Elite Eats 2018 Restaurant Guide Compiled and Written by Mike Oetting

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Elite Eats 2018 Restaurant Guide Compiled and Written by Mike Oetting,

Adult Services Librarian

Breakfast at the Gundis. Image © 2018 Mike Oetting. All Rights Reserved Table of Contents Notes for the 2018 Edition...... 3 Chinese ...... 4 Thai...... 5 Sushi and Poke ...... 7 Vietnamese ...... 8 Indian / South Asian ...... 9 Ramen ...... 11 Korean (New for 2018) ...... 12 Cuban / Puerto Rican / Dominican ...... 13 Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ...... 14 Mexican ...... 16 Cajun / Creole ...... 19 Italian ...... 20 Bohemian, German, and Polish (New for 2018) ...... 22 Other Cuisines ...... 24 Small Plates ...... 26 BBQ ...... 27 Breakfast / Diners ...... 28 Sandwiches ...... 30 Steak ...... 31 Italian Beef ...... 32 Fried Chicken ...... 33 Seafood ...... 34 Burgers ...... 35 Pizza ...... 37 Locally Sourced ...... 39 Food Courts ...... 40 Gluten Free / GF Friendly ...... 41 Delicatessens ...... 42 Specialty Food Resources ...... 44

Food Festivals (New for 2018) ...... 46

Notes for the 2018 Edition

Restaurants listed in green are new to the 2018 Elite Eats Restaurant Guide.

Mike’s Value Picks( ), are those restaurants which provide a surprisingly good dining experience for the money.

Notes on the Guide:

 The restaurants mentioned in the guide are sourced from personal dining experiences, research, and recommendations from friends, patrons, and Elite Eats program attendees. I have not been to every restaurant in the guide, though I have been to many, including each of the Mike’s Value Picks recipients.

 Source Used: This column in the following tables shows how the restaurant first came to my attention.

One source commonly mentioned is the “LTH Forum,” which refers to the website lthforum.com. This site has lively discussions of dining in the Chicago area, as well as being the home of the annual GNR (Great Neighborhood Restaurants) Awards (lthforum.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=28).

Another source referenced is “Reddit,” which is a massive Internet discussion forum covering a broad range of topics. These are broken into several subtopics, or “subreddits.” For the purposes of the guide, Reddit’s Chicago content consists of two of these subreddits: o Chicago: https://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/ o Chicago food: https://www.reddit.com/r/chicagofood/

 Distance from Hinsdale Public Library: Typical driving distance from the Library.

 A special thanks to Lori Cummins for her invaluable fact checking and research assistance on the 2018 edition of the guide.

Contact Information: Mike Oetting Adult Services Librarian Hinsdale Public Library 630.570.4211 [email protected]

Chinese

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Hua Ting Gateway Square Chinese eatery. Elite 1 mile 777 N York Rd Eats Hinsdale, IL 60521 Guest (630) 789-0505 Yu’s Mandarin Chinese cuisine in a nice Elite 2 miles 665 Pasquinelli Dr environment. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 325-7800 Katy’s Dumpling House Authentic Chinese noodle dishes… LTH 3 miles 665 North Cass Ave Try the shredded pork stir-fried with Forum Westmont, IL 60559 pancake. (630) 323-9393 Moy Goy Inn No-frills take out in La Grange. Yelp 3 miles 719 W Hillgrove Ave Delicious and prepared while you La Grange, IL 60525 wait. Don’t forget your cash. (708) 354-5992 Chinese Kitchen Tasty and authentic Chinese food. Yelp 5 miles 6551 S Cass Ave Some excellent values in lunch Westmont, IL 60559 specials. (630) 968-3828 Lao Sze Chuan House Some of the best Chinese in the LTH 5 miles 1331 Ogden Ave Downers suburbs. If you like it hot, try Tony’s Forum Grove, IL Three Chili Chicken. (630) 663-0303 Taste Indian Chinese Chinese food made with Indian Yelp 7 miles 2117 W 63rd St spices--that’s how our server Downers Grove, IL 60516 described the dishes the last time I (630) 541-9872 ate there. Interesting food… Chi Café This hip and funky Hong Kong Library 18 miles 2160 S Archer Ave Chinese eatery is on the lower level Staff Chicago, IL 60616 of the Chinatown mall. The sizzling (312) 842-9993 beef tenderloin is a good bet. Sze Chuan Cuisine This Chinatown restaurant has Library 18 miles 2414 S Wentworth Ave caught the eye of LTH forum users, Staff Chicago, IL 60616 who enjoy seek out the fish fillet in (312) 791-1882 red oil and brisket in dry pot. Great Sea The spicy chicken wings at this LTH 23 miles 3254 W Lawrence Ave Albany Park Chinese restaurant are Forum Chicago, IL 60625 justifiably celebrated. (773) 478-9129 Sun Wah BBQ Uptown Chinese eatery featuring LTH 27 miles 5039 N Broadway amazing Peking Duck. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 769-1254

Thai

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Mai Thai Good lunch specials in this modest Elite 3 miles 697 N Cass Ave strip mall Thai restaurant. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 455-4298 Thipi Thai Also found in downtown La Grange. Elite 4 miles 1 Walker Ave Eats Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Guest (630) 590-5025 Cida Thai Delicious Thai food in a strip mall. Yelp 4 miles 5435 S La Grange Rd Good value. Countryside, IL 60525 (708) 482-0706 Thai Café Small carry-out restaurant a couple Yelp 5 miles 4950 Main St of blocks north of the tracks on Main Downers Grove, IL 60417 St. Very tasty. (630) 515-1471 Fine Thai Not much seating in this Thai Elite 5 miles 9305 Ogden Ave restaurant that does a brisk carry Eats Brookfield, IL 60513 out business. Guest (708) 387-9082 Thai First Excellent Thai food in a small strip Yelp 8 miles 2249 Maple Ave mall. The décor is a bit eccentric, Downers Grove, IL 60515 but the food is not. (630) 737-0671 Thai Happiness Neither the exterior nor interior are Yelp 8 miles 1202 75th St much to look at, but the dishes are Downers Grove, IL 60516 fantastic. (630) 241-1914 Mama Thai Thai curries are especially solid at Library 12 miles 1112 Madison St this Forest Park restaurant. Staff Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-0100 Thai Twin The food in this narrow Thai Yelp 13 miles 7430 Harlem Ave restaurant is more memorable than Bridgeview, IL 60455 the décor. Very friendly service. (708) 458-4545 Bangkok Village Solid offerings at this downtown Friend 13 miles 22 Chicago Ave #122 Naperville Thai restaurant. Try Naperville, IL 60540 the Charcoal Beef Salad for (630) 369-9757 a spicy treat.

Opart Thai House Thai cuisine a few blocks from Word of 23 miles 1906 S State St McCormick place, so a good choice Mouth Chicago, IL 60616 for conventioneers. (312) 567-9898

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Rainbow Cuisine Darling of the LTH forum. Their Gai LTH 25 miles 4825 N. Western Ave Tod (fried chicken) is excellent, as is Forum Chicago, IL 60625 their Isaan sausage. (773) 754-7660 Andy’s Thai Kitchen Former Tac Quick chef opened his LTH 25 miles 946 W Wellington Ave own restaurant in Lakeview. Forum Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 549-7821 IMMM Rice and Beyond Argyle St restaurant featuring LTH 27 miles 4949 N Broadway St authentic Thai St food. From a co- Forum Chicago, IL 60640 owner of Spoon Thai. (773) 293-7378

Sushi and Poke

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Nabuki High quality sushi in downtown Word of 1 mile 18 E 1st St Hinsdale, though you’ll pay for the Mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 privilege. Many creative Maki rolls. (630) 654-8880 Sushi House Best sushi in the western suburbs? Library 2 miles 830 E Ogden Ave West Suburban Life thinks so. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 920-8948 Standard Market Sushi station at the back of the store Elite 3 miles 333 E Ogden Ave offers respectable quality for the Eats Westmont, IL 60559 price. Guest (630) 366-7030 Woow Sushi Japanese restaurant featuring sushi Elite 4 miles 35 S La Grange Rd and items from the hibachi. Eats La Grange, IL 60525 Guest (708) 588-8888 Chiba Japanese Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sushi Yelp 5 miles 7533 S. Cass Ave restaurant garnering great reviews Darien, IL 60561 on Yelp. Small dining room. (630) 850-7848 Dao Sushi and Thai Specials and Groupons available for Elite 5 miles 17W512 22nd St this nicely decorated restaurant. Eats Oakbrook Terr, IL 60181 Guest (630) 279-2888 Aodake Sushi & Steak Nice lunch deals here. Library 7 miles 2129 75th St Staff Darien, IL 60561 (630) 719-9888 Kai Sushi Conveyor belt sushi. Plates are Yelp 9 miles 2820 S Highland Ave priced by color (~$2–$7), and you Lombard, IL 60148 grab them as they pass your table. (630) 376-6260 Menu ordering also available. Sushi City AYCE sushi plus appetizers at Elite 10 miles 1510A 75th St dinnertime for $20, including house Eats Downers Grove, IL 60516 specialty rolls. Guest (630) 852-6388 Lawrence Fish Market This carryout spot is home to some Yelp 23 miles 3914 W Lawrence Ave of the best values in sushi in all of Chicago, IL 60625 the Chicago area. Large sushi (773) 267-6838 platters available. Cash-only. Aloha Poke Co. Enjoy poke bowls in Lincoln Park Elite 24 miles 163 W North Ave down the St from the Chicago Eats Chicago, IL 60610 History Museum. Several Chicago Guest (312) 291-9580 locations.

