CHICAGO — “The Bear” is set to close its kitchen doors for good June 25, as the hit FX on Hulu series drops its fifth and final season.

In the Chicago-set series, Jeremy Allen White plays chef Carmy “The Bear” Berzatto, who turns his family’s Italian beef business into a gourmet restaurant. The series was inspired by River North’s Mr. Beef, where series creator Christopher Storer once worked.

In the lead-up to the eight-episode end of the show, we’ve compiled a list of 51 Chicago-area restaurants, bars and shops that were featured on the dramedy, from classics to establishments entirely transformed into new (fictional) culinary creations for the series. 

As you savor the surprise prequel episode filmed in Gary, Indiana, which released this month, consider these real-life Chicago spots for your next bite.

A scene from “The Bear” with Marcus, played by Lionel Boyce, and Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri. Credit: Instagram

Season 1

Ceres Cafe, 141 W. Jackson Blvd.

“So we’re at Ceres, right?” says Carmy’s brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal), recalling a wild night — alongside a little history lesson — at the restaurant in the Chicago Board of Trade Building during the show’s first season. There aren’t many places to get a double shot with some eggs at 6:45 a.m., after all.

Ed Debevic’s, 159 E. Ohio St.

This old-school diner still looks like it’s in the 1950s, making it a classic attraction for those who want a burger and fries with a side of snark from their server. A visit to Ed Debevic’s inspired Carmy’s father to open his own restaurant, thus spurring the world of “The Bear.” Insults may be the best motivation, evidently.

Gene & Jude’s, 2720 N. River Road, River Grove

Just a hop, skip and a jump outside the city, Gene & Jude’s has served Chicago dogs since 1946. The classic joint is featured in Season 1 during a montage set to Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago.”

The Green Door Tavern, 678 N. Orleans St.

If your knowledge of River North comes exclusively from “The Bear,” you might be shocked to hear the Green Door Tavern still exists, despite the show depicting it as closing at the end of Season 1. Located next door to “The Bear” inspiration Mr. Beef, the bar has been serving up liquor and pub food since 1921.

Johnnie’s Beef, 7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

It may not have inspired the series, but Johnnie’s Beef has been serving up Italian beef and Italian ice in suburban Elmwood Park since 1961. The joint is in a Season 1 montage.

Loaf Lounge was responsible for all the delicious-looking cakes and pastries on Hulu’s “The Bear.” Co-owner and pastry chef Sarah Mispagel, pictured about with her husband, chef and co-owner Ben Lustbader, was a consultant on the show. Credit: Loaf Lounge/Instagram

Loaf Lounge, 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave.

If you salivated over the chocolate cake Marcus (Lionel Boyce) prepared at The Bear, good news: You can find it at Loaf Lounge. That’s because Sarah Mispagel, co-owner of the Logan Square cafe, served as a consultant for the series. In addition to sweets, Loaf Lounge is known for its delicious breakfast sandwiches and lunch menu.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House, 505 N. Michigan Ave.

The former Bulls legend’s steakhouse hasn’t formally been seen on “The Bear,” but Marcus hypes up the restaurant’s signature double-smoked bacon in Season 1. If it’s good enough for a fictional chef, it just might be good enough for you.

The River North restaurant Mr. Beef, which originally inspired the show written by Chris Storer, a childhood friend of Christopher Zucchero (who now owns Mr. Beef). Credit: Alex Wroblewski

Mr. Beef, 666 N. Orleans St.

The inspiration for the series’ titular restaurant, Mr. Beef has served Italian beef since 1979. “The Bear” creator Christopher Storer has been friends with owner Chris Zucchero since kindergarten. The famed River North beef stand served as the set for the show’s pilot.

Potash Markets, 875 N. State St.

When Carmy isn’t sulking, he can be seen at Potash Markets, where he initially runs into his childhood crush and love interest Claire (Molly Gordon). Throughout the series, receipts from the Gold Coast market are scattered around his apartment.

Roeser’s Bakery, 3216 W. North Ave.

This century-old Humboldt Park bakery — the oldest to still be in its original building in the city, according to Roeser’s — is best known for its cakes and pastries. In Season 1, pastry chef Marcus (Lionel Boyce) visits Roeser’s while experimenting with making the perfect doughnut.

Ross Drucker prepares a superburger at Superdawg Drive-In, 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Norwood Park during its 75th year, on April 18, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Superdawg Drive-in, 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The iconic hot dog stand in Norwood Park appeared in the Season 1 montage set to Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago” and catered the “breakup party” Carmy and Claire attend in Season 2. 

