Places (mostly restaurants) I’ve tried or frequented this year. Chicago has soooo many different places and is known as a popular foodie capital!
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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
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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
Cute spot with a lovely outdoor space tucked off Clark street near Wrigley Field
El Jardin
Right around the corner from the DePaul campus, Firefly is a small burger place with different burgers and shakes AND a Dubai chocolate dessert option! They also have burger bowls if you’re wanting to go bunless
Firefly Burger
Best bang for your buck on food quantity! My tacos were stuffed to the brim and I got plenty of chips & Guac, paired with a nice glass Pepsi
Taqueria El Asadero
Deep dish cookies, need I say more? I will- they also have ice cream and shakes
Cookie Spin
Mostly outdoor patio seating but they have fun specialty cold drinks and partner with a gluten free bakery
Levant Coffee Bar
Coffee and arepa cafe with some biscuit sandwiches for breakfast as well
11 Degree North
Great vibes and great pizza! I got the honey and ham pizza which was both sweet and spicy
Coalfire
Suuuuper popular and for good reason! Very spacious breakfast vibes and solid menu options. I got a hash scramble with sausage and a side of French toast
Breakfast House & Coffee Bar
Fun wrigleyville spot with a good sandwich and soup deal on weekdays
Almost Home Tavern
They have the best happy hour app and cocktail deals!!
Hubbard Inn
This Roman style pizza place is a hidden gem. You choose your slice cut and pay by weight so you can try different things. I had a burrata slice and a slice of something with a bunch of tomatoes on top!
Bonci Pizzeria
This just took over what used to be the Houndstooth Saloon off Clark. Good option AROUND Wrigley but not IN Wrigley if you want to be by the game without as bad of a crowd. They're expanding their kitchen soon.
Dad's Place - A Chicago Gathering Spot
Similar to Roti but local to Chicago!
Sila's mediterranean Restaurant
Killer might be extreme but the margaritas were pretty good! I also ate their birria quesadillas and that was my favorite
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway
The vibes and aesthetic are on point, and they have great drinks and sandwiches!
Cafe Deko
Lovely back patio with an outdoor bar but also cool decorations inside! Sports bar so TVs all over
Kirkwood
There’s a handful of these in the city but good for a quick pick me up, especially for me when I work downtown!
Dollop Coffee Co.
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
THE BEST bar & bar eats place you’ll find. They have specialty grilled cheese sandwiches and different events for a happy hour with friends
Cheesie's Pub & Grub - Lakeview
Good as an option for board game night with your friends if no one wants to host but ALSO over food & drink you can try new games before buying them. Waitstaff also act as game consults giving recommendations based on your interests.
Bonus Round Game Cafe
I used to eat this weekly when I was training for a marathon. Big portions and tiramisu is so good!
Pasta Palazzo
This has hands down the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had and i grew up around southern restaurants in Missouri
AJ's Diner at The Long Room
30+ Spots
I haven’t tried these yet but they’ve been recommended as good for ages 30+
Recommended for 30+!
Fox Bar
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
The Duplex
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
Revolver
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
The Bellevue Chicago
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
The Green Room Tap
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
The Berkshire Room
Haven't tried yet but it's recommended for 30s!
Z Bar
Especially Saturday Nights
Book a Stay at our Boutique Chicago Hotel
Perfect bar and restaurant in the financial district in west loop. Great river views and perfect happy hour opportunities
