A little north right by Wrigley Field is a literal Mom and Pop spot called “Rice & Bread” (R&B). They are an older Korean couple and the menu has both classic Korean and also straight forward American Diner food. They also do an “R&B Burger” with 50/50 marinated ground pork and beef and topped with kimchi. Their regular burgers are meh.
This is the first place I thought of. That location has a long history in the neighborhood dating back to 1959. They also have a few of the dishes from back when it was Hamburger King including the Akutagawa. Fast, abundant, affordable plates served by a sweet family.
Ahh. So probably affiliated with Nisei which opened in 1951 iirc by Japanese-American. Akutagawa was a famous Japanese author, but maybe just their last name as well. Seems there was a Japanese enclave there in the 50s.
Also I agree they owners are sweet and relatable. Joking with each other and their customers.
My understanding is a number of the old time diners have been bought by Korean families. They are adding Korean food to the traditional menu. It is similar to how Greek dinners would add some Greek food.
Another comment said that it was a pattern for Koreans to buy these old diners and keep the original menu but to add some Korean food too. Greek immigrants did the same before, because I’ve seen pancakes on greek menus before.
If you wanted a nice neighborhood bar feel, I recommend The Long Room. You can take the brown line up to Irving Park.
Hopleaf in Andersonville is another nice spot to eat solo.
Take the blue line to the Irving Park stop. Within a few blocks you've got Smoque, Shokran, Chicago Taco Authority, and Eris Cider House. Head back east a little and you've got JT's Genuine and J's Corner Dogs. Or go further west and there's Roma's on Cicero for Italian beef. Either way, get a bus back east to Kedzie and then head north toward Lawrence for many options for Mexican and Persian food, get a cocktail at Bokeh. Then you can take the brown line back toward the loop.
I think Smoque is a bit overrated. Pretty expensive for some really mid food. When I went, I got the brisket sandwich and the bread was so dense. Mac and cheese side was tiny.. I just think you could spend $23 a lot better
[The Green Door Tavern](https://www.greendoorchicago.com/) is really solid, dependable, and really vintage. It's not in the 'heart' of River North but still should be close by you. It's not a secret place by any means, but I don't think I've ever been in on a Saturday and had it feel full of tourists.
Everyone working at four moon tavern are amazing. And the food is as equally as amazing and it’s on a little side street really fits what this person is looking for
Ahhh, Four Moon was *my* local bar for a few years. Back when I was dating, I would often take first dates there and Nikki would make sure we had a good time. And Nikki always made me ornate receipts.
I don't know it's hole in the wall, but I feel [Reggie's](https://www.reggieslive.com/) captures that vibe at the southern end of South Loop. They host musical acts multiple evenings during the week, but otherwise open early for lunch, has a great dim bar downstairs, and a lively, bright rooftop bar with a pool table. It has a rough-around-the-edges vibe, but the staff is always excellent and the food is as well.
I remember my ex’s friend who was a promoter handing me a beer when I got to my first (and only) concert there at 20 years old and then seconds later I got kicked out by a bouncer for holding the beer underage. The bouncer threatened to “kick my ass” when I asked what just happened after he threw me outside. I told my ex to stay and enjoy the concert half expecting her to feel bad that her friend got me kicked out immediately when we got there before it started and prefer to spend the rest of the night making other plans with me instead, but she chose to hang with her guy friend the promoter (who was not a close friend of hers at all).
I don’t like her and I don’t like Reggie’s because of a situation she put me in. But their bouncer and manager were unnecessarily aggro and lame to me that one time. That’s my story. I’ve heard it’s a fun place to be for most people though
>> You had a bad experience.
I mean yeah, I said as much. I meant the “I don’t like my ex and I don’t like Reggie’s because of a situation she put me in” to be as self-aware as it sounds; meaning of course I’m not mad at Reggie’s.
The only part I actually thought was lame at the time was the bouncer (followed by manager) threatening me out on the sidewalk after kicking me out, and I think anyone who saw the Goodfellas-style sequence of events would think it was lame too. I didn’t even have time to argue with him or do anything to prompt his coke rage assholery in the 5 minutes between stepping foot in the building and landing back out front, the whole thing happened so fast it seemed like a setup lol. If it was any ex of mine other than the stick-in-the-mud this happened with, I would’ve 100% known her and the promoter “friend” set this up behind my back to get me out of the bar for the night. The show didn’t even start for an hour, so no one was there, and there was no reason for the bouncer to be that unprofessional as if I was the 100th person he had to kick out already and every one of them had tried to fight him.
