2 IL restaurants and 1 in St. Louis are among 50 best in US, New York Times says
Two Illinois restaurants recently made The New York Times’ Restaurant List 2025, including a barbecue joint and a Latin American restaurant that’s earned a Michelin star.
The New York Times named Sanders BBQ Supply Co. and Cariño among the top 50 best U.S. restaurants for 2025, and Cariño also made a list for New York Times’ staff’s “Restaurants of the Year.” Both restaurants are in Chicago.
“There are moments that stop you in your tracks. This is one of them,” a Sept. 10 Facebook post by Sanders BBQ Supply Co. said. “To be named among the Best Restaurants in America by The New York Times is more than an honor—it’s a testament to the people who make Sanders what it is.”
While many restaurants that make national rankings may require reservations and their meals can run you well over $100, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. is more casual, and a pulled pork sandwich is priced at $14.
In his review, New York Times food writer Brett Anderson said Sanders BBQ served one of “the most irresistible Southern dishes in the country” – the oxtail gumbo.
If you’re looking for an upscale experience, Michelin-starred Cariño offers “an immersive culinary journey” and an “elevated dining experience.”
The New York Times lauded Cariño for its chicken liver taco dorado and pumpernickel quesadilla with black garlic, and also recommended the restaurant’s ravioli.
“Coming up on just two years since opening our doors, it feels surreal to see Cariño named one of The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants. I couldn’t be more honored! When I opened Cariño, my hope was to create a place where people feel at home while celebrating the flavors and traditions that inspire us. Seeing people connect with that vision has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead,” Chef Norman Fenton said in an emailed statement.
“This recognition wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking team, who make every service special, my family, who have supported me every step of the way, and the guests who have embraced Cariño from day one,” Fenton said.
One Missouri restaurant was also recognized in the Restaurant List 2025 – Robin in St. Louis. Robin serves up “fine comfort dining” and unique versions of Midwest specialities such as chicken liver mousse and savory Oreos, The New York Times reported.
When evaluating restaurants for its top 50 list, The New York Times reports the company pays for its own staff’s meals, visits unannounced, using regular reservation booking tools or walking in, and does not seek or accept special treatment.
Here’s what else to know about the two Chicago restaurants to make the cut.
Dining at Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
Sanders BBQ offers catering, takeout and delivery along with its in-restaurant dining, and some of its most popular menu items include brisket, fried catfish, potato salad and chicken wings.
“Like all of the meat on the menu, the gumbo carries the whiff of hardwood smoke. The owner James Sanders’ staff, notably the pitmaster-chef Nick Kleutsch, is smoking some of the best barbecue outside Texas,” The New York Times best restaurant list said.
The barbecue restaurant has a bring-your-own alcohol policy, allowing patrons to bring wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. There is a limit of one bottle of wine or one six-pack of beers per two guests. Corkage fees are $10.
In addition to its popular barbecue main dishes, Sanders BBQ also serves up sides such as fries, mac and cheese, elote, beans and collard greens. For dessert, you can try an order of brown butter bourbon cookies.
Location: 1742 W. 99th St. Chicago, IL 60643
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Booking a table at Cariño
Cariño offers a few types of prepaid reservations, including a tasting menu reservation, which includes 12 to 14 courses and costs $190 to $200 per person, a chef’s counter reservation, with 14 to 16 courses for $210 to $220 per person and a taco omakase reservation, a late-night eight-course menu for $125 per person.
If you’re hoping to dine at Cariño, you may want to plan your experience a while in advance. As of Sept. 15, the next available online reservations for a party of two were in November.
Menu offerings at Cariño include the empanada with crab, gooseberry and habanero, black cod with chayote, mole amarillo and green pepitas and many others.
“The ravioli was a summer stunner, to behold and to taste, filled with earthy huitlacoche, swaddled in a sweet-corn foam and ringed with a tawny corona of fried corn silk,” The New York Times best restaurants review said.
In the staff list of “Restaurants of the Year,” the New York Times’ Brian Gallagher described dining at Cariño “an exhilarating meal.”
“It combined the best elements of tasting-menu creativity and technical prowess with the elemental pleasure of Mexican flavors. And not stingy with the spice, as many Latin-inspired multicourse experiences can be,” the “Restaurants of the Year” review continued.
Cariño received its Michelin star in December 2024, and the Michelin guide highlighted the restaurant’s lamb tartare tostada and said the best seats in the house are at the counter.
“The past 24 hours have been surreal,” Cariño staff said in a Sept. 11 Facebook post. “From #TheNewYorkTimes Restaurant List to Senior Editor Brian Gallagher’s pick for #RestaurantOfTheYear, let’s take a moment to recognize the team, past and present. And to my family, I will see you soon!”
The News-Democrat has contacted staff with Robin, Sanders BBQ and Cariño for comment.
Location: 4662 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60640
Hours: 6 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday
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This story was originally published September 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
