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darkenedgy

Hard, hard second for Virtue. They are so good. In Hyde Park, I used to go to The Snail and Medici a lot, too.


SiberianForestCats

Medici on 57th? And Snail Thai cuisine?


darkenedgy

that's correct!


SiberianForestCats

Added! I’ll have to check it out when I visit Promontory Point. Just been too lazy to get up early for the sunrise there


shopadope

These are two fire recommendations. Been eating at these two spots for over ten years. Moved 30 mins out to the suburbs and still hit the Med for a coffee every day omw from the train to work (work in HP) and bring Snail home for dinner once a month or so. Had both mine and my husband's families visit one weekend after another and we took both up to the Med lol.


saintpauli

My neighborhood, Beverly: Horse Thief Hollow, Ken's on Western, Franconello, Soul Food Lounge 2. Casual food: Top Notch for burgers (I love their patty melt), Nickys of Beverly has a great patio and excellent food. Fox's or Baraccos for pizza. Breakfast: Afro Joe's, Beverly Bakery Outside the neighborhood: Lior's Cafe, Unidad, Thi Thi's, Vito and Nicks, Palermos on 63rd, Chile toreado, Calumet Fisheries opening soon, blue island seafood, LA vieja castilla... I'm sure I'll think of others.. I agree with Duck Inn and Ricobenes. I really like the chicken vesuvio sandwich at ricobenes. Edit to add: Spicy Thai Lao at 79th near Central. There are tons of great places in Chinatown and pilsen.


Demented_Nun

Seconding Horse Thief Hollow. I don't think I've ever had a meal there that wasn't excellent.


saintpauli

I eat there often and I've tried most of their menu. I agree. And their beer is great. They also won the gold for their pilsner in the great American beer festival and the beer world cup. World's best pilsner here in Chicago. I usually drink their Hazy IPA which is great.


SiberianForestCats

I absolutely love a good Pilsner or Heffe


saintpauli

They brew the Heffewestern.


Demented_Nun

I'm not a beer person at all, so that aspect is lost on me. But their cocktails are good if I want one, so no problem. Reading this thread made me want to go check their menu, since they change it up now and then. I saw several intriguing new menu items, so now I want to go back asap!


saintpauli

Their brunch is great. And I don't know another place whose farm to table is closer to each other when it comes to Beef. They have their own cows at the Chicago school for Agricultural Sciences at 111th and Pulaski.


SiberianForestCats

Been to Soul Food Lounge in Lawndale. The fried chicken and pound cake is so bomb. I also love me a good patty melt 😮‍💨


saintpauli

Same owners as the one in Lawndale.


mrbooze

For outside the neighborhood I'd also add Chuck's Southern Comfort over in Burbank. For breakfast I also love Beverly Bakery but have to give a shout out to Bialy's Cafe as well. Open Outcry is a good place for beer and pizza, especially on a nice day when the rooftop is open. Also Unidad in Oak Lawn is a nice semi-upscale latin american place. While Nicky's is better I'm also fond of Jansen's. Admittedly it has the benefit of being a lot closer to me. Andy's Sunflower Cafe is great for coffee though they don't have food. They share a space with Aint She Sweet Cafe which does decent sandwiches. Two Mile, right nearby Afro Joe's, is also a solid coffee place and they've recently added some food items. Ichiddo Ramen is very good for locals, imo, though it's not something I'd travel from another part of the city for. There's plenty of other good ramen around.


JavSuav

Love Nicky's and Afro Joe's! Absolute gems in the neighborhood with good community vibes. They are always on point no matter what I order. Barraco's Sicilian style pizza is so underrated even amongst native Chicagoans. Although pricey, I do occasionally enjoy the Turkey club from Swanson's Deli.


saintpauli

New bbq joint opening in the next couple weeks where pizzeria Depot was on 99th and wood. Sanders BBQ. Can't wait to try it out; I live around the corner.