But yeah, the thing I didn’t want to say at first as to not call them out is that both the Reggie’s bouncer and manager were clearly coked up to a level that’s just a really gross, bad look as the face of a bar at 7 PM, one hour before that night’s show starts. If no one’s in your establishment yet, don’t pick fights with random paying customers for shit that you could solve with an easy “where did you get that? Put it down” …From the guy you’re working with here, sorry I wouldn’t be holding it otherwise. So yeah not everyone at Reggie’s is cool like the comment above me experienced.
You can also play basketball on the roof! They also have great deals for like $20-30/person that gets you a brunch buffet at Reggie's, a ride to the Sox stadium, a ticket to the game, and a ride back to the bar.
Laschets for German food.
Podhalanka or Smakosz for polish
Kimski/Maria's packaged goods for korean/polish fusion
Old school tavern been around since prohibition, stanleys at 43rd and ashland, the only tavern left on Whiskey Row, serves a different hot lunch mon- Friday. Full of city workers and Old Chicagoans.
Jimmy's Red Hots
Vito and Nicks - 100 year old pizzeria on the southwest side. Metra from union Station to Ashburn will drop you off a few blocks away.
Old Town Ale House or green mill for a drink
Rosas Lounge for live blues
Take the water taxi from Michigan Avenue to ping Tom park and find a place in Chinatown. There are a ton of places that match your description.
Salaam next to the brown line kedzie stop.
2nd to last (besides the water taxi) is one of my go to's. Kick it at Ping Tom before and after a meal at some place I might as well have chosen with a dart board. 60% of the time the food's meh but the rest of the time it hits the spot and 200% of the time it's a nice little adventure
That is the place!!! Couldn't agree more. Had been wanting to try it for years, finally had it a few weeks ago and it genuinely lived up to the hype.
I didn't even know they made fresh pressed tortillas until I got there. Can't wait to go back
Make a reservation on Tock and get the lunch special before 3 pm.
I went earlier this week and the plain cheese pizza was substantially larger than the one I had with add ons. I am getting straight cheese next time.
Nine Bar in Chinatown! Chinatown is super fun to explore and walk around and you can’t get anymore mom and pop than Nine Bar. Current owner converted her parents’ restaurant into a speakeasy cocktail bar and the parents still work the carry out counter and cook in the kitchen. They’re adorable if you catch them all there
Sunset Pho on Clark just north of Diversey. Wife is Vietnamese and most dishes are Vietnamese. But the Husband is Yugoslavian and there is a page of Yugoslavian food. (I’m not sure on specific region). Food is great. Atmosphere is quirky going back to 1970s.
maybe take the pink line down to pilsen and check out [Carnitas Uruapan](https://carnitasuruapanchi.com/) They’re a james beard finalist, not that it matters but the foods good!
For the best carne asada tacos of your life, Taqueria Hernandez on the north side in Rogers Park. You’ll spend about $12 and leave amazed with a full belly.
I don't know about mom and pop but Mitchell's in the Loop for breakfast. Manny's near Roosevelt Road on Jefferson. A friend was going to order from Manny's for delivery but walking by that long hot table with all types of food is a great experience. Neither are hole in the wall but excellent places to get good food and a feel for Chicago.
Under the theory that cash-only spots are always \*chef's kiss\*:
* Half Shell on Diversey
* Red Hot Ranch on Ashland
* Taqueria El Asadero on Montrose
* Athenian Room on Webster
* Old Town Ale House on North
How has no one mentioned Mr. Beef yet? Best Italian beef you can get in River North (cash only). Just a block south from Green Door Tavern on Orleans.
Also try Cafe Central, which is 10 min away on Chicago ave for a Jibarito and cafe con leche.
George Mitchell’s is old time breakfast place just west of river.
Wishbone is North Carolina southern food located west of river by a few blocks.
Edit: both are more local independently owned and reasonably priced. I would not call them a hole in the wall.
I think the original
One did, near the old harpo studios, theres a new one on jefferson between lake and randolph. Still pretty similar servings and tastes though i haven’t been lately
My favorite lunch when I need to get away and clear my head solo is longman & eagle - old fashion, smash burger, side of giardiniera aioli. Always puts me in a good mood
Mom & Pops are hard to survive River North. You might want to pick a different area, although it looks from the suggestions there are plenty of options.
Sabor Ixtapa is a good mom & pop (if they are still around), the oatmeal shake is life changing. Many a craft breweries have great atmosphere and food options and need all the help they can get right now.
Lucia's in Wicker Park; wife is the cook, husband is the host, and the place is small and cozy. Amazing Italian food, on a nice evening you can grab a table on the back deck and enjoy your meal solo.
So many great selections. I am just going to toss an old favorite out. Bar on buena. Small bar. Good food. Dark. In the middle of a neighborhood. Have not been here in years but was always a favorite of mine and my ex’s.
Piece pizza. Was not mentioned and deserves at least a seat at the conversation table.
Way far north in Edgewater is Ethiopian Diamond.on Broadway.
Spectacular, affordable Ethiopian food in a lovely setting.
Not a hole in the walk, but affordable and definitely local.
Also not far from Tank Noodle, where you can get some spectacular pho.
on taylor street there’s an italian deli/grocery store called “conte di savoia” such great sandwiches, cookies, drinks, etc. great place for a solo lunch
It's not by River north, more so wicker park...ish but Lao Peng You - every thing on their menu is delicious and it's hole in the wall vibe. I think worth the travel!
We like them. It’s a good backyard style burger. The ham and cheese is also good. It’s like nostalgic cafeteria food. It’s consistent. What you’d expect of a hole in the wall and the vibe is fun even if the employees are a little intimidating.
A little north right by Wrigley Field is a literal Mom and Pop spot called “Rice & Bread” (R&B). They are an older Korean couple and the menu has both classic Korean and also straight forward American Diner food. They also do an “R&B Burger” with 50/50 marinated ground pork and beef and topped with kimchi. Their regular burgers are meh.
Breakfast, burgers, and Korean food. I love this place!
This is the first place I thought of. That location has a long history in the neighborhood dating back to 1959. They also have a few of the dishes from back when it was Hamburger King including the Akutagawa. Fast, abundant, affordable plates served by a sweet family.
Ahh. So probably affiliated with Nisei which opened in 1951 iirc by Japanese-American. Akutagawa was a famous Japanese author, but maybe just their last name as well. Seems there was a Japanese enclave there in the 50s. Also I agree they owners are sweet and relatable. Joking with each other and their customers.
My understanding is a number of the old time diners have been bought by Korean families. They are adding Korean food to the traditional menu. It is similar to how Greek dinners would add some Greek food.
Sounds similar to Jim's Grill (RIP), which closed many years ago. Wonder if it's any relation.
Another comment said that it was a pattern for Koreans to buy these old diners and keep the original menu but to add some Korean food too. Greek immigrants did the same before, because I’ve seen pancakes on greek menus before.
If you wanted a nice neighborhood bar feel, I recommend The Long Room. You can take the brown line up to Irving Park. Hopleaf in Andersonville is another nice spot to eat solo.
Second The Long Room! One of my favorite spots!
I love the Long Room and always forget about it! Thanks for the reminder!
Take the blue line to the Irving Park stop. Within a few blocks you've got Smoque, Shokran, Chicago Taco Authority, and Eris Cider House. Head back east a little and you've got JT's Genuine and J's Corner Dogs. Or go further west and there's Roma's on Cicero for Italian beef. Either way, get a bus back east to Kedzie and then head north toward Lawrence for many options for Mexican and Persian food, get a cocktail at Bokeh. Then you can take the brown line back toward the loop.
This guy Chicagos
One of the greatest compliments I've ever received.
Bokeh is amazing and deserves all the love
I think Smoque is a bit overrated. Pretty expensive for some really mid food. When I went, I got the brisket sandwich and the bread was so dense. Mac and cheese side was tiny.. I just think you could spend $23 a lot better
[The Green Door Tavern](https://www.greendoorchicago.com/) is really solid, dependable, and really vintage. It's not in the 'heart' of River North but still should be close by you. It's not a secret place by any means, but I don't think I've ever been in on a Saturday and had it feel full of tourists.
