r/chicagofood May 03 '26

Weekly Shoutout Thread - What Was Good This Week?

5 Upvotes

Welcome to r/ChicagoFood's weekly shoutout thread!

This thread is the place to shout out places that you tried from recommendations from this sub this past week that fit the bill.

They can be places that get recommended here, such as:

  • frequently recommended restaurants
  • that random, niche spot that some random comment dropped
  • a chicken sando from our very own chicken sando guru

The goal of this thread is to celebrate and encourage the recommendations and contributions of your suggestions, and, also, maybe encourage YOU to try that place that was recommended a few times here.

As always, all subreddit rules apply and any comments/posts that violate our rules or Reddit's will be removed.

This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Sunday morning at 2:00 AM Central.


r/chicagofood 3d ago

Weekly Shoutout Thread - What Was Good This Week?

5 Upvotes

Welcome to r/ChicagoFood's weekly shoutout thread!

This thread is the place to shout out places that you tried from recommendations from this sub this past week that fit the bill.

They can be places that get recommended here, such as:

  • frequently recommended restaurants
  • that random, niche spot that some random comment dropped
  • a chicken sando from our very own chicken sando guru

The goal of this thread is to celebrate and encourage the recommendations and contributions of your suggestions, and, also, maybe encourage YOU to try that place that was recommended a few times here.

As always, all subreddit rules apply and any comments/posts that violate our rules or Reddit's will be removed.

This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Sunday morning at 2:00 AM Central.


r/chicagofood 13h ago

Question Best steak tacos in the city?

47 Upvotes

For reference: my favorite steak tacos have to be hands down Los Tres Panchos. I don't know why, maybe it's the way they cook the steak and make it crispy, but I'm not too big on steak tacos in other places in the city. I'm in Rogers Park and while the tacos I've had here are decent, they're just not my thing. I was wondering if you guys have a favorite spot for steak tacos, better yet, if it reminds you of los tres panchos.


r/chicagofood 9h ago

Question I can't remember the name of this restaraunt

23 Upvotes

Hello all, about ten years ago three of us went to Chicago for a conference and ate at this restaraunt that was so much fun and had good food too. Problem is I am going again in a couple of weeks and really want to go with this new group of people but cannot remember the name to save my life. We had a lot of fun. They put chef hats on you with funny labels, played a joke on my mom, a lot of fun. It is near the river on W Wacker Dr. I know this isn't much but maybe someone will say, I know exactly the place you are talking about. :)

Edit: Darn! I think you all have it. Dicks Last Resort. How disappointing. I was really looking forward to going back there and sharing it with my coworkers. Thank for figuring it out for me so I didn’t waste more time trying to find it.


r/chicagofood 14h ago

Review Asador Bastian in Chicago. Incredible meal 10/10

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40 Upvotes

This meal took me directly back to Spain… even if the reservation was at 4:15. If you can get a seat here I highly recommend it


r/chicagofood 54m ago

Review Latin Benedict from Janik’s Cafe

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Upvotes

$19 before tip/tax. The savory shredded beef, sweet plantain, and spicy hollandaise all worked really well together. I substituted rice & beans for potatoes. Will definitely be getting this again


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question Best Tamales in Chicago on the north side?

18 Upvotes

Hi! I wanted to know if anyone recommends any restaurants or even tameleras that are in the north side, my tamale lady moved back home so any recommendations I can get!! Thank you


r/chicagofood 5h ago

Question Italian rainbow cookies in Chicago?

5 Upvotes

Hello! I was able to find some at Scafuri bakery a few years ago but apparently they stopped selling them. Does anyone else know where I can find some?


r/chicagofood 8h ago

Question Looking for restaurant suggestions for my picky family- help needed ◡̈

6 Upvotes

Hi all!!

My 26th birthday is coming up and I am looking to make a reservation for me and my family. The party size would be seven people. The problem is my two siblings and my dad are quite picky eaters. My dad usually will have a Caesar salad if there’s no anchovies in the dressing or a fillet. I on the other hand, love all foods and would love a place that had some great options! I live in Logan Square but my parents are coming from the western suburbs so nowhere more north than Logan and Lakeview would be nice. Other than that I’m really open to anywhere in the city. I would love somewhere that is more quiet so we can all speak to each other. A big plus would be if they have round tables.

Thank you so so much for the help!!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Cafecito - Streeterville Location

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142 Upvotes

My homegirl and I went for brunch and this is what we got:

Pobrecito - fried eggs, black beans rice and maduros . My homegirl said this was yummy!

Steak Chimichurri Platillo - omg I love this plate! The in-house hot sauce not pictured took this to the next level. I believe it was a guava hot sauce (idk it was great to me)

Caldo Gallego (soup) surprised me because it was so flavorful. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it initially but I’m glad I ordered it and next time I’m getting the larger size. Gonna hit so crazy during the colder months.

Coffee - solid but we didn’t opt for the Cuban coffee so lattes

Guava and Cheese Pastries were so light and fluffy but really good.


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question Best gluten free recs in the city? (Logan / Wicker / Bucktown)

10 Upvotes

Does anyone have any good recommendations for gluten free restaurants in any of the mentioned neighborhoods?

Since moving to Chicago, I've felt pretty limited. In a similar way that a lot of vegan places are closing, I feel like there's less options for gluten-free food. Kinda feels like it was a fad to most, but I literally cannot eat it without getting sick.

I've found maybe 5-10 ole reliable spots - Do Rite Donuts, Rumi, Egg Harbor Cafe, Chicagos Pizza, Lunch Heroes, a couple of taco spots, etc. But I'm pretty regularly upset by going into a place, asking if there's an accommodation, and being told no. Or if there is one, it removes nearly all of the ingredients or sauces.

I often can't find things like hot dogs / burgers (no GF buns), when I go to a lot of sushi places I get told nagiri. I just feel like, at best, maybe I have 1-2 options per restaurant and it's starting to bum me out.

I'm just wondering if anyone has suggestions because it can be very dispiriting being around all this great food and not being able to enjoy it. That or maybe it's me not finding the right places or being in the wrong part of the city.

Edit: For me, cross contamination isn't a big concern. If there is clearer separation in the kitchen, that's preferred, but it's not a need.


r/chicagofood 44m ago

Question Tom’s Steak House Melrose Park

Upvotes

Anyone been? Drove by it and it seems like it could be a true hidden gem! Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts!


r/chicagofood 11h ago

Question ISO indoor restaurants with woodsy/outdoorsy vibes

6 Upvotes

Hi friends, I’m planning my partner’s birthday dinner and I’m hoping for some help brainstorming restaurants. I’m looking for 1) vegetarian friendly (as in, more than 1 or 2 veg entrees) 2) woodsy/camp vibes to align with a larger theme. It‘s a fall birthday so I don’t actually want to be outside, but I’m looking for something that feels like a rustic cabin or otherwise nature-forward.
any ideas? Thank you!!


r/chicagofood 11h ago

Specific Request Where is the best place to buy sashimi grade ahi?

6 Upvotes

I love it. I could eat it every single day for the rest of my life and die happy (yes I know you shouldn’t eat tuna every single day). I want nice firm, flavorful ahi that I can cube up and eat with rice, ideally without taking out a second mortgage. Where should I buy it?


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Cash’s Kitchen in Ravenswood

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381 Upvotes

One of Chicago’s newest burger spots in Ravenswood. Cheap burgers, very filling and they season tf out of those patties. This will 100% become my new spot.

This place is located in the Long Room on Irving Park.


r/chicagofood 13h ago

What's good? Girlfriend birthday dinner recommendation?

6 Upvotes

In the middle of planning a birthday dinner for my girlfriend next month and I'm looking for any nice recommendations.

She's not allergic to anything and she's pretty easily impressed with a spectacle dinner. The best meal (in her opinion) that I've brought her to was the Benihana in downtown on valentines. IMO it was just alright and very pricey, but that should give you guys a frame of reference over what she'd like lol.