Trogo Kitchen & Market, 2545 W. Diversey Ave.

Mr. Beef wasn’t the only real-life spot used as a set for the pilot. Trogo Kitchen & Market, on the second floor of the Green Exchange in Logan Square, is home to year-round pop-ups and, for a brief moment, to “The Bear.“

Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in a season two episode of FX’s “The Bear.” Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX

Season 2

88 Marketplace, 2105 S. Jefferson St.

Chicago’s largest Asian supermarket appeared during sous chef Sydney’s (Ayo Ediribi) tour around the city in Season 2. The massive Chinatown marketplace is home to several restaurants and was one of many places featured in a montage as the chef looked for inspiration for The Bear’s updated menu.

Chef Dylan Patel demonstrates the preparation of the famed chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates at Avec, 141 W. Erie St., in River North on May 5, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Avec, 615 W. Randolph St.

Avec in the West Loop served as an inspiration to the showrunners, and Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) is loosely based off of Donnie Madia, founding partner of One Off Hospitality, according to ABC7 New York. The Mediterranean restaurant appears in Season 2, when Sydney receives a menu briefing from real-life Avec chef Dylan Patel.

Alice’s Lounge, 3556 W. Belmont Ave.

This legendary dive bar in Avondale hosts karaoke every night of the week and is a favorite for those in the restaurant industry, with Sundays designated as industry night. Perhaps that’s why the series’ culinary crew winds up there in a Season 2 episode, where Bear staffer Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) performs “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fender.

After, 1338 W. Fulton St.

You can grab a light bite, swanky cocktail or even caviar service at After. For Carmy, it’s the perfect place to sketch. The Fulton Market lounge has shown up multiple times in the series, last transformed through TV magic into a Copenhagen restaurant where Marcus studied in Season 2. 

Damn Fine Coffee Bar, 3317 W. Armitage Ave.

Sydney stopped by this Logan Square cafe in Season 2 to put up a sign on the (fictional) bulletin board as The Bear searched for a new line cook.

Elske, 1350 W. Randolph St.

Sydney makes a stop at this Michelin-starred West Loop restaurant at the end of Season 2’s “Sundae,” calling in a favor from chef and co-owner David Posey. In Season 3, Posey’s wife, co-owner and pastry chef Anna Posey, makes an appearance. 

Andrew Lopez as Garret and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich in “Forks,” a season two episode of “The Bear.” Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX

Ever Restaurant, 1340 W. Fulton St.

This fine-dining establishment has a recurring role on the series, dating back to Season 2, when Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman donned a chef’s hat to play the fictional Andrea Terry, head chef of Ever. Unfortunately, patrons won’t be able to spot Colman at the restaurant — at least, don’t bank on it — but you might recognize some front of house staff, who have also appeared on “The Bear.”

Giant, 3209 W. Armitage Ave.

If you don’t remember Giant appearing on “The Bear,” it’s because producers transformed the Logan Square restaurant into the fictional Verdana French Bistro, where Sydney visited to get advice before opening the new Bear restaurant in Season 2. While Verdana was made for TV, the chefs in the background of the scene are very real.

Kasama, 1001 N. Winchester Ave.

The first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the country, Kasama is highly regarded for its iconic breakfast sandwich and pastries, as well as its dinner tasting menu Thursday to Sunday. The Ukrainain Village restaurant appeared during Sydney’s food tour in Season 2, while chef Genie Kwon cameoed in Season 3. 

Kasia’s Deli, 2101 W. Chicago Ave.

This Polish deli in Ukrainian Village also featured during Sydney’s food tour, when the sous chef dined on pierogi.

Kendall College, 18 S. Michigan Ave.

The Loop-based culinary school — one of the top ranked in the nation — appeared in several episodes of the show’s second season, when Tina and line cook Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) studied under chef instructor Mike Salzinski.

Lao Peng You, 2020 W. Chicago Ave.

This tiny, casual Chinese eatery is first-come, first-served, and the wait for its dumplings can err on the long side. But that was worth it for Sydney on her Season 2 food tour, and the spot is highly regarded as one of the best in the city.

Margie’s Candies, 1960 N. Western Ave., taken in May of 2023. Credit: Mina Bloom/Block Club Chicago

Margie’s Candies, 1960 N. Western Ave.

Sydney’s Season 2 food tour included a stop at Margie’s Candies for a sundae, and maybe that’s where the episode (“Sundae”) scored its name from. The ice cream parlor has been an institution in the city for 105 years; a second location opened in Ravenswood in 2005.

Pequod’s Pizza, 2207 N. Clybourn Ave.

