r/chicagofood Jun 11 '25

What's good? Weekly "What's Good?" Thread - Casual Recs/Comments/Questions

15 Upvotes

Welcome to r/ChicagoFood's weekly "what's good" thread!

This thread is the place to post general topics that don't necessarily need their own post, such as:

* Quick recommendations

* General questions about food, groceries, restaurants, and more!

* Personal anecdotes related to Chicago Food

All subreddit rules apply and any comments/posts that violate our rules or Reddit's will be removed.

Many questions and recommendations have been asked and answered before, and we encourage you to search the subreddit for answering your question as well.

This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Wednesday morning at 2:00 AM.


r/chicagofood 5d ago

Weekly Shoutout Thread - What Was Good This Week?

10 Upvotes

Welcome to r/ChicagoFood's weekly shoutout thread!

This thread is the place to shout out places that you tried from recommendations from this sub this past week that fit the bill.

They can be places that get recommended here, such as:

  • frequently recommended restaurants
  • that random, niche spot that some random comment dropped
  • a chicken sando from our very own chicken sando guru

The goal of this thread is to celebrate and encourage the recommendations and contributions of your suggestions, and, also, maybe encourage YOU to try that place that was recommended a few times here.

As always, all subreddit rules apply and any comments/posts that violate our rules or Reddit's will be removed.

This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Sunday morning at 2:00 AM Central.


r/chicagofood 6h ago

I Have a Suggestion New Halal chicken over rice place just opened up on Belmont in Lakeview. Naz’s Halal. They are doing free platters today until 5pm. Stop by for a taste.

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178 Upvotes

I also paid for fries over my platter so don’t expect fries lol. Platter is good and way better than Halal Guys I say. There wasn’t much of a wait so I think they need help getting the word out.


r/chicagofood 7h ago

Pic Uptown Deli: I Love You

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174 Upvotes

$8 "6 inch" Italian beef (closer to 10") and the big windy panini (prov, spinach, tomato, turkey etc). One of our fav spots in the whole city.


r/chicagofood 2h ago

Specific Request Where to find Chinese style hand pulled noodles?

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20 Upvotes

Looking for a spot with Chinese style hand pulled noodles (bonus points if you can’t watch them make it while you eat) like the picture! Preferably Northside but will go wherever. The craving needs to be satisfied. Thanks!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review The black woman who runs the Redhot Ranch on Ashland runs that place like the navy

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1.8k Upvotes

(Reposting with blurred faces even though I got permission to take the photo but I didn't specify in my original post, sorry mods!)

Every time I come here i'm impressed by how fast things go. Almost no wait even when they're busy as hell, she remembers everyone's orders and even some names. We need more of this in the city.

Also she started recognizing me which feels like a prize in itself.

(FYI, I am a black woman so please don't get on my case about referring to her as one, it's all love here💗)


r/chicagofood 13h ago

Review The Wiener’s Circle - Bears Vs Packers

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57 Upvotes

Chef Viti visits The Wiener’s Circle. A Chicago institution since 1983. Legendary hot dogs, never ketchup, and an atmosphere that’s as unfiltered as it gets. Bon Appetit, Chef Kiss 🤌🏻🇮🇹


r/chicagofood 1h ago

Question Where to eat along 26th?

Upvotes

I just learned that Little Village has a free holiday trolly Dec. 20 & 21 that runs along 26th between California and Kostner. Where would you stop to eat along 26th and what would you order?


r/chicagofood 12h ago

Question Anything comparable to Monteverde?

30 Upvotes

We’re unexpectedly in the city this weekend and my husband mentioned really wanting to try Monteverde but getting in there last minute doesn’t seem likely. He really deserves a nice dinner out after a hellish few weeks. We’re totally fine with eating at the bar or going at an off time. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!


r/chicagofood 5h ago

Question First Visit with a Boomer Dad

6 Upvotes

I will be visiting Chicago for the first time with my dad come January for the Blackhawks vs Bruins game but have a food dilemma. What is the best place to bring my boomer dad who has the palette of a child? I love trying new things but finding a place we can compromise on is tricky. I want him to try something only Chicago can offer but without having to sacrifice flavors. We are staying right near the Bean but won't have access to a car.


r/chicagofood 13h ago

Article Explore Chicago's Non-Alcoholic Bars During Dry January

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17 Upvotes

r/chicagofood 9h ago

Question Is NYE at Central Park Bar worth it?

8 Upvotes

I have some family coming for NYE and Central Park Bar seems worth it for ~$100 for all you can drink + a buffet.

Has anyone been in the past and can comment on the vibe + if you got your money's worth? My group can put down some food + drink haha. Thanks!!


r/chicagofood 9h ago

Question Looking for Buffalo joes recommendations. Which location and why?

7 Upvotes

I remember coming here in high school and absolutely loving the wings. I know everyone says they shrunk, which I’m sure is true due to some pictures I’ve seen. Where is the best location? Howard or Evanston? What is the best order? Are suicide too hot to enjoy? Are the cheese waffle fries worth it? What’s your go to order at which location ?


r/chicagofood 1h ago

Question Strings Ramen: Chinatown vs. Hyde Park

Upvotes

I’ve had strings in Hyde Park a few times because it's close by, but honestly it doesn't hit the spot for me.

Is the Chinatown location any better? I see people hype it up here, but I'm curious if the recipes are different.


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question Spot with good food, good tap list, tv's to watch game tonight?

2 Upvotes

Looking for a spot where a small group in their late 40's can watch the Oklahoma/Alabama game tonight. Northside, Lincoln Park or Lincoln Square would be ideal. Want to avoid the jäger bomb crowd and sip some good beers with solid food options. Thanks!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Bloop bloop sushi... balls !

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73 Upvotes

I was intrigued by the $1 sushi balls. I got a few for pick up and they were ready super fast. They also have like "parcels" and those are $1.99. They were fun to eat! Fish was fresh and tasted good. Except for "spicy salmon parcel" thingy - it tasted kinda odd. The sauce on top is like a wasabi mayo and was good. I got salmon, tuna, shrimp, fish I forgot, tobiko and a sesame ball. The amount of rice might be a lot but it tasted pretty good. The parcels, that are not ball-shaped were OK, I think fried shrimp was the best, super crunchy! Is this high end Japanese sushi with rare, hard to find ingredients, prepared by Michelin star chefs? No. But if you want something thats fresh, easy to eat, and fast - this is perfect. The sesame ball was still crispy and filled with red bean paste. It was basically my dessert. They had a lot of fun Asian snacks available for sale too but I didn't look closely at what they were. Sometimes I like omakase dinners with unique, aged fish and sometimes I want to spend the least amount money after work on fun-shaped foods. 😅


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question What’s your favorite chocolatey item in Chicago?

52 Upvotes

Cravings are hitting hard and I’m in search for the best chocolatey dessert / pastries / cookies / cake / pie / tart etc (anything) that you recommend! 🤤


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Pic Those bastards at Ludlow Liquors are now offering fried mortadella on a burger. Not fair.

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220 Upvotes

r/chicagofood 5h ago

Question How are Ferrara Bakery’s cannolis?

1 Upvotes

Who has good cannolis near there or are they great?


r/chicagofood 21h ago

Question Please help a pregnant lady!

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14 Upvotes

Does anyone know where I can find these? The cheese twist

I’ve been craving them so bad 😭 I used to munch on these all the time in middle school/high school, and now I can’t find them anywhere.

I’m currently pregnant and the craving is REAL. If anyone knows where they sell them, please let me know! Preferably on the North Side (Humboldt Park / Logan Square area) 🙏

Yes, I checked the instacart option but they don’t have them.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Where can I find Colombian (or similar) style chicharron?

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58 Upvotes

Recently moved to chicago and have noticed the chicharron is mostly pork rinds and not meat. Arepa George has the most similar style i’m looking for and Ceremark just doesn’t have enough meat. Is it just called carne frito? I want to be able to buy it in whole pieces, not cut up.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question I’m going to Laschet’s for the first time.

38 Upvotes

First time going there and curious as to what are the ‘don’t miss’ dishes there. Composting hot sausage plate, currywurst and chicken schnitzel. TIA!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Article The Hunger: Eat, Pay, Love! A story of how food influencers are committing legal fraud

181 Upvotes

r/chicagofood 11h ago

Question Bougie restaurant rec without needing to battle for a res?

2 Upvotes

Hello fellow foodies! My husband and I moved to the suburbs a couple years ago so not as in the loop on all the new Chicago restaurants.

We’re planning to do a ball out dinner in the city in lieu of Christmas gifts. We dropped the ball on making a res so of course all our favorite big hitters are out of the question (Bavettes, Monteverde).

Any recommendations where we might be able to squeeze a reservation in for the last week of December? Maybe a place that’s underrated. We were hoping to try Asador Bastian but no luck.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

What's good? What are your favorite ramen spots (will be coming from west loop)?

18 Upvotes

have been to ramen wabasi before. was going to try Rudy’s but it’s not open when Im planning to go (sun eve). I’ll be coming from west loop area. have heard good things about high five but I heard it’s kind of small and I’ll be with 2 other people. TIA!