Buona Beef

6745 Roosevelt Rd
Berwyn, IL 60402

Wendy L. writes: Buona rocks!  Their italian sausage is great too.  This is a family favorite.  We get their carryout a lot.  The thing to do is to get the bread par-baked and then put it in the oven yourself.  It keeps fresh longer and then it's nice and hot when…

Garrett Popcorn Shops
Neighborhood: The Loop

2 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604

MaryAnne M. writes: Legalized crack cocaine.

This location is probably the least crowded/likely to wait in line.

Skokie Water Playground

4701 Oakton Street
Skokie, IL 60076

Chika S. writes: The waterpark area is a blast for kids of all ages... two slow but long slides, fountains, a big bucket, things to twist/turn/manipulate, lots to explore. Not always open during parent tot swim on Sat (9-10:30).

They also have a bigger pool for laps,…

North Shore Center For Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077

Michelle F. writes: Fantastic shows, both locally-produced and national acts, come to this state of the art theater on the North side of Skokie. You won't be disappointed, most every seat is a good seat. Parking is ample at a nearby garage.

T-Shirt Deli Co
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1739 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

andrea w. writes: I've stopped by the T-shirt Deli during previous shopping excursions on Damen, but never had a t-shirt made...until today!

While they carry American Apparel shirts they didn't have the color tees I was looking for (who doesn't carry dark blue…

Ritter's Breakfast Delivery

Chicago, IL 60610

Clare L. writes: just ordered this for the first time on sunday morning and it was fabulous.  and what a great idea!  

i have to say that i ordered the breakfast pizza and it was the worst of the 3 things that we ordered.  my roommate had the hash brown frittata and…

Harry Caray's
Neighborhood: Near North Side

33 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Nancy K. writes: HERE'S TO HARRY! 9TH ANNUAL WORLDWIDE TOAST TO HARRY!

Join us on Thursday, February 15th, at 5:30pm your time, anywhere in the world for the 9th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray. Fans in 81 countries will raise a Budweiser (Harry's favorite brand…

Menagerie
Neighborhood: Lakeview

1232 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Jennifer S. writes: Celebrated my birthday there with my parents and husband at the end of last year. It came highly rec'd by friends and I was really impressed. The menu had a great variety and everything tasted so good, there was a good balance of comfort food options…

Magnolia Cafe
Neighborhood: Uptown

1224 W Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Colleen C. writes: Ambience, service and presentation, and an Uptown neighborhood gem: All 5 stars.

However, I just can't justify $25 chicken. I don't care what you do to chicken, aside from encrusting it with gold that would make it worth $25. The tuna tartare we had…

Whiskey Blue
Neighborhood: The Loop

172 W Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603

Tabetha J. writes: It was dark and yes, intimate. The bouncer guy was friendly and 'looking out'. He pulled over another chair for us at the bar as soon as it became available. I wish I had known about the drinks that Stephanie mentioned. I was just trying to get a…

Chipotle Mexican Grill

601 N Martingale Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Janet G. writes: Very Clean.
Nice place good food.
I was shocked to find out they were owned by McDonalds.
But all in all I will be back the spin they put on the food is very good.

Chicago Diner
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3411 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

Matthew S. writes: Vegan this vegan that.  

How refreshing to have a menu that can accommodate my non-carnivore friends.  I went to this place with no real expectations, other than those of my best friend - who is a vegan.

We wanted a big breakfast.  I'm a nice Jewish…

Picante Taqueria Restaurant
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

2016 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Katie H. writes: Bitch, please. This food tastes good and you get plenty of it.

