Where locals eat in Chicago

The neighborhood places residents go back to, with what to order at each.

12 places in Chicago · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: lulacafe.com

1. 1

   Lula Cafe

   New American · Logan Square

   Get: the pasta yiayia, or brunch on the weekend

   Logan Square's market-driven standby since 1999.

   Critics: Read Michelin Guide 2025, The Infatuation 2024, Time Out Chicago.

   The crowd: 4.6 of 5 on Tripadvisor (361 ratings).

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Chicago.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Avec

   Mediterranean small plates · West Loop

   Get: the chorizo-stuffed dates and the focaccia

   Walk-in only, so go early.

   Critics: Read Michelin Guide, The Infatuation 2022, Time Out Chicago.

   615 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Hopleaf

   Beer bar, Belgian · Andersonville

   Get: the ale-steamed mussels with frites and the CB&J

   Belgian beers at the front bar.

   5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Giant

   New American · Logan Square

   Get: the king crab salad and the tagliatelle

   A small Logan Square room with a changing menu.

   3209 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Sun Wah BBQ

   Cantonese barbecue · Uptown

   Get: the Peking duck dinner for the table

   Roast ducks hang in the window.

   5039 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Pequod's Pizza

   Deep dish pizza · Lincoln Park

   Get: the pan pizza with sausage and its caramelized crust

   Beloved Lincoln Park pizzeria famous for its caramelized-crust deep dish, a Chicago classic worth the wait.

   Also on these lists: Chicago: what to eat and where, Long lines in Chicago.

   2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Smoque BBQ

   Barbecue · Irving Park

   Get: the brisket and the mac and cheese

   BYOB, order at the counter.

   Also on the list: Long lines in Chicago.

   3800 N Pulaski Rd · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Mi Tocaya Antojería

   Chicago

   Get: the mole and the antojitos of the day

   Diana Davila's Mexican kitchen.

   Also on the list: Chicago: what to eat and where.

   2800 West Logan Boulevard, 60647 Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Johnnie's Beef

   Italian beef · Elmwood Park

   Get: an Italian beef with hot peppers and a lemon ice

   Expect a line, it moves.

   Also on these lists: Long lines in Chicago, The best Italian beef in Chicago.

   7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Daisy's Po-Boy and Tavern

    Hyde Park

    Get: a shrimp po-boy and the gumbo

    A Hyde Park mainstay.

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Calumet Fisheries

    South Deering

    Get: the smoked shrimp and fried smelt

    Takeout only, cash only, smoked over wood.

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    Superdawg

    Hot dogs · Norwood Park

    Get: the Superdawg with fries, brought to your car by a carhop

    Running since 1948.

    6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing