Chicago Restaurant Reviews: Best of 2009

As the year draws to a close it's time to do a restaurant roundup and mention some awards for a few places which not only caught my attention but have been consistently good places to eat in the city.

Best Lunch Spot in the Loop: Hannah's Bretzel
233 N Michigan Avenue and 190 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60605


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This is the best place for lunch in the loop in my opinion. Despite it being a bit on the expensive side($9-10) it is a great healthy option. A wall of Swiss and Belgium chocolate, organic ingredients, freindly staff and a choice of kettle chips or carrots. Beats fast food.

Best Italian: Trattoria Trullo

4767 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625


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Quick Review:

Anterprima came close but this Lincoln Square spot is hands down the best (authentic) Italian restaurant I've been to in the city.

This isn't a pasta house with heavy tomato sauces, it's where the Italians go when they are on vacation. Go and enjoy.

Best Cafe: Julius Meinl

4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60613

and

4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618


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Yes, you can go to Intelligensia to get a decent cup of coffee but Menil's has some great European coffee's and dishes. People complain about the long waits to get in during lunch rush on the weekends but I like to go at night, especially in the fall or winter. Just like Vienna in Chicago.

Really, on my last visit there were a group of French friends all talking (in French) lively about various topics and behind me was a lone Italian man speaking on the cellphone. When the Europeans gather here, you know it's good.

If you cut out your to trip to Europe this year travel to Meinl's instead, almost the same thing.

Best Hot Dog: Jim's Original


1250 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60607


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This Near West Side Spot takes the prize for great hot dogs and burgers. People were lined around the block for their 70th Anniversary deal and I can see why; they have some of the best polish sausages in town.

In fact, they claim to be the home of original Chicago polish. Either way this is a spot to stop by.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to Chicago restaurants check out Zagat 2009/10 Chicago Restaurants: Celebrating 30 Years (Zagatsurvey: Chicago Restaurants)

Chicago Resturant Deals and Steals

Eating out in Chicago doesn't need to be expensive, especially in these times. There's many restaurants where you can eat on the cheap or even for free. In fact if you go to certain restaurants on the right day you can find yourself a deal.

Here's a big list of restaurants that offer dining deals, happy hour, or buffets around Chicago to save you some money.

Downtown

Brasserie Joe- Happy hour 5-7pm every Tuesday
59 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610

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The Buzz- Free buffet from 5-6pm with free salsa lessons from 6:30-7:30pm
308 W Erie St Bsmt
Chicago, IL 60610

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Golden Buddha Chinese Restaurant- Don't be put off by entering through a lobby of an office building as they offer free appetizers every Friday evening.

312 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60606

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Mezito Latin Bistro and Wine Bar- Free tapas on Tuesday from 5-10pm

710 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60606

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Northside

Big Chicks- This popular GLBT spot in Uptown offers a free full Sunday brunch buffet from 3-4pm. Salad, pasta, sandwiches, and deserts are included.

5024 N Sheridan Rd,
Chicago, IL 60640

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Celtic Crown-
Free pizza 5-8pm on Fridays

4301 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618



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Franks'- Free food on St Patrick's Day and Fat Tuesday

2503 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

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Full Shilling Pub- This Wrigleyville bar offers free food Fridays 5-7pm during Cubs games

3724 N Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60613

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Clybar- Free pizzas from 5-8pm on Fridays

2417 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL‎ 60614

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McGee's Tavern and Grille- Free pizza at Midnight on Fridays

950 W Webster Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614

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North End- This Lakeview sports bar has Sunday buffets during Bears season. GLBT

3733 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613


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Sedgwicks- Free Friday buffet at 10:30pm Saturdays around midnight.
1935 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60614


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West Side

Cleo's- You can get your late night free food fix with free appetizers Saturday 11-1:00 am at this Ukrainian Village spot

1935 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622


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The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave
(between Homer St & Armitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647


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International night, 2 drink minimum strictly enforced on Tuesday night. Local from around the world chefs gather at this Bucktown spot to cook ethnic dishes from their country.

