Places (mostly restaurants) I’ve tried or frequented this year. Chicago has soooo many different places and is known as a popular foodie capital!
Map
Sections
3
2025 Finds
Fav Spots
30+ Spots
2025 Finds
Wanted to try a new place every week for the year!
Great cozy lunch and dinner spot in Wrigleyville!
Penny's Noodle Shop
Multiple locations in Chicago that are all solid vibes for working remote or a cozy Sunday.
Dark Matter Coffee
If you’ve never heard of Kosher BBQ you’re not alone, this is a hidden gem in East Lakeview.
Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed
The vibes are high and 60’s nostalgic for a perfect content-worthy brunch.
Little Goat Diner
Backyard cookout vibes in the Southport neighborhood. Boujie meets comfort food.
GG's Chicken Shop
We’ve been graced with a location for “dirty sodas” and loaded cookies
Crave Cookies
Made famous by Keith Lee on TikTok, this is an affordable place for arancini-fried rice balls. The prices are great but the owner is even better-such a sweetheart!
Amici Chicago (@amici_chicago)
Counter service taco-fare with some tasty churros
Taco Bros - Damen
The desserts can practically be their own meals they’re so huge. I got a Belgian waffle covered in ice cream scoops and it came with like 4 toppings
Drip - Dessert Lounge
Small stop right off the Belmont station for a quick slice, different flavors to choose from! Closer to Detroit style.
The Slice Shop
Such a cute cafe and bistro with tons of pastries and other items! I had an avocado toast with a London fog, then got a cream filled croissant w/strawberries on it to go!
Roggenart
Great spot for all your romance and romantasy needs. They have different genres of fantasy books plus some photo booths and accessories.
The Last Chapter Book Shop Chicago
Small diner style set up with hot dogs and smash burgers! They also have shakes and floats with unique flavor options.
The Region - Handcrafted Hamburgers
Japanese cafe in East Lakeview Chicago. Love the spacious area, even better when it’s nice out and they have seating on the street! Their chocolate toast was more of a dessert style with ice cream scoops included.
OMI Cafe
Awesome taco place north of Wrigley off Irving Park. Located in a small strip-mall, my favorite items were their Birria taco and frozen ice cream bar.
TACO MORO
Small eclectic interest shop with many lgbtqia+ friendly arts & gifts from local artists. It’s run by a couple that curates everything themselves.
Bad Luck Club, LLC
Not just a juice selection! This is more of a cafe with different coffee & smoothie options as well. I loved their London Fog and two types of toast on the menu.
JuiceRx
Tiny empanada shop in Southport Corridor with a variety of empanadas to choose from as well as a large coffee selection. Outdoor dining or takeout only
Cafe Tola
Brownies, blondies, brookies, cake, ice cream, oh my! Cute and stylish dessert shop in the Southport Corridor
Brou'ne Desserts
Fav Spots
These are go to spots for me!
Can’t go wrong with artisanal ice cream. My personal favorite is the gooey butter cake.
Jeni's Ice Creams
HOME OF THE SINGING BARTENDERS. Best underrated karaoke spot - two locations in town
The Rabbit Hole Chicago – Old Town's Curiouser Pub and Grill
Absolute favorite Thai spot in the city. I always get this spicy beef and basil dish with peppers and a side of rice.
Star of Siam
We Stan our Donut King
Stan's Donuts
30+ Spots
I haven’t tried these yet but they’ve been recommended as good for ages 30+
