Caribou Coffee
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2453 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

Chiara F. writes: It's a hit and miss when it comes to the quality of their drinks.  One time, I had a horribly bitter cup of iced mocha.  I think the barista forgot to add a sweet ingredient.  Unfortunately, a lot of honey didn't help.  I ended up having to throw…

Eatzi's
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2828 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60686

Jessica W. writes: What's this?  A new salad bar?

I was excited to glance down and see this addition to Eatzi's, me being a healthy-type person.  Also, it feels a bit weird to usually just be drooling over the pastries and cheese when I'm still in my gym gear (sweating…

Cub Foods
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2627 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Brian B. writes: Strack and Van Til began as a Northwest Indiana Grocery store which became a small chain. Two families are involved. The Stracks and the Van Til's. One store was just called Van Til's in Hammond for many years. The two families came together and…

Fannie May Candy Shops
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River East, Magnificent Mile

638 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Dee W. writes: I love Fannie May - every time I go anywhere outside of Chicago, people always ask me to bring Fannie May chocolates, especially the Mint Meltaways.  It's a Chinese tradition that if you go visit relatives or family friends, you want to bring them…

Treasure Island Food Mart Inc
Neighborhood: Near North Side

75 W Elm St
Chicago, IL 60610

George K. writes: I been all over the country, never heard of this grocery store until I moved here.  I didn't realize it for first 6 months that grocery store was only 1 block away from my apartment.  Duhhh.. me.  I didn't know.  
What I really like about this…

Belmont Produce - CLOSED
Neighborhood: Avondale

3239 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Dave S. writes: I stopped in here today just to pick up a few things since I remembered that I had nothing fresh and green in the fridge.  I ended up walking out with a couple bags of stuff which will keep me in a constant state of fiesta for a few days!

I was…

Morse Fresh Market
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

1430 W Morse Ave
Chicago, IL 60626

Deanna M. writes: I second the guacamole recommendation--I bought some awhile back and nothing should be that good and still be legal.

For the most part cheaper than Trader Joe's unless you want some shi-shi whole wheat pasta, and I think Morse Market sells it for…

Angel Food Bakery
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

1636 W. Montrose Street
Chicago, IL 60613

Michael S. writes: Perfect  (and five stars) if not for the cold winter breeze drafting in each time a new customer arrived. Check out the collection of Easy Bake Ovens across the top shelves of this place. Then, order some FIRST CLASS FOOD.

Mmmmmmmmmm.  

I had lentil…

Great Harvest Bread Co

736 Lake St
Oak Park, IL 60301

Nancy K. writes: Very good fresh baked bread.

El Mercado Food Mart
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3767 N Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613

Michael S. writes: Once you get beyond the silly almost-redundancy in the gringo-pandering name: "El Mercado Food Mart," this joint is a joy. As their business card says, "lo mejor en carnes de todo tipo productos de Sur America." But they sell items from countries…

Turano Pastry Shop Inc

6501 Roosevelt Road
Berwyn, IL 60402

Nancy K. writes: Freshly baked bread, Mmmmm.  Whenever we're in the area we have to get some of their bread.  Great place to pick up bread, cookies, and pastries.

Panaderia La Central
Neighborhood: Logan Square

2218 N. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Jenny z. writes: When my father comes to visit me, he wakes up obscenely early, picks up a paper and heads over here to pick up some breakfast pastries.  I'm not sweets eater, but he and my fella sure seem to enjoy them. Let's face it - what isn't to love about a…

The Goddess and Grocer
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1646 North Damen
Chicago, IL 60622

Justin V. writes: Son of a bitch.  

Look, I'm broke, okay?  Not like, "ooooh, I shouldn't be spending so much on this dress because bills are due soon" but like "listen pal, it'll be another $35 if you want to touch it" broke.  I try not to leave my house at all to…

Suvan's Cafe & Bakeshop
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3351 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

John O. writes: Low key and relaxed atmosphere + resonably priced and very well made food = happy camper.

I visited Su Van's for brunch again this sunday and I have to say, their spinach and mushroom panini was really something.  You can add on a dill cream sauce to…

Pete's Fresh Market
Neighborhood: Brighton Park

4700 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60632

Gregory S. writes: I praise the day I discovered Pete's totally by accident and decided to stop in and do some grocery shopping.

The place is HUGE! The produce section makes Jewel and Dominicks look pathetic. The selection is gigantic and the quality is outstanding.…

Shan's Foods
Neighborhood: Uptown

5060 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60640

PJ K. writes: I only recently found out about this place, and boy have I been missing out. I KNEW the neighborhood's many cabbies had to eat somewhere, I just needed to know where...

So, Shan. Very cheap (most expensive menu item = $6) and a fantastic value for the…

Ethel's Chocolate Lounge
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

819 W. Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

elizabeth n. writes: For either a snack with friends or a date with a significant other, Ethel's Chocolate Lounge on Armitage is the perfect place to go.  The chocolate brown and pink decor of this candyland cottage makes you want to curl up with a nice cup of hot…

Andy's Fruit Ranch
Neighborhood: Albany Park

4733 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Maria S. writes: Try the Bulgarian feta (a Macedonian friend swears that this is the king of feta cheeses), which is cheaper than any feta you'll find at Jewel or Whole Paycheck.  Or, if you're in a hurry, check out their hot deli counter: rotisserie chickens for $4…

Kraft Foods North America

7777 N Caldwell Ave
Niles, IL 60714

Jean Z. writes: K R A F T

How I love the South Beach Diet 100 Calorie Snack Chocolate Delight Bar.

Glenn's Diner
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Ravenswood

1820 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Paige W. writes: Glenn's Diner: Where Chicago's jogging elite goes to get fat.

I'm fairly certain I broke some sort of informal dress code today by forgetting to wear my sweat-wicking marathon-training shirt and short-shorts. Wait, I don't own those. But everyone else…

Onu Asian Market
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3308 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Dee W. writes: Great market for the neighborhood - found ingredients that I needed to make some sushi rolls the other day and they had some udon noodles for sale, too.  THe best part is that they will special order stuff for you - yum!

Dominick's

1900 S Cumberland Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Nancy K. writes: This is IMHO the best Dominick's in the Chicagoland area and has underground parking (great in the hot summer and icy cold winters) with an elevator and escalator (great for seniors).  Great selection with an expanded stock of organic products.  …

Bakers Square Restaurant & Pies
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

5220 N Harlem Ave
Chicago, IL 60656

Daniel C. writes: This is the best Bakers Square I have been to. This one is newly remodeled. Before they remodeled it it seemed smaller on the inside but now it looks huge. Friendly staff and great food.

Alexandra Foods
Neighborhood: Portage Park

3304 1/2 N Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634

Nancy K. writes: They only sell pierogis here.  IMHO some of the best.  Some are not frozen but, most are.  They have a high turnover so, the frozen are fresh --if you know what I mean.  A must try if you are in the area.
$3-4 for 1dz (1#)  
They have:
kraut &…

Lake Side Cafe
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

1418 W Howard Street
Chicago, IL 60626

Deanna M. writes: Worth braving a blizzard for?  I'm still not sure, but Lake Side Cafe surprised me by being excellent.

I started out with a ginger brew, which was mild but still had a bit of a spicy kick.  Got a small bowl of lentil, sweet potato, and curry soup that…

Solomon's Gourmet Cookies
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2238 Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614

Nancy K. writes: The cookies are good but, expensive.


Solomon's Kitchen & Gifts is a couple of doors down.  

http://www.yelp.com/bi...

The Plush Horse

12301 S 86th Ave
Palos Park, IL 60464

Dave S. writes: This place is one of my favorite spots for ice cream. It has been around for a really long time and from the way things look, it will be along for a long time to come.