Free samples around town

Fox and Obel- Offers free samples of food everyday, free wine samplings Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm and Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm

Godiva Chocolates- Free samples on weekend (double check website to see upcoming offers)

Trader Joes- Free samples offered everyday

Whole Foods- Samples offered weekend afternoons

Happy Hours



Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd
Oak Park, IL 60301


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Half price wine bottles every Monday and $5 signature martinis every Wednesday
Enjoy $3 appetizers at the bar only Tuesday

Cafe Selmarie
4729 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625


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Enjoy a three-course meal for only $20 every Thursday Night at Cafe Selmarie. 4pm until closing.

Sushi X
543 W Diversey Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614


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Half price on all sushi rolls Sunday through Wednesday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

Mirabell Restaurant & Lounge
3454 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60618


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Drink specials Monday thru Thursday

Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201


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Turquoise Cafe Review

2147 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618

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Short Review: My new neighborhood favorite. This is a great neighborhood spot for some good Turkish food in a nice dining atmosphere in a great area.

Long Review:
Just got back from a good spot in Roscoe Village for with a laid back Mediterranean cafe feel to it- Turquoise Cafe. This place is a neighborhood favorite based on how quickly it filled up by 7pm on a cold Monday night- during a very bad recession too.

The atmosphere is my one of favorite types of atmospheres- small, intimate, low lighting, white table, clothes, framed art on the wall, large selection of wine and champagne stocked behind the bar, and lots of full tables with happy people talking and laughing. It already got two points by the time I walked up the hosts booth. Most of the waitstaff is Turkish which makes it very authentic. It has a nice Euro/ Mediterranean vibe about it. On to the food.

They menu is mainly focused on Turkish dishes but there are some Italian and Greek dishes on there also. It has a very nice selection of Mediterranean fare.

We started out with mussels steamed in wine. They were so good I could have made a meal out of them on their own.
Despite being at a (mostly) Turkish restaurant I decided to go a little Italian tonight and order the Osso Buco. It was very good and came with Polenta with shaved Parmesan cheese.

My dining companion had Rack of Lamb. The lamb was just as good- if not better than lamb I've had in Greektown. And the roasted vegetables which came with the dish, delish! I ate what she couldn't finish and was grateful for it.

Unfortunately, I didn't have desert since we were full but we will definitely be back soon as this is now my favorite spot in Roscoe Village. Too bad I came in the Fall, I would have liked to sit outdoors and dine al fresco.

4.5 out of 5 stars

BTW, our tab came out to about $50 for the two of use for dinner so while I wouldn't put it in the expensive category it may be a place to save for special occasions in this economy but definitely worth the visit for any occasion.

Greek Islands' Review

200 S Halsted St
(between Adams St & Quincy St)
Chicago, IL 60661


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There are so many good places to go for Greek food in Greektown but after multiple visits to the one in Oak Brook and Chicago the Greek Islands is one of the better Greek restaurants in Chicago. Plus, there is free valet parking.

Went for lunch to Greek Island's because they get extremely busy during the diner rush hours and strolled in for some authentic Greek eats. The place was busy despite my plans to avoid the crowds. I was half expecting that though.

When we got a table and they must have a wait staff of 50 people or more. You'll find both family-style and individual catered plates on the menu. Tons of appetizers and main course selections.

We opted out of the flaming Saganaki and the accompanying "Opah!". They were going off all around us and we weren't impressed by the pyrotechnics anymore. But at $5.50 it is a deal and a sight to see if you have never been or have out-of-towners.

Their Avgolemeno soup (lemon soup) was thick 'n creamy - texture-wise, just the way I like it, however it was a bit bland on that day and not full of the explosive lemon flavor I'm use to. The Gyros was a plate-full. I always order the lamb, that's one of meats of Greece.

It is usually tender and juicy, this time it was good as usual. It comes with garlic roasted potatoes which are very good.

All and all a nice meal at Greek Islands was had. But the only thing which takes away from the experience is the rushed service. The servers tend to bring out entrees when your finishing up your appetizer. They may be trying to hurry people in and out or there may be too many servers hovering around each table.

Nonetheless, if you want some pretty good Greek in a busy restaurant close to the hussle and bussle of Downtown than Greek Island's is the place.

Overall rating 3.5 out 5

Mount Everest Restaurant Review

630 Church St
(between Chicago Ave & Orrington Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201


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Quick Review: The best place to go for Indian food in Evanston and one of my favorite restaurants in the North Shore. Hands down.

Long Review: We first tried out Mount Everest a couple of years ago and it's really a great place for Indian and Pakistani food beyond Devon Avenue.

One of the things I like about the restaurant is it has good service with great food. The owner is very nice and freindly and she makes sure every table is content with their experience at her business.

Everything is very good here. The Curry is not that spicy, a plus for people who don't like spicy food and the Naan (Indian bread) is perfectly warm and soft. Their Mango ice cream is creamy and delicious.

Devon is a good place to go for Indian but Mt Everest is worth the trip.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

Hannah's Bretzel Review

233 N Michigan Avenue and 190 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60605


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Quick Review: From greasy spoon Greektown diner to luxurious lunch spot in the loop. While working in the Loop (interning actually) last year I stopped over at Hannah's Bretzel on Washington for lunch and had one of the best (and most expensive) European sandwiches in a long time.

Long Review: While interning at an investment firm (bad place to be in this economy) I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch. Why should all the executives enjoy great lunches while I ate bagged lunches from home? I deserved something nice once in awhile too. So I grabbed my coat and headed out to Hannah's Bretzel.

Unfortunately, the Loop doesn't offer that many good places to grab a sandwich (yes, there's Panera and Cosi but the lines are so long by the time lunch rolls around) Then there's fast food chains which I won't go to unless there are no other options and there are at least a few better options in the Loop than fast food. Besides they serve entirely organic ingredients and it's healthy too.

I had done my research on Hannah's Bretzel after seeing a segment on the news about it. I knew how expensive it would be but was still uncertain of the quality. (Price does not always equal quality)

The location is not exactly a hole in the wall but the narrow building it's located in makes it easy to miss. I've walked by it a thousand times before but only now have I noticed it. I walked in the shop which is very small and has a very European feeling. The wall (the entire wall) has an enormous shelf gourmet chocolate bars from Belgium and Switzerland. Two giant TV's mounted on the wall behind the counter were showing a downhill skiing event and marble countertopsr rounded out the theme. I think I even heard classical music playing. The only thing missing were chandlers. How highbrow.

There wasn't much of a line but everyone in line was dressed well, including myself. I did my homework before hand and made sure to look the part so I wouldn't get any snooty looks from people. But actually the customers were more focused on what to order than who was walking through the door and the staff is very nice.

I ordered the Black Forest Turkey sandwich with chips. It came out to $10.25 with tax.

The place is very small and it only has one or two tables so I had to eat lunch somewhere else. I felt like Nick Cage in the movie the Family Man (specifically the part where he describes getting his coffee at Dean and DeLuca) as I walked down Wacker with my Hannah Bretzel sandwich bag and wearing my winter coat. The only thing I was missing were black leather power broker gloves.

It was a great sandwich, the kettle chips were a bit salty but all in all a good organic European sandwich. The bag it came in was even made of biodegradable plastic.

Though, in this economy it's probably better to go once in a while as special treat unless you have have a trust fund. And if anyone calls you a snob for buying a Hannah's Bretzel sandwich, tear off a piece and give it to them because they serve up some very good sandwiches here.

4 out of 5 stars

Mr Greek Review

234 S Halsted St
(between Adams St & Jackson Blvd)
Chicago, IL 60661


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Quick Review: Went to grab some gyros in Greektown and got a big messy gyros for about $5, a good deal for a good meal.

Long Review: All rhyming aside, this greasy spoon is a great place for gyros. Possibly one of the best in Greektown for Gyros. After reading rave reviews about it I decided to stop in with my lunch companions. It was a typical diner style/ fast food atmosphere. It not about the looks, it's about lunch.

Went up to the counter and ordered the "combo #2" which was gyros with fries and a drink- $5.45.

