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 noodles, to beer and Bloody Marys, here are seven (delicious) ways to help ensure you’re feeling tip top in no time come Jan. 1.
Johnny Besch, BLVD
Hangover Chilaquiles at Danny’s Egghead Diner
“This is my go-to morning-after hangover dish. It soaks up that extra booze, and it tastes damn good. It has all of the elements you could ask for in the morning: tortilla chips, braised meats, avocado, a fried egg, and a spicy salsa.”
Joe Frillman, Daisies
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!”
Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde
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!”
Mitch Liebovich, Wrigley BBQ
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.”
Matthias Merges, Gideon Sweet
Chung-Gook-Jang at Joong Boo Market
“This is a great Korean grocery, and my favorite part is, there’s a tiny, 20-seat restaurant in the back corner dishing up some of the best Korean food in the city. Comprised of fermented soy beans, fermented chiles, and assorted vegetables, the Chung-Gook-Jang is packed full of umami flavors and gives you the satisfaction of eating pork fat or beef. The vegetables are fresh and crisp, which helps in telling your body you are doing the right thing!”
Bill Montagne, Nico Osteria
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
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.”
Feature photo by Pelle Martin on Unsplash.
More from Make It Better:
- 7 Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep
- 4 Perfect Punch Recipes From Top Chicago Chefs
- North Shore Dining Guide: The Best Restaurants on Chicago’s North Shore
Nicole Schnitzler is a freelance writer who covers food, drink, travel and lifestyle. When she is not planning her next adventure, she can be found commuting between bakeries, yoga classes, live music shows, and libraries in her hometown of Chicago. She is most comfortable with a pen in one hand and a fork in the other. Nicole is also the founder of Doors Open Dishes, an initiative committed to keeping the doors open to the group homes and workshops of individuals with special needs by partnering with chefs and restaurants across the city. Follow her on Twitter (@Write_To_Eat) or on Instagram (@WriteToEat).
