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Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint

Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Logan Square, Reviews

Burgers are one of America’s favorite comfort foods. Many of us have fond memories of going to the local burger joint with our parents and friends and enjoying some greasy goodness. For a lot of Chicago’s Southside residents, that burger joint was Grant’s Wonderburger...
Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites

Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Logan Square, Restaurants, Reviews

When I lived near the intersection of Armitage and California a few years ago, the food options were fairly limited and imbalanced. You could have a high-end foodie meal at Table, Donkey and Stick or grab a hot dog at the Tastee Freez. All of that has changed...
Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan

Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Reviews

Flagship, to many, may seem like just another typical sports bar. Upon first glance, I wouldn’t argue with you. However, being that sports games were flooding the copious amount of screens throughout the venue and my table didn’t pay attention to any of them one bit–...
5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets

5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events

Farmers Market season is taking full swing. Produce is growing nicely and the sun is making its appearance more often to give you that much needed dosage of vitamin D and happiness. These markets provide you with a great alternative to supermarket shopping and their...
Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City

Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Poutine Chicago options are beginning to expand, from the traditional ways that originated in Canada, to some of the most exquisite ways that you could ever imagine eating fries, cheese-curds, and gravy. When eggs, brisket, pulled pork, or even prime rib are added...
21 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Chicago – They start early!

21 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Chicago – They start early!

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events, Holiday Specials, Top 10 Restaurants

St.Patrick’s Day in Chicago is kind of a big deal. The city turns into one giant party and the river turns green. With a rich history of Ireland embedded into the city– everyone can feel a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Even though the actual holiday isn’t until...
Sampling the Spirit of Italy at Quartino – High Quality Italian Liquors

Sampling the Spirit of Italy at Quartino – High Quality Italian Liquors

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats

The Spirit of Italy is a group of Italian liquor producers made up of Amaro Lucano, Cocchi, Luxardo, Distillerie Moccia, Distilleria Nardini, Pallini, Toschi and Distilleria Varnelli. They feature a diverse selection of high quality Italian liquors, some of which have...
Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day

Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Restaurants, Reviews

Chicagoans love brunch so much that more and more restaurants decide to get into the brunch game. However, the results can often be kind of surreal when you wind up at the local dive that’s trying their hardest to deliver an extravagant Lobster Eggs Benedict in the...
Top 5 French Restaurants In Chicago

Top 5 French Restaurants In Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, The Lists, Top 10 Restaurants

Orson Welles once drunkenly stumbled through a television commercial extolling the virtues of Paul Masson’s California champagne inspired by the same excellence that goes into crafting French champagne. Likewise, Chicago may not be Paris, but there are still...
Easter in Chicago – 33 Restaurant Specials

Easter in Chicago – 33 Restaurant Specials

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials

Easter in Chicago is a phenomenal time of the year. Not only is the weather warming, but there are also an abundant amount of restaurants in Chicago and the surrounding area offering food and drink specials to warm you on the inside. Have a relaxing brunch with...
Top 10 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat

Top 10 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Sometimes being unrestricted is much needed. The buffets in Chicago aim to lift limitations and let you choose your own boundaries. Buffets do not always have to be traditional style, as you will see, some of the buffets in Chicago are quite exquisite with their...
Top 21 Monday Specials Chicago Can Look Forward To

Top 21 Monday Specials Chicago Can Look Forward To

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Bars, Top 10 Restaurants

Mondays seem to be one of the most hated things that have ever existed. Rather than despised, they should be celebrated. Set the mood for the rest of the work week by going out and enjoying these Monday specials Chicago provides to its good patrons. From here on out...
Municipal Bar + Dining Co. – River North’s Affordable Sports Bar

Municipal Bar + Dining Co. – River North’s Affordable Sports Bar

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North

Open since 2012, Municipal Bar + Dining Co is a sports bar and restaurant located in Chicago’s River North, not far from Merchandise Mart. While the area already has its share of sports bars, Municipal is a bit more upscale than its rivals, quite spacious, and does...
The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger

The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wrigleyville

The idea of going to a Wrigleyville bar could either be the greatest or worst thing every depending on who you are. If that is your scene, there’s certainly no shortage of places to choose from to watch the game, grab some lunch, or have a boozy weekend. Located just...
Chicago Thanksgiving Restaurants for the City, Suburbs & Catering