After waiting for a little while my number was called and I got my lunch. The gyros are very big, very messy and very good. Half of mine spilled out onto the paper lining of the tray. Despite the initial awkwardness of trying to eat it I'd say this was some of the best gyros I've had in a while. I was so filled I couldn't finish my fries and had to throw the rest out (I don't like throwing out food) Bring a take out container you might need it ;)

All in all a good greasy spoon in Greektown to come for gyros. (Yes I know I sound like Dr. Seuss)

4.5 out of 5 stars

Jim's Original Hot Dog Review

1250 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60607


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Quick Review: Drawn partly by curiosity and also by a very good deal I went to Jim's a couple weeks ago but didn't want to wait in line. Went back this week beat the lunch crowd and got a great Polish with some very good (free) fries.

Long Review: Looking to grab a hot dog I went to Jim's Original for their 70th Anniversary celebration. Everything on their menu was 70 cents. Unfortunately, I didn't expect the entire city to also be there. The lines (there were two lines actually) were around the block and traffic was backed up on the streets around Jim's. This was 10x worse than the lunch lines at Hot Doug's.

I took my place in the back of the line- a block away from the counter. After 15 minutes and not much progression of the line I decided to give up my spot in line and come back when there wasn't a 45-50 minutes wait.

I returned yesterday with a group of people and we arrived before the lunch crowds mobbed the counter. This is an old school Chicago hot dog joint, literally right next to the Dan Ryan with sizzling grills on all the time in the back, smells of meat and fries wafting around in the air and sometimes gruff employees who can be intimidating to no-regulars. I ordered my Polish with free fries (all sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers, come with free fries) and wondered we were going to sit.


There isn't an outdoor eating area, no chair and tables in the back, just a metal counter bolted to the side of the building. Mustard and ketchup stains dotted the sidewalk underneath the counter. We ate old school style standing up at the "lunch counter" with the cars rushing by on the expressway and the skyline behind us.

The Polish Dog is really good, people aren't hyping anything up about it when they say so. It's loaded up with Sauerkraut and the fries are also very good. Their double fried to give a brown crunchy texture (at least I'm told).

It all only cost around $3.50 and Ddspite the unique experience eating while standing on the sidewalk along the Dan Ryan this is a great old place to go for hot dogs and especially the Polish Dog. Probably the best Polish Sausage I've had in Chicago.

Jim's Original Website

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Costello Sandwich & Sides Review

2015 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618

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Short Review: Went to Roscoe Village to grab a nice lunch but left Costello's in a not so nice mood.

Long Review: Here's why

I walked into Costello's Sandwich Shop after walking up and down Roscoe Street figuring out where to go, it was getting late so I popped in. There were barely any people in the store... on a Saturday at 1:00... right after a Cubs Game let out.

Something shiny in the corner near the window caught my attention. It was a... tin foil robot? Hmmm... quirky.

Nonetheless, I was hungry anyway and decided to order a Turkey Club sandwich after mulling over the sandwich board for a minute. The man behind the counter rang me up-

"$7.50." He told me.

I thought I was heard him wrong and looked at the cash register, it displayed $7.50 also. G

God! that's a bit expensive for a sandwich I thought. I pulled out all my money- all of it meaning my wallet was empty when I handed over all my money to him. He asked if I wanted a drink.

No, just water. I don't think I want to be charged an extra two dollars for a Pepsi. "This better be a good sandwich." I thought.

I sat at one of the empty tables and flipped through The Onion trying to get my mind off of how much I paid for a turkey sandwich.

I took a bit after what seemed like an unusually long wait.

It arrived and it was a bit- bland. Something like what your would receive in a college cafeteria. There was more chopped lettuce on the sandwich than Turkey meat. And don''t Lay's Potato Chips only cost $1? 6.50 for a sandwich? That price is almost as bad as when I went to grab an $9 dollar burger from Busy Burger. I support local businesses and want to see them stick around the neighborhood but the price for this sandwich was $2 too much.

I was about to go out on the street and tell someone to call the police because I was robbed. I was even tempted to tell the other patrons who were now filling up the store to run while they still have their money.

Though, I didn't. I finished my sandwich and left a bit peeved I had emptied my wallet for a turkey sandwich I could make at home- at better quality.

