8 Rhubarb Dishes We Love in Chicago

[Photograph: Lindsey Becker]

Describe rhubarb to someone, and it is unlikely they will have any desire to try it. First of all, a long bright red stalk with a texture similar to celery and a taste that can be as tart as a fresh cranberry is a hard sell. Then there's the slippery classification. Is it a vegetable or a fruit? A vegetable that's usually treated like a fruit? Finally, that name. How seriously can you take a food that sounds like a mumble?

Yes, some people may think of rhubarb as more of an ingredient to cover up or ignore rather than feature, but I found eight restaurants not only brave enough to spotlight this spring and summertime vegetable, but places that do it so well that I am now craving rhubarb. Surprisingly, only one of our picks came in pie form. Click through the slideshow to check out all the picks, and let me know if you have any favorites!

Brioche Beignets with Rhubarb-Berry Compote at NoMi »
Rhubarb Study at Hot Chocolate »
White Chocolate Mousse with Stewed Rhubarb, Pine Nut Granola, and Saffron at Blackbird »
Crispy Canelés with Rhubarb Jam and Chocolate Sauce at Chez Moi »
Rhubarbalicious at mk »
Rhubarb Doughnuts at Sprout »
Rhubarb Crumble Pie at Bang Bang Pie Shop »
Early Rhubarb & Raspberry Blisscakes at M. Henry »

All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.