Since every churro is fried to order, each long, crispy tube is hot and crunchy, with none of the soggy greasiness of inferior versions. You can get them sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, or stuffed. Read more.
This is one of those exceedingly rare bars slinging classic cocktails in a laid-back setting without pretense. With low lighting and a shuffleboard, it's a great place to rest after a long walk. Read more.
Tucked inside this excellent Mexican grocery store is a bright and welcoming taqueria. Anything coming off the grill is worth ordering, including the well-seasoned chicken and juicy steak tacos. Read more.
It's not as famous as Chicago Diner, but this vegetarian and vegan spot serves a wide assortment of meat-free options, including a beet burger and Nashville hot tofu. Read more.
Stop by for one of Chicago's very best sandwiches. The cemita starts with a sesame-crusted roll layered with avocado, Oaxacan cheese, chipotle sauce and a meat of your choosing. Read more.
The best jibarito in the city is the one served here. Featuring thin and crispy fried plantains in place of bread, this sandwich loads on the meat, cheese and mayo. Read more.
This gin-focused cocktail bar is justly known for the quality of its mixed drinks. The front bar is always packed, while the back room offers a quiet respite full of plush chairs and couches. Read more.
Slurp oysters among the nautical-themed decor and definitely get an order of the excellent fish and chips. As you can imagine, the cocktails are also worthy. Read more.
Order freshly fried chicken or fish, an ice-cold Negroni slushy, and then try your hand at a game of pingpong. A dozen oysters aren't a bad idea, either. Read more.
We're partial to the buttermilk glazed doughnuts, though the old fashioned are worth trying. Read more.
Chef Enyart serves some of the most inventive Mexican food in town at this spot. Drop by the boisterous bar for a quick bite and a cocktail, while the main room is a serene spot for a long meal. Read more.
Both the handmade pastas and luscious risottos are highlights, while the wines are moderately priced. Though always crowded, it never feels too cramped. Read more.
This German gem offers hearty favorites, including a fantastic, freshly made pretzel. The front room is tightly packed, but the back patio is a beautiful, secluded retreat. Read more.
Bill Kim's globally inspired menu features creatively crafted food at truly reasonable prices. Dishes include the virtuous Belly Bowl and the incredibly filling Belly Dog. Don't skip the soft serve. Read more.
The inside is cramped and loud, so hope for a mild day and head to the back patio, where you can feast on gloriously griddled burgers and thick shakes in relative peace. Read more.
Instead of overwhelming you with choice, this wine shop offers a carefully curated collection of mostly small-production wines. Plus, every Saturday from 2 to 5pm, the shop hosts free wine tastings. Read more.
Featuring an affordable assortment of Costa Rican classics, along with a surprisingly large vegetarian menu, it's no wonder this restaurant has been a Bucktown staple for years. Read more.
Whether you go for one of the decadent desserts or something from the underrated savory menu, you're in for a treat. Read more.
For a slightly lighter option, this seasonal shop offers refreshing Italian ice made with real fruit. Read more.
This cute shop provides perfect Korean-influenced dishes, including the most colorful bowl of bibimbap around. Also good are the wildly untraditional tacos served on Indian paratha bread. Read more.