2 out of 5 stars

Eating Organic in Chicago

Eating organically is not only healthy for you it's good for living a low impact lifestyle and influences agricultural production (if enough people eat organically that is) but soapbox comments aside, where do you go out to eat an organic meal in Chicago? It's sometimes it's even hard to find spots use organic meat in their dishes.

Here's a great big list of the highest rated organic cafes, restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores to eat organically in Chicago:

Restaurants

Uncommon Ground
3800 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613


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MK
866 N Franklin
Chicago, IL

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Cousin's Incredible Vitality
3038 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL

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Chocolate Grape
2113 W Division St
Chicago, IL

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Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie Blvd
Chicago, IL

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Big Jones
5347 N Clark St
Chicago, IL

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M. Henry
5707 N Clark St
Chicago, IL

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Sweets & Savories
1534 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL

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Bistro Campagne
4518 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL

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Crust
2056 W Division St
Chicago, IL

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Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave
Chicago, IL
(One of Chicago's best places to get a hot dog, there's always lines out the door)

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Bakeries

Alliance Bakery
1736 W. Division,
Chicago, IL
(Charming Old Eastern European bakery)

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Artopolis Bakery, Cafe and Agora
306 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL
(excellent Greektown bakery, nice assortment of treats)

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Judy's Bakery
706 Main St., Evanston, IL
(the bakery I grew up with)

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Leitza's
2218 N. California Ave
Chicago, IL
(doesn't use margarine in their baked goods)

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Bleeding Heart Bakery
1955 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657-2024

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Sweet Dreams Bakery
1107 Waukegan Rd
Glenview, IL 60025

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Cafes

Coffee and Tea Exchange
3311 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL
(good coffee and tea)

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3123 N. Broadway,
Chicago, IL 60657
(great local coffee, has several locations and are selling coffee in grocery stores now)

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53 E Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602

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Bridgeport Coffee Company
3101 S Morgan St
Chicago, IL

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1640 S Blue Island Ave,
Chicago, IL 60608

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My Place for Tea
3210 N Sheffield Ave,
Chicago, IL 60657

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Grocery Stores

Treasure Island
2121 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL

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75 W Elm St
Chicago, IL

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Fox & Obel
401 E. Illinois,
Chicago, IL

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Hyde Park Produce
1226 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL

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Farmers Pride
756 N Western Avenue
Chicago, IL

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Paulina Market
3501 N Lincoln Ave,
Chicago, IL 60657

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Green Grocer
1402 W Grand Ave,
Chicago, IL 60642

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Don't forget about the farmer's market

Green City Market
1750 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL
7am-3pm Wednesdays

Daley Center Farmer's Market
50 W Adams
Chicago, IL 60606
Tue. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

61st Street Farmer's Market
6100 S Blackstone Ave
Chicago, IL 60637


Do you know of any other organic spots in Chicago? Let me know. More next time.

Anteprima Review

Quick Review: With the tasty memories of Trattoria Trula still in my mind (I still can't wait to go back) we headed to Anteprima in Andersonvillefor my mother's birthday to do a comparison. It close behind Trattoria and has become one of my favorite Italian Restaurants. And not just because of the food.

Long Review: Trattoria Trulo is still my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago, through AntePrima follows closely behind. We all arrived there for my mothers birthday at around 5:30 and they only had three tables open- Andersonville is becoming a restaurant hot spot but AntePrima has made a name for itself already.

The host was very nice and seated us quickly as the restaurant was nearly empty. We sat down and on the table was a bottle of water (not just any bottle but a bottle with a flueted opening with a blue gel/rubber cap) Very nicely presented and the bottle made the water look refreshing. And it was (I'm glad I didn't need to drink polluted Chicago tap water) It was nice to see AntePrima take the extra step.

Another extra step I enjoyed were the four Quiche Lorraines waiting for me on the table. Another inviting extra step.

Our waiter came over and was genial and pleasant as he explained the specials to us. He left us to mull over the menu. I decided to get the Veal meatballs for an appitizer and the Spagehtti with Anchovies for the main course. My mother went for the beat salad for an appitizer and Halibut with Fugami mushrooms for a main course.

The veal meatballs were smaller than I expected but still there were enough of them to be eaten as an appetizer. I was expecting three or four large meatballs to be placed in front of me similar in size to ones served at pasta houses- AntePrima is not a pasta house.

The restaurant started ti fill up quickly as we finished our appetizers, although this is Andersonvile.

Our main courses came out and my spaghetti was the best non-sauce spaghetti I've had. I had Watercress sprinkled on top, grated cheese, and of course anchovies tossed in. Although, I couldn't taste the anchovies that much maybe because they were thinly sliced or there weren't that many of them. The spaghetti was still very good, I nearly melted into my chair.

My mothers Halibut was a bit "too salty" for her taste. Maybe it's because she often doesn't put salt on her food. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes thoroughly.

The deserts were very good also, my Chocolate Hazelnut cake was a nice way to end a good meal.

The bathrooms were clean and designed in a similar theme as the restaurant, they felt as if you were in someones guest bathroom instead of a bathroom at a restaurant. The were no florescent lights buzzing above your head and the towels were refreshingly ample enough to dry you hands. (Go to AntePrima and you'll see what I mean)

The other great thing I like about AntePrima is the diversity of its patrons. There were young and old, couples on dates, families out for a special Sunday night and there was even a large tables of three families sitting all together. It reminded me of families sitting together at long tables in Italy.

The quality of the food is part of what makes a resturant but the experience is the other key factor. Both were great at AntePrima. A great restaurant for a special occasion or just about any occasion, I will be back.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Dining Out For Free in Chicago

Eating out in Chicago doesn't need to be expensive. There's many restaurants where you can eat on the cheap or even for free. In fact if you go to certain restaurants on the right day you can find yourself a deal. Here's a big list of restaurants that offer dining deals, happy hour, or buffets around Chicago.

Downtown

Brasserie Joe- Happy hour 5-7pm every Tuesday
59 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610

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The Buzz- Free buffet from 5-6pm with free salsa lessons from 6:30-7:30pm
308 W Erie St Bsmt
Chicago, IL 60610

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Golden Buddha Chinese Restaurant- Don't be put off by entering through a lobby of an office building as they offer free appetizers every Friday evening.

312 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60606

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Mezito Latin Bistro and Wine Bar- Free tapas on Tuesday from 5-10pm

710 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60606

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Northside

Big Chicks- This popular GLBT spot in Uptown offers a free full Sunday brunch buffet from 3-4pm. Salad, pasta, sandwiches, and deserts are included.

5024 N Sheridan Rd,
Chicago, IL 60640

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Celtic Crown- Free pizza 5-8pm on Fridays

4301 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

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Franks'- Free food on St Patrick's Day and Fat Tuesday

2503 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

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Full Shilling Pub- This Wrigleyville bar offers free food Fridays 5-7pm during Cubs games

3724 N Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60613

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Clybar- Free pizzas from 5-8pm on Fridays

2417 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL‎ 60614

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McGee's Tavern and Grille- Free pizza at Midnight on Fridays

950 W Webster Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614

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North End- This Lakeview sports bar has Sunday buffets during Bears season. GLBT

3733 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613


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Sedgwicks- Free Friday buffet at 10:30pm Saturdays around midnight.
1935 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60614


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West Side

Cleo's- You can get your late night free food fix with free appetizers Saturday 11-1:00 am at this Ukrainian Village spot

1935 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622


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The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave
(between Homer St & Armitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647


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International night, 2 drink minimum strictly enforced on Tuesday night. Local from around the world chefs gather at this Bucktown spot to cook ethnic dishes from their country.

Free samples around town

Fox and Obel- Offers free samples of food everyday, free wine samplings Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm and Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm

Godiva Chocolates- Free samples on weekend (double check website to see upcoming offers)

Trader Joes- Free samples offered everyday

Whole Foods- Samples offered weekend afternoons

Meson Sabika Review

Quick Review: Went all the way out to Naperville to Meson Sabika today for diner (in rush hour traffic on 294) for some Tapas and had a reasonable meal when we finally got there.

