Vosges
Neighborhood: Near North Side

108 E. Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Lois M. writes: Yes, truly one of the best! How can you NOT be enticed by flavors such as: Black Pearl=Ginger + wasabi + dark chocolate + black sesame seeds, Wink of the Rabbit=Soft caramel + deep milk chocolate + organic New Mexican pecan, Ambrosia=Macadamia nuts +…

Pasieka Bakery
Neighborhood: Avondale

3056 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Sharin F. writes: Why would you rate a Polish bakery in a mostly Polish neighborhood 3 stars for not having enough non Polish items?  That boggles the mind, that does!

Anyways, I had a delicious paczki here and it was like heaven!  Everything smelled good, it was…

Tea Leaf Cafe
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2336 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Verna L. writes: I do NOT want to know how many extra calories and lbs I gained because of this joint. I considered this my 2nd home during grad school. i studied here for countless hours on end while pumped up on a milk tea and a tasty California burger! Then, I…

BeBoBa Bubble Tea House
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

3533 N Western
Chicago, IL 60686

Colleen C. writes: BeBoBa, BeBoBa, BeBoBa....rolls off the tongue like little black tapioca balls.

Boingy, buoyant, bubbly, bippety, boppety, boopety, BAM. BeBoBa. Brilliant.

Don't let the strip mall facade fool ya, BeBoBa Bubble Tea House has some nice digs. Almost…

Won Kow Restaurant
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2237 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Carol K. writes: Won Kow is the oldest restaurant in Chinatown having been there since 1927.  To find it look for the large green sign or just do what I do- peek in the doors along the east side of Wentworth until you find the one that is just a long flight of stairs…

Cj Arthur's

1168 Wilmette Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091

Jess S. writes: They have an extensive menu of American cuisine. Lots of different burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, soups and all sorts of good stuff.

And a soda fountain!!
And a liquor license!

The outdoor seating is great (but since its on sometimes-busy…

International Grocery Store
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

4000 W 40th Street
Chicago, IL 60686

Cyn K. writes: This is not your ordinary chain grocery store. First off, you won't find polished, shiny floors or attractive display cases. Instead in this stark warehouse, you'll find concrete floors and some hand-written prices-not that anyone complains about the…

Potash Brothers Supermart
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

1525 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

Cyn K. writes: Potash is an up-scale, neighborhood grocery store. Typical grocery store items are sold here, as well as gourmet items. The store realizes it's much smaller than your neighborhood Jewel or Dominick's, so it focuses on the customer. The result? Over…

Whole Foods Market
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3300 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Jerry M. writes: I know everyone whines about Whole Foods being so much more expensive than Trader Joe's.

Well they can just come here and get some cheese to go with their whine. Okay, cheese is probably more expensive here, but there are some items that are HOT…

Bake For Me Bakery & Cafe
Neighborhood: University Village

608 W Roosevelt Rd
Chicago, IL 60607

Erin S. writes: I love me some Bake for me.  They did my wedding cupcakes and a top square tier for around $200 and it was more than enough for 100 people.  Our top tier was carrot cake and I must say we just cut into it after our first year and it was as moist and…

Marble Slab Creamery

940 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201

Ramon R. writes: This is the best ice cream shop ever.  But with one employee playing music with swear words in it at maximum volume and removing his shirt, it sometimes seems more like a CANDY SHOP!  Haha.  But I'm not complaining.  Some good looking guys work here.…

Corner Bakery
Neighborhood: Near North Side

406 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Ren H. writes: An awesome bakery!  And not only are the baked goods fresh and delicious, but they also have some of the best paninis, salads and sandwiches I've ever had! Definitely a good place for a quick bite!

Cal's 400 Liquors
Neighborhood: The Loop

400 S Wells St
Chicago, IL 60607

molly c. writes: revised and updated!! today!

and i FINALLY made it there for a show...sure the accoustics are bad and is small as small can be, but everyone had a great time!

drinks are cheap and the bartenders are friendly.

be forwarned men...no lock on the men's…

Australian Homemade
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3425 N Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657

Ren H. writes: The chocolate fudge here is amazing!  They've got tons of flavors and its decorated on the top to give it that added flair!   Also, their sorbet is some of the best I've ever had, the flavors are so strong and intense!  Try the pear and green apple!

Candy In Bloom

142 E Lake St Ste C
Bloomingdale, IL 60108

a w. writes: I got a gift from here for my birthday. This was such a unique gift. The candy tree not only looked good, but tasted just as great :). I ended up using this place to get similar gifts for my friends. Its a really unique gift and a pleasant surprise.…

Cinnabon

D203 Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Justin W. writes: Tasty, but it always gives me a lethargic, I ate too many carbs, disgusting feeling after eating one.

Popcorn Palace & Candy Emporium
Neighborhood: Near North Side

600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Amaliya L. writes: Amazing.  It is so FUC-ing good.  I like to pretend that the Chicago Style popcorn and Caramel Nut corn is really good for you.  It is made out of cheese, popcorn, and deluxe nuts, right?  I for one would never turn down a tin...it melts in your…

Happy Foods
Neighborhood: Edison Park

6783 N Northwest Hwy
Chicago, IL 60631

Michael M. writes: I live right across the street from Happy Foods, so whenever I need something, I go down the stairs, out the door, and there is Happy Foods. For a small grocery store, Happy Foods has a really good selection, a good deli counter, and plenty of sales.…

Pars Persian Store
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5260 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Deanna M. writes: I'm a wee bit podunk, and probably culturally insensitive and ignorant at times as a result.  You should see me trying to order Vietnamese food--it ain't pretty, and it's a consistent reminder that, yes, I was raised by scarcely educated mountain…

Central Market Inc
Neighborhood: Portage Park

3640 N Central Ave
Chicago, IL 60634

Patricia B. writes: What I love about this store is the meat department.  IMO, they beat the supermarkets with their prices and quality.  You can get real ground sirloin for about $2 less per pound than most "big boys" grocery stores.  Excellent chicken and fish.  They…

A To Z Things
Neighborhood: Irving Park

4009 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Anum A. writes: This is a one stop shop, that has it all. You can go shopping for clothes for the whoole family, as well as getting your groceries. You won't be able toget out of the store once your in. Also, the prices will not put a whole in your wallet.

Sweet Factory
Neighborhood: The Loop

100 W Randolph St Uppr 105
Chicago, IL 60601

Carrie M. writes: It's an okay candy store. They have all of the basics in terms of candies ranging from "Sweet Factory" jellybeans which are really Jelly Bellys to the chocolates. Today, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had one of my all time favorites-the…

Smoothie Center
Neighborhood: The Loop

125 S Clark St Bsmt
Chicago, IL 60603

I Q. writes: On a hot summer day, this is the place to go! The smoothies here are so tasty and fresh! I always go here whenever I am in the city.  The strawberry-banana smoothie is the best here! However, it does get a little crowded at times, but its worth the…

Angies Famous Sub
Neighborhood: North Park

3324 W Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Dionna R. writes: This ice cream shop rocks.
The owner gives great big heaping scoops of ice cream and it's not terribly expensive.
I think we paid 1.70 for a scoop on your choice of a sugar cone, regular cone or in a bowl.
Their 2 scoop sundae, still pretty big, was…

Grand Slam Bagels

105 Gaylord St
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

I Q. writes: This is a nice place to go for breakfast.  It doesn't take too long to get a nice meal.  The fresh fruit here is really good.  The bagels here are good as well, not very different from others.  Other than that, it's a nice and enjoyable place to…

Jasmin Oriental Mart

1504 Bloomingdale Rd
Glendale Heights, IL 60139

I Q. writes: This place is nice to gte ingredients from to make oriental food.  Some of the stuff is expensive, however it is really tasty! Also, the store can get messy at times.

