Catherine’s Chicago Guidebook
Coffee Favorites
Letizia's has the best muffins in the neighborhood! Lemon poppyseed is my favorite but they are sure to have a baked good to your liking. Their breakfast sandwiches are also tasty if you are looking for something more savory. The coffee is solid here.
52 abantu bendawo batusa
Letizia's Natural Bakery
2144 W Division StLetizia's has the best muffins in the neighborhood! Lemon poppyseed is my favorite but they are sure to have a baked good to your liking. Their breakfast sandwiches are also tasty if you are looking for something more savory. The coffee is solid here.
Not a coffee shop. But if you like the stuff we provide, you can order some. Pickup or shipping options available.
Sparrow Coffee Roastery
2040 West Fulton StreetNot a coffee shop. But if you like the stuff we provide, you can order some. Pickup or shipping options available.
Great coffee by the Damen “L” station with French Latin pastries.
162 abantu bendawo batusa
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
5158 N Clark StGreat coffee by the Damen “L” station with French Latin pastries.
Serves a range of coffee roasted right here in the neighborhood.
135 abantu bendawo batusa
Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Dark Matter Coffee)
2521 W Chicago AveServes a range of coffee roasted right here in the neighborhood.
TYPICA CAFE
2034 West Division StreetLocal coffee shop with Venezuelan pastries.
Essentials
Local supermarket chain with organic products, fresh produce, local products, standard supermarket essentials and a bakery. A convenient place to pick up some locally brewed Lagunitas IPNA or a frozen pizza from Chicago’s own Home Run Inn.
866 abantu bendawo batusa
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveLocal supermarket chain with organic products, fresh produce, local products, standard supermarket essentials and a bakery. A convenient place to pick up some locally brewed Lagunitas IPNA or a frozen pizza from Chicago’s own Home Run Inn.
Compact neighborhood market with a wide selection of seasonal produce, deli meats & cheeses.
72 abantu bendawo batusa
Farmers Pride Produce
756 N Western AveCompact neighborhood market with a wide selection of seasonal produce, deli meats & cheeses.
Our backyard chickens only lay enough eggs for our family. To get eggs with the same delicious flavor, take a short stroll to Amish Healthy Foods for farm fresh eggs, jams, organic products, and other Amish treats.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
Amish Healthy Foods
1025 N Western AveOur backyard chickens only lay enough eggs for our family. To get eggs with the same delicious flavor, take a short stroll to Amish Healthy Foods for farm fresh eggs, jams, organic products, and other Amish treats.
Famous for their Pierogies, go and see why celebrities go out of their way to come here to stock up on Polish deli favorites.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
KASIA'S DELI, INC.
2101 W Chicago AveFamous for their Pierogies, go and see why celebrities go out of their way to come here to stock up on Polish deli favorites.
If you are a fan of wines from small vineyards, interesting varietals, organic or biodynamic, check this place out!
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Red & White Wines
1861 N Milwaukee AveIf you are a fan of wines from small vineyards, interesting varietals, organic or biodynamic, check this place out!
Need Mexican ingredients? Maybe, but the real reason to go is for the amazing carne asada tacos or a weekend carnitas binge.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
Carnicerias Guanajuato
1436 N Ashland AveNeed Mexican ingredients? Maybe, but the real reason to go is for the amazing carne asada tacos or a weekend carnitas binge.
Artisanal Bread, local responsibly sourced meat products, and a couple of menu items from their restaurants.
60 abantu bendawo batusa
Publican Quality Meats
825 W Fulton MarketArtisanal Bread, local responsibly sourced meat products, and a couple of menu items from their restaurants.
