This small, unassuming Humboldt Park taqueria makes the perfect grab-and-go meal: chorizo, scrambled eggs and a well-balanced salsa. Read more.
This charming Colombian spot serves terrific meat at affordable prices. Charred just short of burnt, the chicken is tear-off-the-bone tender, and comes with an awesome chimichurri. Read more.
Made in the Northern Thai style, this addictive cold-weather stew comes brimming with tender chunks of braised pork shoulder, julienned ginger and a fistful of chopped cilantro. Read more.
I love the pierogi at Podhalanka in Wicker Park. The place looks and feels like a VFW hall and the service can be spotty, but the pierogi are the closest thing to my grandma's in the city. Read more.
This is another terrific mash-up of Korean and Latin American street food: savory and fresh, with a myriad of textures and flavors. It’s affordable to boot. Read more.
They snap! Natural casings! Bill is the best. This is a true Chicago staple. Read more.
The meat is tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced. The warm homemade pita is a great complement to the creamy hummus, too! I like to get mine with extra falafel. Read more.
This roast duck curry rocks. The salty richness is offset by sweet pineapple and a bracing heat from the Thai chili. A side of sticky rice is essential to soften the delicious impact. Read more.
So simple and so unbelievably good. The meat is flavorful and juicy, the skin is crisp, and the rice is the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious juices. Read more.
Even with my background (fine dining, BBQ, and Southern cuisines), Mexican food has my heart. My favorite Mexican dish is this deep-fried burrito from Tony’s. Read more.
A big bowl of Tank’s phở is delicious, but the catfish really gets my taste buds going. If I’m feeling really gluttonous, I’ll get the catfish and pork simmered in a clay pot. Read more.
This little spot may be located right around the corner from the Gaztrowagon storefront, but it’s small-town Mexico dining at its finest. I eat it with the green salsa. Read more.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken's sides are phenomenal. Their chicken is juicy and crispy, and the honey butter adds a surprising layer of sweetness. Read more.
This taco spot is run by a guy who used to work at Frontera Grill. They do a few tortas and burritos, but their tacos are super solid. The fish tacos are easily the best in town. Read more.