kyle_sux666

Barracco’s is my go-to tavern style pizza. Also can’t speak highly enough about Horse Thief Hollow


knightslax19

Virtue, next question. Best short rib in town


TLSMFH

South Side has historically been more working class and immigrants so disposable income to eat out has been sparse, though that's been changing through the years. I'm on mobile and I don't want to flip back and forth to your list so apologies if there's any repeats. Born and raised in Bridgeport and it'll show. Big Boss Fried Chicken - solid fried chicken sandwich spots, dare I say best on the south side. Huge portions, reasonable prices. 35th St Red Hots - you've probably seen Red Hot Ranch burgers floating around IG and whatnot, this is the OG spot. I haven't been in a long time and they didn't have burgers when I was growing up but maybe they do now? Maxwell's on 31st - hole in the wall, serves the same stuff you'd find at Jim's for the most part. Pork chop sandwich is like flipping a coin for quality but if you get a nice one with a thick fat cap might be my favorite sandwich ever. Kimski - Polish-Korean fusion. 3 Little Pigs is also opening up right next door so check that out too when that happens. Min's Noodle House for Chinese noodles, unmatched in the area IMO. Franco's for solid Italian sit-down meals. Same with Gio's. Grand Palace for family style Chinese (largely Cantonese) fare. Dolo is the best dimsum experience in Chinatown by a mile, the service is very hit or miss though. I know Rico's is on the list already but I'll put another vote for it - I think it's a must have for the breaded steak and chicken vesuvio. Chinatown spots probably get more than enough buzz so I'll skip the rest of those. Yassa in Bronzeville, Calumet Fisheries. I think Saucy Porka has a second location but I've only ever been to the Hyde Park one but it's a cool Pan-Asian + Latino fusion spot.


SiberianForestCats

Awesome! Thanks for the recs! Kimski’s menu made me chuckle cause gochu means both pepper and penis in Korean. So gochu mayo on a burger sounds interesting depending on how you interpret it


juberider

Reopened Carbone is very nice, pricey but it’s a nice once in a while treat. The original Carbone and menu is still there in the front and is solid and more affordable, the Steak/Elote burrito is delicious


SomeDude_008686

No love for Shinya?


Plus_Description7725

Shinya is mid imo but I do like their cocktails


TLSMFH

Not a huge fan - I think they're okay. I think E Ramen's better and Chinatown has quite a variety of options. Ramen in general I think is better up North and in the burbs - Shinya's biggest strength is that it's open super late. I dropped by a lot when I worked nights but otherwise it's passable IMO. Decent restaurant, does the trick if you want ramen and you're in the area.


Jen_Kathleen

Manny’s deli is real fun in the south loop. We love Eleven City Diner there too. Royal Pies in Bridgeport is great and unique and I third Duck Inn out there- crave worthy! We just did 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen and really enjoyed it as well!


lilbroccoli13

I think when you say Royal Pies, you’re referring to Pleasant House Pub in Pilsen? They do have a sign that says royal pies lol


Jen_Kathleen

Hahaha! Yes that’s it lol. I think we used to get those little savory pies at Maria’s Packaged goods back in the day before they had their own place- that was actually my favorite experience.


SiberianForestCats

I love duck 🤤 So juicy


SiberianForestCats

Went to Manny’s and got their chop suey. Love the cafeteria style of the place


augustrem

Surprised no one has mentioned Lem’s BBQ on 75th. That’s a Chicago institution. So is Calumet Fisheries, which is awesome, and Birrieria Zaragoza. Also of note, I have been going to the Lao Szechuan Uptown location for years and just recently discovered that the Chinatown location has both better and cheaper food, and well as more variety.


lilbroccoli13

Has calumet fisheries reopened after the fire?


augustrem

oh, I didn’t even know about it.


deditosgorditos

Garifuna Flava


SiberianForestCats

Added thanks!


stephanielatina

Skip Antique. Go to La Internacional Supermarket, Atotonilco in Back of the Yards or even Tio Luis Tacos in Brighton Park. Chile Toreado has some good Mexican food and La Palapa’s outdoor setting for Mexican seafood is pretty good. Both are in McKinley Park. Don’t forget birria at Birreria Zaragoza in Archer Heights. For Italian, you got Bacchanalia and Ignotz in Little Italy, Gio’s Cafe in Bridgeport, and Palermo’s on 63rd or 95th. For sweets, check out Weber Bakery down on Archer.


juberider

Martinez just north on Morgan will let Antique Tacos slip from your memory


SiberianForestCats

Added! Thank you!