Chicago Thanksgiving Restaurants for the City, Suburbs & Catering

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful although, it’d be a shame if we were only thankful once a year. For some of us, we may be thankful for the new opportunities that opened up over the passed year others may be thankful for the time that they can spend with family....
Breakfast Pizza in Chicago – Forget About Deep Dish

Breakfast Pizza in Chicago – Forget About Deep Dish

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Eating breakfast pizza in Chicago does not have to mean cold deep dish from the night before or even ordering a deep dish before noon. Eating pizza for breakfast means that you’ll be taking in a deliciousness of ingredients that are reminiscent of a hearty,...
Best Asian Restaurants In Chicago’s NW Suburbs

Best Asian Restaurants In Chicago’s NW Suburbs

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Neighborhoods, Suburbs, Top 10 Restaurants

If you live in the city and love Japanese and Korean food, you may consider visiting the northwest suburbs. Many Japanese and Korean companies have made Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates their North American Headquarters. As a result, neighboring suburbs have a large...
The 8 Best Vegan Restaurants Chicago Has To Offer

The 8 Best Vegan Restaurants Chicago Has To Offer

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

The lifestyle choice of eating vegan is not always the easiest to commit to, especially if you find yourself eating out a lot. Fortunately, Chicago is a very vegan-promoting city, even amidst the sidewalk vendors and pizza parlors. There is an extensive list of...
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Brings Authentic Japanese Cuisine to Wicker Park

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Brings Authentic Japanese Cuisine to Wicker Park

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park

A few years ago, most Chicagoans probably thought of ramen as the cheap microwave noodles they ate in college, but now the city is obsessed with the Japanese noodle-soup dish. The latest contender for best ramen bowl in the city is Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in...
Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler

Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, West Town

As if Restaurant Row wasn’t already a foodies dream come true, the West Loop’s dining scene continues to grow and expand beyond the confines of Randolph. Head just a little bit south of Randolph to 1045 W. Madison Street and you’ll find the Mad Boiler, a Cajun seafood...
River North’s Dough Bros Tips the Scales in Favor of NY Style Pizza

River North’s Dough Bros Tips the Scales in Favor of NY Style Pizza

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North

The battle between deep dish and NY style pizza will likely rage on till the end of time, but there’s one thing you’ve got to give to New York City: you can grab a quality slice pretty much anywhere. In Chicago, it takes a little more effort to get an easy pizza fix....
Wicker Park Goes Southern at Carriage House

Wicker Park Goes Southern at Carriage House

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park

Chicago is a lot more than hot dogs and deep dish pizza, proof of which is the city’s growing love for Southern cooking and barbecue. Evidence of this is Carriage House, which serves modern low country Southern food to Wicker Park at 1700 W. Division Street. We...
15 of the Best Pancakes in Chicago – Cake for Breakfast

15 of the Best Pancakes in Chicago – Cake for Breakfast

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Sometimes in the morning nothing is more satisfying than a simple, quintessential breakfast. Nothing tends to fit the bill more perfectly than a plate of some of the best pancakes in Chicago– especially after an aggressive night. Yes– French toast is bomb and it...
Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?

Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Some days nothing kickstarts you like a hearty meal accompanied by a little champagne and orange juice. That means that one of the bottomless mimosas Chicago brunches is literally calling your name! There are a handful of solid options that will help you get your fix...
5411 Empanadas is Taking Over Chicago, One Pastry at a Time

5411 Empanadas is Taking Over Chicago, One Pastry at a Time

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park

5411 Empanadas is one of the fastest growing restaurant groups in the city. Named after the international dialing code for Buenos Aires, the group first opened in 2009 with a quality product and making deliveries to local Chicago businesses. That led to an incredibly...
Velvet Taco is a Welcome Addition to the Gold Coast

Velvet Taco is a Welcome Addition to the Gold Coast

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Gold Coast, Reviews

Does a Texas-based taco concept have anything to offer Chicago? While Chicago may already have an insane number of incredible taquerias, Velvet Taco in the Gold Coast manages to offer something different with tacos influenced by world cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of...
Blackwood BBQ Makes Getting Smoky Loop BBQ Easy

