Chicago Specialty Food Reviews

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Sam's Wines & Spirits
Neighborhood: DePaul

1720 N. Marcey St
Chicago, IL 60614

Nancy K. writes: Great selection of wine and spirits. Knowledgeable staff.

Family Fruit Market
Neighborhood: Portage Park

4118 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

carolynne r. writes: Out of all the hundreds of reasons I could bestow 5 stars on this place, the main one is that one day I stopped in and bought a sweet potato so big it was just slightly smaller than my head. I think I spent a dollar on it. Cut up it produced enough…

Trader Joe's
Neighborhood: Near North Side

44 E Ontario St
Chicago, IL 60611

Shana C. writes: So, I've got to get better about watching my spending which means the $10 lunch is off the menu for a (long) while. It's looking like Mother Hubbard's cabinets at home and I'm out of Indian Box Lunches in my desk, so I went over to TJs to see what I…

Hyde Park Produce
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1226 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615

Vamsi V. writes: This is the only decent decent option to buy produce in Hyde Park. I haven't been to the new Treasure Island but, the Co-op was a bastion of rotten produce. Their meat section leaves much to desire but, the produce section is excellent. The pricing…

The Spice House

1941 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201

Nancy K. writes: This is a great store for spices and much cheaper and fresher than what you can buy at a Jewel or Dominick's.

Merz Apothecary
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4716 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Miss R. writes: I only leave off a star because for the first 6 years I lived here I swear they hired someone just to follow me around the store. It was annoying, disconcerting and made me feel like a criminal. Hey, you know me, right? Do I look like a criminal? No,…

Terry's Toffee
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1117 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610

Nancy K. writes: We went in here for the first time today. Amazing toffee! They are the exclusive sweet treats to the stars -- the only sweets to be backstage and in the green room of the Academy Awards/Oscars this year. For the last two years they were in the…

Garrett Popcorn Shops
Neighborhood: The Loop

4 E Madison St
Chicago, IL 60602

Jason C. writes: Oprah tells me what to read. Oprah tells me what my favorite things should be. Oprah tells me Tom Cruise isn't as crazy as he looks.

So when Oprah tells me that Garrett's popcorn is the best popcorn ever, I believe her.

Adams & Son Gardens
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

1057 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

julie e. writes: Wandering home one night, I thought it would be nice to get a plant for my home. It was winter, so the shop's usually plentiful outdoor section was barren, and the front windows were coated from the inside with the mist of a well-hydrated plant…

Bobak Sausage Company
Neighborhood: Garfield Ridge

5275 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60632

Patty V. writes: You have got to try Grandma's Cheesecake!! It is so light and delicious. I don't normally go out of my way for cheesecake, but this is different. It does not have a crust and is just heavenly!! Pirogi are wonderful as well.

Hagens Fish Market
Neighborhood: Portage Park

5635 W. Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634

Mark S. writes: I'd never known the joys of a Hush Puppy until I visited Hagen's...

Seriously, this place is a real gem. From their counter they sell fresh fish, and they have a grocery selection of everything one might need to go with fish (crackers, sauces, etc.)…

Golden Pacific Market
Neighborhood: Edgewater

5353 N Broadway Street
Chicago, IL 60640

Nancy K. writes: Great Asian market. Very clean and organized, the employees are very nice and helpful. Small parking lot.

9:30am-9:00pm daily

Lincolnwood Produce

7175 N Lincoln Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

April H. writes: Okay, It really helps that this place is a short 10 minute walk from my home, but I really love the family-owned, European feel. They have more than you would need in the food department and great specialty items. They are responsibly priced and…

Paulina Market
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3501 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

carolynne r. writes: Do you ever have one of those days when you're feeling run-down, a little peckish, a little blue? Well, I was having one of those days, and to top it off the weather was awful - overcast, blustery, raw, and as cold as my grandmother when fishing for…

Trader Joe's

1407 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025

Nancy K. writes: Great store for organic and other specialty foods at good prices. Nice sized parking lot.

Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville

900 N Michigan Ave
5th Fl
Chicago, IL 60611

Caroline A. writes: This is a great place for any chocolate lover (such as myself).

The truffles are flown in once a week from Switzerland and are absolutely fantastic! Beautiful presentation, wonderful staff and very cute gift items, this store is a great place to buy…

Marshall Field's
Neighborhood: The Loop

111 N State St
Chicago, IL 60602

elizabeth n. writes: I am very sad to see a Chicago classic close down. I don't care if they have the same merchandise as Macy's, it will lose all appeal to me when the name officially changes over. Marshall Fields is the best and most well known department store in…

Sherwyn's Health Food Shops
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

645 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614

Jerry M. writes: I miss this place! I've been going here ever since I moved to the city many moons ago - I got lots of stuff here, and it seemed really cheap - at least compared to Whole Paycheck.

I loved their version of corn nuts and dried apples. I get them now at…

Trader Joe's
Neighborhood: DePaul

1840 N Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Kristin C. writes: A trip to Trader Joe's is always an adventure. It is a cramped, hectic adventure but an adventure nonetheless. For some reason I always feel like I'm on an episode of Supermarket Sweep - except there are yuppies all around (especially at this…

Perez Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near West Side

853 W Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Stevey P. writes: Of course, I would choose to eat at a Mexican place that shares my same surname. It's named Perez - so SATISFACTION guaranteed, baby!

And with the ratings it received and its location in West Loop, I expected it to be good. But I didn't just like…

Pastoral
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2945 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657

Nancy K. writes: Great artisan cheese, bread and wine shop. They also carry charcuterie, jams and jellies, sweets, sandwiches (now serving trays of), salads and honey.

Recently discovering this shop online (this past week) and reading many good things about this…

Whole Foods
Neighborhood: University Village

1101 S Canal St
Ste 107
Chicago, IL 60607

Caroline A. writes: I'm not sure how long this Whole Foods has been open, but I drove by it a few weeks ago and was really happy to see it in the neighborhood. I went for a visit this weekend and was very pleased.

The underground parking lot is very convenient. I…

Windy City Sweets
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3308 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Ed U. writes: The following plethora of Baby Boomer references may alienate Gen X, Y, and Triple-Z progeny. Please be advised before proceeding...

I believe I just saw the Beaver and his fat friend Larry Mondello hanging out and getting stomach aches from all the…

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Neighborhood: The Loop

320 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60601

Arnab M. writes: I dropped by Moonstruck in the mood for a second dessert after dinner at Siam Rice. I walked in expecting a Cher-themed cholocaterie but forgot all about that as soon as I laid my eyes on all the chocolate, and instead started leering at all the…

Lincoln Park Farmer's Market
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Armitage Ave & Orchard St
Chicago, IL 60614

Katarina X. writes: Is there anything better than buying a big ol' bucket of fresh, ripe, lush tomatoes and making sauce from scratch?
I don't think so... and if you wear your brightest smile you get samples!
Excellent quality produce, fair pricing (flirting gets better…

Jerry's Fruit & Garden

7901 N Milwaukee Ave
Niles, IL 60714

carolynne r. writes: A great great place to find inexpensive fruits & vegetables, as well as ethnic groceries and a good selection of cheese & bread.

Do go early though, especially on the weekends. Otherwise you will be in a fight to the death with elderly, non-english…

Gary Poppins

1739 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201

Dee W. writes: Great popcorn here - could definately give Garrett's a run for their money. Their cheese popcorn has that greasy oily cheesy stuff all over it. YUM! Plus, they also accept the NU Wildcard here, too.