Filter
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1585 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Ilina K. writes: Bring your powerbook pro, bleached asymmetrical haircut, starving artist bod, Chucks, and awkward insecurity over, but check your need for privacy and space at the door. Most of the loners inside are barely looking at the paper/novel/blog they're…

Bagel Country

9306 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077

E M. writes: A few notes on Bagel Country:

1. Bagel Country is certified Kosher, so it's not going to be open on Saturday or other Jewish Holidays.

2. Last I checked, Bagel Country has WiFi but no outlets to plug your laptop into, so come fully charged.

3. It is…

Farm Meat Market

232 W Lake St
Addison, IL 60101

mazen s. writes: Awesome place.  The store has changed.  Very Clean, more employees, more crowded.  Meat was the best meat we had in a looong time.  We had the lamb leg and ground beef.  Very Satisfied.

Di Carlos Armanetti Liquors
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

515 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60612

Myron M. writes: I've been thru these doors plenty of times and let me tell you that this place is stocked! They have a wide variety of wines and beers and isles loaded with your favorite libations. You can order a keg for your summer bar-b-que or load up on lottery…

Kordian Fruit Market
Neighborhood: Jefferson Park

6332 W. Higgins Avenue
Chicago, IL 60630

Robert L. writes: This produce store/deli features American and Polish cuisine.  They are stocked with fresh fruits & vegetables sold at great prices.  This little grocery store packs a solid punch.  Excellent walk in collers filled with beer on one side and dairy…

Tintin
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2468 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

Rocky B. writes: This place is a bit on the scary side. You got cakes boxes resting right on top of open ice cream tubs in the freezers. Stuff is all out of place....like maybe they are remodeling, moving, unpacking, etc. etc. but I'm guessing it's none of the above.…

Corner Bakery Cafe

5369 Touhy Ave
Skokie, IL 60077

Patricia B. writes: I just love this place!  And this particular location is my favorite.  There is a guy who works here, Chris, who is such a sweetheart who goes out of his way to make your visit enjoyable.  (Just wanted to give him his props!)  Anyway, I have never…

Eastgate Wine & Spirits

446 W Diversey Pkwy Frnt
Chicago, IL 60614

Shawn K. writes: This place is the only store in my vicinity that carrys the winstons I like.  The liquor selection is pretty good, but the best part is the delivery.  For $2.99, they deliver your spirits straight to your door.

Au Bon Pain
Neighborhood: Near West Side

540 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60661

Koizumi Y. writes: A long time ago in a galaxy far away...

Me: I'd like the veggie sandwich on a soft, braided roll please.
ABP: We don't make that anymore.
Me: (Looking in the food tins behind the counter) Do you still have soft braided rolls?
ABP: Yeah.
Me: I see…

Einstein Bros Bagels

23 S Prospect Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Anum A. writes: This is one of the places I go almost daily. They have the best bagels and muffins here. I always get their jalepeno and cheese bagel with garden cream cheese, it is the BEST! There is hardly ever a long wait, so your in and out quickly. Also, you…

Jericho Coffee
Neighborhood: Near West Side

PO Box 4819
Chicago, IL 60680

Muhammad A. writes: The store smells so great that you just feel like sitting there.  You can smell all their delicious coffees.  They have a large menu of hot and cold coffees.  The shop is real nice to sit and drink your coffee with friends or your books.

Binny's Beverage Depot

7330 W North Ave
Elmwood Park, IL 60707

Tina T. writes: Great selection of wines at decent prices with helpful and knowledgable staff.  I saw several wine favorites that were priced a little bit lower here than other stores.  They are a fairly large store, so if I am in the area I will definitely go…

Life Spring Health Foods & Juice Bar
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3178 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Jerry M. writes: Oh, Kombucha Tea, how I love you. You claim to make me healthy and taste so yummy, too. But you're so expensive, you know. How can a cheap girl like me ever afford you?! Luckily there is Life Spring, where you're at least 50 cents cheaper than most…