Mark’s guidebook
coffee
Locally roasted coffee, laid back atmosphere, large outdoor patio, Do-Rite donuts (best in the city), what more could anyone ask for?
135 locals recommend
Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Dark Matter Coffee)
2521 W Chicago AveLocally roasted coffee, laid back atmosphere, large outdoor patio, Do-Rite donuts (best in the city), what more could anyone ask for?
See the roastery in action and grab a great cup of coffee to go.
71 locals recommend
Dark Matter Coffee - The Mothership
738 N Western AveSee the roastery in action and grab a great cup of coffee to go.
restaurants
Fried chicken, delicious sides, and great cocktails. Be sure to get biscuit with chile-maple butter.
19 locals recommend
Split-Rail
2500 W Chicago AveFried chicken, delicious sides, and great cocktails. Be sure to get biscuit with chile-maple butter.
This is the best sushi restaurant in Chicago. It's all the city's sushi chefs come to eat sushi. Get the 13-course chef's special and let them wow you.
87 locals recommend
KAI ZAN
2557 W Chicago AveThis is the best sushi restaurant in Chicago. It's all the city's sushi chefs come to eat sushi. Get the 13-course chef's special and let them wow you.
Classic burger and dog joint with lots of outdoor seating. They use high quality beef and everything is loaded with flavor. Double fatso with cheese, please!
62 locals recommend
Fatso's Last Stand
2258 W Chicago AveClassic burger and dog joint with lots of outdoor seating. They use high quality beef and everything is loaded with flavor. Double fatso with cheese, please!
Great place for brunch or lunch or dinner with a diverse menu and cute ambiance. It's also next door to the Empty Bottle, so you can walk over and see some up-and-coming Chicago bands.
128 locals recommend
Bite Cafe
1039 N Western AveGreat place for brunch or lunch or dinner with a diverse menu and cute ambiance. It's also next door to the Empty Bottle, so you can walk over and see some up-and-coming Chicago bands.
The breakfast sandwich with bacon is so good that I sometimes order a second one. Also great made-in-house pastries, locally roasted Big Shoulders Coffee, and an atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time.
78 locals recommend
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
1000 N California AveThe breakfast sandwich with bacon is so good that I sometimes order a second one. Also great made-in-house pastries, locally roasted Big Shoulders Coffee, and an atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time.
Unique french cuisine in a laid back setting. A great place to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
47 locals recommend
Café Marie-Jeanne
1001 N California AveUnique french cuisine in a laid back setting. A great place to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The place for the great date, quiet, intimate, dimly lit, and ample wine selection.
173 locals recommend
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
954 North California AvenueThe place for the great date, quiet, intimate, dimly lit, and ample wine selection.
Bars
Neighborhood bar with classic pub food offerings, excellent beer selection, lots of space, and a pool table. The fried cheese curds and fish tacos are among the favorites.
39 locals recommend
The Beetle Bar and Grill
2532 West Chicago AvenueNeighborhood bar with classic pub food offerings, excellent beer selection, lots of space, and a pool table. The fried cheese curds and fish tacos are among the favorites.
The whole place is a showpiece, with a cash register from the early twentieth century, stuffed taxidermy lining the walls, and food and cocktails that would make Teddy Roosevelt proud.
116 locals recommend
Sportsman's Club
948 N Western AveThe whole place is a showpiece, with a cash register from the early twentieth century, stuffed taxidermy lining the walls, and food and cocktails that would make Teddy Roosevelt proud.
Great beer selection, old school ambiance, and a few culinary surprises alongside typical pub fare.
41 locals recommend
Tuman's Tap and Grill
2159 W Chicago AveGreat beer selection, old school ambiance, and a few culinary surprises alongside typical pub fare.