Service was friendly and the prices are…

Sweet Occasions
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4639 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Karen A. writes: SUGAR JUNKIES BEWARE:

The cupcakes here sent me into a shivering shaking sugar nirvana...pretty to look at but even prettier in my mouth. Dead on excellent red velevet cake.
The ice cream is pure diabetic death, and I mean that in a really good way.…

Sarah's Pastries and Candies
Neighborhood: Near North Side

70 E. Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Jookie K. writes: Oh sweet goodness. Where do I begin? If you're thirsty, and even if you're not, try the peach lemonade. A friendly employee will pour it into a cup of ice from the large jar of lemonade sitting on the counter, which makes it seem that much more…

Teavana
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Streeterville

845 N. Michigan Avenue
Water Tower Place Mall
Chicago, IL 60610

Caroline A. writes: I am a tea lover with a growing collection!

I go to Teavana when I'm in the mood for something different. They infuse a lot of fruit and flowers in their teas. I am a big fan of their chamomile with citrus, rose infused white tea and lavendar teas.…

Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Neighborhood: Near North Side

520 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610

Kathy R. writes: True fact: some people prefer chocolates to sex. In the face of such passion, I'll try to refrain from vague unhelpful comments like "These are the best chocolates ever!!" or "Soooooooo goooooood!!" Taste is such a personal thing.

I will say I am a…

Oak Park Farmer's Market

Corner of Lake St and Elmwood
Oak Park, IL 60303

Clarissa J. writes: Did someone say, "Donut?"

You'll know you're nearing this particular farmer's market when you get a whiff of freshly made donuts in the air. That's right. Donuts. Instead of just the usual market fair of fruit and vegetables, flowers, herbs,…

Vosges Haut Chocolat
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

951 W. Armitage
Lincoln Park
Chicago, IL 60614

Mark S. writes: Be careful. Be very careful.

Vosges is like going back to the ex for a few rolls on the side. First you say, just this once, then you tell yourself that you can quit whenever you want, but then you look at yourself taking the Brown Line and wondering…

Coco Rouge
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1940 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Nancy K. writes: "I tasted life" Emily Dickinson
A quote from their front page

This is an upscale mom and pop fine chocolatier, run by the husband and wife team of Erika and Jeremy who met while attending school at Le Cordon Bleu in London. The in house kitchen is…

Canady Le Chocolatier
Neighborhood: South Loop

824 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Lauren H. writes: Some say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, well, one of the ways to this woman's heart (amongst other of her places) is through fine chocolate. I have not been in the store, but received a very thoughtful gift of a box of truffles.…

Panozzo's Italian Market
Neighborhood: Near Southside

1303 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Liz X. writes: As with gentrification in all parts of major metropolitan areas come the good and the bad. I won't dwell on the negative and instead, I will expound on the little treasures that gentrification can bring..especially early on in the process. One…

Edgewater Produce
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5509 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Colleen C. writes: Oh, it's a Jewel v. Indie Grocery showdown.

Edgewater wins by a mile. Smallish shop with great produce, ample Mexican flavor and a decent meat/deli counter. Certainly worth a trip to pick up veggies/fruits and some staples, and then shuffle over to…

Kurowski's Sausage Shop
Neighborhood: Avondale

2976 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

jason t. writes: i think this place is owned by the same folks who run rich's deli on western, because they have a lot of the same stuff...especially the blueberry crumb cake which is just about the best thing ever and half the reason i've gained 15 pounds since i…

Affy Tapple Inc

6300 W Gross Point Rd
Niles, IL 60714

nikki c. writes: OH OH OoooH! mouth salivating goodness.

healthy, soul satisfying and nothing, but smiles as the smell of the caramel and peanuts first hits your senses.

the perfect gift at any party. great for kids of all ages and perfect on a rainy day!

Kramer Foods

16 Grant Sq
Hinsdale, IL 60521

Robyn C. writes: The man and I wandered in here last week and discovered their deli. Wow, what a mistake that was.

All other potato salads now seem subpar. And spinach dips. And...oh, well you get the idea. This isn't the faux "home made" crap from a tub that's…

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