Tastee Freez
Neighborhood: Logan Square

2815 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Mandi G. writes: 55 different flavors of shakes and some really good cheese fries...why drive all the way up to Susie's when Tastee Freez is right there?

The place was clean and service was quick and friendly. My only complaint was the small dining area (just window…

Oceanique

505 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202

carolynne r. writes: OK.  here's the thing about Oceanique.

SERVICE: is great, so much so that I was almost cool with the tip just being included into the bill (but normally this is a HUGE dealbreaker for me unless I am dining with a group of 8 or more people).  I don't…

Tuscany Restaurant
Neighborhood: University Village

1014 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

Teddy C. writes: Service so good, it'll make you want to slap yo mama!!!  In my entire life, I don't know that I have been to an every day eatery with such amazing service!  This place is one of my Chicago Happy Places.

Tuscany on Taylor has a charm about it.  Nestled…

Sweet Maple Cafe
Neighborhood: University Village

1339 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

Johnny T. writes: This place is slap-yo-mama good.  Well, I wouldn't actually SLAP my mother (because I enjoy living).  But I would slap someone's mama - because the food is so good!  The minus star is because of the wait.  Yes, I know the whole "ooh, the food is so…

El Gallo Tapatio

5039 W 111th St
Alsip, IL 60803

Rena K. writes: Mmmmm good stuff! More authentic than your average Chipotle and slightly greasier! Really good chips and salsa.  I like the steak on anything!

Margie's Candies
Neighborhood: Bucktown

1960 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Jess T. writes: When I die, I want to die face-down in an almost-finished Turtle Sundae from Margie's.

(It can't be an empty bowl, then everyone would know I'm a gluttonous sow.)

Couscous
Neighborhood: University Village

1445 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

Vamsi V. writes: Great food at a great price. I often go here because it is close to UIC west campus and one of the better choices for eating on Taylor street.

I have pretty much ordered everything here and they all are good. Special recommendation to the sandwiches.…

Buca Di Beppo

604 N Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090

Justin W. writes: Absolutely one of the best Italian restaurants in the suburbs.  I have always loved the wait staff, who go above and beyond to provide helpful, friendly, and courteous conversations, while the food has never let me down.

If I could, I would give Buca…

Lao Sze Chuan
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2172 S. Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616

Bonnie L. writes: My best friend and her boyfriend (who is a native) highly recommended this place telling me stories about how Chinese people drive 4 hours from Detroit just to eat here. After a late night of strolling the town, we discovered Lao Sze Chuan opens…

Robin Richman
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2108 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Becky S. writes: This store fills me with so much anxiety, and momentarily causes me to question every grown-up decision I've made to date.  Here's how it goes: I walk in, admire a garment or accessory, look at the price tag, and panic.  My mind races.  I wonder who…

Apple Bite Mart
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2919 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

maggie r. writes: So for the past two weekends I have wandered in here in the early afternoon to purchase booze, and have had to come back a few hours later to get more.  They don't bat an eye. They even start up conversation.
Granted, tomorrow I think I will go in…

Niche Footwear
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1566 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Ellen M. writes: Buy a few pairs of shoes at Niche or pay the mortgage.

Tough choice.

Ada's Famous Deli
Neighborhood: The Loop

14 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60603

Dave S. writes: This is one of my favorite spots downtown to grab some grub.  I have had their sandwiches before but 95% of the time I go her I get breakfast.  I am rather boring as I always order eggs over easy, bacon, and hash browns.  The hash browns are my…

Genesis Art Supply
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2417 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Deanna M. writes: I discovered Genesis right before I moved away from Logan Square almost two years ago.  Oak Park had a dearth of decent, reasonably priced art supply stores (and don't get me started on Rogers Park...oy vey), so I would trek all the way to Genesis…

Letizia's Natural Bakery
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

2144 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Vamsi V. writes: Because I am a person who NEEDS dessert after dinner, I went to Letizia's one evening. They did not have a lot of stuff, may be because it was almost 8PM? But, that is no excuse. I got a chocolate tart which was good. I enjoyed every bit of it.

I…

RL Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near North Side

115 E Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Aise W. writes: Sway-hank-ee!!!

The inside is very much like the store. Rich, inviting, and intimate in a friendly way.  It was my first time ever in there today. I was thoroughly impressed.  With everything.  Even with the menus in their tanned leather portfolios.  …

Che Cafe
Neighborhood: University Village

1058 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

X marks the spot .. writes: I was left to my own devices for one day on a trip to Chicago. It was just my luck that the minute I stepped outside of the house I was met with a fierce wind and what else... snow. It was the slushy kind of snow that hits you and then gets your…

Don Juan Restaurante
Neighborhood: Edison Park

6730 N Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60631

Kathy R. writes: Tucked away on the northwest side in Edison Park, this is a great place for an authentic Mexican meal.

They offer standard fare (tacos, burritos, enchiladas) as well as more contemporary dishes (venison fajitas, chili & chipotle barbequed lamb shank,…

Horseshoe
Neighborhood: North Center

4115 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Jessica C. writes: Not a thing wrong with the Horseshoe...considering what it is.  Laid-back, dimly lit, wooden little bar with great staff, cheap beer and good BBQ.  I'm a huge fan of the pulled pork sandwhich with a side of beans.  Don't opt for the cornbread...its…

Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop

825 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201

Katarina X. writes: Still Hurting for some authentic Southern Chicken-Fried Steak.

