘Best New Restaurants’ for 2026.
