If breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day, there’s a cafe in Rogers Park you might want to take a peek at. Great coffee is a given, but it’s the egg sandwiches, made with homemade biscuits or cornbread, that are really worth the trip. SmackDab 6730 N. Clark St. 872-241-9111 http://smackdabchicago.com
Rub’s Backcountry Smokehouse is a distant memory now that the BBQ Supply Co. is fully in charge along Western Avenue in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, near the city’s border with Evanston. When things weren’t going well, Rub’s decided to reconcept and refine the business. After six years, the upgrades have been significant – a new … Continued
When you think of Middle Eastern food, you might think falafel or sliced shawarma sandwiches – maybe some hummus on the side. But a Middle Eastern bakery in West Rogers Park also has pizza on the menu – although it’s probably unlike most of the pizza you’re used to seeing.
Fried rice is usually something you think of ordering from a Chinese restaurant, but the dish is being elevated to new heights in a West Rogers park strip mall, a bonus dish if you will, at the end of a traditional Korean barbecue, and you get to help make it yourself.
The sheer number of stores on Devon Avenue can be daunting. Between the jewelry stops, sari vendors and restaurants, a stroll through “Little India” presents a riot of color, aroma and sound (especially on a weekend). My friends are always puzzled when it comes to choosing a place to eat. Wanting to avoid the cliché … Continued
There are less than 10 great Korean barbecues in Chicago, and while a lot of people rave about San Soo Gab San, I’ve always felt they could care less about the customer. Gogi sets a new standard: high-quality ingredients, everything made in-house (that means at least 12 banchan, or veggie side dishes) plus friendly, helpful … Continued
Every time I drive by La Unica Food Mart, in Rogers Park, I’m struck by how hidden away this gem truly is. I bet 99.9% of the people who cruise down Devon Avenue – either on their way to the Indian/Pakistani restaurants, or to the Lake – think it’s just another Hispanic grocery store. But … Continued
Normally, I approach new restaurants on an empty stomach. But last Thursday night, after devouring a few bowls of ramen at the excellent Misoya in Mount Prospect (thanks, Mike Sula for that tip), I convinced our friends to try this new place I had heard about, Gogi. I figured we’d stop in for a quick … Continued
If you’re at all a fan of Tampopo – and I mean the seminal cult film about the quest to create the perfect ramen shop – then you’re going to really appreciate the tiny restaurant of the same name on the city’s far Northwest Side. The owners named it after the movie, afterall, and even though they’re Korean, they … Continued