From Portillos to Sprinkles Cupcakes, Chicago is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, some say even the world. Although some of the most well-known and expensive restaurants are delicious, it’s the hidden gems that leave tourists and locals always satisfied.
1. Johnnie’s Beef – Elmwood Park
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My dad took my mom here for their first date because he knew it was impossible not to love. I’m telling you people right now, it’s better than Al’s. It’s about twelve miles west of the city and easily has the best Italian beef in town. I’ll make a personal recommendation and say get a combo, dipped with sweet peppers along with some fries and an ice. You’ll probably feel like you shouldn’t eat for the next day or two, but trust me when I say it is worth it.
2. Gene and Jude’s – River Grove
Some say that the best hotdogs in Chicago come from a ballpark, but actually the best hotdog was sparked from an idea thought up in Wrigley Field itself during the year of 1946. Gene and Jude’s brings the Chicagoland community together by their consistency in the dawgs. It’s a large-and-in-charge dog with fries placed on top. Their motto says it all:
“NO SEATS – NO KETCHUP – NO PRETENSE – NO NONSENSE”
3. Mario’s Italian Lemonade – Little Italy
Well you know it’s summer when the line down Taylor Street is a mile long because everyone’s waiting for their ice and Lupini beans. The little wooden stand made of the colors from the Italian flag: green, white and red was created in 1954 and has been a successful family-owned business ever since. It’s better than Annette’s, and will satisfy your sweet tooth to a tee. The fresh fruit you’ll taste when you bite into the chunks within your cup will give you chills and I’d like to think it takes care of my daily serving.
4. Bari – River West
By now you can probably get the idea that I’m Italian, and with that, I grew up with a father who has strong taste buds and the best eye for a real Italian sub. Throughout the years, some of my favorite dinners consisted of when my dad would bring home subs on his way home from work. Bari’s fresh meats, cheeses, and homemade giardiniera make the subs unique and tasteful. I’ve tasted a few other subs from different restaurants and they don’t quite match up to Bari’s expectations.
5. Big Star – Wicker Park
Probably not considered a “hidden gem”, but they do have some of the best tacos in the city. I would recommend going on an off time and on a pretty day, considering the wait sometimes can be up to three hours and is mainly outdoors. It’s a super casual joint that is right below an EL stop, attracting the typical 9-5 worker to stop by for a beer or margarita. Their menu consists of street Mexican food making it easy to over order - AKA what I do every time. Their walking taco is a must, along with the Taco Al Pastor. Oh, and if you decide to hit up the place to see what I’m talking about, feel free to grab yourself a Pickleback shot, you won’t regret it.
