Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States. No doubt a city with this many people also houses countless commercial establishments. Among these are the city’s best restaurants. And as a wheelchair user, you should consider not only the quality and price of dishes in a restaurant but also how accessible it is. Here are four wheelchair accessible restaurants in Chicago you should visit.
O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar
First on this list is O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant primarily serves continental cuisine, and it specializes in fresh seafood and steak.
You also have several options on what atmosphere you prefer. There is a mahogany bar area or a large garden patio for a classy and exquisite dining experience. However, you can choose to eat in the regular dining room if you just want to relax and simply enjoy your food.
O’Brien’s has a branch on O’Hare International Airport so you have the chance to enjoy continental cuisine before traveling to another country. Its menu usually costs around $15 to $24 which is relatively average, although this is already a reasonable price relative to other airport restaurants.
Locations within Chicago
- O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 3, H/K Apex, Chicago, IL
- 1528 N. Wells (Cross Street: North Ave.) Chicago, IL 60610
Wheelchair access features
O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar has wheelchair-friendly branches in Chicago. The N. Wells branch has a wheelchair-friendly entrance with less than 1/2″ bevel threshold. Additionally, it has a secondary entrance in the Patio area that is also wheelchair accessible.
The corridor is wide enough for wheelchair users. Furthermore, the dining tables are wheelchair accessible with high enough knee clearance. There is also an elevator for private reservations in the dining room upstairs. The bar area is easily accessible, but it only has high bars and stools for seating.
Giordano’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Giordano’s Pizzeria & Restaurant makes excellent pizzas and is one of the best pizza restaurants in the city. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere making it the perfect place for family dine-outs and mini-celebrations. It also has a very relaxing ambiance so you can fully enjoy your pizzas.
Giordano’s mainly serves pizzas but there also other dishes you can choose from. Its menu contains a variety of pasta, desserts, and salads, and meals designed for kids. It is relatively inexpensive in Giordano’s with the dishes costing only around $14 or less.
Giordano’s has been featured consistently by well-known names like NBC, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Eater, New York Times, and more. It is almost always included in favorite pizza lists and guides within the city.
Locations within Chicago
- 1048 W. Belmont Ave. (Cross Street: Seminary Ave.) Chicago, IL 60611
- 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
- 130 E Randolph St, Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL 60601
- 223 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
- 815 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
- 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- 6314 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
- And many more!
Wheelchair access features
All of Giordano’s branches within Chicago have wheelchair-friendly features. The Giordano’s on Belmont Ave. has a ramped entrance with less than 1/2″ bevel threshold. Its main door has standard clearance and two doors in series with enough space in between. The corridor path has wide enough space for easy navigation with a wheelchair.
There are also wheelchair accessible dining tables with enough knee clearance. The restaurant has only one level, so there’s no need for an elevator. The restroom is easy to enter with its swinging stall doors. There are also grab bars near the toilets.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Next on this list is Morton’s The Steakhouse. It is founded in Chicago in 1978 and has since grown with more than 78 branches in the United States and abroad combined. It is one of the leading steakhouses in the country and currently has two branches in Chicago.
Morton’s serves American cuisine with a price range of $25 and up. It is known locally for its succulent seafood menu and its famous USDA prime-aged steak. Additionally, Morton’s offers Gluten-free options for diet-conscious customers. Moreover, customers consistently give high reviews to the restaurant’s service.
According to Morton’s website, Chicago Magazine ranked the restaurant 4th in the Top 20 Best Steakhouses in the City. The Illinois Restaurant Association also awarded Morton’s the Illinois Restaurant Neighbor Award.
Locations within Chicago
- 1050 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60610
- 65 East Wacker Place Chicago, IL 60601
Wheelchair access features
Morton’s is one of the best wheelchair accessible restaurants in Chicago. Morton’s branch in State Street has a level entry and less than 1/2″ bevel threshold. Additionally, it has an elevator so you can easily access the downstairs restaurant.
The dining tables have enough space in-between and are wheelchair friendly with high enough knee clearance. Morton’s features a Bar area with accessible entry, wheelchair-friendly tables, and table service.
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
Last but not least, Portillo’s Hot Dogs is another wheelchair accessible restaurant in Chicago. Portillo’s began in 1963, and it has since become one of the best hot dog restaurants in the country. But its menu isn’t limited to hot dogs. It is also known for its great char-grilled burgers, Italian beef sandwiches, fresh salads, and its own recipe of chocolate cake.
Its restaurant has a relaxing and fun atmosphere which makes it great for family night outs. The food is also relatively cheap with meals available at less than $10. Portillo’s restaurants consistently get great reviews from customers due to their cheap but delicious meals.
Locations within Chicago
- 520 West Taylor Chicago, IL 60607
- 100 W. Ontario Chicago, IL 60654
Wheelchair access features
Portillo’s branches in Chicago are all wheelchair accessible. The entrance of its Chicago branch is wheelchair accessible. The spaces between the dining tables and counter are wide enough for wheelchair users to easily navigate through.
You may check out our article for wheelchair accessible must-see places in Chicago to give you an idea on what places to visit. You may also go to Easy Access Chicago for a guide to wheelchair accessible restaurants and establishments in Chicago.
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*This is not paid content. The website and the author have no relation with the businesses listed and websites linked here.