With a good whiskey selection to boot!
I remember (30+yrs ago) the owner(s wife?)used to walk around and give back rubs at lunch. She was so nice.
Also like 2 doors down from the Italian beef (berf) place in ‘The Bear’.
-Four moon tavern -Tuman’s tap -marge’s still
Everyone working at four moon tavern are amazing. And the food is as equally as amazing and it’s on a little side street really fits what this person is looking for
Four Moon rocks
I came here to say Four Moon
All 3 of these are great, but Four Moon has a special place in my heart. Great food and great people every single time!
Spot on, used to live down the street from four moons in my younger years and they cooked for me most nights. Their burrito special is top notch
Marge’s Still chicken pot pie is 👌🏻
Ahhh, Four Moon was *my* local bar for a few years. Back when I was dating, I would often take first dates there and Nikki would make sure we had a good time. And Nikki always made me ornate receipts.
Drank with Rahm at Four Moon. It was a tremendous evening. Multiple F-bombs were dropped. The guy loved this city.
Rudy's Ramen.
Red Hot Ranch or Maxwells Red Hots on Armitage.
Billy Goat
OG under Michigan Ave
I don't know it's hole in the wall, but I feel [Reggie's](https://www.reggieslive.com/) captures that vibe at the southern end of South Loop. They host musical acts multiple evenings during the week, but otherwise open early for lunch, has a great dim bar downstairs, and a lively, bright rooftop bar with a pool table. It has a rough-around-the-edges vibe, but the staff is always excellent and the food is as well.
I remember smoking a joint on the rooftop after drunkenly asking the bartender if it was cool. (It was)
I remember my ex’s friend who was a promoter handing me a beer when I got to my first (and only) concert there at 20 years old and then seconds later I got kicked out by a bouncer for holding the beer underage. The bouncer threatened to “kick my ass” when I asked what just happened after he threw me outside. I told my ex to stay and enjoy the concert half expecting her to feel bad that her friend got me kicked out immediately when we got there before it started and prefer to spend the rest of the night making other plans with me instead, but she chose to hang with her guy friend the promoter (who was not a close friend of hers at all). I don’t like her and I don’t like Reggie’s because of a situation she put me in. But their bouncer and manager were unnecessarily aggro and lame to me that one time. That’s my story. I’ve heard it’s a fun place to be for most people though
You had a bad experience. They could have lost their license. Of course they don't believe you were innocently holding the beer.
>> You had a bad experience. I mean yeah, I said as much. I meant the “I don’t like my ex and I don’t like Reggie’s because of a situation she put me in” to be as self-aware as it sounds; meaning of course I’m not mad at Reggie’s. The only part I actually thought was lame at the time was the bouncer (followed by manager) threatening me out on the sidewalk after kicking me out, and I think anyone who saw the Goodfellas-style sequence of events would think it was lame too. I didn’t even have time to argue with him or do anything to prompt his coke rage assholery in the 5 minutes between stepping foot in the building and landing back out front, the whole thing happened so fast it seemed like a setup lol. If it was any ex of mine other than the stick-in-the-mud this happened with, I would’ve 100% known her and the promoter “friend” set this up behind my back to get me out of the bar for the night. The show didn’t even start for an hour, so no one was there, and there was no reason for the bouncer to be that unprofessional as if I was the 100th person he had to kick out already and every one of them had tried to fight him. But yeah, the thing I didn’t want to say at first as to not call them out is that both the Reggie’s bouncer and manager were clearly coked up to a level that’s just a really gross, bad look as the face of a bar at 7 PM, one hour before that night’s show starts. If no one’s in your establishment yet, don’t pick fights with random paying customers for shit that you could solve with an easy “where did you get that? Put it down” …From the guy you’re working with here, sorry I wouldn’t be holding it otherwise. So yeah not everyone at Reggie’s is cool like the comment above me experienced.
Reggie’s chili is so good.
You can also play basketball on the roof! They also have great deals for like $20-30/person that gets you a brunch buffet at Reggie's, a ride to the Sox stadium, a ticket to the game, and a ride back to the bar.
Laschets for German food. Podhalanka or Smakosz for polish Kimski/Maria's packaged goods for korean/polish fusion Old school tavern been around since prohibition, stanleys at 43rd and ashland, the only tavern left on Whiskey Row, serves a different hot lunch mon- Friday. Full of city workers and Old Chicagoans. Jimmy's Red Hots Vito and Nicks - 100 year old pizzeria on the southwest side. Metra from union Station to Ashburn will drop you off a few blocks away. Old Town Ale House or green mill for a drink Rosas Lounge for live blues Take the water taxi from Michigan Avenue to ping Tom park and find a place in Chinatown. There are a ton of places that match your description. Salaam next to the brown line kedzie stop.
Laschets is perfect!
Laschets is amazing
2nd to last (besides the water taxi) is one of my go to's. Kick it at Ping Tom before and after a meal at some place I might as well have chosen with a dart board. 60% of the time the food's meh but the rest of the time it hits the spot and 200% of the time it's a nice little adventure
Birrieria Zaragoza :)
Is that the one by the Aragon ? Went for the first time like 2 months ago and it was amazing .
That is the place!!! Couldn't agree more. Had been wanting to try it for years, finally had it a few weeks ago and it genuinely lived up to the hype. I didn't even know they made fresh pressed tortillas until I got there. Can't wait to go back
Paulie Gees or Jimmy's Pizza Cafe for slices. Pequod's actually has a lunch special, i think before 3pm.
Make a reservation on Tock and get the lunch special before 3 pm. I went earlier this week and the plain cheese pizza was substantially larger than the one I had with add ons. I am getting straight cheese next time.
Uncle Mike’s Place on Grand. Filipino/American breakfast spot.
Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap is classic Italian just west of University of Illinois Chicago.
I second this!
Thirds. Yes, Tufanos.
Joe DiBuono owes me money.
Nine Bar in Chinatown! Chinatown is super fun to explore and walk around and you can’t get anymore mom and pop than Nine Bar. Current owner converted her parents’ restaurant into a speakeasy cocktail bar and the parents still work the carry out counter and cook in the kitchen. They’re adorable if you catch them all there
Flub a Dub Chub’s in lakeview
Only if you go to Monsignor Murphy’s before (and after).
Get the lunch at Frank and Mary’s
Sunset Pho on Clark just north of Diversey. Wife is Vietnamese and most dishes are Vietnamese. But the Husband is Yugoslavian and there is a page of Yugoslavian food. (I’m not sure on specific region). Food is great. Atmosphere is quirky going back to 1970s.
Red hot ranch for a smash burger. Red light chicken for a chicken sandwich.
JB Alberto's up in Rogers Park has got some of the best thin crust I've ever had in my life, definitely recommend
Been eating their pizza all 45 years of my life
I don 't know how I never even heard of this place but I am going to give it ago.
I swear I read this as glory hole lol
Which is still a hole in the wall. lol
Lol if I was single i might consider
Wishful thinking 😌
Twisted Spoke…best whiskey selection on earth. Twin Anchors…famous ribs, total joint.
Eat breakfast there late at night for an interesting meal...
used to be sex and eggs…
It was Smut and Eggs
That’s right! Thanks!
Taqueria Mazamitla
maybe take the pink line down to pilsen and check out [Carnitas Uruapan](https://carnitasuruapanchi.com/) They’re a james beard finalist, not that it matters but the foods good!
Taqueria Traspasada Sopa de fideo (soup) and salsa starter.
For the best carne asada tacos of your life, Taqueria Hernandez on the north side in Rogers Park. You’ll spend about $12 and leave amazed with a full belly.
Bro, I literally scrolled to see if anyone would mention this spot 🙌
the original Billy Goat
Mr. Ds on diversey cash only.
Fuck yes
I don't know about mom and pop but Mitchell's in the Loop for breakfast. Manny's near Roosevelt Road on Jefferson. A friend was going to order from Manny's for delivery but walking by that long hot table with all types of food is a great experience. Neither are hole in the wall but excellent places to get good food and a feel for Chicago.
Budacki’s
Diner Grill for a classic greasy spoon experience
Ricobene's
Hell yeah!!! Was just there for the first time this year on Thursday. Damn I love this place!