One of the most famous deep-dish pizzas in the city — even if some argue whether Pequod’s signature caramelized crust is really deep-dish — appeared on Season 2, when Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) uses a cookie cutter and micro basil to fancy up the pizza for customers at The Bear. 

Pizza Lobo, 3000 W. Fullerton Ave.

There’s nothing like chowing down on a slice on the sidewalk, as evidenced by Sydney in Season 2 of “The Bear.” Pizza Lobo has three locations in the city, the latest in West Loop, but if you want to feel like you’re stepping out on an FX food tour of your own, head to the Logan Square location.

Publican Quality Meats, 825 W. Fulton Market

One of the city’s most renowned butcher shops made an appearance on Season 2, as Sydney makes a stop during her food tour to commiserate with chef and butcher Rob Levitt. Be sure to stop at sister spots The Publican (837 W. Fulton Market) and Publican Quality Breads (1759 W. Grand Ave.) for the full experience. 

Tortello, 1746 W. Division St.

The pasta from this counter-service spot appeared in Season 2, and the restaurant and mini-grocer itself had a cameo in the Season 3 premiere montage, with husband-and-wife co-owners Dario Monni and Jill Gray briefly shown behind the register. 

“The thing that meant the most to us was watching so many of our regulars post [the scene] and be like, ‘That’s my place,’” Gray told Food and Wine in 2024.

An image from season three of “The Bear” featuring Ricky Staffieri as Ted Fak (left), Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carly” Berzatto (middle) and Matty Matheson as Neil Fak (right). Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX

Season 3

Alexander’s Restaurant, 4357 N. Western Ave.

This old-school Greek diner is featured briefly in a montage in the Season 3 premiere. It’s been part of the Edgewater community since the 1960s, expanding to Lincoln Square and Rogers Park in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Birrieria Zaragoza Uptown, 4800 N. Broadway

This family-owned casual Mexican restaurant has scored a stamp of approval from The Infatuation and Eater, ranked within the latter’s best spots in the city. The menu is full of goat dishes (and a cheese quesadilla, for the vegetarians), and if reviews are anything to go by, it just might be the GOAT. The restaurant was featured briefly during a montage in Season 3.

Empanadas in the case at Cafe Tola’s Logan Square location. Credit: Mina Bloom/Block Club Chicago

Cafe Tola, 3324 N. California Ave.

The empanada chain, found across the North Side, opened on Southport in 2012 before expanding to four locations. Cafe Tola’s Avondale store featured briefly in Season 3, where viewers got a sneak peek into the making of its iconic empanadas.

Chiu Quon Bakery, 2253 S. Wentworth Ave.

Chinatown’s oldest and arguably most renowned bakery was in a montage in Season 3. The bakery is known for its pork buns and sesame balls. Heads up before you go: It’s cash only.

D’Amato’s Bakery, 1124 W. Grand Ave.

This iconic Italian bakery may be famous nowadays for its semi-viral Instagram, but it has been a staple of Grand Avenue for decades. From chicken Caesar sandwiches to classic cutlets, arancini and cannoli, it’s hard to go wrong here. While the brick-and-mortar bakery didn’t formally appear on the series, its factory across the street was featured in the Season 3 premiere montage.

Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina Marrero in the FX on Hulu series “The Bear.” Credit: Provided/FX

Doma Cafe, 946 N. Orleans St.

The Croatian spot may be known for its breakfast sandwiches and ćevapi, but true “The Bear” fanatics might recognize Doma Cafe’s back patio from Season 3, when Sydney was flirting with the idea of leaving The Bear to join the fictionalized version of Ever. 

The Exchange, 224 S. Michigan Ave.

The Exchange is a New American destination and popular wedding venue on Michigan Avenue in the Loop. It appeared in a flashback in Season 3, as Sydney ate in the atrium.

Firecakes Donuts, 68 W. Hubbard St.

An artisanal doughnut shop with four locations across the city, Firecakes Donuts was included in the Season 3 montage. To coincide with the Season 3 premiere, the store launched a themed “Bear Box” of doughnuts. While that’s long gone, you can still score a pistachio old-fashioned or churro doughnut.

“I think the show has done a lot for the [Chicago food] industry,” chef Jonathan Fox told Block Club in 2024. “It gives you a real sense of what our business is like.”

Jetro/Restaurant Depot, 1030 W. Division St.

This industry staple is on Goose Island, where restaurateurs can stock up — or go into labor, in the case of Carmy’s sister Natalie (Abby Elliott) in Season 3. 

