Simply Ice Cream

1631 Sheridan Rd
Evanston, IL 60201

Tara M. writes: This is a great place to stop for a water, soda, ice cream bar, hot dog, etc... while walking the lake front in Evanston.  The guys that work here/run the stand are pretty nice too.  They're also the same guys that run the ice cream truck/cart that…

Jewel-Osco
Neighborhood: North Center

4250 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Paige W. writes: The quality of a grocery store is determined in part by the scope of your comparative experience, I say. And compared to my past experience in Astoria, N.Y., where it's nearly impossible to get more than one PERSON down an aisle, much less multiple…

Jewel Food Stores

9449 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077

Amaliya L. writes: Hands down, the best Jewel that I have ever been to.  I also drive 20 minutes out of my way just to shop at this Jewel.  They have a huge ethnic and organic aisle, and a huge kosher food section.  They also have frozen New York Pizza cut into…

Bini Bakery

801 Civic Center Dr
Niles, IL 60714

Justin W. writes: Yum!  I love asian bakeries!  I honestly love just about everything they bake here.  I'm a total red bean headcase, so I always pick up a bunch of whatever they put red beans in, especially the buns!  They have a bunch of great breads (I love the…

Dairy Belle

7102 Calumet Ave
Hammond, IN 46324

Marisa R. writes: If I could eat here everyday, I'd have to be pushed around on a dolly.

This is real soft serve ice cream here with, like, 20% butterfat. If you're looking for something that's low in calories, Dairy Belle is not an option.

But it's the butterfat that…

Berwyn Fruit Market

3811 S Harlem
Berwyn, IL 60402

Clarissa J. writes: Why go to a place like Jewel or Dominick's or even Whole Foods and pay exorbitant amounts of "sweet moola" for produce that's average-at-best?  Well, I guess Whole Foods has great produce, but it's SUPER pricey.

Berwyn Fruit Market is a true gem in…

Bobtail Ice Cream Company
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

338 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Damian C. writes: You've made me happy in so many ways, Bobtail.

You cooled me down after a 6 mile walk in 80 degree weather.  You gave me choices...CHOICES...that no other ice cream shop could offer.  Sorbet?  Sopo Sunrise?  No thanks, I'll take the Cubby Crunch.…

Cafe Aorta
Neighborhood: Pilsen

2002 W 21st St
Chicago, IL 60686

Rachel H. writes: Lately I've been craving BLTs for some reason and today was finally the day I answered my growling tummy's demands.  I'm glad I did it at Cafe Aorta, because the gigantic BLT I got today may just be the best one I've ever had.  The sandwich was…

Dunkin Donuts Togos Baskin Robbins

10801 S. Cicero Ave
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

James B. writes: This is mecca for Baskin Robbins! The ice cream never has freezer burn and the place is spic and span clean. I would never eat Togo's so this rating doesn't address that part of the store. D&D is of a higher than normal standard. Well managed and…

Sal's Beverage World

695 W Saint Charles Rd
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Tina T. writes: This is one of my go-to places when buying good wine; not the cheap, two buck chuck stuff, but fine wine that you want to savor on a weekend or with that special someone.  They have an extensive wine selection, the prices are good, and the wine guy…

Uni-Mart One Stop Shopping
Neighborhood: Edgewater

5845 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60660

Davi d. writes: A fairly thorough market of all things Filipino.

Snack aisle carry chocolate tableas for hot cocoa, uraro cookies, dried mango, cracker nuts, turrones de casuy, and otap. Frozen aisle carries frozen banana leaves, vegetables, jackfruit, exotic…

Jewel Food Stores

2485 Howard St
Evanston, IL 60202

Michelle O. writes: As far as Jewel stores go, this is the nicest one I've been to in the city. The food is always fresh (seriously I've never seen anything rotten or expired, which is common at other Jewel stores and Dominiks) and the employees are very helpful. They…

Rudy's Bakery
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

2038 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618

kerry d. writes: This place is great. We got my birthday cake here and it was the best!  I've had lots of baked goods from the other more famous neighborhood bakery, but this is way better- and more affordable.

Dining In
Neighborhood: Near West Side

115 N Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60686

Melissa H. writes: yes alittle bit expensive..but it actually isn't all that more money..when we go out to eat, we order soda, alcohol and then a tip for the server.
They have such an awesome selection of restaurants too...
They deliver REALLY FAST
i find myself getting…

Restaurante Cuetzala Gro
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

7360 N Clark
Chicago, IL 60686

Shelley G. writes: Yummmmm....I just moved a few blocks from here and have eaten their tacos several times already.  I have lived in Texas and San Diego, both places with great Mexican food, and I have to say that this place is comparably delicious. So far, I have had…

Dunkin' Donuts
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

801 W. Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614

Linda P. writes: Came in here to get a hot chocolate and a donut after dealing with having the AAA guy change my flat tire out in the snow Thursday at one AM. I paid for only one donut but the dude at the counter put THREE in my bag, how cool is that?

I did get weird…

The Baker's House

6004 Miller Ave
Gary, IN 46402

Marisa R. writes: The Baker's House is a cute and tasty new(ish) addition to Miller. Sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and scone in any of the homey rooms in what was once in old convent attached to a Catholic church. It is now a renovated bakery and cafe, similar in…

Calumet Bakery

18349 Torrence Ave
Lansing, IL 60438

Marisa R. writes: This place rocks hard. You can find everything here--from your typical bakery brownies and nutrolls to truly elegant desserts. I mean REALLY elegant...like the same quality of cakes and tarts you'd see at Bittersweet or any other upscale pastry shop…

Dunkin' Donuts

5050 N Cumberland Ave
Norridge, IL 60706

Vanessa F. writes: Staff is great. I've gotten free munchkins and donuts before because I go there about everyday. The staff knows me well and always knows what I want-Coffee Coolata. Love it.

Davis Pantry

927 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201

vvmo.com V. writes: Ah, this former White Hen has been in my life for years on end.

Not only did they supply my endless crisps addiction (read: chips), but also they supply me with frothy beverages galore.

They have a newer, younger staff these days, and are very good…

Starbucks
Neighborhood: Edgewater

1070 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Chicago, IL 60686

Rocky B. writes: This is probably one of my favorites Starbucks in Chicago. The staff is friendly and actually take the time to get to know their customers. This store also hosts open mic nights which can be a real fun/interesting time. I just love walking into a…

Elotes
Neighborhood: Irving Park

4234 Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60618

steve c. writes: I love elotes. Hot Corn,cheese, hot pepper, butter. Yum. I try making them at home but aint the same. It's $1.25 on the cob, $1.50 in a cup. They sell mango and other items as well.

Caffe Palermo

6510 Ogden Ave
Berwyn, IL 60402

Kit S. writes: In the rapidly redeveloping Depot District of Berwyn, hidden away a bit -- look for it across from Anderson Ford.  Well worth seeking out!  They serve Intelligentsia coffee expertly brewed, perfectly pulled espresso drinks, and handmade Italian…

Gladstone Park Bakery
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

5744 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60646

Kelly M. writes: the best chicago bakery! i PROMISE! i am a very picky eater, and i love sweet food, their cakes and sprinkled cookie and cupcakes are to die for! I bring the cookies everywhere and everyone loves them. I also had a birthday cake made here and…

Nottolis and Son

7652 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60686

Kelly M. writes: the best italian sausage you can find in chicago! my parents and grandparent have gone here, you can find alot of Italians in this place. Their sausage and pasta salad, and chesse is the best! I had a party and grilled their sausage and i had…

Harper Foods
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1455 E 57th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

Elizabeth K. writes: For months, I'd stopped in at the Medici Bakery for coffee (and an incidental chocolate croissant) on my way from the 6 to class. My pants were a little tighter, my wallet a little lighter, and I complained about it one morning before class. My…

Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery

5126 Main St
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Tommy M. writes: Rachel is right, the chocolate doughnuts are the nectar of the gods.  They are so fresh and gooey, you'll want to eat a dozen of them.  Much better than the other place that claims America runs on _______ (although that other un-named place has…

Food Smart
Neighborhood: Logan Square

3417 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Craig B. writes: Is it a bodega?  Is it a laundrymat?  It's both.  And it never closes.

This is the cleanest liquor store in Logan Square proper, and they have a shit-ton of other grocery products.  More than you'd expect.  More than Tianguis, sometimes.  Their beer…

Cafe Del Mundo
Neighborhood: Irving Park

3152 W Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60618

Melissa M. writes: Super yummy burger and mexican food place.  Also, there's no name on the outside, it's next to the Irving/Kedzie currency exchange.  The lil place with "24 hours" written on the window.  Burgers are heavenly even if you're not hammered and starving,…

Kitchen Chicago
Neighborhood: Albany Park

4664 N Manor Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625

Melissa M. writes: Was probably my favorite cafe/bakery for awhile.  Great quiche, sandwiches, veggie soups, cake, pie, cupcakes, oh, and I love the coffee too :)   Also they  have weird old-timey sodas ("bitter lemonade" etc)  Friendly too,  and cute if you like the…

Nuevo Leon Bakery
Neighborhood: Pilsen

1634 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608

Amy D. writes: Mexican pastries are one of the main reasons I get up in the mornings, and here they are cheap, fresh, labelled, and with coffee. The warm little cakes in the case on the counter are especially good.

Baskin Robbins/Dunkin Donuts/Dunkin Deli
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River East

200 E Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611

Dan T. writes: I visit this location every Friday morning. For the most part it is well-staffed, busy, and they have yet to get my order wrong. This location, by all definitions, deserves five stars. So 5-star review, right?

Hell no.

My favorite drink was…

Vintages - A Fine Wine Merchant

70 S Evergreen Ave
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Kathleen P. writes: I attended a tasting/class here.  It was hosted by Robert, the owner.  He is incredibly knowledgeable about wine- without a speck of wine snobbery- even when I "came out" and confessed my love of a buttery oaked chardonnay.  The class was…

Al-Khyam Bakery & Grocery
Neighborhood: Albany Park

4738 N Kedzie Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625

gabriel c. writes: Consistent good Lebanese bakery offering fresh bread & baklava.   That's really all they have to offer, unless of course you plan on cooking some middle-eastern fare, in which case they've got most of the ingredients you'll likely need.

Prices are…

7-Eleven Food Stores
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2600 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Tom M. writes: I really like this 7-11.

Friendly staff, has all the goods a guy on the go could really ever need (at least one who pulls into a 7-11 needing anything!), and ample parking, day or nite!

Big Bites, Big Gulps, big fun!

White Hen Pantry
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2710 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Andy S. writes: This place is on fire!  

No I don't mean that in the sense that it's awesome/popular, no, that was my thought half way through my visit there one summer's day.

I was walking walking down Lincoln heading SE to make my way to the beach, wearing…

Starbucks
Neighborhood: The Loop

10 S Dearborn St
Chase Tower
Chicago, IL 60603

John L. writes: Let me preface that I do NOT frequent Starbucks.  Their coffee is okay, and maybe someday I'll let you in on where is better.  BUT, this Starbucks located in Chase Tower gets 5 stars for their warm and friendly service!

So I try an iced latte that my…