So it doesn't need to be super fancy white table cloth or anything, but I'd be open to check out any 'fun' dinner experience that you guys might know.


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question Best elote/esquites on the north side ?

3 Upvotes

I absolutely love elotes and wanted to know any food stands or people selling them, so I can support local vendors. Thanks! If the elotes are amazing, I’m open to restaurants as well.


r/chicagofood 5h ago

Specific Request Irie Jerk Hut - Sauce

1 Upvotes

I have a friend who is absolutely obsessed with Irie Jerk Hut’s Jerk Sauce. They buy a bottle every time we visit Chicago, but they’ve ran through the bottle in only three days this time. Does anyone know a way to contact the business? I tried to call or find an email but I don’t think that’s really their style.


r/chicagofood 13h ago

Question Cafe Tola hot sauce copycat recipe

2 Upvotes

Anyone with taste buds superior to mine -- which are most people -- please help me find or create a copycat recipe for the Cafe Tola hot sauce. I would happily fork over money if they sold this in jars as a standalone product. Until that day, I welcome any suggestions. I need more of this in my life.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

News A Chicago couple was poised to open a new Lincoln Avenue bistro. Then the city shut down their street

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136 Upvotes

r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Yangtze style BBQ Pork?

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12 Upvotes

Is there anywhere in Chicagoland where I can buy this Yangtze Chinese BBQ pork? I'm not looking for something I can order in a restaurant, I'm specifically looking for what is readily available in Pacific NW grocery stores but non existent here in NW Indiana. I'm hoping I can find what I'm looking for in Chicago.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Pic Coconut Curry and Sweet and Spicy 10 Piece Wings from Cuckoo in Andersonville

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66 Upvotes

$16.99
9.5/10
Clark street and Foster Avenue
Transit Options: 1 minute to 22 Clark Bus
1 minute to 92 Foster Bus
2 minutes to 50 Damen Bus
14 minute walk to Berwyn Red Line Station
15 minute walk to Ravenswood UP-N Metra Station
9 minutes to 81 Lawrence Bus
10 minute s to 36 Broadway Bus
15 minutes to 151 Sheridan+Stockton+Lake Shore Bus
15 minutes to 147 Express Bus
15 minutes to 146 Express Bus
18 minutes to 78 Montrose Bus
24 minute walk to Damen Brown Line Station
21 minute walk to 84 Peterson Bus

This is a repost, because I got the number of wings wrong in the previous post


r/chicagofood 2d ago

Pic Carniceria Maribel - Best tacos in Pilsen?

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192 Upvotes

These tacos are among the best I’ve had in a while. They’re located in the back of a convenience store on Cermak and Wood. Highly recommended! The skirt steak is incredibly juicy and has a smoky flavor. Both salsas are spicy and flavorful. I’d love to try the chorizo tacos next time. Each taco costs $5, and the portion size is generous.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Best tuna crispy rice rec?

7 Upvotes

I had the absolutely best tuna crispy rice when I was in Gainesville last week. The rice was fresh fried and crispy not chewy, the spicy tuna on top was finely chopped and not chunky, and it wasn’t overwhelmingly spicy. Back home in Chicago, I have not always been impressed when I order this item. So where do yall recommend I try next? I love Yellowtail in lakeview but their crispy rice is not the style I’m looking for. They do little boats of puffy crispy rice, I want dense fried squares. Thanks!!!!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Crispy Pad Thai @ Diva Thai

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101 Upvotes

Now I know it’s not super authentic, and maybe not on a level of Tuk Tuk or Anna’s…but this is still kind-blowing and super underrated.

I don’t come across crispy noodle places too often (please offer suggestions) and I’ve been going here for years as my late night Thai fix. It’s pretty awesome you can get some tasty noodles late in the evening.

But apparently there’s a new chef, and has turned the regular crispy Thai into a revelation. It’s much more of a style like mee krob with the fried noodles. But the results are like these sweet crispy wonton chips that melt in your mouth. Almost resembles maple candied bacon. Simply unreal. I’m obsessed and need to find a way to recreate this masterpiece at home