Pierre's Bakery Chicago
1956 W Chicago AveThe best cider doughnuts.
Whether you want to jazz up your breakfast eggs or make that rare dish, you name the spice, they have it. Just ask the proprietors if you don’t see what you are looking for. The garlic pepper is ridiculously good. Great for gifts as well. Open Fri-Sun only. They are busy supplying restaurants the rest of the week.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Epic Spices
1725 W Chicago AveWhether you want to jazz up your breakfast eggs or make that rare dish, you name the spice, they have it. Just ask the proprietors if you don’t see what you are looking for. The garlic pepper is ridiculously good. Great for gifts as well. Open Fri-Sun only. They are busy supplying restaurants the rest of the week.
Pick up artisan charcuterie, small-producer cheese and pair it with a bottle of natural wine, and you've got all the makings of a picnic. Their all day menu spotlights local fare and is available for pick up or delivery.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
All Together Now
2119 W Chicago AvePick up artisan charcuterie, small-producer cheese and pair it with a bottle of natural wine, and you've got all the makings of a picnic. Their all day menu spotlights local fare and is available for pick up or delivery.
The bread, the pastries and croissants. The cakes. All world class, and only a few blocks away.
32 abantu bendawo batusa
Lost Larson
5318 N Clark StThe bread, the pastries and croissants. The cakes. All world class, and only a few blocks away.
This is where locals go for produce and groceries at a reasonable price. A lot of Chicagoland and local products for everyday shoppers.
111 abantu bendawo batusa
Cermak Produce
2701 W North AveThis is where locals go for produce and groceries at a reasonable price. A lot of Chicagoland and local products for everyday shoppers.
Solid farmers market within walking distance on Sundays starting at 8am in the Summer and Fall. Winter and Spring hours vary so check their schedule online.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Wicker Park Farmers Market
1425 N Damen AveSolid farmers market within walking distance on Sundays starting at 8am in the Summer and Fall. Winter and Spring hours vary so check their schedule online.
Want to experience what a gourmet grocery store is like in Ukraine? Come here and find out!
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Ann's Bakery and Deli
2158 W Chicago AveWant to experience what a gourmet grocery store is like in Ukraine? Come here and find out!
Next level bread shop. All the bread are naturally leavened. Worth the splurge.
Publican Quality Bread
Next level bread shop. All the bread are naturally leavened. Worth the splurge.
Food scene
With so many places to eat in the neighborhood, here are our favorites.
Beef-centric Argentinean menu with pastas & empanadas in a rustic candlelit setting with a full bar.
63 abantu bendawo batusa
Folklore | Argentine Restaurant
2100 W Division StBeef-centric Argentinean menu with pastas & empanadas in a rustic candlelit setting with a full bar.
Quaint neighborhood Italian wine bar serving Roman cuisine in rustic rooms & on a patio. It’s Leticia’s bakery’s restaurant.
31 abantu bendawo batusa
Enoteca Roma
2146 W Division StQuaint neighborhood Italian wine bar serving Roman cuisine in rustic rooms & on a patio. It’s Leticia’s bakery’s restaurant.
Mexican street food, plus margaritas & other drinks fuel a lively scene at this funky hangout.
1176 abantu bendawo batusa
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveMexican street food, plus margaritas & other drinks fuel a lively scene at this funky hangout.
When in Rome.......
This is our favorite for a great Ukrainian dining experience!
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen
2201 W Chicago AveWhen in Rome.......
This is our favorite for a great Ukrainian dining experience!
Two brothers recreating real food from recipes handed down from their Chinese grandmother. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and housemade.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Lao Peng You
2020 W Chicago AveTwo brothers recreating real food from recipes handed down from their Chinese grandmother. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and housemade.
Reliable sushi. Our go-to sushi takeout/ delivery joint.
111 abantu bendawo batusa
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago AveReliable sushi. Our go-to sushi takeout/ delivery joint.
BoeufHaus
1012 N Western AveCozy steakhouse you can walk to.
Handlebar
2311 W North AveA local vegetarian favorite.
We think the Q here is the best in Chi-town. Good thing it’s close by!
116 abantu bendawo batusa
Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division StWe think the Q here is the best in Chi-town. Good thing it’s close by!
