Ever, a real-life restaurant in Chicago, is overseen by the fictional Chef Terry (played by Olivia Coleman) in the TV show The Bear. In the series, Cousin Richie (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach), transforms from a gruff waiter to a fine dining superstar in the front of house. [SPOILER ALER!T] At the end of season three, Chef Terry closes Ever.
This highlights the impact of The Bear, a fictional television show that captures the essence of the restaurant industry more accurately and relatably than any previous food-related fiction. The show is cherished by restaurant industry workers, the chefs it venerates, and casual food enthusiasts alike. So realistic is the depiction, that the owners of Ever were understandably concerned that the show’s realistic depiction of Chicago’s food scene might lead viewers and potential diners to mistakenly believe that Ever is closing in reality.
Last season, viewers were brought on tours of many real-life Chicago eateries. This season, however, primarily takes place on the tense and claustrophobic set of the titular fictional restaurant, offering fewer chances to explore Chicago’s dining scene. There are notable exceptions, particularly the memorable montage that opens episode two, “Next.” This sequence includes shout-outs to sausage-making plants, coffee roasteries, tortillerias, chocolate factories, and seafood markets, highlighting some of Chicago’s oldest, most resilient, and working-class-friendly establishments.
Schneider Deli
River North
Opened last summer in River North, Schneider is a relative newcomer that aspires to cover both prominent forms of American Ashkenazi cuisine: bagels, smoked and cured fish, and various cream cheese spreads, as well as deli, with staples like matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches.
Lou Mitchell’s
Downtown
The century old Greek diner in downtown Chicago is a landmark because it’s the “first stop” on Route 66. The diner is known for its large portions, making the platonic ideal versions of the diner cuisine mainstays it helped popularize, and giving away free milk duds or donut holes, and orange slices.
The Original Pancake House
Various locations
A small chain in the city with three locations, Original Pancake House doesn’t suffer any false modesty, billing its cinnamon apple pancake “The World’s Greatest” and its offerings “some of the finest breakfast food in the business”.
Alexander’s Restaurant
Various locations
Another generational small chain of Greek delis, bought out by its Ecuadorian chef and his family five years ago. Sydney and her dad, played by the great Robert Townsend, visit the uncredited diner in season two, but here it finally gets its shout out. The biscuits and gravy look sick.
Firecakes Donuts
Various locations
A four location franchise of donut shops that also makes in-house ice cream. Firecakes is currently featuring a limited edition donut collection inspired by The Bear.
Tortello
West Town
This Italian restaurant in West Town also serves as a retail pasta shop selling a wide variety of handmade pastas, and hosts pasta making classes.
Jim’s Original
Various locations
One of Chicago’s famed, long standing Polish sausage stands that has been around in one form or another for 80 years. There is dubious parentage but Jim’s is certainly one of the originators of the famed Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich: a one-third pound griddled sausage, topped with sweet grilled onions, yellow mustard, and hot sport peppers.
