Michelin’s Bib Gourmands are selected by the company’s esteemed and anonymous food inspectors and represent restaurants that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). Most important, they are the restaurants that the Michelin inspectors frequent themselves.

In the 2014 edition, 69 Chicago area restaurants made the list, including 21 newcomers. These establishments are located throughout Chicago’s downtown neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs and represent a diverse range of 22 different cuisines.

While the famous Michelin stars remain the most celebrated international distinction in the Michelin Guide, the Bib Gourmand is a highly desired honor among restaurateurs and one that is recognized by the many people who covet quality food at a reasonable price.

Michelin’s anonymous inspectors regularly dine across the city of Chicago, as well as in the surrounding suburbs to make their choices for the Bib Gourmands and the other restaurant selections in the Michelin Guide Chicago. These local inspectors are trained to scrupulously apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence.  As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full.