Vietnamese

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Noodles Pho U A good spot to get pho, the Elite 8 miles 1239 S Main St Vietnamese noodle soup. Not life- Eats Lombard, IL 60148 changingly good, but will hit the spot Guest (630) 620-5878 on a cold day. Saigon Pho & Café Yelp Four-star Vietnamese food in Yelp 13 miles 726 Lake St Oak Park. Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 689-0389 Las Vegas Vietnamese Las Vegas Vietnamese returns to LTH 14 miles 6723 Cermak Rd Berwyn, the guide after moving to Berwyn Forum IL 60402 from Cicero. The space is larger and (708) 317-4686 nicer, and the food is just as good. Luong-Loi Your pho awaits in downtown Library 17 miles 111 N Main St Wheaton. Or Chinese dishes if you Staff Wheaton, IL 60187 want something a little more (630) 653-8250 mainstream. Saigon Sisters A banh mi (Vietnamese submarine) LTH 21 miles 131 N Clinton Ave sandwich spot located in the Forum Chicago, IL 60661 Chicago French Market below the (312) 496-0094 tracks at Ogilvie Transpt. Center. HaiSous You will find a broad range of Yelp 22 miles 1800 S. Carpenter St elevated dishes at this hot Pilsen Chicago, IL 60608 eatery. The octopus salad app and (773) 878-2253 whole fluke entrée are top notch. Nhu Lan Bakery My favorite banh mi in Chicago. LTH 24 miles 2612 West Lawrence Ave Delicious and inexpensive. Forum Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 878-9898 Tank Noodle Argyle St Vietnamese spot serving LTH 27 miles 4953-55 N Broadway authentic fare & bubble tea. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (708) 675-7954 Ba Le Sandwiches Arguably brought the first banh mi Library 27 miles 5014 N Broadway St sandwiches to Chicago. Even if that Staff Chicago, IL 60640 isn’t true, they produce a really great (773) 561-4424 product (and cheap too). Little Vietnam Great value Vietnamese restaurant Elite 28 miles 1132 W Bryn Mawr Ave in the Edgewater neighborhood. Eats Chicago, IL 60640 Guest (773) 944-0999

Indian / South Asian

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Shree Indian Vegetarian Indian food in a strip Elite 3 miles 655 N Cass Ave mall off of Ogden. Lunch buffet Eats Westmont, IL 60559 available during the week. Guest (630) 655-1021 Sai Saffron Chat House Chat are Indian St snacks, and Sai LTH 3 miles 6034 S. Cass Ave Saffron has a large variety available. Forum Westmont, IL 60559 Call before visiting to ensure they (630) 968-9660 are open. Kama Bistro Elevated Indian food with many Friend 4 miles 9 S La Grange Rd gluten free options. La Grange, IL 60525 (708) 352-3300 Taste of India Large restaurant offering lunch and Library 5 miles 7243 Kingery Hwy dinner buffet options. Staff Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 323-1333 Shikara Extensive buffet in this space, which Elite 8 miles 1620 75th St also has banquet hall facilities. Eats Downers Grove, IL 60516 Pleasant contemporary décor. Guest (630) 964-1720

The Hindu Temple of The basement of this temple Elite 12 miles Greater Chicago features a canteen serving delicious Eats 10915 Lemont Rd south Indian vegetarian food on Guest Lemont, IL 60439 Saturday and Sunday. Go early for (630) 972-0300 the best selection. Indian Harvest Tastefully appointed Indian Elite 13 miles 796 Royal St George Dr restaurant with a reasonably priced Eats Naperville, IL 60563 buffet. Guest (630) 579-9500 Dalicious Fast casual concept in which you Yelp 15 miles 1413 S Naperville pick a protein, sauce, dal type, Plainfield Rd bread type, and side. Also various Naperville, IL 60564 chaat available, along with Indian (630) 548-9599 breakfast items on the weekends.

Khyber Pass Centrally located Indian spot in Friend 13 miles 1031 Lake St downtown Oak Park. Lunch buffet Oak Park, IL 60301 offers a good value. (708) 445-9032 The Spice Room One of the better Indian food Reddit 20 miles 2906 W. Armitage Ave options outside of the Devon Chicago, IL 60647 corridor. Notable for their willingness (773) 360-8689 to make dishes appropriately spicy.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Rangoli A fine Indian restaurant in the HPL 20 miles 2421 W. North Ave Humboldt Park neighborhood Staff Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 697-7114 Sabri Nihari Sabri Nihari serves up Pakistani fare Yelp 25 miles 2502 W. Devon Ave] in a surprisingly large and well- Chicago, IL 60659 appointed space on Devon Ave. (773) 465-3272 Udupi Palace A great spot for south Indian veggie Elite 25 miles 2543 W. Devon Ave fare. Get your dosai and idli here. Eats Chicago, IL 60659 Guest (773) 338-2152 Tiffin The Indian Kitchen Good northern Indian food in a Elite 25 miles 2536 W Devon Ave serene and spacious setting. Dishes Eats Chicago, IL 60659 from the Punjab region well Guest (773) 338-2143 represented. Spice levels toned down a bit. Ghareeb Nawaz This cash-only Devon LTH 25 miles 2032 W Devon Ave Indian/Pakistani counter service Forum Chicago, IL 60659 restaurant offers remarkably good (773) 761-5300 food for a pittance.

Ramen

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Oiistar Wicker park ramen restaurant with Library 23 miles 1385 N Milwaukee Ave classic as well as interesting fusion Staff Chicago, IL 60622 variants like those based on pozole (773) 360-8791 (pozolman). Large portions. Strings If you’re south of the Loop, you’re Library 23 miles 2141 S Archer Ave not out of options. This Chinatown Staff Chicago, IL 60616 ramen spot has you covered. (312) 374-3450 Hokkaido Ramen For years, this was THE place to get LTH 23 miles Santouka authentic ramen in Chicago, and it’s Forum 100 E Algonquin Rd still an excellent choice. Located in Arlington Heights, IL the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court, 60005 this cash-only stall can get pretty (847) 357-0286 busy on the weekends. Ramen Misoya Another solid choice in Arlington LTH 24 miles 1584 S Busse Rd Heights for traditional ramen. Forum Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (847) 437-4590 Wasabi Diners will find a modern space with LTH 26 miles 2101 N Milwaukee Ave plenty of wood in this Logan Square Forum Chicago, IL 60647 ramen shop. (773) 227-8180

Korean (New for 2018)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library New Korea Garden This modest Korean BBQ restaurant Library 3 miles 204 N Cass Ave offers the real deal for a fair price. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 Grilling your own thinly-sliced meat (630) 852-1900 at the table is a fun experience. J Korean Restaurant You’ll find an excellent rendition of Yelp 11 miles 1271 E. Ogden, Ste. 119 bibimbap at this strip mall Naperville, IL 60563 restaurant. (630) 848-0884 Mr. Kimchi Korean BBQ While the restaurant’s name implies Reddit 19 miles 1747 W. Golf Rd Korean BBQ is all that is going on, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 the Korean-style fried chicken here (847) 378-8621 has many fans. Chicago Kalbi While not as well-known as some of LTH 23 miles 3752 W Lawrence Ave the mainstays of Korean BBQ in Forum Chicago, IL 60625 Chicago, those in the know say (773) 604-8183 Chicago Kalbi is one to try. San Soo Gab San One of the veterans of the KBBQ Reddit 25 miles 5247 N. Western Ave scene in Chicago, SSGS is known Chicago, IL 60625 for its absurdly plentiful side dishes (773) 334-1589 (banchan). Woochon Chicago While not as talked about as San Reddit 25 miles 5744 N. California Ave Soo Gab San and Cho Sun OK, Chicago, IL 60659 Woochon, is a solid option. (773) 728-8001 Cho Sun Ok Restaurant One of the great KBBQ spots in LTH 26 miles 4200 N. Lincoln Ave Chicago, but service can reputedly Forum Chicago, IL 60618 be a little brusque. Go at off-peak (773) 549-5555 times to avoid long waits. Crisp Tasty Korean-spiced chicken wings LTH 26 miles 2940 N Broadway Ave in this small Lakeview restaurant. Forum Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 697-7610 Susie’s Noon Hour Grill It’s a one-woman show at this LTH 27 miles 6930 N Glenwood Ave Rogers Park breakfast spot. The Forum Chicago, IL 60626 kimchi omelet is a surprising delight. (773) 338-9494

Cuban / Puerto Rican / Dominican

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Caribbean Corner Everything I’ve eaten at this Cuban Yelp 5 miles 970 Warren Ave restaurant has been great. They Downers Grove, IL 60515 catered a Cuban-themed After Dark (630) 541-8641 event for the Library in 2016. El Bistro Latino The menu offers both Mexican and Yelp 19 miles 1261 E Algonquin Rd Cuban dishes. Their Jibarito Des Plaines, IL 60016 sandwich (which uses fried (224) 422-2206 plantains instead of bread), is great. Café Caribe Great place to grab a Cubano, Yelp 10 miles 6138 W 26th St jibarito, or lechon (roasted pork) Cicero, IL 60804 sandwich. (708) 548-8025 Morena’s Kitchen Everything about this neighborhood The 17 miles 5054 ½ W. Armitage Ave spot in Belmont-Cragin is Chicago Chicago, IL 60639 welcoming. Their pica pollo fried Reader (773) 622-7200 chicken dish is reputedly among the best versions in Chicago. La Bomba Logan Square Puerto Rican joint Library 20 miles 3321 W. Armitage Ave with a varied menu, including lechon Staff Chicago, IL 60647 sandwich, blood sausage, and (773) 394-0106 mofongo (stuffed plantains) Punta Cana Dominican restaurant in Logan Yelp 21 miles 2200 N. Kimball Ave Square serving basic tasty fare. Try Chicago, IL 60647 mangu for breakfast (mashed (773) 292-7400 plantains with sautéed onions). Cafecito Bustling café near Michigan Ave LTH 21 miles 26 E Congress Pkwy and Congress. Serve fabulous Forum Chicago, IL 60605 Cubano sandwiches as well as (312) 922-2233 other exotic choices. Diana’s Food and Casual Puerto Rican spot in Yelp 19 miles Restaurant Humboldt Park serving popular 1000 N Francisco Ave items like stewed chicken, Cubano Chicago, IL 60622 sandwiches, and empanadas. (773) 235-9218 90 Miles Cuban Café This BYOB spot in Logan Square Library 27 miles 2540 W Armitage Ave offers a fun/divey vibe. Tip: they Patron Chicago, IL 60647 offer sangria service using your (773) 227-2822 wine. Outdoor seating. La Unica Food Mart Cuban market with an attached café LTH 28 miles 1515 W Devon Ave serving Cuban and Puerto Rican Forum Chicago, IL 60660 food. Has a cult following for its fair (773) 302-2705 prices and authentic offerings.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Maura’s Mediterranean Super friendly service at this Library 3 miles 31 N Cass Ave downtown Westmont restaurant. It’s Staff Westmont, IL 60559 not fancy, but the food is fresh and (630) 512-0010 tasty. Damascus Falafel Remarkably good Mediterranean Yelp 7 miles 10S410 Kingery Hwy #3 fast casual in a tiny strip mall at 91st Willowbrook, IL 60527 St and Kingery Highway. (630) 481-4197 Pinched Med. Grill Tasty middle eastern food in an Elite 8 miles 2770 S Highland Ave #102 ultra-clean and friendly Lombard Eats Lombard, IL 60148 restaurant. If you like spicy food, Guest (630) 889-9200 make sure to try the schug sauce. The Best Shawerma A tiny and unpretentious carry out LTH 12 miles 6934 W 79th St spot in Burbank with a great chicken Forum Burbank, IL 60459 shawerma sandwich for a low price. (708) 233-9220 Cash only. A Steve Dolinsky pick. Pita Inn Pita Inn has great lunch specials LTH 12 miles 1835 Abriter Court and pillowy house-made pita at their Forum Naperville, IL 60563 numerous locations. In Skokie, they (630) 799-0085 even have a market. Fattoush If you are willing to try a Middle Yelp 14 miles 10700 S Harlem Ave Eastern breakfast, Fattoush is a Worth, IL 60482 good place to do it. The fettet (708) 671-9999 hummus with meat is superb. The Nile Restaurant The Nile is a great casual middle Library 14 miles 7333 W 87th St eastern eatery with fair prices. Patron Bridgeview, IL 60455 (708) 237-0767 Al Bawadhi Grill Across the St from The Nile, you will Chicago 14 miles 7216 West 87th St find some of the best middle-eastern Reader Bridgeview, IL 60455 cuisine in the metro area. Nice, (708) 599-1999 private booths. Mediterranean Oasis The hot food area in the back of this Library 15 miles 357 E Bailey Rd Mediterranean grocery store offers Patron Naperville, IL 60565 shawarma, kabobs, and other (630) 420-9507 reasonably priced regional dishes. NOK This casual Persian restaurant Yelp 20 miles 6075 N Milwaukee Ave offers delicious kabobs, wraps, and Chicago, IL 60646 other dishes. Lunch specials. (773) 647-1988 Afghan Kabob Afghani specialties as well as beef, Yelp 23 miles 4040 W Montrose Ave chicken, and lamb kabobs are Chicago, IL 60641 served here. (773) 427-5041

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Noon O Kabab NOK’s older, more formal, sibling. A Friend 24 miles 4701 N Kedzie Ave Persian friend heartily recommends Chicago, IL 60625 this Albany Park restaurant. (773) 279-8899

The Gundis Kurdish Beautiful Lakeview space serving up Yelp 25 miles Kitchen a rarity – Kurdish food. You will find 2909 N Clark St similarities with other Middle Chicago, IL 60657 Eastern fare, but it stands proudly (773) 904-8120 on its own. Taste of Lebanon You would not think a counter- Yelp 26 miles 1509 W. Foster Ave service Middle Eastern joint would Chicago, IL 60640 have an amazing version of lentil (773) 334-1600 soup. It does.

Mexican

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Taco Grill and Salsa Bar Delicious Mexican food with an Word of 3 miles 111 W Ogden Ave amazing variety of house-prepared Mouth Westmont, IL 60559 fresh salsas. (630) 353-0964 Quesabroso My pick for the best authentic Yelp 5 miles 1805 S Wolf Rd taqueria in the western suburbs. Hillside, IL 60162 Excellent food for very little money. (708) 236-0346 Los Dos Great regional Mexican restaurant. LTH 6 miles 2251 Maple Ave Warm and inviting space with Forum Downers Grove, IL 60515 friendly staff. Try the salbute – a (630) 297-8337 chicken taco in a puffy shell. Yerbabuena Extensive menu, colorful decor and Elite 8 miles 4734 Main St outdoor seating mark this Lisle Eats Lisle, IL 60532 Mexican eatery. Guest (630) 852-8040 MonteCasino Cafe Grill Friendly service and excellent food Yelp 8 miles 53 E St Charles Rd help this Villa Park sit-down Villa Park, IL 60181 Mexican restaurant stand out from (630) 359-3525 the pack. Los Arcos Mexican Grill A surprisingly good Mexican cantina Yelp 10 miles 7451 S. Woodward Ave in a strip mall. Be on the lookout for Woodridge, IL 60517 daily specials. Good al pastor tacos. (630) 434-9877 Macho Taco Surprisingly elevated tacos in a HPL 12 miles 8350 S Roberts Rd modest strip mall. The Korean BBQ Staff Justice, IL 60458 taco would feel right at home in (708) 907-5890 Wicker Park. Antojitos Dona Maria Authentic and inexpensive Mexican Yelp 12 miles 6121 S Archer Rd fare near I-55 and Archer Ave. Summit, IL 60501 (708) 924-5167 El Pollo Vagabundo A fresh salsa bar here provides a Yelp 13 miles 101 W. Grand Ave nice complement to the charcoal Northlake, IL 60164 grilled chicken and inexpensive (847) 288-1332 tacos. Juanita’s Mexican Food Inexpensive Mexican eats in this Elite 14 miles 2955 W. 59th St Gage Park storefront. Everything Eats Chicago, IL 60629 from tacos to huaraches is on the Guest (773) 776-7551 menu here.

La Palapa Mexican seafood in the Garfield Library 15 miles 2000 West 34th St Park neighborhood. Get your Staff Chicago, IL 60608 shrimp, langoustines and octopus (773) 376-9620 here, along with ceviche.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library A Toda Madre Sister restaurant to Bien Trucha in HPL 16 miles 499 N Main St Geneva, A Toda Madre serves Staff Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 upscale Mexican food (630) 474-0969 Totopos Mexican Rest. Tortas are heavily represented on HPL 16 miles 2048 Aurora Ave the menu here, but you’ll find tacos, Staff Naperville, IL 60540 sopes, pozole, and cemitas. (630) 637-0418 La Rosita (taqueria Best bang-for-your-buck tacos I’ve Yelp 18 miles inside market) found in the Chicago metro. 500 North Ave Amazingly large for the price. Glendale Hgts, IL 60139 (630) 534-6890 Birrieria Zaragoza Surprisingly non-gamey goat tacos LTH 18 miles 4852 S Pulaski Rd are featured here. Great stop if Forum Chicago, IL 60632 you’re flying in to Midway (or picking (773) 523-3700 up an out-of-town guest). El Milagro Taqueria This busy counter-service taqueria Elite 20 miles 3050 W. 26th St next door to the tortilla factory has Eats Chicago, IL 60623 great food for a modest check size. Guest (773) 579-6120 Carnitas Uruapan This staple of the Pilsen LTH 20 miles 1725 W 18th St neighborhood has been serving Forum Chicago, IL 60608 delicious pork for over four decades. (312) 226-2654 Chicharrones are available too. El Taco Azteca This taco spot is a cut above most in Yelp 21 miles 2151 W Cermak Rd the Pilsen neighborhood. You’ll find Chicago, IL 60608 Arabe (Puebla style) and Cochinita (773) 247-1103 Pibil (Yucatan style) tacos here. Carnitas Don Pedro A half portion of carnitas (pork The 21 miles 1113 W 18th St tacos) is more than enough for one Infat- Chicago, IL 60608 person. It’s all about the food here. uation (312) 829-4757 Blog 5 Rabanitos Restaurante Authentic Mexican in Pilsen with LTH 22 miles & Taqueria great flavor and beautiful plating in Forum 1758 W 18th St from a former Xoco chef. Try the Chicago, IL 60608 torta ahogada. (312) 285-2710 XOCO Grab an inexpensive breakfast or Serious 22 miles 449 North Clark St, lunch from Rick Bayless. The Eats Chicago, IL 60654 churros with thick dipping chocolate (no phone listed) are really something. Topolobampo and Rick Bayless’ flagship restaurant, LTH 22 miles Frontera Grill Topolobampo and less formal Forum 445 N Clark St, Frontera Grill have enchanted Chicago, IL 60654 diners for years. (312) 661-1434

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Big and Little’s Childhood friends skip culinary Serious 22 miles 860 North Orleans St school and open a restaurant. Not Eats Chicago, IL 60610 really Mexican, but the seafood Blog (312) 943-0000 fusion tacos here are great. La Tapatia Restaurante Modest and authentic taqueria in Elite 24 miles 5 North Root St Aurora. Eats Aurora, IL Guest (630) 701-6391 Bien Trucha Upscale delicious Mexican food. Elite 25 miles 410 W State St Truly a destination restaurant. Eats Geneva, IL 60134 Guest (630) 229-888 Cemitas Poblanas Replenish your energy after outlet Yelp 26 miles 715 High St shopping at this authentic Mexican Aurora, IL 60505 spot. Try a cemita, a torta-like (630) 801-8012 sandwich on a sesame seed bun.

Cajun / Creole

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Pappadeux Seafood You’ll not find alligator on a menu Word of 2 miles Kitchen closer to Hinsdale. Mouth 921 Pasquinelli Dr Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 455-9846 Chuck’s Southern Chuck’s offers a number of Cajun LTH 6 miles Comforts Café dishes on the menu including Forum 8025 S Cass Ave etouffee and jambalaya. Great for Darien, IL 60561 breakfast too. (331) 431-4000 Heaven on Seven Located on the seventh floor of an Word of 22 miles Wabash office building, heaven on seven Mouth 111 N Wabash Ave offers delicious Cajun food to Chicago, IL 60602 hungry Loopers. Another location on (312) 263-6443 Michigan Ave north of the river and one in Naperville. The Cajun Connection Perhaps the best Cajun food you’ll LTH 75 miles 897 E Rt. 6 find in the MidweSt A good dining Forum Utica, IL 61373 option close to Starved Rock State (815) 667-9855 Park.

Italian

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Il Poggiolo Upscale Italian in a beautiful space. Print <1 mile 8 E 1st St Media Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-9400 ZaZa’s Yelpers praise their appetizers here. Elite 2 miles 441 West Ogden Ave Eats Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Guest (630) 920-0500 Vincitori On Cass just north of the Burlington Elite 3 miles 14 N Cass Ave Northern tracks. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 663-9467 Bernard’s Café and Deli Informal Italian restaurant in a strip Yelp 3 miles 14 W 63rd St mall. Fantastic salad bar and good Willowbrook, IL 60527 deli sandwiches in addition to (630) 850-7510 standard Italian fare. Dolce’s Restaurant and Casual Italian eatery with a nice by- Yelp 3 miles Wine Bar the-glass wine selection. Modest- 15 W Quincy St sized menu. Meat and Cheese tray Westmont, IL 60559 appetizer gets thumbs up at this (630) 663-0401 cozy downtown Westmont spot. Tuscany Upscale northern Italian food in Oak Elite 4 miles 1425 W 22nd St Brook. Eats Oak Brook, IL 60523 Guest (630) 990-1993 La Buona Vita Grilled calamari appetizer gets a lot Yelp 4 miles 15 W Calendar Ave of praise at this “northern Italian” La Grange, IL 60525 restaurant. Lovely dining room. (708) 352-1621

Antico Posto Featured on Check Please. Good Library 5 miles 118 Oakbrook Ctr option for tired and hungry mall Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 shoppers. (630) 586-9200

Roberto’s Ristorante White tablecloth Italian. Library 8 miles and Pizzeria Patron 483 S Spring Rd Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 279-8486 Francesca’s Amici Part of a chain of area Italian Library 10 miles 174 N York St restaurants serving reliable fare. Staff Elmhurst, IL 60126 Each restaurant has a twist (630) 279-7970

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Gaetano’s Fabulous Italian in Forest Park. Elite 11 miles 7636 Madison St Eats Forest Park, IL 60130 Guest (708) 366-4010

Freddy’s Pizza Legendary cash-only eatery in LTH 14 miles 1600 South 61st Ave Cicero. There is a whole lot more Forum Cicero, IL 60804 than pizza going on at Freddy’s, (708) 863-9289 including fantastic gelato, Italian sandwiches and lots of pasta. Bruna’s Ristorante Mostly northern Italian food served Elite 16 miles 2424 South Oakley Ave in this traditional family-run eatery. Eats Chicago, IL 60608 Guest (773) 254-5550 Tufano’s Vernon Park Old-school neighborhood Italian LTH 19 miles Tap restaurant near UIC. Get your Forum 1073 W Vernon Park Pl southern Italian classics here. Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 733-3393 The Rosebud Another long-standing Italian eatery LTH 19 miles 1500 W Taylor St in Little Italy. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 942-1117

Bohemian, German, and Polish (New for 2018)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Bohemian Crystal One of the better-known Bohemian Library 3 miles 639 Blackhawk Dr restaurants in the western suburbs. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 789-1981 Westchester Inn Roast duckling, breaded pork 2014 4 miles 3069 Wolf Rd tenderloin, roast loin of pork and Elite Westchester, IL 60154 other hearty fare fill the menu of this Eats (708) 409-1313 Bohemian restaurant. Guest Sawa’s Old Warsaw Suburban Polish spot known for its Yelp 7 miles Restaurant large buffet with broasted chicken. 9200 W. Cermak Rd Roast duck available on Sundays. Broadview, IL 60153 (708) 343-9040 Riverside Restaurant Hearty fare near the Riverside train Library 8 miles 3422 S Harlem Ave station. Patron Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 442-0434 Bavarian Lodge Whether you are in the mood for Library 9 miles 1800 Ogden Ave schnitzel and sausage, or just want Staff Lisle, IL 60532 to get your mead on, Bavarian (630) 241-4701 Lodge has you covered. Czech Plaza Restaurant Bohemian comfort food served in Elite 10 miles 7016 Cermak Rd this decades-old restaurant. Prices Eats Berwyn, IL 60402 are low and the portions huge. The Guest (708) 795-6555 breaded pork tenderloin is popular. Praga Restaurant A more upscale take on Eastern Library 10 miles 229 W St Charles Rd European cuisine. Staff Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 495-0470 Old Town Restaurant This family operated Polish and Yelp 13 miles 113 Stephen St German restaurant in downtown Lemont, IL 60439 Lemont offers good food for a great (630) 257-7570 price. Red Apple Buffet Large Polish-centric buffet with well- Library 20 miles 6474 N. Milwaukee Ave labeled dishes. Most diners say it’s Staff Chicago, IL 60631 cash-only (ATM inside). (773) 763-3407 The Radler This rustic, yet hip German beer hall LTH 20 miles 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave features good vibes, beer, and food. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 Great sausages and pretzels. (773) 276-0270 Olde Salem Café German food without breaking the Yelp 21 miles 7213 Olde Salem Cir bank in Hanover Park. Hanover Park, IL 60133 (630) 855-3596

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Laschet’s Inn Authentic German food served in a LTH 25 miles 2119 W Irving Park Rd festive environment. Forum Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-7915

Staropolska Restaurant A little slice of Krakow in Avondale. Elite 25 miles 3030 Milwaukee Ave Huge portions and Polish beers on Eats Chicago, IL 60618 tap. Guest (773) 342-0779 Resi’s Bierstube Nice outdoor biergarten in back. LTH 26 miles 2034 W. Irving Park Rd Potato pancakes and enormous Forum Chicago, IL 60618 pretzels are lauded at this authentic (773) 472-1749 German pub. Chef Klaus Great German fare in a quirky Elite 34 miles 20827 S. LaGrange Rd environment with lots of Eats Frankfort, IL 60423 memorabilia. Guest (815) 469-0940

Other Cuisines

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Nando’s Peri-Peri South African flame-roasted chicken LTH 5 miles 523 Oakbrook Ctr chain. On the higher end of fast Forum Oakbrook, IL 60523 casual. Nice décor. A variety of (630) 230-4348 spice levels available. Dunav Serbian fare served up in large Yelp 5 miles 8801 W Ogden Ave portions in a rustic, unpretentious Brookfield, IL 60513 setting. Carnivores will rejoice. (708) 255-5218 Irish Times Great spot for Irish pub food with a Yelp 6 miles 8869 Burlington Ave charming back patio for al-fresco Brookfield, IL 60513 relaxation. (708) 458-8787 Greek Islands Suburban location of the famous Yelp 7 miles 300 E 22nd St Chicago Greek restaurant. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 932-4545 Apolis Greek St Food This new fast-casual Greek Hungry 10 miles 1109 Maple Ave restaurant offers fantastic gyros Hound Lisle, IL 60532 house-made, not Kronos. Really (331) 775-2135 delicious. Tropical Times This humble and brightly colored Yelp 10 miles 1117 S 1st Ave restaurant serves fantastic jerk Maywood, IL 60153 chicken and other Caribbean (708) 338-2003 favorites. Rica Arepa A fantastic introduction to the South LTH 18 miles 4253 W. Armitage Ave American flatbread sandwich Forum Chicago, IL 60639 (Arepa). The Venezuelan owners (773) 543-3000 are incredibly friendly. Uncle Mike’s Place Filipino food is hot right now, and LTH 19 miles 1700 W Grand Ave this breakfast and lunch restaurant Forum Chicago, IL 60622 is a good place to get the real deal. (312) 226-5318 Try the Longanisa and Tocino. La Serena Clantestina It is hard to find Brazilian food Yelp 20 miles 954 W Fulton Market outside of the big churrasco Chicago, IL 60607 steakhouses, but this elegant spot in (312) 226-5300 the West Loop may be just the hip and romantic spot you seek. Urbanbelly Rice, dumplings and noodles of all LTH 20 miles 1400 W Randolph St varieties at this Randolph St (and Forum Chicago, IL 60607 Ogden) Asian fusion restaurant (773) 583-0500 opened by Bill Kim. Fat Rice Featuring cuisine from Macau, this Elite 21 miles 2957 W. Diversey Ave restaurant fuses Portuguese, Eats Chicago, IL 60647 Chinese, India, Southeast Asia, and Guest (773) 661-9170 Africa into a delicious blend.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library SanguChe Fast casual Peruvian sandwiches Yelp 22 miles 535 Fairway Dr like Lomo Saltado, Also ceviche, Naperville, IL 60563 while supplies last. (331) 701-7175 Tanta Upscale River North Peruvian fusion Reddit 23 miles 118 W Grand Ave restaurant by a chef with culinary Chicago, IL 60654 outposts around the globe. (312) 222-9700 Ras Dashen Ethiopian Delicious Ethiopian restaurant with a Friend 29 miles 5846 N Broadway St laid-back vibe. The sega wat entrée Chicago, IL 60660 will satisfy those who like their beef (773) 506-9601 more than a little spicy. Demera Restaurant A solid spot for Ethiopian if you do Friend 30 miles 4801 N. Broadway St not want to make the long trek Chicago, IL 60640 uptown. (773) 334-8787 Just Kabobs Chicken, beef, and Pork Kabobs HPL 32 miles 1825 W. Main St along with the other specialties of Patron St Charles, IL 60174 the owner, like Greek chicken, (630) 443-3400 Greek potatoes, and baklava.

Small Plates

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Davanti Enoteca Italian small plates and wine are the Elite 2 miles 800 Hillgrove Ave focus of this hip rustic eatery. Eats W. Springs, IL 60558 Guest (708) 783-1060 El Tapeo Spanish Tapas restaurant on the 9th Yelp 5 miles 2100 Spring Rd Floor of the Hotel Le Meridien. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 828-2044 Emilio’s Tapas Get a small-plates flavor of Spain Library 7 miles 4100 Roosevelt Rd here. Famous for its patatas con Staff Hillside, IL 60162 alioli (garlic potato salad). (708) 547-7177 Autre Monde Café Upscale Mediterranean restaurant in Elite 13 miles 6727 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn serving small plates and Eats Berwyn, IL 60402 other dishes. Outside seating Guest (708) 775-8122 available. Meson Sabika Enjoy tapas and other Spanish fare Yelp 14 miles 1025 Aurora Ave in this historic mansion built in 1847. Naperville, IL 60540 (630) 983-3000 Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! Lincoln park tapas restaurant also Friend 22 miles 2024 N Halsted St makes great paella. Bacon-wrapped Chicago, IL 60614 dates are great. (773) 935-5000 Ada Street Hip upscale restaurant featuring Four- 23 miles 1664 N Ada St small plates and well-crafted square Chicago, IL 60642 cocktails. Interesting small plates (773) 697-7069 like fried black-eyed peas. Tapas Barcelona This Evanston mainstay for tapas Library 29 miles 1615 Chicago Ave and sangria has a warm and funky Staff Evanston, IL 60201 vibe. Outdoor seating is great when (847) 866-9900 weather permits.

BBQ

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Uncle Bub’s BBQ Family-friendly BBQ restaurant in Elite 3 miles 132 S Cass Ave Westmont. Good pulled pork. Patron Eats Westmont, IL 60559 raved about their catering. Guest (630) 493-9000 Q-BBQ Can approximate regional styles Yelp 4 miles 70 S La Grange Rd with their variety of sauces (e.g., La Grange, IL 60525 South Carolina mustard sauce, (708) 482-8700 Carolina vinegar sauce, etc.) Real Urban BBQ Order your barbeque at the counter Elite 4 miles 2119 Clearwater Dr at this casual dining spot. Choose Eats Oak Brook, IL 60523 from a plethora of side dishes. Guest (630) 908-4380 City Barbeque You will find all the BBQ standards LTH 5 miles 1034 Ogden Ave Downers here, along with inventive Forum Grove, IL 60515 sandwiches. It’s an up-to-date fast- (630) 869-1313 casual concept. Steamboat BBQ You might not expect to find real Yelp 15 miles 322 E Geneva Rd BBQ in Wheaton, but the Chicago Wheaton, IL 60187 area food scene is full of surprises. (630) 665-6227 This is worth the drive. The Hog Wild Cash only barbeque joint perhaps Elite 20 miles 14933 S. Pulaski Rd best known for its pork chop. Busy Eats Midlothian, IL 60445 spot with loyal customer base. Guest (708) 371-9005 Green St Smoked Meats Warehouse-chic ambiance with Library 21 miles 112 N Green St picnic tables and a hip vibe. You Staff Chicago, IL 60607 might want to get spicy pickles or (312) 754-0431 Frito pie to accompany your brisket at this West Loop restaurant. Honky Tonk BBQ Memphis style BBQ joint in the Eater 22 miles 1800 S Racine Ave Pilsen neighborhood. They have Blog Chicago, IL 60608 bacon candy. Isn’t that reason (312) 226-7427 enough? Smoque BBQ Some say this is the best BBQ spot LTH 23 miles 3800 N Pulaski Rd in Chicago. Forum Chicago, IL 60641 (773) 545-7427 Honey 1 BBQ Specializes in pork cooked using an LTH 26 miles 746 E 43rd St aquarium smoker. Forum Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 285-9455 Bombers BBQ By many accounts, some of the best Friend 34 miles 439 Ridge Rd BBQ in the entire metro area. Worth Munster, IN 46321 the trek to “The Region” (Northwest (219) 836-2662 Indiana.)

Breakfast / Diners

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Golden Basket Another nearby spot with reliable Yelp 3 miles 2 W Naperville Rd diner fare. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 960-0626 Baked Apple BrkfSt Co. Delicious breakfast spot in Downers Yelp 5 miles 1224 Ogden Ave Grove. The Company French Toast Downers Grove, IL 60515 is remarkably good. (630) 515-9000 Country Cup Restaurant This downscale diner is attached to Yelp 8 miles 6301 Joliet Rd a bowling alley and offers an Countryside, IL incredibly cheap and tasty breakfaSt (708) 354-5282 Open 24-hours. Butterfields Large breakfast menu in a large and HPL 5 miles 1 S 616 Midwest Rd attractive space. Orange juice is Staff Oak Brook Terr., IL 60181 freshly squeezed. (630) 495-2291 Les Brothers Great for breakfast (Dutch baby Elite 11 miles 7730 W 95th St pancakes) and lunch. Inexpensive, Eats Hickory Hills, IL 60457 but there can be a wait at peak Guest (708) 233-0333 times. Blue Max Coffee Cool little coffee shop in a converted Yelp 12 miles 26 Lathrop Ave home. A small menu, but there are Forest Park, IL 60130 delicious items on it. (708) 366-9224 Lou Mitchells Legendary diner a few blocks from Word of 17 miles 565 W Jackson Blvd Union Station. Lots of seating Mouth Chicago, IL 60661 inside, though tightly packed. (312) 939-3111 Bang Pie & Biscuits Logan Square bakery offering a LTH 20 miles 2051 N California Ave number of savory breakfast biscuits. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 Get a slice of pie to go for later in (773) 276-8888 the day. The Palace Grill This Blackhawks-friendly diner is Yelp 19 miles 1408 W Madison St known for its friendly service and Chicago, IL 60607 great breakfasts, but don’t sleep on (312) 226-9529 the Reuben. Victory’s Banner Roscoe village vegetarian eatery HPL 25 miles 2100 W Roscoe St has some of the best French toast I Staff Chicago, IL 60618 have ever eaten. (773) 665-0227 Café Vienna Cozy café and breakfast spot in Yelp 25 miles 2523 N Clark St Lincoln park offering delicious Chicago, IL 60614 pastries and hot chocolate to die for. (773) 244-9922 A good value for the neighborhood.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Dove’s Luncheonette Cozy and hip Tex-Mex diner in the LTH 21 miles 1545 N Damen Ave heart of Wicker park serving fare Forum Chicago, IL 60622 like smoked brisket hash and (773) 645-4060 chicken fried chicken.

Cellar Door Provisions By some accounts, the best LTH 21 miles 3025 W. Diversey Ave croissants you can get in Chicago. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 By all accounts, one of the few (773) 697-8337 spots to get kouign-amann in the area. Great quiche. Bryn Mawr Breakfast Hip north-side breakfast spot which Reddit 24 miles Club updates breakfast classics with a 3348 W. Bryn Mawr Ave quarter twist Chicago, IL 60659 (872) 208-7079 Sauce & Bread Kitchen This small restaurant serves a small Yelp 28 miles 6338-40 N Clark St breakfast menu all day long, as well Chicago, IL 60660 as a variety of sandwiches made (773) 942-6384 with care.

Sandwiches

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Fontano Subs Good spot for classic Italian Library <1 mile 9 S Lincoln St submarine sandwiches. Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 789-0891 Cheesie’s Pub and Grub Creative gourmet grilled cheese HPL 4 miles 46 S. LaGrange Rd sandwiches are to be found here, Patron LaGrange, IL 60525 each paired with a custom dipping (708) 469-7264 sauce. Something for every taste. Mojo’s East Coast Eats Seriously good Philly cheesesteak Yelp 8 miles 2758 Maple Ave joint near I-355 on Maple. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 796-2832 Mr. Broast If you like your sandwiches to have Yelp 8 miles 833 E Roosevelt Rd a little kick, try the peri chicken Lombard, IL 60148 sandwich here. It’s delicious. Also (630) 889-1188 try the “zinger burger.” Zenwich Delicious sandwiches with an Asian LTH 10 miles 416 N York St #B flair can be found in this small strip Forum Elmhurst, IL 60126 mall eatery on the north side of (630) 359-5234 Elmhurst. Big Guys Sausage Exceptionally good house-made LTH 12 miles Stand sausage sandwiches here. Live a Forum 7021 Roosevelt Rd little and pair one with BG (butter Berwyn, IL 60402 and garlic) fries. (708) 317-5213 Gene & Jude’s Serves the best hot dog in the LTH 14 miles 2720 River Rd country, per Every Day with Rachel Forum River Grove, IL 60171 Ray and Serious Eats (topped with (708) 452-7634 fresh-cut fries). Cellar’s Market Enormous fried fish sandwich LTH 21 miles 141 W Jackson Blvd offered on Wednesday and Friday. Forum Chicago, IL 60604 Found in the basement of the (312) 427-9833 Chicago Board of Trade. Jim’s Original This is the place to get a Maxwell St Reddit 23 miles 1250 S. Union Ave Polish sausage sandwich – where it Chicago, IL 60607 was invented. (312) 733-7820 Monti’s Great Lincoln Square spot for a LTH 24 miles 4757 Talman Ave Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Forum Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 942-6012 Hot “G” Dog The heir apparent to Hot Doug’s. Yelp 27 miles 5009 N Clark St House made specialty sausages Chicago, IL 60640 abound here. Duck fat fries on the (773) 209-3360 weekends.

Steak

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Amber Café The few steaks on the menu here Library 3 miles 13 N Cass Ave are well-prepared. Patron Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 515-8080 Al’s Char House This western-themed steakhouse Elite 4 miles 32 S. LaGrange Rd offers a lot of meat for the money in Eats La Grange, IL 60525 a rustic space. Guest (708) 354-6255 Ditka’s Steakhouse recommended by Elite 4 miles 2 Mid America Plz #100 program Attendee. Available for Eats Oakbrook Terrace, IL special events (baby showers, Guest 60181 baptism parties, etc.). (630) 572-2200 Swift & Sons The second-highest rated Chicago 21 miles 1000 W Fulton Market steakhouse in Chicago Magazines Mag. Chicago, IL 60607 November, 2017 issue, Swift & 11/2017 (312) 733-9420 Sons gets high marks for attentiveness and personalization. Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf Top-rated steakhouse in Chicago Chicago 21 miles 218 W Kinzie St Magazine’s recent list. Bone-in 42 Mag. Chicago, IL 60654 day dry-aged Ribeye is specifically 11/2017 (312) 624-8154 identified for praise. Erie Café Delicious steaks served near the LTH 22 miles 536 W Erie St riverfront. Forum Chicago, IL 60686 (312) 266-2300 Chicago Chop House Has that classic Chicago LTH 22 miles 60 W Ontario St steakhouse feeling. Forum Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 606-7342 Maple & Ash Wood-fired steaks and a playful Chicago 23 miles 8 W Maple St attitude are the calling cards of this Mag. Chicago, IL 60610 Gold Coast steak house, ranked 11/2017 (312) 944-8888 third in Chicago Magazine’s top steakhouses article.

