Chicago
Local Tastes
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
Print this Page
Email this Page
|
GLEN ELLYN. Who says all ice cream has to be dairy based? Vegans Ryan Howard and Dan Ziegler started this Chicago-based company back in 2001. Temptation, made from soy, is dairy-, egg-, tree nut-, and peanut-free. Flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and peach cobbler abound. Order their products online, or visit various restaurants and stores around Chicagoland in person.
LAKE VIEW. Pizza parlors are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but a lot of them don't have an expansive menu. Not so this place, which offers pizza and so much more. Start off with chicken fingers or garlic-spiked Vesuvio potatoes. Choose from Pesto Lovers or Grecian Delight pizza, either stuffed or thin crust. Don't crave pizza? Pick from a plethora of other options like wraps, paninis, burgers, and pastas, all delivered until 5am. Other locations on Lincoln, Montrose, and Irving Park.
WEST TOWN. A popular West Town destination, El Barco Mariscos is swarmed daily by denizens who can't get enough of the mid-scale Mexican seafood restaurant. Get here early because it tends to become packed. The menu encompasses fish, steak, and chicken dishes, and they're accompanied by limes and various hot sauces that reside on the table. Portions are huge and come with beans and rice. The alcohol flows, too, thanks to giant margaritas and bottles of Corona.
MAGNIFICENT MILE. It's no wonder that long lines occasionally form outside of this shop. Even as you walk by, sweet scents waft up and engage the senses. Garrett originally started in Chi-town but has since expanded to NYC. Their signature CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn varieties are powerfully addictive. Purchase them individually or in a colorful tin containing up to 6.5 gallons of candied, plain, or buttered popcorn.
BUCKTOWN. Named after a Central American volcano, Irazu is reputed to be Chicago's first Costa Rican restaurant. The family-run business offers indigenous dishes of plantains, gallo pinto (beans, white rice, spices, and veggies), excellent and affordable burritos, and yummy and distinct shakes concocted with oatmeal, guanabana, and tamarind. To venture outside of the ordinary, try tacos filled with mashed potatoes or one of the numerous seafood and chicken dishes.
CHINATOWN. Most big cities have a Chinatown neighborhood, and Chicago is no exception. Picking a single option from among the copious restaurants nestled in Chinatown Square and beyond is difficult, but with options of fried spaghetti and sliced lotus root – not to mention adventurous dishes like pork intestine and duck tongue – Ken Kee doesn't disappoint. You won't feel like you're in China, but it sure comes close.
WEST TOWN. "The Best Tacos in Town," touts the superlative on the three eateries of this family-owned enterprise, all of which are located on the same block. The places are slightly different: The original has a spare dining area; the second one (1140 N Ashland Ave; phone 773-278-0384) has a small menu of meat tacos and burritos, including tongue; and the third (1141 N Ashland Ave; phone 773-278-0384) serves plate dinners and veggie items. Cheap, authentic, and tasty Mexican food.
WICKER PARK. Chef Michael Carlson opened this off-the-beaten-path eatery focusing on artful food presentation in 2006. Simultaneously upscale and relaxed, the dining room is petite, so reservations are mandatory. Prix fixe meals are standard, and a BYOB policy allows diners to enhance their own three- or nine-course meals. Options consist of dishes as diverse as kona kampachi, phad Thai, and arctic char roe. Experience the "revolutionary eating experience."
LAKE VIEW. Scooter's is the only frozen custard place in Chicago. It's seasonal but worth the wait, especially the award-winning Boston shake made with custard, hot fudge, and whipped crème. "Concretes" combine frozen custard and mix-ins to create temptations like the Elvis, which unites vanilla custard, peanut butter cups, and bananas. Scooter's also sells an assortment of pies, including turtle and Oreo, proving custard is delicious in everything.
THE LOOP. Baos, or steamed Asian buns, are considered fast food in China, but in Chicago (where junk food runs rampant), they are a novelty. In fact, local eateries are regarded as the first bao shops in America. Baos come stuffed with teriyaki chicken, barbecued pork, beef, Thai curry, and veggies. Asian salads, potstickers, rice bowls, and soups are also served. The original location at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan) and the Theater District store (1 W Wacker Blvd) are both open on weekends. Maybe you stumbled upon it during your travels. Perhaps a friend told you to go. Maybe you live in the city, and it's your special place. However you've come to know it, it's that one special restaurant that just defines the city. You know the ones you love; now, we'll tell you the treasures in other cities. Discover established eateries with distinct character, hole-in-the-wall diners, or high-end, chef-run establishments. We'll let you know what locals like and give you a leg up on what's best and brightest.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maybe you stumbled upon it during your travels. Perhaps a friend told you to go. Maybe you live in the city, and it's your special place. However you've come to know it, it's that one special restaurant that just defines the city. You know the ones you love; now, we'll tell you the treasures in other cities. Discover established eateries with distinct character, hole-in-the-wall diners, or high-end, chef-run establishments. We'll let you know what locals like and give you a leg up on what's best and brightest.
Click here to share it »
(
