Favorite Hidden Neighborhood Restaurants (Chicago, Lombard: home, appointed, banks)

[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!

[sunshinenvy]

Has anyone ever been to Rose Angelis on Webster?? That place is amazing. Also Southport Grocery is my favorite lunch spot.

[oldhousegirl]

Top Notch for burgers, malts, and an awesome cheap breakfast in Beverly on 95th street.

Milano's Pizza on Western. I think it's 107th, again in Beverly. One of the best thin crust pizza's I have ever had. Pick up or delivery only.

Yummy!!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by oldhousegirl

Top Notch for burgers, malts, and an awesome cheap breakfast in Beverly on 95th street.

Milano's Pizza on Western. I think it's 107th, again in Beverly. One of the best thin crust pizza's I have ever had. Pick up or delivery only.

Yummy!!

Sounds like a plan, when I am in the area working I will pick one up:-)

[Lookout Kid]

Armand's on Grand Avenue in Elmwood Park has some of the most amazing cracker crust pizza I've every tried. It's where "Joey the Clown" Lombardo was arrested. An old Italian friend from River Grove took me there once, and I was blown away. Well, not "blown away" in that "Joey the Clown" kind of way, but you catch my drift.