Yeah yeah, I'm white (too poor to be a yuppie but I do watch a lot of food network and drive a Toyota). I know that these aren't the most authentic tacos in Chicago but who gives a toss?…

Trader Vics
Neighborhood: The Loop

17 East Monroe
Chicago, IL 60603

Maxxy C. writes: I cannot believe Trader Vics closed! When I attend conferences in the Palmer House I ALWAYS dined at Trader Vics.  They started serving free hors doerves(sp) and the food was really great.  I met my out of town best friend here and we had a fantastic…

Bon Bon
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5410 N Clark
Chicago, IL 60640

Gary B. writes: He B, if you are looking for cheap chocolate Jewel has Hershy bars 10 for 10.
Bon Bon is an Andersonville institution.  You get what you pay for people.  This chocolate is made in house and no skimping is done.  
The owner makes all of the candies and…

Chipotle Mexican Grill
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3181 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Maryellen C. writes: "Can a burrito have integrity?"
I ask myself,
As I grab my meal two-handed
And slowly peel down
Its shiny foil sheath.
I bite through the first swaths
Of floury, salty tortilla
The texture of which
Whets my mouth
For the succulence inside.
Here, a mound of…

Cheetah Gyms
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5248 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

dallas h. writes: After training and walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer last year, I lost a good twenty pounds. Fast forward 3-4 months post AWBC and I was starting to pudge out a bit. Its cool I thought, I'll get back to walking to and from work, errands,…

Smoke Daddy Restaurant
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

1804 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Kevin A. writes: I'VE NEVER TRIED CRACK...

But if I do, I want it in Smoke Daddy mac-n-cheese form.  I was so distracted by this eye-rolling-good orgy of macaroni and smooth, velvety cheese  punctuated with asteroid-like bread crumbs and a smack-in-the-ass like hit of…

Vogue Fabrics Inc
Neighborhood: University Village

623 W Roosevelt Rd
Chicago, IL 60607

Rachel W. writes: I live so close to Vogue and never manage to stop in here.  Well, yesterday, on my trek home from Target (flat tire, don't ask) I decided to pop in.  
I wanted to see what they had, but also I was freezing and had to get inside.  This place rocks,…

India Bookhouse & Journal

2551 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

Anum A. writes: India Bookhouse and Journal has an amazing slectiong of books. They hjave so many different books with different topics, and there is somehting there for everyone. The books also teach people about the Indian culture.

Saks Off 5th

1430 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Urszula H. writes: This is my favorite discount store in the Chicago area, although my favorite one used to be the location at Old Orchard until they closed it last year.  They have a nice selection here and it is very well organized, unlike in other outlet stores.  My…

Cleaners Depot
Neighborhood: Uptown

4855 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640

Rachelle G. writes: I used to hate dry cleaning bc the bill adds up ridiculously, but I found Cleaner's Depot and my wallet became happy again.

For standard dry cleaning, this is the place to go.  Who can beat $1.75?  And if you're male, 99 cents for button downs.  If…

Beverly Art Center
Neighborhood: Morgan Park

2407 W 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655

Martha Z. writes: I've come here to see a few movies for the Polish Film Festival.  It's a great building to have in that neighborhood.  The building is modern, the theater is small, and the volunteers were friendly.  My favorite part was that they were selling bags…

Blue Line Club Car
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1548 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Jenny R. writes: WOA, there is a bartender here who belongs in Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters because she can literally see through people! It's as if they aren't even there! I was standing not more than 3 feet from her face looking directly at her holding out…

Hot Pink
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1464 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Ellen M. writes: Great patterns and cuts - even for an old broad like me.  I scooped up a great wraparound dress and a top for $100, and they were among the most expensive things in the store.  I had to choose carefully since these darling kids have made me a decent…

Bank One

1910 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60202

Michelle F. writes: We started our account here with a nice guy named Randall. He was very helpful in working out some issues we had during our first few weeks, and has always been friendly and available when I needed further banking assistance. This location is in a…

Waterhouse
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3407 N Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60657

Esme W. writes: Waterhouse, you are the DEVIL!! You and your little sign practically screaming your specials of the day...How dare you have HALF PRICE WINE on the day you know I need it the most?!! RIGHT under my el stop! Stop immediately, Waterhouse! You tease,…

Emilio's Sol Y Nieve
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River East