Blackwood BBQ Makes Getting Smoky Loop BBQ Easy

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

While visitors to our city may have hot dogs and deep dish pizza on their minds, Chicagoans are well aware of our city’s rich, if not complicated, barbecue scene. There’s not exactly one specific Chicago-style barbecue with many rich traditions divided by...
Chicago’s Little Italy Restaurants – Italian on Taylor Street

Chicago’s Little Italy Restaurants – Italian on Taylor Street

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Neighborhoods, Top 10 Restaurants

Taylor Street is well known as the Chicago Little Italy (also University Village); however, over the years it has expanded from only having Italian influence. Fortunately, in the midst of barbecue and Mexican restaurants, some of the best Italian restaurants in...
Top 5 Breakfast Places in Chicago

Top 5 Breakfast Places in Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Let’s face it, whether it’s an early morning breakfast, or brunch after an evening out, there’s nothing more fun than hitting a great spot in Chicago for breakfast or brunch. With lots of great places to chose from, we compiled a list that we know...
15 Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese Must Haves in Chicago

15 Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese Must Haves in Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Grilled Cheese has come a long way since I was flipping them in a pan, or even worse, a microwave in my younger years. The big question may be, is grilled cheese really grilled cheese once you add vegetables and meat to it? The answer to that is yes, yes it is. The...
Mondo Meatball May Replace Your Grandma’s Recipe

Mondo Meatball May Replace Your Grandma’s Recipe

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park

During a recent trip to New York City, I walked by multiple meatball-focused restaurants and now Mondo Meatball has come to Chicago’s Wicker Park. Are we in the midst of a meatball revolution? These are not just your classic Italian meatballs, either. Mondo...
Lent Specials – The Seafood & Veggies Run Strong

Lent Specials – The Seafood & Veggies Run Strong

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials

Growing up– I participated in Lent as a religious experience. Unfortunately, as a kiddo, I wasn’t the biggest fan of fish and any sort of plant was still foreign matter to me. I settled with a lot of cereal and pb&j’s (somewhat similar to my current meal plan)....
Imperial Lamian Brings Authentic Chinese Food to Chicago – Move Over Ramen

Imperial Lamian Brings Authentic Chinese Food to Chicago – Move Over Ramen

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North

Chicago has been taken over by a fever for Japanese ramen noodles. Within walking distance from my apartment alone, I can think of four places I could go for noodles. Jakarta, Indonesia-based Imperial Lamian, a restaurant group with more than 20 locations, picked...
Davanti Enoteca : How to turn Hunger into Satisfaction

Davanti Enoteca : How to turn Hunger into Satisfaction

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

I found myself wandering the streets of Chicago one evening. I was aimlessly walking around snapping photos when the slight growl of my stomach made me realize that I had yet to eat anything that day. I made a couple phone calls to get recommendations from friends,...
Memorial Day Specials in Chicago

Memorial Day Specials in Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Events, Holiday Specials

Memorial Day in Chicago is the perfect time to kick off summer. The weather is typically on the up and up, the beaches are open and the parks are freshly green. If you find yourself hungry, thirsty or in need of some entertainment this Memorial Day weekend, these...
StarChefs Highlights the Rising Stars of the Chicago Restaurant Scene

StarChefs Highlights the Rising Stars of the Chicago Restaurant Scene

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events, Lincoln Park

Each year StarChefs, an online and paper magazine, visits four cities in the United States in order to recognize the hottest chefs and restaurateurs. Back for the first time since 2011, StarChefs held a Rising Stars awards ceremony and tasting on May 8, 2015 at the...
Top 10 Chicago Riverside Restaurants – Pub to Posh

Top 10 Chicago Riverside Restaurants – Pub to Posh

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Bars, Top 10 Restaurants

The most fitting way to enjoy summer is to spend as much time as possible outside. These riverside restaurants make it easy to enjoy a variety of cuisine and a multitude of beverages. Whether you are on your lunch break, scouring for happy hour specials, have a hot...
30 Super Bowl Specials in Chicago – Parties & Catering

30 Super Bowl Specials in Chicago – Parties & Catering

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Events

Super Bowl is always a bittersweet event. The entirety of a season’s battles, trash talking and celebrations come down to this very day. It can be joyous, even if your team isn’t in the running for World Champions. It’s the perfect day for camaraderie. On the flip...
The General Direction For Your Beer & Taco Needs

