Contributor: John A. Collins
If you’re anything like me, you are constantly on the prowl for good munchie food. With hunger being a common side effect of our beloved cannabis, it seems only right that we treat ourselves to some upper echelon culinary fare while baked. Anything less would be uncivilized, in my humble opinion.
But, with so many options that are readily available to all of us these days, it’s become increasingly difficult to tell where we should spend our time (and money) on a post-smoke meal. However, that said, I’d rather be awash with too many options than being forced to settle on a lackluster dish at a less-than-desirable location.
Lucky for us, we live in one of the best food cities in the entire world: Chicago.
Chicago is known across the globe for its myriad of cuisines, the likes of which rival any 5-star restaurant on the planet. Professional chefs travel far and wide, solely to set up shop in this midwestern food mecca, and it makes sense as to why they make such a pilgrimage.
The residents of this part of the country know their food, and they are more than happy to visit any establishment that can provide a quality dining experience, especially if they are nice and stoned before they even sit down to eat.
And, with the passing of recreational cannabis having gone into effect in January, it only stands to reason that these eateries are seeing their fair share of red-eyed patrons coming in for a meal. But again, with so many options out there, it’s hard to know where to grub once those fateful “munchies” kick in.
Have no fear, though, my fellow cannabis enthusiasts.
We’ve done a bit of research on the matter, and have collected a series of top-notch restaurants that’ll not only “wow” you with their delectable dishes, but their overall vibe and ambiance will enhance your high tenfold, thus creating a truly amazing cannabis-enriched culinary experience.
Now, in no particular order or ranking, here are some of the best places to eat (while high) in Chicago!
High & Hungry In Chicago? Try These Amazing Restaurants
Oriole
When you think “munchies” you typically think of snack food, right? I know I certainly do. But sometimes, a small snack simply won’t satisfy that insatiable, cannabis-powered hunger. However, that doesn’t mean little morsels are off the table. In fact, at Oriole, they’re on the table, and they keep on coming. At this restaurant, headed up by chef Noah Sandoval, there is a $215 multi-course menu that is littered with bite-size delicacies. That way you can quench your cravings for snack-sized portions, while adequately filling your belly. It’s a “win, win,” if you ask me.
Virtue
Who doesn’t like some solid, home cooking when they’re stoned? Well, at Virtue, you can find some of the most delicious, Southern-inspired meals in the entire state of Illinois. Basically, if you could find it in New Orleans, you’ll likely be able to find it on the extensive menu found at this Hyde Park restaurant. And, if you’re looking to partake in a bit of wine with your meal, you can do so without any fear of massive financial repercussions, as their wine list is already equipped with prices predicting that you’ll want a second glass. The price for that is usually under $10, so you can really make the most of your meal at this place, that’s for sure.
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avec
This eatery is often considered the “Crown Jewel” of the Chicago restaurant scene. The midwestern Mediterranean flare that this place provides on a consistent basis has customers entering eager and hungry and leaving full and super-satisfied. The savory nature of their dishes is a delight for the senses to enjoy, and it’s abundantly hard not to groan in orgasmic joy after each bite. Yes, that may be a bit graphic for some, but if you’ve ever enjoyed an amazing meal while stoned, I’m sure you’ve been guilty of more than a few food-related moans every now and then.
Osteria Langhe
Pasta. Ah, is there any more appetizing word in the English (or Italian) language? I doubt it. The way pasta hits the spot, each and every time, is phenomenal. And when you get the chance to enjoy a sophisticated dish of handmade noodles or ravioli, you don’t soon forget it. Which is precisely the type of experience you can expect from this incredible Italian restaurant located in Logan Square? So, fire up a joint (or two) on your way to this place, because you’ll definitely want to show up hungry.
Elske
This restaurant is all about vibes, and I have to admit, I love it. Everything about this West Loop eatery seems tailor-made for the modern stoner. Personally, I enjoy partaking in their cuisine out in their back patio area, besides their visually-pleasing fireplace. Their gravel and brick aesthetic plays perfectly off the sharp edges and greenery that surround the patrons at this picturesque location. You’ll find yourself at peace and incredibly relaxed before your meal even arrives, and when it does, well, let’s just say things get even better.
Giant
When you have a stoner-sized hunger, you feel like you can eat any and everything. I mean, that’s how I feel most of the time, anyway. And, if you happen to share that same insatiable hunger after a hearty smoke session, I’d strongly suggest you high-tail it on down to Giant, located in Logan Square. Jason Vincent, the head chef and owner of this fine establishment, is routinely blowing people’s minds with interesting takes on American classics. So, if you’re looking to dig into some truly innovative meals, that’ll surprise and entice the senses, this is the place to go, without a doubt.
Look, we know that Chicago is full of amazing eateries and restaurants, and we are, in no way, claiming this to be the end-all, be-all list of places to eat (while high) in Chicago. But, if you are near any of these establishments, or simply feel like venturing out to a place you haven’t tried before, any of those aforementioned locations would be a great place to start!
Happy eating, my fellow cannabis enthusiast.
