7 Chicago Chefs Share Their Go-To Hangover Meals

New Year’s Eve is around the corner, which means it’s high time to gear up for one of the biggest nights of the year. The only problem with an hours-long celebration punctuated by Champagne, confetti, caviar — and more Champagne? The morning aftermath that accompanies it. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up some of Chicago’s best restaurant talent to shed light on the dishes and drinks that help them bounce back from even the wildest of nights. From nachos and oysters, to soup and Bloody Marys, here are seven (delicious) ways to help ensure you’re feeling tip top in no time come Jan. 1.

Chris Thompson, Coda di Volpe

Gage Hospitality Group

The Farmer’s Biscuit at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits

“My hangover cure is the farmers biscuit at Bang Bang.  It’s a fun, seasonally inspired dish that’s always changing.  Just like my hangovers are always changing, so does the biscuit, but it works its magic every time.  The one that comes to mind recently was with a little mixed green salad, blueberries, goat cheese and pepitas. I always get it with a soft poached egg.  In the summer time, find a sunny seat on the patio and enjoy it with a tall iced coffee.  In the winter, huddle in the corner with a big cup of bottomless Gaslight Coffee.”

Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde

hangover cures: Sarah Grueneberg
Sarah Grueneberg (Photo by Galdones Photography.)

Dim sum and Chinese green tea at Cai

“Dim Sum brunch is the best for when I’m feeling less than spry. First, start with a hot green tea and an ice-cold beer. Order off the dim sum menu, and get the instant cure items: the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), shrimp dumplings with green chive, stuffed bean curd with pork and shrimp, and a few rounds of spicy wontons. Be sure to also order a plate of stir-fried noodles or pea shoots, and you’re golden. If you’re looking to continue the group celebrations into the new year, grab a bunch of your friends and go for the whole king crab with the fried garlic!”

Donny Farrell, Quality Crab & Oyster Bah

Photo by Anjali Pinto

Oyster Po’boy at Domilice’s in New Orleans

(Don’t worry, you can get your fix at Quality Crab & Oyster Bah!)

“This may sound like a terrible idea but eating oysters when I’m hungover is my cure-all. When I tell people this secret, I am often scoffed at because the last thing people think to eat when hungover is oysters. There is something about the oysters that get your blood pumping and revives your body from the abuse it endured night before. That is why my favorite hangover meal is a fried oyster Po’Boy. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of the perfect French loaf, crispy-cold chopped iceberg lettuce, the warm crunch of the oysters, the tanginess of the pickles, some mayo for fat and creaminess, and a few dashes of hot sauce is the perfect meal to help with a hangover. It has the perfect texture, the right amount of fat, and the hot sauce ties everything together. You can thank me later…”

Joe Frillman, Daisies

hangover cures: Joe Frillman
Joe Frillman (Photo by Neil Burger.)

The HMBLT at Cafe Marie-Jeanne

“The HMBLT is herring mayo, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on house sourdough bread. Anytime I am hurting from the night before, I crave fat and salt, and this is my ‘go-to.’ The thick-cut, fatty bacon is complimented by the beautiful herring mayo for an umami-rich upgrade to the average BLT, and with the perfectly salty home fries, it’s just what the doctor ordered — and still my favorite sandwich in Chicago!”

Mitch Liebovich, Wrigley BBQ

hangover cures: Mitch Liebovich
Mitch Liebovich (Photo by Kailley Lindman.)

Coach’s Pot Roast Nachos & The Bloody Mike at Mike Ditka’s

“Coach’s Pot Roast Nachos are the ultimate comfort food after a hard night on the town. The chips are hearty and flavorful and have just enough grease and carbs to soak up the over-indulgence of alcohol from the night before. Paired with The Bloody Mike — which is almost a meal in and of itself — you’ll definitely feel like a new man or woman, ready to tackle the day. Be careful, though — it’s also the perfect meal to prep you for an afternoon nap.”

Bill Montagne, Nico Osteria

hangover cures: Bill Montagne
Bill Montagne (Photo courtesy of One Off Hospitality.)

Pozole at Arturo’s Tacos

“The Pozole at Arturo’s is a comforting friend after a long night. The warm broth, when hit with a fresh squeeze of lime, re-energizes the soul. Their doors welcome guests 24/7 with all smiles and no judgement.”

Charlie Schott, Parson’s Chicken & Fish

hangover cures: Charlie Schott
Charlie Schott (Photo by Clayton Hauck.)

No.11 Al Tang (Spicy Pollock Roe Soup) at Joong Boo Market

“This soup consists of millions of tiny fish eggs and vegetables in boiling hot, spicy broth, which is served with rice and rotating kimchi and pickled items. The brightly lit and bustling snack counter at Joong Boo is the perfect backdrop for a crippling hangover. It cuts through the mind fog and drains it through your now running nose. Pair it with Coca-Cola Classic for optimal results.”

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