The General Direction For Your Beer & Taco Needs

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

The General, in Logan Square, is a hot spot for craft beer and satisfying food. Their focus is on soul food and artisan tacos– which is a mighty fine combination if you ask me. Their daily special is really one of the best in Chicago. For $8ºº you can have yourself...
West Town Bakery & Diner is a Fresh Addition to the Neighborhood

West Town Bakery & Diner is a Fresh Addition to the Neighborhood

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, West Loop

Part of the Fifty/50 Group— and located right next door to sibling restaurants Roots and Homestead— West Town Bakery & Diner looks like your favorite college town hangout. Walk in and you’ll notice the eye-popping street art and graffiti, colorful seats and...
De Noche Mexicana Embraces Mexican Cuisine in Logan Square

De Noche Mexicana Embraces Mexican Cuisine in Logan Square

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Logan Square, Reviews

Gentrification has drastically transformed Logan Square in the last few years from a primarily Latino neighborhood to hipster paradise with both positive and negative results. For all the cool bookstores like Uncharted and great restaurants like Lula Caf and Longman...
Top 10 Mouthwatering Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicagoland

Top 10 Mouthwatering Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicagoland

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

As with many things in Chicago– people have very strong opinions about their favorite teams, music and food. Italian beef has become a staple in Chicago. I still remember my first– it was homemade and completely soaked through the bun with all of the hot goodness...
Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out

Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants

Chicago was once known as one of the bacon capitals of the world. Back in the day, much of the pork in the U.S. of A. came from Chicago. Maybe that is one of the reasons that bacon bars exist in this land– a homage to the yesteryears. Or, maybe I need to stop being...
Popular Chicago Area Christmas Restaurants

Popular Chicago Area Christmas Restaurants

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials, Top 10 Restaurants

The holidays are meant to bring everyone together– but not everyone fancies meeting in the kitchen. There are many choices for Christmas restaurants around Chicago, along with Christmas Eve choices. There is a chance that your favorite venue may be open, but here are...
Cooking Classes in Chicago – Be Iron Chef not Chef Boyardee

Cooking Classes in Chicago – Be Iron Chef not Chef Boyardee

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Events, General Information

While eating out and exploring the extensive amounts of phenomenal restaurants in Chicago is insanely enjoyable– there is perhaps a better way to try new cuisine; cook it for yourself. There are a good amount of options for cooking classes in Chicago. They range from...
Mixed Greens Is Reinventing Fast Food in Chicago

Mixed Greens Is Reinventing Fast Food in Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

While America may have exported the bulk of its manufacturing jobs overseas, more and more restaurants are adopting the assembly line model such as Chipotle. One of the more recent additions is Mixed Greens, fast food restaurant focusing on organic and healthy salads,...
The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch

The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Reviews

The last time I was at the Stretch, I was in pursuit of their award-winning Cortland Street Burger and walked away with a very happy stomach. I made a return trip to the Wrigleyville sports bar and grille to sample their new spring menu—launching March 12—created by...
Porkchop offers Casual & Hearty Barbecue in Chicago

Porkchop offers Casual & Hearty Barbecue in Chicago

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

Earlier this summer, the Chicago Traveler visited CHOP just before it opened to serve shoppers and residents of the Roosevelt Collection. This time around we visited CHOP owner Jovanis Bouargoub’s original restaurant concept: Porkchop. Porkchop serves a variety of...
Eastman Egg Company is the Breakfast You Really Want

Eastman Egg Company is the Breakfast You Really Want

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews

An egg sandwich at brunch can be a wonderful thing; however, when you’re in the rush before work it always seems like your only option is to run into McDonalds or Starbucks. Eastman Egg Company is out to change that. They started with the idea that you can get an...
10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds

10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds

by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Top 10 in Entertainment

Chicago’s rich with diversity, from activities to people to food. That is why whether you are visiting or a native, a Chicago Food Tour is a phenomenal idea. Not only might you learn of a few new places to indulge in, but you are also able to taste food from many...
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Chicago Eats

  • Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint
  • Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites
  • Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan
  • 5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
  • Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City


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  • Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint
  • 5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets

 

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Chicago Eats

  • Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint
  • Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites
  • Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan
  • 5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
  • Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City

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  • Top 5 Chicago Basketball Courts
  • Love Is In The Air or Maybe It’s Roses? Chicago Florists Work Magic
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  • Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint
  • 5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
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