Italian Beef

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Paul’s Pizza & Hot Dogs Italian beef is one of the popular Library 3.5 miles 3044 Wolf Rd menu items in this strip mall casual Staff Westchester, IL 60154 restaurant. “Paul” is a former mayor (708) 531-9080 of Westchester. Italian beef on garlic bread is an option here. Little Joe’s Restaurant Quintessential burger and beef joint Yelp 4 miles 20 E Plainfield Rd with a blue-collar vibe. The beef La Grange, IL 60525 sandwich is tasty, though. (708) 352-9696 Portillos You can get a reliable Italian beef Word of 4.5 miles 7195 Kingery Hwy sandwich here. Multiple locations in Mouth Willowbrook, IL 60527 the metro area. The drive-through is (630) 789-0909 a model of efficiency. The Original Chickie’s Occupying a corner spot in a strip LTH 5 miles 4152 Roosevelt Rd mall formerly occupied by Carm’s. Forum Hillside, IL 60162 The staff is friendly; the food is (708) 449-1000 good, though the giardiniera is unusual. Bill’s Place A solid beef sandwich for a fair Library 6 miles 1146 N Maple Ave price. Also burgers, hot dogs, ice Staff La Grange Park, IL 60526 cream etc. They’ve catered a few (708) 352-6730 Library staff events. Franco’s This little casual restaurant sits by Yelp 13 miles 821 E. Chicago Ave itself in a residential neighborhood, Naperville, IL 60540 but those who find it will be (630) 364-2854 rewarded by a sizable and tasty beef sandwich. Duke’s Drive In Come for the beef, stay for the LTH 14 miles 8115 S Harlem Ave classic cars which congregate in the Forum Bridgeview, IL 60455 large parking lot on summer (708) 599-0576 weekend nights. Johnnie’s Beef My choice for the best of the best. LTH 14 miles 7500 W North Ave As good as the beef is, the combo Forum Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (Italian beef with a sausage link) is (708) 452-6000 even better. Don’t miss the lemon ice on a hot day. Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef Al’s on Taylor St is an iconic LTH 20 miles 1079 W Taylor St Chicago institution. The atmosphere Forum Chicago, IL 60607 is fantastic and old school. Check (312) 226-4017 out the celebrity photos on the wall while you eat. During the summer, Mario’s Italian Ice is open across the street.

Fried Chicken

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Dell Rhea’s Chicken Famous stop on Route 66 for great LTH 5 miles Basket fried chicken. Forum 645 Joliet Rd Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 325-0780 Mini Hut The chicken here is amazing, but LTH 8 miles 6659 W Archer Ave the atmosphere is less so. They Forum Chicago, IL 60638 brine their birds and serve them (773) 586-2115 piping hot from the fryer. Call ahead. Fry The Coop If you like chicken sandwiches, you Yelp 8 miles 623 W North Ave Ste 7, are in luck, because that is what Elmhurst, IL 60126 they do best here. Even more so if (630) 359-5223 you like it spicy. White Fence Farm Sprawling, quaint, old-fashioned Word of 14 miles 1376 Joliet Rd restaurant serving fried chicken and Mouth Romeoville, IL 60446 other classic dishes. (630) 739-1720 The Roost Carolina The chicken here is served crispy Reddit 20 miles Kitchen and hot, and is available spicy. They 455 N. Milwaukee Ave serve breakfast chicken sandwiches Chicago, IL 60654 on biscuits for early risers. (312) 877-5738 The Budlong If you’ve been waiting for Nashville- Time 21 miles Revival Food Hall style hot fried chicken, it’s arrived. Out 125 South Clark St The Budlong has a stand in this Chicago Chicago, IL 60603 popular weekday Loop food court (773) 770-6175 location in the National Building. Honey Butter Fried Heavily breaded and deboned fried LTH 24 miles Chicken chicken served with honey butter on Forum 3361 North Elston Ave the side. Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-4000 Big Jones Delicious southern style fried LTH 26 miles 5347 N Clark St chicken. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 275-5725 Chicken Shack Named 1 of the top 21 fried chicken Eater 29 miles 1925 Ridge Ave restaurants in the country per the Blog Evanston, IL 60201 Thrillist blog. (847) 328-9360

Rip’s Tavern Is it worth a two-hour drive for fried LTH 87 miles (!) 311 N Main Ave chicken? Many devotees of this Forum Ladd, IL 61329 inexpensive casual joint think so. (815) 894-3051

Seafood

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Reel Club A Lettuce Entertain You restaurant Library 5 miles 272 Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook. Features a ½ price Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 sushi happy hour. (630) 368-9400 Parker’s Restaurant & While there are plenty of meat and Friend 6 miles Bar poultry options here, seafood is 1000 31st St king. Superb wine list. Excellent Downers Grove, IL 60515 happy hour deals to be had (half-off (630) 960-5700 items, including oysters). Johnson’s Door County Tasty fried shrimp and fish. The Yelp 7 miles Fish “thor” sauce is a nice upgrade from 908 E Roosevelt Rd basic cocktail sauce. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 629-6520 Shrimp Shack Good spot for fried shrimp and other Elite 8 miles 6601 West Archer Ave seafood choices. Also notably good Eats Chicago, IL 60638 fried chicken. Guest (773) 229-0700 Troha’s Chicken & Best fried shrimp in Chicago? Taste LTH 11 miles Shrimp House for yourself at this legendary shrimp Forum 4151 West 26th St shack. Chicago, IL 60623 (773) 521-7847 Catch 35 Naperville outpost of the shellfish- Elite 13 miles 35 S Washington St centric seafood restaurant. Meat Eats Naperville, IL 60540 lovers can also feast on beef and Guest (630) 717-3500 lamb dishes. Nice décor. Hagen’s Fish Market Fresh, smoked, and fried seafood Library 22 miles 5635 West Montrose Ave on offer. The “salmon candy” Staff Chicago, IL 60634 (smoked salmon with the harshness (773) 283-1944 taken away by maple sugar) is a must-try. Calumet Fisheries Winner of a James Beard American LTH 28 miles 3259 East 95th St Classic’s award, Calumet Fisheries Forum Chicago, IL 60617 smoke fish like nobody’s business. (773) 933-9855 Carry-out only.

Burgers

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library York Tavern A local institution featuring standard Library 1 mile 3702 York Rd pub fare. Patron Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 323-5090 Country House Come for the burger, stay for the Word of 2 miles 241 W. 55th St haunted 2nd floor. mouth Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 325-1444 Grill 89 The burger here is solid, and Elite 2 miles 800 E Ogden Ave #21a, dressed traditionally. Other notable Eats Westmont, IL 60559 options include pot roast nachos, Guest (630) 570-5889 fish tacos, and the brisket sandwich. Standard Market Grill Prepared using quality ingredients Library 3 miles 333 E Ogden Ave sold in the store. Patron Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 366-7040 Bakersfield This restaurant is owned and Elite 3 miles 330 East Ogden Ave operated by the Standard Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Market/Grill people. Guest (630) 568-3615 Burger Antics Stop here to get your energy back Word of 6 miles 3740 Grand Blvd after a trip to the zoo with these Mouth Brookfield, IL 60513 creative burgers. The brave may (708) 255-5182 risk the “hotter than hell” burger. Babcock’s Grove House With the basic burger checking in at Yelp 10 miles 101 W St Charles Rd under $10, and fancier versions not Lombard, IL 60148 much more, Babcock’s is a great (630) 613-8920 comfort food stop. Duseks Board & Beer They serve a $15 Slagel Farms Thrillist 17 miles 1227 W 18th St Juicy Lucy burger (cheese melted blog Chicago, IL 60608 on the inside of the patty). Offer (312) 526-3851 beef fat fries. Paradise Pup Serve their burgers and dogs LTH 18 miles 1724 S River Rd backyard style-with some tasty char. Forum Des Plaines, IL 60018 Merkt’s cheese fries offered. Good (847) 699-8590 post-flight hunger buster. Top Notch Beefburgers Old-timey burger joint in the Beverly LTH 19 miles 2116 W 95th St neighborhood. No fancy burgers Forum Chicago, IL 60643 here. Do not skip the fries (unless (773) 445-7218 you’re a vegetarian). Redhot Ranch No frills burger spot serving them LTH 21 miles 3057 N Ashland Ave “smashed” style. Some see Forum Chicago, IL 60657 similarities to In-N-Out burger here. (773) 661-9377

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Au Cheval Best burger in America per bon Eater 21 miles 800 W Randolph St appétit. Hipster hangout in West Blog Chicago, IL 60607 Loop. (312) 929-4580 Max’s Take Out A good spot for Loop fast food 1.5 Serious 21 miles 20 E Adams St blocks from the Art Institute. Try the Eats Chicago, IL 60603 gyro cheeseburger for a change of Blog (312) 553-0170 pace. Counter seating only. Owen & Engine English-style pub which serves an LTH 21 miles 2700 N Western Ave excellent burger. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 235-2930 Schoop’s This Northwest Indiana fast food LTH 21 miles 16703 Harlem Ave burger chain griddles them till they Forum Tinley Park, IL 60477 are thin and crispy on the edges. (708) 781-9715 Small Cheval The burgers are slightly smaller, Eater 22 miles 1732 N Milwaukee Ave less costly, and use thinner-cut Blog Chicago, IL 60647 bacon, but the effect is still yummy. Boba Burger Interesting array of Asian-influenced Yelp 22 miles 8530 Waukegan Rd burgers featuring toppings like Morton Grove, IL 60053 kimchi and BBQ lechon. The hot (847) 410-7779 dogs here get similar treatment. Benny’s Chop House A fantastic and huge $10 burger. LTH 22 miles 444 N Wabash Ave What a bargain at that price— Forum Chicago, IL 60611 includes fries. (312) 626-2444 Shake Shack NYC import. Thin burgers, crinkle LTH 23 miles 12 S Michigan Ave fries, and amazing shakes. Try the Forum Chicago, IL 60603 Bang Bang Pie concrete (made from (312) 646-6005 local pie product). Kuma’s Corner Heavy metal burger bar often cited LTH 25 miles 2900 W Belmont Ave on best burgers in Chicago lists. Forum Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 604-8769 Edzo’s Burger Shop Legendary Evanston burger shack Eater 29 miles 1571 Sherman Ave is the only location after their Blog Evanston, IL 60201 Chicago location closed. (847) 864-3396 DryHop Brewers This gastropub takes a lot of pride in Thrillist 30 miles 3155 N. Broadway its burger, which is made from a Blog Chicago, IL 60657 house blend of short rib and brisket. (773) 857-3155 Little Bad Wolf The Wolf Burger is a delicious three- Thrillist 34 miles 1541 W. Bryn Mawr Ave pattied beast—served with onion Blog Chicago, IL, IL 60660 straws and fried egg. (773) 942-6399

Pizza

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Baldinelli Pizza It’s hard to go wrong with Word of <1 mile 114 S Washington St Baldinelli’s. The Library has used Mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 them numerous times for staff (630) 654-4600 events with great feedback. Giuliano’s Pizza Tasty pizza in downtown Hinsdale. Library <1 mile 40 Village Pl Not open for lunch, though. Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-1500 York Tavern Good thin crust pizza. Offer Library 1 mile 3702 York Rd carryout. Patron Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 323-5090 Lou Malnati’s Good deep dish pizza with a Library 2 miles 4700 Gilbert Ave cornmeal crust. This location is Staff Western Spr., IL 60558 carry out/delivery. Several other (708) 246-3400 locations both in and out of Chicago. Brama La Pizza Pizza by the slice here is a really Library 2 miles 34 S Prospect Ave good value ($5 with a drink). Staff Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Popular with kids and families. (630) 320-2222 Woodgrain Neapolitan Design your own individual pizza, Library 3 miles Pizzeria they fire it for 90 seconds, and Event 19 W Ogden Ave you’re ready to eat. Donor Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 541-9249 Giordano’s Another trustworthy small chain. Library 3 miles 641 Plainfield Rd This one features stuffed pizza. Staff Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 325-6710 Lucca’s Pizzeria Friendly staff and solid food in this Library 4 miles 108 W Burlington Ave cozy and charming La Grange Staff La Grange, IL 60525 eatery. (708) 354-9990 Ledo’s Pizza Good pizza by most accounts. Dine- Elite 4 miles 5525 S La Grange Rd in ordering system is a bit confusing. Eats Countryside, IL 60525 Order first, and then seat yourself. Guest (708) 354-4500 Zazzo’s Pizza and Bar Specializes in thin crust pizza. Elite 4 miles 7360 Rt 83 Lunch buffet on weekdays. Half Eats Darien, IL 60561 priced appetizers 4-6 P.M. Guest (630) 655-4788 Angelo’s Pizza Delicious pizza a block of Main St in Yelp 5 miles 1001 Curtiss St Downers Grove. My current pizza of Downers Grove, IL 60515 choice in the area. (630) 969-4394

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub Serve both thin crust and pan, but Library 6 miles 17 W 517 Roosevelt Rd the pan is said to be better (eat on- Staff Oakbrook Terrace, IL site for best results). (630) 691-1888 Home Run Inn Reliable Chicago chain of pizzerias. Word of 7 miles 7521 Lemont Rd Mouth Darien, IL 60561 (630) 739-9696 Pazzi Di Pizza Wood fired pizza and Italian Elite 7 Miles 105 South York St favorites. Eats Elmhurst, IL 60126 Guest (630) 279-2323 Armand’s Pizzeria Pizzeria specializing in thin crust. Library 8 miles Victory Tap Sizeable bar space for beer lovers. Staff 346 Yorktown Center Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 785-3155 Olive Theory Pizzeria Build your own pizza with unlimited Yelp 8 miles 1400 A Butterfield Rd toppings (or select a house- Downers Grove, IL 60515 specialty). Cracker-thin crust and (630) 519-8192 made-to-order for $8. Villa Nova Pizzeria A great rendition of cracker-thin LTH 8 miles 6821 Pershing Rd sausage pizza can be found here. Forum Stickney, IL 60402 (708) 788-2944 Q’s Restaurant and Walking into this place is a step LTH 8 miles Pizzeria backward in time. The atmosphere Forum 4841 Butterfield Rd is neighborhood Italian, and the Hillside, IL 60162 pizza is good. They specialize in (708) 449-7488 thin crust. Piece Brewery & Thin crust of the New-Haven school Library 23 miles Pizzeria of pizza in Wicker Park. Staff 1927 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-4422 Bonci Pizzeria This trendy Randolph Street pizza Library 20 miles 161 N Sangamon St shop sells rectangles of pizza cut-to- Staff Chicago, IL 60607 measure and fired on demand. (312) 243-4016 Interesting and tasty toppings. Phil’s Pizza This cash-only Bridgeview pizza Reddit 21 miles 1102 W 35th St joint reportedly has some of the best Chicago, IL 60609 thin crust in Chicago. Primarily take (773) 523-0947 out. Spacca Napoli Pizza the way they make it in LTH 26 miles 1769 W Sunnyside Ave Naples, Italy. Simple, high-quality Forum Chicago, IL 60640 ingredients make for a good pie. (773) 878-2420

Locally Sourced

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Vie Hinsdale’s resident Paul Virant’s LTH 2 miles 4471 Lawn Ave use of local and seasonal Forum Western Spr, IL 60558 ingredients has led to a near rock- (708) 246-2082 star chef status. Solstice Breakfast, weekday lunch, and Yelp 2 miles 800 Hillgrove Ave #104 dinner (Friday and Saturday only) Western Spr, IL 60558 get a fresh and local spin at (708) 505-4684 Solstice. Farmhouse Small but popular farm to table Yelp 22 miles 228 West Chicago Ave restaurant. Opened a second Chicago, IL 60654 location in Evanston. (312) 280-4960 North Pond Upscale Lincoln Park (literally) Library 24 miles 2610 North Cannon Drive eatery with many ingredients Staff Chicago, IL 60614 sourced from area farmers. (773) 477-5845 Lula Café This Logan Square farm-to-table Library 20 miles 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. veteran (nearly 20 years) is a great Staff Chicago, IL 60647 option for brunch or a Monday night (773) 489-9554 prix fixe farm dinner. Arbor Offer a Midwestern omakase tasting Yelp 25 miles 2545 W Diversey Ave menu on Thursday-Saturday nights. Chicago, IL 60647 (312) 866-0795 Longman & Eagle Trendy Logan square restaurant Zagat 25 miles 2657 North Kedzie Ave featuring a nose-to-tail concept. Guide Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 276-7110

Food Courts

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library International Mall Modest Asian mall primarily known LTH 2 miles 665 Pasquinelli Dr for former star tenant Han Bun (now Form Westmont, IL 60559 closed – look for their new restaurant Jeong opening in Chicago in winter 2018/2019). Several good food stalls remain. Chicago French Market Several food vendors vie for your LTH 21 miles 131 N Clinton St Chicago, attention in the space below the Forum IL 60661 Ogilvie Transportation Center (312) 575-0306 tracks. Notable options include Frietkoten (Belgian Fries) and Pastoral (cheese and sandwiches). Latinicity You’ll find this nice Latin-flavored Elite 21 miles 108 N State St 3rd Floor food court in the Block 37 mall Eats Chicago, IL 60602 development. Several options Guest (312) 795-4444 available. Revival Food Hall Impressive array of upscale food Eater 21 miles 125 S Clark St vendors in this beautiful space. Find Blog Chicago, IL 60603 everything from Nashville hot fried (773) 999-9411 chicken to poke here. Eataly Italian food Disneyland. Enormous Eater 22 miles 43 East Ohio St space with numerous drinking and Blog Chicago, IL 60611 dining stations. (312) 521-8700 Wells St Market The latest entry into the Loop’s food Eater 21 miles 205 W Wacker Dr, hall trend, the WSM across the river Blog Chicago, IL 60606 from Merchandise mart is open on (312) 614-4176 weekdays until 7pm. About half the square footage of Revival Food Hall. Mitsuwa Marketplace Massive Asian market with notable LTH 23 miles 100 Algonquin Rd food court serving authentic cuisine. Forum Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (847) 956-6699

Gluten Free / GF Friendly

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Great local gluten free bakery with Library < 1 mile Bakery friendly staff. Famous for their Staff 13 West 1st St cupcakes, but you can even get Hinsdale, IL 60521 gluten free trail mix. Also in (630) 908-7175 Glenview. WoodGrain Neapolitan (See Pizza Section). Offers a gluten Library 3 miles Pizzeria free crust option. Event 19 W Ogden Ave Donor Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 541-9249 Protein Bar Numerous GF options at this Library 3.5 miles 2040 York Rd healthy-eating chain. Vegan choices Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 too. The smoothies are reportedly (630) 990-7350 fantastic. Prasino A number of gluten free items Library 4 miles 93 South La Grange Rd available at this contemporary Staff La Grange, IL 60525 American restaurant. Use locally (708) 469-7058 sourced ingredients where possible. Wildfire Large gluten free section on the Library 5 miles 232 Oakbrook Center menu. They will even provide Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 gluten-free rolls. (630) 586-9000 Wok ‘N Fire Offers a special gluten free menu. Library 5 miles 590 Village Center Dr Staff Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 323-5100 NU Crepes Sweet and savory crepes on offer at Library 7 miles 115 W. Schiller Ct. this downtown Elmhurst restaurant. Staff Elmhurst, IL 60126 Gluten free options for most items (630) 577-7558 on the daytime-focused menu. LYFE Kitchen Gluten free menu makes for a good Yelp 22 miles 413 North Clark St lunch option in this chic River North Chicago, IL 60654 space. (312) 836-5933