215 E Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611

Patrick W. writes: I've determined that if ever given the choice of how I want to die, my choice is to eat bacon-wrapped dates until I simply explode.
We had an absolutely spectacular dinner here recently and potentially have our new favorite tapas restaurant. Our…

Mrs. V's Waffle House

1640 S River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Dionna R. writes: I love this place. I've only been here 7 times but the food is great every single time. They have my favorite comfort food, Breaded veal cutlet with mashed potatoes and gravy, and it's so yummy. I have never had a bad meal here. It is also VERY kid…

Monk's Pub
Neighborhood: The Loop

205 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60606

crister c. writes: no that isn't cheeky wallpaper, the leather-bound books on the wall are real! and the front doors are both carved wood, but not from the same set. i noticed both of these things before drinking, so you can trust me.

great service. it's a…

Luke's on Harlem
Neighborhood: Montclare

3130 N Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634

Sharin F. writes: Luke's is one of my favorite hot dog stands in the city, though I know they're more famous for Italian beefs and for a good reason!  Luke's is the King of Italian Beef.  No...seriously!  These are the best I've ever had.  They are drippy, salty,…

Mac Kelly's
Neighborhood: The Loop

177 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60606

Jen B. writes: Normally a salad bar/buffet type atmosphere freaks me out.  When I'm eating I imagine snot globules floating around in the food.  But Mac Kellys is my exception to this rule.  The salad bar area is phenomenal.  There is an awesome selection of fresh…

Bank One

1603 Orrington Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201

Dee W. writes: Oh, Chase...
PROS:
-everywhere you go - there's a Chase - Chase banks, Chase ATMs, Chase inside of Walgreens, Chase inside of Dominick's
-love that online service
-one of the better credit cards - they've got that Freedom card with the option of either…

Taqueria El Asadero
Neighborhood: North Center

2213 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Michael S. writes: My daughters' sense of what's good and cheap just keeps on getting better and better, or, I am learning more about what they know. I just have to ask.

I had lunch here today with Daughter No. 2. We were going to try El Llano Restaurant, a Columbian…

Architectural Artifacts
Neighborhood: North Center, Lakeview

4325 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Dan T. writes: I found this place by accident walking home from the Montrose brown line stop shortly after I moved to this neighborhood a few months ago. The warehouse is located on nondescript Ravenswood -- a street bound by the Metra and brown lines on one side,…

Anderson Lock Co

850 E Oakton St
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Jacob J. writes: Stopped in to find hardware needed for a commercial property.  I needed an electric strike, a new lock mechanism and door switch.  The ones I had were ruined and/or stolen.  
You take a number and wait to be helped.  The wait wasn't long.  They've got…

Kiddieland

8400 W North Avenue
Suite 1
Melrose Park, IL 60160

Jim B. writes: First let's concede the obvious negatives:
-It lacks the glitzy new rides of national chain amusement parks (i.e. Great America.)  It
-I've had better pizza in the public schools
-It would lose it's attraction for most kids over age 10.
-At one point I…

D'agostino's Pizzeria
Neighborhood: Noble Square, River West

752 N Ogden Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Jookie K. writes: I've been cheating on Pizzeria Ora with D'agostino's.  D'agostino's is much sweeter to me, beginning with the sauce, and like some of my fellow Yelpers, it's a good thing.  I'm trying to convince my boyfriend to move towards a couple of large…

Zea Salon Inc
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Wrigleyville

3815 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60613

Christine F. writes: I'm reading some of these negative reviews and that's surprising to me. I've had nothing but good experiences at Zea.

My stylist is Arturo and he is amazing! He does styling and color and he's great at both of them.

In November I went to get a new…

Fitness Formula Clubs East Lakeview
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3657 N Pine Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657

Jillian R. writes: There's nothing not to like about this FFC location. From helpful trainers and staff to the great and non-intimidating classes, it's a great place to work out.

Granted, I usually go later in the evening, but even when I've been there during weekend…