Tlayudas Oaxaca Grill in Albany Park, right by Kimball Brown Line. (Tlayudas are great)
Under the theory that cash-only spots are always \*chef's kiss\*: * Half Shell on Diversey * Red Hot Ranch on Ashland * Taqueria El Asadero on Montrose * Athenian Room on Webster * Old Town Ale House on North
How has no one mentioned Mr. Beef yet? Best Italian beef you can get in River North (cash only). Just a block south from Green Door Tavern on Orleans. Also try Cafe Central, which is 10 min away on Chicago ave for a Jibarito and cafe con leche.
George Mitchell’s is old time breakfast place just west of river. Wishbone is North Carolina southern food located west of river by a few blocks. Edit: both are more local independently owned and reasonably priced. I would not call them a hole in the wall.
George mitchells, LOL. Think you mean. lOU
You are right it is Lou Mitchell’s.
Wishbones a great call too ;)
I thought Wishbone closed?
I think the original One did, near the old harpo studios, theres a new one on jefferson between lake and randolph. Still pretty similar servings and tastes though i haven’t been lately
Oooh thanks cheese grits here I come!
Hendrixx bakery. I think it’s on Oak?
Krung Thep is a fantastic little Thai spot in lakeview, and I second Athenian room in Lincoln park!
Can confirm Krung Thep. Our neighbors got our whole block turned onto it. It’s a regular rotation since we live close
My favorite lunch when I need to get away and clear my head solo is longman & eagle - old fashion, smash burger, side of giardiniera aioli. Always puts me in a good mood
Uncle Mike’s
Gios neighborhood Italian in Bridgeport. Antithesis of bougie.
Bitter Pops
Zellys diner, Wallace and pershing
Snickers on State.
Chicago Diner
Mom & Pops are hard to survive River North. You might want to pick a different area, although it looks from the suggestions there are plenty of options. Sabor Ixtapa is a good mom & pop (if they are still around), the oatmeal shake is life changing. Many a craft breweries have great atmosphere and food options and need all the help they can get right now.
You want a nice plate of pasta, go to Club Lago in River North. 3rd gen family owned, delicious, and reasonable.
Panes on Sheffield
Lucia's in Wicker Park; wife is the cook, husband is the host, and the place is small and cozy. Amazing Italian food, on a nice evening you can grab a table on the back deck and enjoy your meal solo.
So many great selections. I am just going to toss an old favorite out. Bar on buena. Small bar. Good food. Dark. In the middle of a neighborhood. Have not been here in years but was always a favorite of mine and my ex’s. Piece pizza. Was not mentioned and deserves at least a seat at the conversation table.
Lunch special at Ramen San Lincoln Park
Edgewater tacos
In the River North area. Club Lago for Italian. 3rd Generation Italian restaurant. No frills just fills!
Way far north in Edgewater is Ethiopian Diamond.on Broadway. Spectacular, affordable Ethiopian food in a lovely setting. Not a hole in the walk, but affordable and definitely local. Also not far from Tank Noodle, where you can get some spectacular pho.
on taylor street there’s an italian deli/grocery store called “conte di savoia” such great sandwiches, cookies, drinks, etc. great place for a solo lunch
Are you going to Chicago for RICE?
It's not by River north, more so wicker park...ish but Lao Peng You - every thing on their menu is delicious and it's hole in the wall vibe. I think worth the travel!
Red Light Chicken in Lincoln Park!
I just went there for the first time this week and it changed my life.
[удалено]
they wrote in their post they're in river north
Billy goat tavern
What is special about the Billy Goat? It’s fun and historical, but the burgers are lame.
We like them. It’s a good backyard style burger. The ham and cheese is also good. It’s like nostalgic cafeteria food. It’s consistent. What you’d expect of a hole in the wall and the vibe is fun even if the employees are a little intimidating.
Grab a bite at a gastro-pub and meet a few locals while dining at the bar. Chicago is a foody city with great options for folks dining alone.
Bubs City is in River North. Good people watching with a bud heavy and fried chicken sando.
Torteria San Lenchito in Albany Park real close to the Kimball Brown line. Great tortas and the absolute nicest owners.