Next Chicago

Next sits at 953 W Fulton Market, a significant distance from the Art Institute of Chicago and the city’s standard tourist loop. It holds a Michelin star.

The restaurant is sharper and more precise than the crowded taprooms that dominate much of Fulton Market. While its neighbors lean into the casual chaos of the district, this kitchen follows a rigid, choreographed rhythm that separates it from the local noise. It is the best reason to head west of the city’s core for a contemporary South American and seafood menu that favors technical restraint over the heavy-handed portions common nearby. The room runs smart and elegant, but the real distinction is that the team here prioritizes the food over the neighborhood’s typical boisterous atmosphere.