Where else can you get some good old-fashioned homemade ice cream? Far better than…

Maxwell Street Depot
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

411 W 31st St
Chicago, IL 60616

Dave S. writes: Cheap, greasy, and damn good! I have to admit that I have only visited this place between the hours of 1:00 - 4:00 (in the AM) which is what we did about 45 minutes ago. You can't beat the price and the taste at that hour (or any hour for that…

Anthony's Homemade Italian Ice
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3442 N Southport
Chicago, IL 60686

Alison M. writes: I love Anthony's!  The Italian Ice is spectacular.  They have about 12 different flavors and I almost feel healthy eating it because it's homemade and loaded with big pieces of fruit.  How bad can it be for me?  It's fruit!  (This is the same logic I…

Lincoln Square Farmer's Market

Lincoln and Western
Chicago, IL 60625

Mindy W. writes: This is my local farmer's market and I love it.  It has all the veggies I need - fresher and cheaper than you'd find at Jewel or Dominicks.

A couple stands sell the usual veggies - bell peppers, potatoes, onions, zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes,…

Produce World Deli & More

8800 Waukegan Rd
Morton Grove, IL 60053

Kathy R. writes: Wonderful ethnic grocery that specializes in European food items and very fresh produce. The store is Greek-owned, but there's a good sampling of foodstuffs from Italy, Russia, Poland, etc.

The produce selection alone kicks the butt of big box…

Bonne Sante Health Foods
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1512 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615

M L. writes: So I'm from Northern California, and I found a little piece of hippie California goodness when I walked into Bonne Sante today for the first time...I found dried herbs and little cloth bags to make sachets, all-natural cleaning supplies (laundry…

Ashbary Coffee House

8695 Archer Avenue
Willow Springs, IL 60480

Dave S. writes: I just came back from this place for my first ever visit and I was thoroughly impressed.  This place is in a very old building and it is two floors.  The first floor is your typical coffee house with you couches and tables but there is another room…

Peoria Packing Butcher Shop
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1300 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60607

Phillie P. writes: IT'S THE MEAT STORE.

MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT
MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT
MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT
MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT
MEAT MEAT…

Tony's Finer Foods 1
Neighborhood: Logan Square

3607 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Maya C. writes: After moving to Logan Square, I started to worry about where I would get my groceries. I'd spent the last 4 years in Rogers Park with a Dominick's just a few blocks away.

Then I come to discover Tony's and all of those worries just faded away. It's a…

Cafe Ambrosia

1620 Orrington Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201

Keiko S. writes: I could see why this place is so uniquely popular among students. First, it's open late. Second, it's got this comfortable, "college" feel to it, with ample space to relax, play or study. The large basement even reminds me of a study room in a dorm.…

Great Harvest Bread Co

2126 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201

Kathy R. writes: Nothing compares to homemade bread, just out of the oven.  Great Harvest is the next best thing.

I came here recently after hitting up The Spice House down the street; I was drawn in by the smell of fresh bread wafting through the open doors. I used…

Red Star Convenient Food
Neighborhood: Logan Square

2715 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Amy H. writes: This store has a special place in my heart.  The owners are always really nice and went out of their way to order the beer that I like, even though no one else buys it.  They remember who I am and always say hello whenever I stop in or pass by on the…

The Fishguy Market
Neighborhood: Albany Park

4423 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60686

Sharlene K. writes: Upon entrance, my immediate thought was the staggeringly small size of the store. Then I realized something: the place smelled great! No, really, probably the best smelling fish market I've ever shopped.

The selection is really small, but it is…

Blue Max Coffee

26 Lathrop Ave
Forest Park, IL 60130

Nancy K. writes: Hidden gem!  What a wonderful find!  The ambiance and feel of this cafe are wonderful.  The people are friendly and warm.  Great coffee, good eats and good prices.  A must try if in the area.  Free Wi-Fi

Summer Hours:
SUN:              8:00-4:00…