This wasn't it.
Don't get me wrong- I had a good time- the service was fine-
Dixie's was not bad, simply disappointing CFS- but If I came back, I would not order the CFS because I felt a…

Russian Tea Time
Neighborhood: The Loop

77 E Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603

Julie K. writes: my brother can speak Russian..
I can eat Everything in the world..

it didn't look like fancy at all from outside, oh boy.. I'd better dress up..

I maximized my Asian eyes and looked at two Russian speakers..
of course, pretended I wasn't care whatever…

Maria's Mexican Restaurant

1535 Ellinwood Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Greg G. writes: Maria's has a few locations, but like the Des Plaines location the best. Very airy, with an atmosphere of 1/2 diner, and 1/2 contemporary restaurant. Big fan of the fajitas, and they're not the usual greasy kind you find in most restaurants, but…

Nina

1655 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

crister c. writes: nina is such a sweet lady, i used to walk past her shop every night and she'd be there, at her mac. finally i went in, deciding that i would be a pioneer stitcher and cross the gender divide. i told her i woudl stitch an afgan. she said maybe start…

El Famous Burrito
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

7047 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626

Andy M. writes: This is not only one of my favorites for burrito's but it's one of the cleanest and family run businesses. I delivered to all El Famous when I worked as a union truck driver for Battaglia Distributing. They also use the best mozzarella on the market…

Kampai Japanese Steak House

2330 S Elmhurst Rd
Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Edward H. writes: **This review is only for the sushi side and NOT their hibachi**

Oh how I long for the cool sushi shops I ate at while in Hong Kong where the food is served in little floating boats going in a circle.  Wait, what?  There's one like that in Mount…

Pancho Pistolas
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

700 W 31st St
Chicago, IL 60616

Dave S. writes: I came here for a large pick up order last night about 45 minutes before they closed. I ordered the steak taco dinner with cilantro and onion. The beans and rice were well uhhh... ummm... regular old beans and rice; nothing spectacular at all. I was…

Saffron Boutique
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2064 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

cb b. writes: This is a great shop for unique - but cute clothes.  She had G1's way before other stores in Chicago.  The owner of this store is very nice and customer oriented.  She has not only a great selection on clothes, but also a wide variety of house wares,…

The Red Balloon
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2060 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Andrea R. writes: Edit 7/3: Thanks for all the congrats, but just to clear things up this isn't a baby announcement. Shopping at Red Balloon for friends...not myself for many many years! :)
_________________________ ________________

Don't tell my mom because she'll run…

G Boutique
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2131 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Brett D. writes: I frequent often up and down the stretch of Damen that G Boutique is located on... as a matter of fact, my favorite dress store is right across the street, I practically live there and yet somehow the presence of G Boutique has managed to escape me…

Meritage Cafe & Wine Bar- CLOSED
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2118 N Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Nancy K. writes: Will be closing 01.01.08 and morphing into something new by the same owners.  

Will have a pre fixe menu for NYE for $85

Haven't been here in some time.

Sam & Willy's
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3405 N Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60657

Katarina X. writes: Dick Cheney and George W. Bush Squeaky toys. You read that right: Sweet mother of all that is holy... I'll take 10! Of EACH! You have not really and truly lived until you see the greedy, irresponsible, lying supposed "leaders of the free world"…

Lori's Designer Shoes
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

824 W Armitage Ave Ste 1
Chicago, IL 60614

Madalyn G. writes: I felt like Dorothy tip-toeing down the yellow brick road ... only it wasn't a few kinky and funky characters I ran into, but a glorious range of shoes AND accessories with which to help out a damsel in delight.  Every step I made, I found new candy…

Paper Source
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

232 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60610

Laura R. writes: I love running errands here for work! The store is fun to explore, I like how it's an old rambling house. This is definitely a good place to get inspired for crafy projects, and they seem to have a good rubber stamp selection if you're into that.…

Benihana
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River East

166 E Superior St
Chicago, IL 60611

Nancy K. writes: After 39 years here, they lost their lease and will be closing the doors May 15th ...looking for a place in downtown Chicago.  Thank You Heidi for all of your help and time.  

We haven't been at this location in some time but, always had a great time.

Zanies Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

1548 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

Andrea R. writes: I'm embarrassed to say that I've been living down the street from this comedy club for over 4 years, but just went for the first time tonight to see Jeff Garlin (from Curb your Enthusiasm).

Zanies is a total hole in the wall, but I thought it was the…

Chicago Auto Show
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Gold Coast

2301 S Lake Shore Drive
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL 60610

Tony S. writes: Dull Cars, Bad Food, Awesome Venue.

Well I have never been to an auto show before so had high expectations.  Some of it was pretty cool although it was all so generic and homogenous I can't really recall much about it at all.

The tony cafe between the…

D'Bellagio Spa and Salon
Neighborhood: University Village

1044 W Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Jennifer B. writes: Nathaly is a miracle worker. She transformed my toes. No easy feat.

"I get pedis 1-3 times a year", I had chirped sardonically to her, partly as an apology because she had TOUCH my not so lovely below-the-ankle lady lumps. "Can you tell?"
She was…

Flat Top Grill
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

319 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610

Dave S. writes: All you can eat! Bring it on Baby! For $13.99? Bring me another bowl! Good grief, I wish I lived closer to this place.  

You can mosey on up to the ingredient buffet and pick any kinds of noodles, rice, veggies, sauce, seasoning, meat, fish, that you…