People visit Jim’s Original at 1250 S Union Ave. on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Credit: Zoey Duchene/Block Club Chicago

Jim’s Original, 1250 S. Union Ave.

The outside of the beloved Polish sausage stand was in the Season 3 premiere montage. “The crew was fantastic, very personable yet focused on getting good shots,” co-owner Jim Christopoulos told Block Club. The hot dog stand is said to have invented the Maxwell Street Polish in 1943. After 90 years in the Maxwell Street area, Jim’s Original will relocate to 551 W. 18th St. this fall, the restaurant recently announced. It’s also expanding out of the state for the first time with a spot in Orange, California, slated to open in late May, according to an Instagram post.

The Joinery, 2533 W. Homer St.

The event venue was transformed into the set of a farmers market in Season 3. While the set was fictional, the show used real vendors, including Jerry Boone of Froggy Meadow Farm, often seen at Lincoln Park’s Green City Market.

Lou Mitchell’s, 565 W. Jackson Blvd.

This West Loop diner, which has poured the “world’s finest coffee” to patrons for more than a century, was first shown on the series during the Season 3 premiere montage.

Paulina Market, 3501 N. Lincoln Ave.

This Lakeview butcher shop, featured in the Season 3 premiere montage, has been no-frills since 1949, and few things beat the thrill of its deli sandwiches. Paulina Meat Market ranked No. 1 on The Infatuation’s guide to the city’s best Italian subs, so next time you stop in for some sausage, trek on over to the sandwich counter. 

Sabina’s Food Products, Inc., 1509 W. 18th St.

The Pilsen-based tortilleria has been serving up corn-based tortillas for more than 50 years, appearing on Season 3 of the series as Tina stopped by the supplier. 

“They told us they loved our history and our product and that was [their] determining factor for going with us!” Sabina’s owner Ernesto Avina told Block Club in 2024.

Jake Schneider poses in front of his wall of family photos inside of Schneider Deli, 600 N. La Salle Dr. Credit: Jacqueline Cardenas/Block Club Chicago

Schneider Deli, 600 N. La Salle St.

The modern Jewish deli opened in 2023 in the Ohio House motel in River North and added a Lincoln Park location earlier this year. Schneider Deli was featured in the Season 3 premiere montage. “It was serious because we were getting ready to open for the day, so we were running around getting set up. Eventually, we opened at 7, and the small crew kept filming as customers came in,” co-owner Jake Schneider told Block Club.

Vienna Beef Factory Store, 1000 W. Pershing Road

The Bridgeport factory responsible for the legendary Chicago dog was featured in the Season 3 premiere montage, where viewers got to see the meat get packaged. 

Xurro, 2214 S. Wolcott Ave.

This mini-chain is known for its Mexican desserts, but true “The Bear” fanatics might recognize it as a spot Tina passes on the train while on her job hunt in Season 3. There are four locations in the city and several more in the suburbs, but the Pilsen spot is featured on the show. 

Alpana Singh’s River North restaurant Alpana is a significant setting in “The Bear” season four. Credit: Alpana/Facebook

Season 4

Alpana, 831 N. State St.

Not only did the fine-dining restaurant make an appearance in Season 4 of the series, but restaurateur Alpana Singh cameoed alongside her eponymous establishment to educate aspiring sommelier Gary (Corey Hendrix). Singh, the former host of “Check, Please!,” is the youngest woman to be certified as a master sommelier, and her restaurant is famous for its massive wine list. Who else to learn from than the best?

J&M Tap, 957 N. Leavitt St.

In Season 4, Richie stops by the West Town corner dive to smoke a cigarette indoors. The bar is smoke-free, according to Yelp, so don’t try to emulate Cousin Richie too much.

Milli by Metric pastry chefs Defne Cayirlioglu and Kirstin Alexander smile while making a savory garlic herb twist pastry in the company’s new Avondale location on Sept. 9, 2025 ahead of the coffee shop’s grand opening. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago

Metric Coffee, 2021 W. Fulton St.

Not only has Metric appeared on the show, but as of Season 4, the revamped fictional “The Bear” restaurant uses Metric coffee beans.

Milli by Metric, 3110 N. Kedzie Ave.

The Avondale cafe opened last year as an all-day cafe serving pastries, coffee and even wine after 10 a.m. Viewers got a sneak peek of the spot on Season 4 as it served as the set for chef Adam’s upcoming restaurant. 

Olivia’s Market, 2014 W. Wabansia Ave.

The market has been a Bucktown staple since opening in 2004, serving as a mini escape from major grocers. Sydney shopped at Olivia’s on Season 4, and the show’s culinary producer recommends it for food and wine. 

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