Best Restaurant in Chicagoland No One Has Heard Of (Lombard: appointed, live)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by DonkeyTeeth

El Jardin Mexican restaurant on Clark not far from Wrigley Field.

La Tavernetta Italian in East Lakeview. Little basement spot with great homemmade pastas.

Las Tablas Colombian steakhouse on Lincoln near Southport.

Que Rico Mexican on Southport near Diversey.

Chicago Bagel Authority on Armitage. Unique steamed (not toasted) bagel sandwiches.

Evertime I walk by Las Tablas Colombian it is packed outside and in. I think the word has already gotten out. But it is still worth a try.

El Jardin I have to disagree with as "hidden",but that does not make it bad. Shoot, I have been going to El Jardin since the late 80's/ early 90's! Still like it though...

I have heard of CBA. I will go there and check it out.

Thanks for posting!

[Avengerfire]

I have only heard of this place,but heard its good.I think they do a lot of Chicken.
Feed
2803 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-4600
I think its cash only,but its BYOB...

[Attrill]

Feed is great.

Another place is Bonsoiree - 2728 W Armitage Ave
Great high end, fixed price, BYOB place.

[katmoney]

Originally Posted by Drover

The fact that so many people have heard of Art of Pizza and go out of their way to eat there is why I didn't list it here as a "hidden neighborhood restaurant."

Ah, seems that within my circle of friends, they had no idea what I was talking about.

Sorry.

[Avengerfire]

Hello? Is anyone really want to know about the real things in Chicago other than trying to make money and the posh places to live ???? I fully expected more people to chime in here.

[j33]

In my neighborhood -

Flo - Chicago and Noble
Cleo's - Chicago and Wolcott (it is just pub food, but they have good nightly specials and play great music and have an all around nice vibe)
Letizia's Bakery - Division (West of Damen)
Fansipan - around Chicago and Ashland (Asian)
La Pasidita - Division and Ashland (great taqueria)
Pizza Metro - a pizza joint on Division that serves good (but expensive) thin crust.
Bob San Sushi - Sushi place on Division with cool chairs (yes I notice stuff like that)
Janik's Subs - Good sandwiches (on Division)
Milk and Honey - Good breakfasts, but the people who work there are jerks
Jerry's Sandwiches - on Division. A newcomer ... good beer selections, slow service, overpriced, but good sandwiches nonetheless, so I'll go back.


... there are loads of 'nicer' (and more expensive) restaurants in the area like Mas, Crust, Mira, Forno, Feast, etc, but I wouldn't call 'em 'hidden'.

[Avengerfire]

I forgot one of my favorites..."Hero's" Addison and Western across from Lane Tech. Some of the best subs you will ever find. Good price and no frills.

[Avengerfire]

Here is another-

Marie's Liquors & Pizza
4127 West Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60630

Cheap beer, many specials,good greasy New Yorkish Style thin crust. Has been around forever. Liquor store attached! Good value. The decor makes you think you are in the Godfather or Goodfellas or Mean Streets movies. A throwback and a dying breed.

[Lookout Kid]

Not telling! Restaurants that get publicity in Chicago have a way of getting really crowded realy fast. But the message board at LTHforum.com is probably the best source of foodie chat in the city, and is a great resource for uncovering those hidden gems. Several prominent Chicago chefs post there (and at least one food critic)!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Not telling! Restaurants that get publicity in Chicago have a way of getting really crowded realy fast. But the message board at LTHforum.com is probably the best source of foodie chat in the city, and is a great resource for uncovering those hidden gems. Several prominent Chicago chefs post there (and at least one food critic)!

Well, the thing is some of these places we mentioned are family owned or ma and pop places that can use more business so they do not disappear. Some are in an area that has changed demographically and the former customer base has moved away.

I know what you are saying, but I thought it would open the eyes to places for some people. I highly doubt many of the fast food places mentioned here will become like Hot Doug's or something since many are in areas to remote for even "hipsters" to go to frequently enough!

Everyone should be able to get a true "taste of Chicago" if they want it!