Delicatessens

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Kramer Foods (Deli) While grocery store delis are a bit Library <1 mile 16 Grant Square out-of-bounds, Kramer’s deserves Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 an exception. Their customer (630) 323-0135 service and quality are top notch. Shell Food Mart Who would ever have guessed that Library 1 mile 210 E Ogden Ave you could get a great deli sandwich Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 in a gas station? Not me. At the SE (630) 323-2477 corner of Ogden and York. Solty’s Deli and Meats Good neighborhood Polish deli with Elite 3.5 miles 305 W Ogden Ave a number of hot items, including Eats Westmont, IL 60559 pork cutlets and potato pancakes. Guest (630) 434-9129 Schmaltz Delicatessen Jewish delicatessen in Naperville. Elite 11 miles 1512 N Naper Blvd Portions are hefty, but so are the Eats Naperville, IL 60563 prices. Their new stuffed BLT (with Guest (630) 245-7595 beef bacon) is a hot seller. Al & Joe’s Deli This Italian deli also has some of the Yelp 14 miles 10348 Addison Ave best sub sandwiches you’ll ever eat. Franklin Park, IL 60131 (847) 678-6788 Alpine Food Shop Legendarily good deli sandwiches LTH 14 miles 7538 W North Ave can be found here. Forum Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (708) 453-3505 Conti di Savoia Great Taylor St market and deli with LTH 19 miles 1438 W Taylor St made to order sandwiches. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 666-3471 Bari Foods Neighborhood Italian deli with LTH 20 miles 1120 W Grand Ave #1 excellent sub sandwiches. House- Forum Chicago, IL 60642 made giardiniera is superb. (312) 666-0730 Fumare Meats & Deli A Chicago French Market offering. Food 21 miles 131 N Clinton St Famous for their Montreal smoked Blog Chicago, IL 60661 meat sandwich (similar to pastrami) (312) 575-0306 which sells out regularly. J.P. Graziano Grocery A classic Italian market with a great LTH 21 miles 901 West Randolph St deli counter. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 666-4587

Manny’s This Chicago institution serves LTH 23 miles 1141 S Jefferson St famous corned beef and pastrami Forum Chicago, IL 60607 sandwiches cafeteria style. Good for (312) 939-2855 breakfast as well.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Steingold’s of Chicago New artisanal Jewish deli not far LTH 26 miles 1840 W Irving Park Rd From Graceland Cemetery. They Forum Chicago IL 60613 use the highest quality ingredients. (773) 661-2469 Limited hours. New York Bagel & Bialy This is THE place to go if you are Reddit 27 miles 4714 W. Touhy Ave looking for a New York style bagel. Lincolnwood, IL 60172 (847) 677-9388 Max and Benny’s Jewish Deli and restaurant with a HPL 30 miles Restaurant surprisingly large menu. Everything Patron 461 Waukegan Rd from matzo ball soup and pastrami Northbrook, IL 60062 sandwiches to various chicken (847) 272-9490 salads are available.

Specialty Food Resources

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Hinsdale Fruit Store Excellent quality fresh produce here. Word of <1 mile 26 W 1st St You can also get smoothies, soups, mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 and salad. Bring cash. (630) 655-1893 Burhop’s Seafood Known primarily for their high-quality Word of <1 mile Market fresh fish, Burhop’s also has some Mouth 12 Grant Square made-to-order items available for Hinsdale, IL 60521 carry out, including lobster rolls. (630) 887-4700 Prime ‘N Tender Meats Gateway Square high-end butcher Yelp 1 mile 777 N York Rd Ste 4 shop where only the best proteins Hinsdale, IL 60521 can be found. (630) 887-0088 Whole Grain Fresh Good source for hard-to-find Asian Word of 2 miles Market ingredients (Thai chilies, palm mouth 665 Pasquinelli Drive # C sugar, etc.) They are not putting Westmont, IL 60559 profits into interior design, however. (630) 323-8180 Kirsten’s Danish Bakery This bakery offers everything from Elite 5 miles 94 Burr Ridge Pkwy pastries to wedding cakes. And Eats Burr Ridge, IL 60527 kringles! Guest (630) 655-2066 Pticek’s & Son Bakery Old-world bakery near Midway Elite 8 miles 5523 S Narragansett Ave Airport offering kolacky, sour cream Eats Chicago, IL 60638 cheesecake and other delicacies. Guest (773) 585-5500 Caputo Cheese Market Excellent selection of cheeses, LTH 14 miles 1931 N 15th Ave especially those imported from Forum Melrose Park, IL 60160 Europe. Pair this with a trip to (708) 450-0469 Johnnie’s Beef and you are a boss. The Nut House Top-notch nuts and confections in Yelp 14 miles 7281 West 87th St this Bridgeview strip mall. They Bridgeview, IL 60455 roast all of their nuts on site. (708) 233-6887 Particularly good pistachios.

Gaelic Imports Great variety of Irish and Scottish Yelp 20 miles 6346 W Gunnison St goods on sale here, including meat Chicago, IL 60630 pies, candy, and snacks. This is (773) 792-1905 where I get my Curly Wurly and Crunchy candy bar fix stateside. Fresh Farms While perhaps best known for its LTH 25 miles 5740 W. Touhy Ave massive produce department, Fresh Forum Niles, IL 60714 Farms has a remarkable variety of (847) 779-7343 ethnic prepared and packaged foods from around the globe.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Joong Boo Market The small food stall inside his LTH 30 miles 3333 N. Kimball Ave Korean market offers a good value, Forum Chicago, IL 60618 but the stand outside, which sells (773) 478-5566 buns as big as your fist, is legendary. Richwell Market If you’re on the lookout for a LTH 21 miles 1835 S. Canal St Chinese ingredient, it’s most likely Forum Chicago, IL 60616 here at Richwell. It won’t cost you (312) 226-9611 too much either. Winston’s Market An Irish market, bakery and deli. Library 21 miles 7961 W. 159th St You’ll find everything from black and Patron Tinley Park, IL 60477 white pudding to rashers and soda (708) 633-7500 bread. They offer catering as well.

Seafood City Huge Filipino market. Jollibee fast Elite 22 miles 5033 N Elston Ave food store located at front of the Eats Chicago, IL 60630 building, and a good food court Guest (773) 295-1658 treats shoppers inside. Patel Brothers A remarkable array of Indian LTH 25 miles 2610 W Devon Ave groceries and imported goods at this Forum Chicago, IL 60659 Devon-St institution. (773) 262-7777 Middle East Bakery and If you’re in Andersonville, make a LTH 26 miles Grocery stop at this neighborhood bakery Forum 1512 W Foster Ave and grocery to pick up delicious pita, Chicago, IL 60640 hummus and baba ghannouj. (773) 561-2224 Rogers Park Fruit Look no further for your Caribbean LTH 27 miles Market and African grocery needs than this Forum 7401 N Clark St neighborhood market. You’ll find Chicago, IL 60626 plantains, jerk seasonings, hot (773) 262-3663 pepper sauces,

Food Festivals (New for 2018)

Distance from Source Name and Location Notes Hinsdale Used Public Library Taste of Randolph St 3-day weekend (Fri-Sun) in mid- 20 miles 900 W. Randolph St June Chicago, IL 60607 https://www.starevents.com/event/ta ste-of-randolph/ Windy City Ribfest Last weekend in June 26 miles W. Lawrence Ave & N. (limited historical info) Broadway., Chicago, IL https://www.windycityribfeStcom Naperville Ribfest First weekend in July 13 miles Knoch Park 724 S. West St http://www.ribfeStnet/ Naperville, IL 60540 Hungarian Gulyás Weekend after July 4th 17 miles Festival Norridge United Church of https://www.gulyasfestival.com/ Christ 8260 W. Foster Ave Norridge, IL 60706 Taste of Evanston Early to mid-July 34 miles Dawes House 225 Greenwood St https://www.tasteofevanston.org/ Evanston, IL 60201 Big Greek Food Fest of 3-day weekend (Fri-Sun) in mid-July 21 miles Niles Holy Taxiarhai & St https://www.biggreekfoodfestofniles. Haralambos Church org/ 7373 N. Caldwell Ave Niles, IL 60714 Pierogi Fest Last weekend in July LTH 37 miles 119th St between Central Forum Ave & New York Ave https://www.pierogifeStnet/ Whiting, IN Taste of Chicago 5 Days annually in July Word of 25 miles Columbus Ave between https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en Mouth Monroe St & Balbo Ave, /depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chica Chicago, IL 60602 go.html Ginza Holiday – Annually in August 24 miles Japanese Cultural Fest 435 W. Menomonee https://ginzaholiday.com/ Chicago, IL 60614 (In Old Town)

Taste of Greektown Last full weekend in August 20 miles S. Halsted St at W. Van Buren St https://www.chicagoevents.com/eve Chicago, IL 60607 nts/tasteofgreektown/

Distance from Source Name and Location Notes Hinsdale Used Public Library Taste of Melrose Park Labor Day weekend Library 10 miles Melrose Park Village Staff 25th Ave & Lake St https://www.melrosepark.org Melrose Park, IL 60160 Taste of Polonia Labor Day weekend 21 miles Copernicus Cultural & Civic Center https://topchicago.org/ 5216 W. Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL 60630 Chicago Food Truck Next to last weekend in September 22 miles Festival (limited historical info) LaBagh Woods W. Foster Ave & N. Cicero https://www.chgofoodtruckfeStcom/ Ave Chicago, IL 60630 Oktoberfest Chicago Last weekend in September 25 miles 1429 W. Wellington Ave, (limited historical info) Chicago, IL 60657 https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en /depts/dca/supp_info/nghdfest30.ht ml