Long Review: After seeing Mason Sabika on Cheak Please we decided to go and check it out for ourselves and also to enjoy the springtime weather outside Spanish style in la sol (which was quickly receding below the horizon)

We arrived and ordered some cold tapas to start out. They were pretty good, the bacon wrapped prunes. They were good but after a few the sauce seemed too sweet and some water was needed to dilute the taste.

We moved onto the hot tapas and I ordered the lamb chops with cous cous. It was good not the best lamb I've had, the cous cous was good and was large grain which absorbed the sauce well.

We moved onto deserts and I had Tarimsu. It was alright for the price. All in all I had high expectations for Meson Sabika since I heard so many great things about but it didn't quite live to expectations. Maybe it was the phenomenal meal we had at Trattoria Trullo but I was expecting more. It's still a nice restaurant with good quality tapas for the suburbs.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Trattoria Trullo Review

4767 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625


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Quick Review: One of the best non-pasta Italian restaurants I've been to- if not the best I've ever had.

Long Review: We braved the rain storm and went to Trattoria Trullo for my birthday. It was one of the greatest birthday dinner I've had in a while. I originally saw the restaurant on Check Please and thought it looked like a nice place to go for upscale Italian restaurant in Chicago.

We the main dinning room decor and setting are very nice and relaxing. A high, lofty ceiling and soft lighting and candles on every table I recognized the owner walking back and fourth making sure everything and everyone is OK. The owner is from Sicily and the restaurant focuses on serving dishes from that region.

We started out with an appetizer of grilled Octopus and Calamari. Both were great, and my first taste of octopus was better than I thought.

For my main course I had the veal. It was very good, but the best dish on the table was my father's Sea Bass, it was the best Sea Bass I ever had and the seasonings and sauce made it unbelively good. It was also the first time I said "oh my god" at a restaurant and for a very good reason. My sister ordered the stuffed steak with Blue Cheese and that was extremely good also. Everything we had was extremely good. It was like culinary bliss.

For desert I had the Tarimissu and that was also well made, not too much liquor and not too much Marzipanne cheese either. Just right, some restaurants make their Tarmissu too sweet and mess up the meal. Trattoria has desserts that end the meal well.

Everything is extremely good here and I'll definitely be back to my new found favorite Italian Restaurant in Chicago.

Kamehachi Review

1400 N Wells St
(between Burton Pl & Schiller St)
Chicago, IL 60610


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Quick Review: On a cold rainy day we stopped in to Kamehaci, I knew it was good when we received the aromatic hot towels but I knew it was even better when I took a bite of the Dragon Roll.

Long Review: On a cold winter afternoon the Chicago restaurant reviewers and I set out for Old Town. We were heading to Kamehachi for some sushi, I love sushi so I was really looking forward to Kamehachi.

The owners say this is the oldest sushi bar in Chicago and has been on the corner of Shiller and Wells since 1967. The restaurant was smaller than I expected but that was fine as I've been in some sushi places which are too big and you need to wave an enormous flag to get your waiters attention from across the room (at some particularly bad places I wave a white flag)

We were seated immediately (it was a Sunday at 4pm though) and were given hot wet towels which smelled like almonds. Very refreshing and especially good after a cold blustery walk from the El stop. They were already getting points in my book.

I we ordered soft shell crab as an appetizer. It was pretty good, but slightly overpriced. Next I had the Kamehachi combo which comes with: yellowtail tuna, whitefish, shrimp, mackerel, salmon, fish roe & octopus with a California roll, and of course it's served with miso soup. It was good but not the best sushi I've had.

My dining companion had the Firecracker roll and the Dragon roll. It was pretty good also. The Dragon roll comes artfully prepared in the shape of a Dragon and was good, not the best but alright.

The Firecracker roll is named after it's crunchy center. It was pretty good also.

Had it been summer we would have sat outside on the patio with its mini waterfall and Japanese garden ambiance but unfortunately we went during the dead of winter. Next time. The bill came out to about $50 dollars for the two of us. A bit overpriced. But the prices are a little high because of the Old Town address (and rent).

Kamehachi is a pretty good sushi place in Old Town but I wouldn't make a special trip out there. All in all pretty good sushi place but I would only go there in summer and if I'm in the area.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars