Two Illinois Restaurants Named to National Best-of List

The New York Times included two local eateries in its annual selection of the top 50 restaurants in the United States.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a porcelain plate and cutlery on a wooden surface, representing contemporary fine dining. — The New York Times has selected two Illinois dining establishments, Chicago’s Creepies and Niles’ Kouklas Greek Eatery, for its 2026 top 50 list. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York Times has recognized two Illinois establishments in its 2026 list of America's 50 Best Restaurants. The selections include a long-standing city favorite and a relatively new suburban venue.

Why it matters

National recognition from major publications often elevates the profile of local businesses and attracts culinary tourism to the highlighted regions.

The list recognizes 50 total restaurants across the country, with two locations in Illinois earning spots. One of the featured sites, Kouklas Greek Eatery, has been operating for less than one year.

The players

The New York Times

This American daily newspaper is known for its investigative reporting and influential food and cultural criticism.

Creepies

This restaurant is a dining establishment located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.

Kouklas Greek Eatery

This recently opened restaurant is located in Niles and specializes in Greek cuisine.

The details

Creepies, located in the West Loop at 1360 W. Randolph St. in Chicago, joins the list alongside Kouklas Greek Eatery, which is situated at 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles.

The New York Times released its 2026 list of best restaurants on September 23, 2026.

Culture Shift

This recognition by The New York Times' annual America's 50 Best Restaurants list reflects a growing national appreciation for diverse, localized food scenes outside of traditional culinary hubs. It underscores how prestige media influence shapes current consumer interest in emerging neighborhood eateries.

Diners should anticipate increased demand and potential wait times at these newly recognized establishments. Prospective visitors should check reservation policies before planning a trip, especially for those traveling from across the state.

The takeaway

National acclaim can significantly alter the daily operations and popularity of local restaurants. Residents looking to visit these sites are encouraged to plan ahead to accommodate potentially longer wait times.