Guidebook for Chicago
Essentials
As an Italian-American whose grandfather owned an Italian Market in RI, I highly recommend Mariano's! Try the fresh-cut Prosciutto with cantaloupe!
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveAs an Italian-American whose grandfather owned an Italian Market in RI, I highly recommend Mariano's! Try the fresh-cut Prosciutto with cantaloupe!
Food Scene
Very good, reasonably-priced sushi and asian restaurant. What I like about Hot Woks is that BOTH the sushi and the entrees are equally good (usually it's one or the other). Nice people, too!
38 locals recommend
Hot Woks Cool Sushi
3930 N Pulaski RdVery good, reasonably-priced sushi and asian restaurant. What I like about Hot Woks is that BOTH the sushi and the entrees are equally good (usually it's one or the other). Nice people, too!
Kitsch'n on Roscoe
2005 W Roscoe StGreat breakfast place with character!
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
2147 W Roscoe StExcellent higher-end dining in walking distance!!
Exceptional restaurant and wine bar! Voted one of the most romantic places in Chicago! Try the patio!!!
173 locals recommend
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
954 North California AvenueExceptional restaurant and wine bar! Voted one of the most romantic places in Chicago! Try the patio!!!
Bánh Mì BáGet
2057 West Roscoe StreetThis is a great Vietnamese lunch place - try the vietnamese sub sandwiches!!
Lucy’s Cafe
2100 W Roscoe StVegitarian breakfast/ brunch/ lunch spot.
Very good Chicago pizza - the closest one nearby, for pickup or dine-in.
15 locals recommend
Pete's Pizza
3737 N Western AveVery good Chicago pizza - the closest one nearby, for pickup or dine-in.
Pretty good local Italian place. Family-friendly.
16 locals recommend
Piazza Bella Trattoria & Osteria
2114 W Roscoe StPretty good local Italian place. Family-friendly.
My favorite sub place!! One block walk to this family-owned sub shop that is a refreshing change from the chains. Try the Italian sub (which reminds me of my East Coast home in Rhode Island).
7 locals recommend
Hero's Submarine Sandwich Shop
3600 N Western AveMy favorite sub place!! One block walk to this family-owned sub shop that is a refreshing change from the chains. Try the Italian sub (which reminds me of my East Coast home in Rhode Island).
Brand new Starbucks that is a block away. [There's a bigger one on Roscoe, if you are walking that way.]
213 locals recommend
Starbucks
1588 N Milwaukee AveBrand new Starbucks that is a block away. [There's a bigger one on Roscoe, if you are walking that way.]
This is farther away, but bigger, if you are walking that way anyway (for shopping, to eat, etc).
213 locals recommend
Starbucks
1588 N Milwaukee AveThis is farther away, but bigger, if you are walking that way anyway (for shopping, to eat, etc).
Potbelly is the best of the 'chain' sandwich shops - local to Midwest, if you are from out of town. Oven-cooked subs. Try their milkshakes, cole slaw, and soup!
32 locals recommend
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
2264 N Lincoln AvePotbelly is the best of the 'chain' sandwich shops - local to Midwest, if you are from out of town. Oven-cooked subs. Try their milkshakes, cole slaw, and soup!
Wendy's
5472 N Harlem AveIf you're looking for nearby fast food, this is a block away.
The local Mac-D's. It's a good-sized one, with drive-through and a nice play area (climbing area) for the kids (remember the socks! ;).
26 locals recommend
McDonald's
1951 N Western AveThe local Mac-D's. It's a good-sized one, with drive-through and a nice play area (climbing area) for the kids (remember the socks! ;).
Sometimes you just need a doughnut. Or a bagel. Or just like DD's coffee/ hot chocolate better than Starbucks. A two-block walk away.
126 locals recommend
Dunkin'
2565 W Fullerton AveSometimes you just need a doughnut. Or a bagel. Or just like DD's coffee/ hot chocolate better than Starbucks. A two-block walk away.
I like Hero's subs (see my recommendation below - across the street) better, but if you're a Subway person, they are both less than a block away.
32 locals recommend
Subway
1101 W Bryn Mawr AveI like Hero's subs (see my recommendation below - across the street) better, but if you're a Subway person, they are both less than a block away.
John's Place
2132 W Roscoe StVery family-friendly, American comfort food.
Higher-end breakfast place. (I haven't eaten here... I like Kitch'n, which is yummy, two doors down, but Orange is 'nicer' setting).
31 locals recommend
Paul's Noodle Shop
3400 N Sheffield AveHigher-end breakfast place. (I haven't eaten here... I like Kitch'n, which is yummy, two doors down, but Orange is 'nicer' setting).
Drinks & Nightlife
Fun local bar right on Roscoe St (the main business street that is a nice 10 minute walk through our safe neighborhood).
36 locals recommend
Village Tap
2055 W Roscoe StFun local bar right on Roscoe St (the main business street that is a nice 10 minute walk through our safe neighborhood).
GREAT wine bar and 'tapas'-type hors-douevres place. Can buy wine here to take back 'home', or buy a bottle to drink on premises, with good food (cheeses and light fare).
10 locals recommend
Lush Wine & Spirits
2232 W Roscoe StGREAT wine bar and 'tapas'-type hors-douevres place. Can buy wine here to take back 'home', or buy a bottle to drink on premises, with good food (cheeses and light fare).
Good bar, good bar food. I'd recommend this, if you're looking for a good burger nearby.
14 locals recommend
Reveler
3403 North Damen AvenueGood bar, good bar food. I'd recommend this, if you're looking for a good burger nearby.
Shopping
Little Threads
Boutique clothes for the kids
The Denim Lounge
2039 W Roscoe StBoutique jeans/ denim store (http://thedenimlounge.com)
Village Records
2010 W Roscoe StCool record store.
Hubba-Hubba
1105 Central AveContemporary and vintage women's boutique.
Cinnamon Boutique
2104 W Roscoe StUpscale women's apparel & accessories.
Entertainment & Activities
Great playground at prestigious Bell Elementary School 1 block away!
Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School
Great playground at prestigious Bell Elementary School 1 block away!