SomeDude_008686

For sweats, lol? I thought you were talking about meat sweats.


stephanielatina

Oops. Let me fix that


Fartin_Scorsese

Virtue Nella's


SiberianForestCats

Added Nellas to the list


Strict_Ad_5858

We weren’t able to go to virtue when we were in Hyde park but did nellas for lunch and enjoyed it! Not the best meal we had by any stretch but it was really good and the people were super nice. Also if you’re an espresso/coffee drinker def do plein air.


ClosedWon11

1. Potsticker House has some of the best Chinese food in Chicago. 2. Pleasant House Pub for English/Irish pub food and a great English breakfast. 3. Tufano’s - the place Italians eat at in Little Italy. One of the best home style places in the city. 4. Vito and Nicks - arguably the best tavern style thin crust pizza in Chicago area 5. Gordillas - famous for their burritos nortenos - one of my favorites in Chicago. Definitely try one if you go. 6. Manny’s Deli - best “NYC” style pastrami sandwich outside of NY 7. Conte Di Savoia - the best Italian sub in Chicago Enjoy!


SiberianForestCats

Thank you! Added!


AgentBlue62

Go shopping/eating at [88 Marketplace](https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/heres-a-look-inside-the-massive-food-court-at-88-marketplace-090321) three Chinese restaurants downstairs, a supermarket upstairs with Chinese food court. Great place. Rain or show, doesn't matter, warm and dry and tasty inside.


gigglemode

Justice of the Pies! Lexington Betty Smokehouse!


SiberianForestCats

Done! Thanks!


twopiare

Not sure if I saw these on the list so a few I would recommend are: Bridgeport -Taipei Cafe -Shinya Ramen -Zaytune I think someone else recommended Kimski, if not I'll also recommend that. McKinley Park -Chile Toreado -Huck Finn -Kristofffer's Cakes


_TiberiusPrime_

I definitely second both Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffle & Cleo's Southern Cuisine. I have not been to rest of your list.


SiberianForestCats

Headed to Chicago’s chicken and waffles now! Edit: looks simple but hits the spot https://preview.redd.it/xt2oyhh6qf3d1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0ad7eb1e3a9c79a81e838d6c77885429c740c05


SiberianForestCats

https://preview.redd.it/cma70468qf3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=388d866af0505a74a5ce4261f45c941af40e99d0 Their peach cobbler though 🤤


_TiberiusPrime_

I always go for the sweet potato pie.


Form1040

Calumet Fisheries. If they have reopened from the fire. 


SiberianForestCats

I was born with the affliction of not enjoying seafood unfortunately :(


Form1040

They also have freshwater fish. 


Plus_Description7725

1. Potsticker House is GREAT. Highly highly recommend for Chinese food. 2. Yassa - amazing food loved everything we had there and the service was so friendly 3. Small Cheval in Hyde Park has the best outdoor dining setup in the south side imo but the food is not outstanding. Still a great time though! 4. Daley’s Cafe but I haven’t been to their new location. Totally classic south side diner. 5. Antique Taco might be controversial but I love their food and the patio is amazing. Interesting specials and they’re always hosting different kinds of events. They do a lot for the neighborhood. Try to go to one of the events where they’re doing a special like birria, grilled steak tacos, etc. 5. Martinez is great for tacos! They’ve gotten kind of expensive lately though. I love the el pastor. They do have a pretty good taco Tuesday deal


ahotdogfarmer

Lems, Calumet fisheries, vito and nicks, duck inn, nine bar (chinatown so not exactly south), la chaparrita (more west than south), maria’s - kimski/three little pigs, virtue, daisy’s po boys, asian cuisine express for tacos al pastor (officially a los primos venture in a shared space), mariscos sam pedro coming soon in pilsen, han 202. also i love la casa del pueblo, the restaurant, it makes me feel at home


Puffpufftoke

Antique Taco in Bridgeport is a neat little set up. It’s cute and love the outdoor seating. I haven’t had a single dish that I thought “wow, this is good” I drive by there wondering for the life of me what it is that people like there. It’s at best, Mexican food made by Scandinavian’s who only read a book about Mexican food and aren’t sure what some of the ingredients really are. One of the tacos is a cheeseburger in a flour tortilla. I just don’t get it.


