A Foodie’s Guide To North Chicago
Let’s cut to the chase. I fully live my life always looking forward to eating; the most important meal of the day is your next one! Call me obsessed Taurus… it’s accurate and I ain’t mad about it. Luckily, I don’t need to struggle to feed my obsession since literally every few feet there is a new restaurant to check out! I currently live in Lakeview East but I find myself venturing North along the lake to find even quieter spaces. North Chicago includes, Uptown, Ravenswood and Edgewater. There is still that city feel that we all love, just less noice and less falsified glamour. Fall in love with the vintage shops, mom & pop restaurants, the lgbt+ friendly decor, stylish hipsters and the affordable prices worthy of a feast. You will find some real gems of the city in North Chicago and would truly be missing out without this guide to the best restaurants there! We are gonna talk Italian, Vietnamese, BYOB, Venezuelan, Brunch and so much more. Sorry in advance for the intense cravings you’re gonna have after reading this!
Bienmesabe
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I’m gonna be honest with you all: This was the first place I ever tried an Arepa… I know, I know, I’m ashamed it took me so long! Thankfully, this is the best place in Chi that I could have had my first Venezuelan experience. I have been hooked ever since I took a bite of their sweet plantains with avocado. Who knew something meatless could be so delectable?! I have tried other Arepas around the city but these are by far the best. This is a BYOB joint with an outdoor patio. Get a seat out there while before it gets too cold!
Gather
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This place will make you tear up. The food is just that good. You will find yourself daydreaming about their Brussel Sprouts for weeks on end (I am not embarrassed to admit this happened to me) and their service is great. If you want a cozy, home-like atmosphere this is the place for you. They have mid-century modern style furniture, geometric wallpaper and mood lighting that will make you feel so warm during this upcoming Chicago winter.
Ba Le Sandwich
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This is such an affordable and cute little Banh Mi shop in Uptown’s Little Saigon! You can get a BBQ pork Vietnamese sandwich for less than $8. Don’t get me wrong though, the quality and taste of these Banh Mi’s are amazing. I would honestly pay double what they charge because these are the best in North Chicago and easily the best city-wide. You won’t be disappointed in their Vegan options either.
Sauce & Bread Kitchen
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This is definitely the hippest bakery in North Chicago. You need to try their Lox plate. When I say that it is life-changing, I mean it. They have mastered their Lox plate by putting just the right amount of everything on a bagel. You won't have a messy experience with it; they have perfected it so that you get a taste of everything in each bite! They are famous for their freshly baked bread, so if I were you, I would stop by here and grab some bread to take away. That way, you’re all set to make some soup to pair it with or a sandwich right from the comfort of your home.
Beard & Belly
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Looking for some comfort food during the infamous Chicago winter? When I think comfort food, I always think of Chicken Pot Pie and the image I see in my mind is Beard and Belly’s! The crust is flakey and buttery and similar to that of a croissant; it has the perfect level of layering. The filling is full of chicken chunks and gravy with just the right ratio of veggies. I have literally eaten two of these in one sitting before… it is out of this world. Their chic pot pie is worthy of being the meal you eat while snuggled up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket.
Anto Pizza & pasta
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This Roger’s Park Italian restaurant is something out of a dream. I have brought my very Italian step-dad here before and watched him melt over their Pappardelle that comes in a white cream sauce with artichokes. My favorite were the fried olives. They are unique and full of flavor. You know it’s a good Italian place when you can smell the thin crust, fresh coal oven pizza from blocks away…