With Mediterranean joints everywhere, this Turkish restaurant excels with freshness and execution that is above the rest. One of our favorite restaurants in the area.
Cafe Istanbul
2014 W Division StWith Mediterranean joints everywhere, this Turkish restaurant excels with freshness and execution that is above the rest. One of our favorite restaurants in the area.
One of 2 Ramen standouts in this neighborhood ( there are too many to mention). You can’t go wrong here.
48 abantu bendawo batusa
Oiistar
1385 N Milwaukee AveOne of 2 Ramen standouts in this neighborhood ( there are too many to mention). You can’t go wrong here.
Ramen Wasabi
2101 N Milwaukee AveOne of 2 ramen standouts amongst countless ramen joints.
Mako
731 W Lake StUpscale sushi that fuses creativity, aesthetics and flavor punch. Well worth the splurge.
Great midwest sports bar favorites: burgers, nachos, wings, and fried cheese curds.
41 abantu bendawo batusa
The Fifty/50
2047 W Division StGreat midwest sports bar favorites: burgers, nachos, wings, and fried cheese curds.
Hummus Grill Chicago
744 North Damen AvenueSolid Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices.
Whether it’s freshly made pasta to cook at home or ready to eat, the pasta is as close to Italy as it gets around here.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Tortello
1746 W Division StWhether it’s freshly made pasta to cook at home or ready to eat, the pasta is as close to Italy as it gets around here.
The well executed pastries and unique take on Filipino-Chicago fusion gets this place high marks. Our guests rave about this place.
13 abantu bendawo batusa
Kasama
1001 North Winchester AvenueThe well executed pastries and unique take on Filipino-Chicago fusion gets this place high marks. Our guests rave about this place.
Stop by here for the best fruit or savory pie you can get in Chi-town.
76 abantu bendawo batusa
Hoosier Mama Pie Company
1618 W Chicago AveStop by here for the best fruit or savory pie you can get in Chi-town.
One of the more interesting farmers markets in the city. Location changes in the winter/spring each year. Gets super crowded so go with an empty stomach on Sunday morning and experience Chicago street food!
135 abantu bendawo batusa
Logan Square Farmers Market
3025-3113 West Logan BoulevardOne of the more interesting farmers markets in the city. Location changes in the winter/spring each year. Gets super crowded so go with an empty stomach on Sunday morning and experience Chicago street food!
Known for vegan baked goods that attracts folks from afar, the diner also serves up a nice menu of local breakfast and lunch favorites.
72 abantu bendawo batusa
West Town Bakery & Diner
1916 W Chicago AveKnown for vegan baked goods that attracts folks from afar, the diner also serves up a nice menu of local breakfast and lunch favorites.
One of the better al fresco dining spots on Division Street for a range of classic American favorites. The place to go if the group can’t decide where to go!
9 abantu bendawo batusa
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
1932 West Division StreetOne of the better al fresco dining spots on Division Street for a range of classic American favorites. The place to go if the group can’t decide where to go!
Taqueria Chingon
2234 North Western Avenuefancy, tasty creative takes on tacos.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
For a special meal that’s plant based, this is our neighborhood goto spot.
If burgers and fries are all you crave, this is it. Multiple Chicago locations with one in Wicker Park.
161 abantu bendawo batusa
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveIf burgers and fries are all you crave, this is it. Multiple Chicago locations with one in Wicker Park.
You can find all the Mexican restaurant basics plus the biggest and yummiest huaraches done very well.
Huaraches Mexican Restaurant
You can find all the Mexican restaurant basics plus the biggest and yummiest huaraches done very well.
Next level Tavern. The food is excellent. Peri peri chicken and Philly cheesesteak are out of this world.
Mirella’s Tavern
Next level Tavern. The food is excellent. Peri peri chicken and Philly cheesesteak are out of this world.
Mouthwatering Persian cuisine made with love in a cozy family run unassuming restaurant.
Caspian Kabab Fine Persian Cuisine
1413 N Ashland AveMouthwatering Persian cuisine made with love in a cozy family run unassuming restaurant.
Local Parks
Seasonal farmers market on Sundays, June - October.
http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/farmersmarket/farmers-market/
371 abantu bendawo batusa
Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveSeasonal farmers market on Sundays, June - October.
http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/farmersmarket/farmers-market/
Humboldt Park is one of many beautiful parks located in Chicago, offering nature trails, tennis courts and playgrounds. During the summer, you can rent swan boats and paddle around the lagoon.
293 abantu bendawo batusa
Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrHumboldt Park is one of many beautiful parks located in Chicago, offering nature trails, tennis courts and playgrounds. During the summer, you can rent swan boats and paddle around the lagoon.
Nature and Recreation
It’s a big city, big enough to house places for recreation and to explore the natural world. Some favorites of ours....
A great place for kids and adults to explore and learn.
258 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveA great place for kids and adults to explore and learn.
The former railroad-turned-garden-trail is good for cycling, jogging and walking. Multiple access points.
241 abantu bendawo batusa
The 606
1805 North Ridgeway AvenueThe former railroad-turned-garden-trail is good for cycling, jogging and walking. Multiple access points.
Pizza Joints
Name your style..Chicago has them all, and all close by.
Craft Pizza
1252 N Damen AveGood takeout thin crust pizza.
If you only have one deep dish pizza while in town, have one from Lou Malnati’s. Multiple locations, with a takeout location near by. It’s our son’s favorite. Their unique thin crust tavern style is also a winner!
513 abantu bendawo batusa
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StIf you only have one deep dish pizza while in town, have one from Lou Malnati’s. Multiple locations, with a takeout location near by. It’s our son’s favorite. Their unique thin crust tavern style is also a winner!
It’s Sicilian-in a class by itself. The crust is a slow risen dough and every pizza is full of flavor, just a over a block away.
Pizza Friendly Pizza
1039 N Western AveIt’s Sicilian-in a class by itself. The crust is a slow risen dough and every pizza is full of flavor, just a over a block away.
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveRhode Island style. Clam pizza anyone?
A local favorite for deep dish and Chicago style thin crust.
Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
658 North Ashland AvenueA local favorite for deep dish and Chicago style thin crust.
Okay- it’s not that close. But you can pick up a frozen tavern style pizza at Mariano’s on your grocery run for a bargain and bake in the oven in less time than ordering one. Uniquely Chicago and a favorite!
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Home Run Inn
4254 W 31st StOkay- it’s not that close. But you can pick up a frozen tavern style pizza at Mariano’s on your grocery run for a bargain and bake in the oven in less time than ordering one. Uniquely Chicago and a favorite!
Many argue that this is the insider’s secret favorite pizza joint in Chicago. It’s probably New York transplants that say this because the pizza is NY style. Hmm. They also have one of the best cheeseburgers in the area.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
The StopAlong
1812 N Milwaukee AveMany argue that this is the insider’s secret favorite pizza joint in Chicago. It’s probably New York transplants that say this because the pizza is NY style. Hmm. They also have one of the best cheeseburgers in the area.
World famous Chicago pizza joint. Make sure you make a reservation or order for pickup well in advance. Very busy place!
536 abantu bendawo batusa
Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueWorld famous Chicago pizza joint. Make sure you make a reservation or order for pickup well in advance. Very busy place!
Shopping
Unique local one-of-a-kind shops for something to take home or for a special someone.
Komoda
2559 W Chicago AveOur first stop when looking for a unique gift for a special occasion.
Need a fun card for an occasion or something uniquely Chicago? Stop on by for a look!
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Paperish Mess
1945 W Chicago AveNeed a fun card for an occasion or something uniquely Chicago? Stop on by for a look!
Raw Edge Wicker Park - Modern Artisan Boutique
1943 West Division StreetGreat place to find a Chicago souvenir.