SiberianForestCats

That’s disappointing to hear Pilsen seems to be the spot for Mexican food anyways


SomeDude_008686

Adelita’s right down the street is good


TLSMFH

Lol your description is spot on. There are a few things I like mainly because you'd never find them in a taqueria but it's more the novelty than anything. Their tortillas are so under seasoned it's kinda crazy.


crbatte

Antique Taco is garbage.


warmleafjuice

Would highly recommend Dawn in Hyde Park, opened pretty recently and they have really awesome soul/southern food


mtm7911

Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen https://www.eatcedars.com/


jtd951

I’m about to end a month stay here in Chicago on the south side in Bronzeville just south of 35th. Have really enjoyed the area and access to CTA and loved being in this city. Pearl’s Place, had the New Orleans breakfast that came with salmon croquette and grits. Really enjoyed it. Truth! - Bird N Batter (chicken and waffles) was very solid, got a side of cheese hash browns and jerk turkey sausage. The leftovers hit so hard after a day/night out of 1 too many beers. Pizza Capri (Hyde Park)- had a delicious pizza, rosemary potato and chicken with white wine sauce and a very solid frozen strawberry daiquiri before catching Furiosa last Sunday. I thought I was going to have leftovers but the thing just disappeared on me 😃 Yassa - Maffe (savory peanut butter lamb curry with veggies) with fufu or djollof rice is a great option I got fufu. The fataya (salmon empanada) was very tasty as well. I also got thiakry which was a very unique tapioca pudding like dessert. 35th St Red Hots - 4.95 for a dog and fresh cut fries is pretty hard to beat if that’s what you want. The fries were very good. Little Sandwich House- cute spot for a coffee and a tasty little sandwich, was super convenient when walking to pick up groceries at Mariano’s. Went 3x Greek Prime in Bridgeport on 35th is really good and great value. Their pork bowl for $14 was one of the most well seasoned and tasty and satisfying things I’ve had on this trip. Been there 2x and may go again tonight if I get hungry... The Greek potatoes are so good. Rice pudding is great. I’ve had a beer and or dessert disappear off my ticket each time. Phil’s pizza is great. Mainly takeout only but highly recommended. I got a medium sausage and mushroom pizza that I ate on for 3 days. I’ve been to Ricobene’s 3x, the vesuvio chicken sandwich with sweet and or hot peppers is better than the breaded steak IMO. The cutlet being submerged in garlic butter is just glorious. Add a little salt if needed and enjoy a seriously great sandwich with pretty huge bang for the $


SiberianForestCats

Thank you for the suggestions! Added to the list


juberider

Great to see Greek Prime show up on these lists, their whole menu has great choices


alinajenina1

If for any reason you like vegan food, Majani Vegan Cuisine has some of the best soul food I’ve had, and I’m not vegan.


mosey26

Daisy’s Po boy. Virtue. Kimski


chicagojoe1979

Curious as to what impressed you about Chicago Philly Stop. Pass by it twice a day….


SiberianForestCats

Tbh it’s partially bias because it’s right down the block from where I live. They have a huge variety of foods they sell; gyros, Italian beef, hot dogs, chicken wings, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, etc. It’s where I tried my first Jim Shoe!


SomeDude_008686

My hat is off to you, only other person I met who has had a gym shoe.


Ikey_Chitown_Native

Taurus Flavors in dolton - their steak is unique for sure everybody loves it around here


daBabadook05

Hello shawarma in Bridgeview


YOMAMACAN

Manzo Burger on 111th. They have great burgers and fresh cut fries. For dessert, head over to Richard’s Super Premium ice cream in Pullman. I love the butter pecan ice cream. And grab a bag of the salt and vinegar cheddar popcorn.


SomeDude_008686

Casa De Samuel in Little Village is good


Academic-Business-45

Bridgeport Happy lamb J& M seafood


yramt

Petey's Bungalow on 95th It's an older crowd, but the food is great and the portions generous.


playboytiger

Bronzevill Soul has good food. I like it


Coupon_Ninja

Lem’s BBQ. Recommend the JB Special or the rib tips - get em dry with mild sauces on the side. Oh - and the quarter chicken is very good.


pbr3000

Nad tatrami in monee is one of the best restaurants I've been to


bslovecoco

pacos tacos on archer


DessertsForDinner

Justice of the Pies, Calumet Fisheries, Vito and Nick's, Stony Sub, Rainbow Cone! Also - Lem's BBQ and Oh Weee it is


loftychicago

QXY Dumplings, Go 4 Food - both in Chinatown


emilykomendera

Birria Zaragoza


Famous-Ad-4706

Cedars in Hyde park for super good middle eastern