Jack Gillespie has what any teen or 20-something could only dream of: a lifetime supply of boba tea.
Now, restaurants no longer need a Michelin star to see success. The key ingredient for a line out the door is a viral video. As new businesses pop up, owners are gravitating toward the “TikTok model,” intentionally creating unique storefronts and cutesy foods to garner attention online. But as whimsical cafes become more common, some have taken to TikTok to highlight the restaurants that aren’t as video-worthy—from mom-and-pop diners without social media pages to hidden family-owned stores lacking adequate advertising.
Tag yo friends! #chicagorestaurants #chicagofood #chicagocheck #coriinthecity
♬ WHOLE LOTTA MONEY – Bïa
Gen Z’s especially anti-power ethos has cultivated an atmosphere on TikTok that rejects the hierarchical system of what it means to be “legitimate, to be reputable, to have a right to be in a certain space,” Drenten says. What matters is making content that proves to be valuable.
Best shake and pancakes!! @brothersrestaurant #brothersrestaurant #explorechicago #explorexchicago #chicagofoodspots #chicagofood
♬ original sound – switchdisco
Bottomless Veuve Clicquot? Say less 🥂 #chicago #chicagotiktok #chicagorestaurants #valentinesday #chicagobrunch #veuveclicquot #champagne
♬ Anyone – Justin Bieber
Joelle knows her content isn’t for everyone. It’s tailored for those who enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and the chance to dress up. “For the most part, since I grew up here, this is the life that I was always living,” she says. “The following I do have is a really strong one because they’re people who are like me.”
Chicago’s secret donut shop! #hiddengems #chicago #illinois #chicagofood #chicagocheck #donuts #donut #foodreview #fyp #tiktokfoodie #tiktokfoodie
♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] – Elliot Van Coup
Wakey wakey 😴🔥🤤 #hotchicken #thebudlong #wakeup #comedy #foodie #chicken #chickensandwich #foodtiktok
♬ SugarCrash! – ElyOtto
Patio Brunch in Chicago. Follow for more recommendations ##brunchoutfit ##Blackownedrestaurants ##ChicagoBrunch ##Brunchin ##brunchinspo
♬ suono originale – Fredis Terrer
Min’s Noodle House is one of my top 5 picks for Chinese restaurants in Chicago ##chinesefood ##chicago
♬ original sound – Shifa Zhong 钟仕发
