Chicago Chow

Where quality ingredients meet great vibes—my favorite spots in every neighborhood.

Bucktown/Logan

Mornings

  • Electric Mud. Dark Matter. Seriously caffeinated coffee. My favorite order is the Wake n Bake.

  • Red June Cafe. Cutest little coffee shop. Woman owned. Great breakfast sandwiches and donuts.

Evenings

  • Antico. One of my favorite Italian spots. Cozy. Get the gnocchi. Half off wine on Wednesdays.

  • Bungalow by Middle Brow. Very hipster. Good wood fired pizza and natural wines. Happy hour 4-6pm.

  • Chef’s Special. Chinese food that isn’t too greasy, has great portions and fun options. Great cocktails too. The bar inside is super cool.

  • Coast. Best sushi in Chicago in my opinion. White dragon roll (must). BYOB.

  • Irazu. Costa Rican food. Great ceviche. Awesome in the summer when all the windows are down. BYOB.

  • Le Bouchon. Feel like you got transported to France. Get french fries and french onion soup. Half off wine on Monday’s.

  • Lonesome Rose. Delicious Mexican. Amazing queso. Fresh and cute.

  • Ramen Wasabi. Favorite Ramen in the city. The broth is out of this world. No reservations but worth the wait.

Refreshments

  • The Charleston. Nestled right in the neighborhood. Classy, funky, unique beers and great old fashion’s.

  • Red and White Wines. For natural wine lovers. Find the $25 and under section. Clean and delish.

Fulton Market

Mornings

  • Cira. Main floor of the Hoxton Hotel. Amazing breakfast. The room has amazing ambiance.

  • The Publican. Only have brunch on the weekend. Really good quality food. Of course, sourdough.

  • La Colombe. Favorite coffee in the city. Smooth. Black & tan is my go to. Yummy croissants too.

Evenings

  • Aberdeen Tap. Only casual-ish bar anywhere near this area. Good food and nice low key vibe. Love the buffalo cauliflower.

  • Duck Duck Goat. Chinese American food. Fun atmosphere. Best fried rice.

  • J.P Graziano’s. Best Italian sandwich in the city. Cool family owned place. They sell sandwiches until they run out of bread and then go home for the day to their families.

  • Momotaro. Swanky Japanese place. I have only been for sushi but a great spot to stop for a drink too.

  • Rose Mary. Croatian + Italian food meet. Beverly native chef. Best expresso martini (they also offer decaf version)

  • Trivoli. Feel like you just got transported back in time. Fun place for a special occasion. Lots of great seafood. Make a res ahead of time. Good happy hour deals too!

Refreshments

  • Lazy Bird. Speakeasy vibe, live music, fun cocktails. First come, first served but really worth a shot. Super cool.

  • Lone Wolf. Casual and cool. Stop before or after dinner for a cocktail.

West Town/Ukranian Village

Mornings

  • Breakfast House. Classic breakfast spot. Feel like you are eating in someones home.

  • Flo. Incredible Mexican breakfast. Really cute, fun for a group brunch. That’s all you need to know. Just go.

  • Publican Bread. THE place for sourdough. Plus lots of other sweet + savory options. Outdoor seating only, otherwise grab n’ go.

  • Sabroso. Authentic Mexican food. Fresh guac. Best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. BYOB casual.

  • Star Lounge. Dark Matter. Cute outdoor seating in the summer. Fun working remote spot if you like music and people watching.

Evenings

  • Coal Fire Pizza. Worth eating there for the best crispy pizza experience.

  • Gemma Foods. Homemade pasta for pick up. The sauces are to die for. Great for having friends over and not wanting to slave away in the kitchen the whole time.

  • Lao Peng You. Very small + quaint Chinese restaurant. Noodles and dumplings. Usually mobbed so a great take out.

  • Tuman’s. Leveled up pub. They partner with local Slagel Farms for their meats. Great Guinness pour. Random, but really good mussels too.

  • Output. Best grilled chicken wings. Lemon pepper are my fav.

Refreshments

  • EZ Inn. Divey but not dirty. Fun with a group or a date night spot.

  • Sportsman. Cozy vibe. Great cocktails. Outdoor patio in the summertime.

  • Queen Mary Tavern. Delish cocktails. Oysters at the happy hour. English cool vibe.

Lincoln Park

Mornings

Evenings

  • Ada Street. Really amazing food. Intimate vibe. Get the gnocchi.

  • Athenian Room. Not a hot take, incredible chicken kalamata. Old school. Cash only.

  • Cafe-ba-ba-reeba. Tapas. Great for groups. Sometimes have live music. Nice happy hour.

River North / Gold Coast

Mornings

  • Doma. Croatian cafe. Really unique, well done menu. Wholesome.

  • Fab Cakes. Tiny Euro style cafe. Delish grab n go breakfasts or spend some time on a cozy work morning.

Evenings

  • Ema. Fresh and tasty Mediterranean plates. Lighter food, refreshing.

  • True Food Kitchen. Andrew Weil’s restaurant. Seasonal menu. Real food.

Refreshments

Southside

Mornings

Midday