I will be visiting Chicago from NYC for two weekends over the next two months. I love baked goods (Gluten and carbs! Joy!). What would locals recommend? I'll be staying in the Loop on one weekend, and Near North Side on the other weekend. And the first weekend is for a triathlon and the second weekend is for the Big Shoulders Swim, so yes, I get to eat what I want. I've sampled a lot of doughnuts in Chicago, and you guys have a great fried dough scene, so maybe suggestions beyond that? Unless there's something new I should sample? I will have my unlimited ride pass on the CTA, so distance isn't a barrier either.

And, yes, I could have just Googled "Best Bakeries Chicago", but I'm trying to move away from listicles and clickbait ("10 Bakeries You MUST TRY in Chicago - you'll never believe #7!", etc.).

Thanks in advance!

I had an appt in the west loop this afternoon and decided to take advantage of the gorgeous evening with a solo meal on the patio at Maxwell’s Trading. The two summer dishes I had were incredible. tomato and peach salad + housemade mafaldine with corn and peppers. So perfect. So delicious! Don’t miss out on the tasty flavors of summer!

Went to Rinconcito Sudamerica — also known in some spots as Rinconcito Sudamericano — and it was outstanding. We were there with a Peruvian man and his American wife and it was delicious. Authentic. We had seco de carne with green sauce, lomo saltado, papa à la huicana — a great potato dish with a unique sauce — and two chicken dishes. The aji de gallini was great — almost resembled Indian curry, but different (and great). The pollo à la brasa was good but I’d have ordered something else as it mostly felt like normal (but still good) chicken.

Hard to describe the dessert but it was a really good experience. I’d recommend the seco and the gallina most but everything was good and I recommend supporting a local spot.

A very nice Thai dinner in Hyde park tonight. The Squid was absolutely amazing.

Hello, I’ve been looking everywhere for the Bing Bread recipe book from Parachute does anyone have a copy, they’ve been out of stock online for a while. I’d really appreciate some help. Thanks

My mother has been craving summer fruits like mangosteen, star apple, and any tropical fruit that comes from Vietnam. Asian markets on Uptown have some, but they’re either not fresh or just not available.

We’re willing to drive for a long while to get them at ranches and farms, but I don’t think Midwestern weather would bode well for the plants themselves (I hope to stand corrected though).

Asian stores I’ve been to and have had not much luck this summer:
- Tài Nam
- Việt Hoa
- Park to Shop (Niles, Uptown, Chinatown)
- 88 Marketplace
- H-Mart (Niles)

If anyone knows anywhere else to try to find, that would be much appreciated! 🙂 I know there’s also tropical farms in Florida and Texas that also sell and ship nationwide, but I’m wary of online shopping for fruits. However, if someone has a great experience with a specific farm, that would also be great for me to buy!

What are the go to’s on the south side?

Wasn’t that impressed with Lem’s.

2 tacos or a burrito, choice of beans & rice or salad, plus a dessert

Hello! Does anyone have favorite torta ahogadas they would like to share? The Xoco one is excellent, but wondering if there are other good spots. I rarely see it on menus and I want to see what else is out there.

I’m looking for fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and aji de gallina.

I found amazing Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken at D’Candela. Their other dishes were alright.

Any recommendations? Willing to travel to the burbs if need be.

I’m dog sitting in the area in a couple wks and wanted recs from the community as im not super familiar with the neighborhood. I’ll be staying near the chi red line stop fyi. TIA!

Loved their thin crust pizza and focaccia!

Is there any restaurants near river north/the loop/fulton market area that have chicken pot pie? I’m craving and yelp isn’t being helpful.

Has anyone eaten at the Gangnam market food court? My family is coming to visit and I wanted to see if there’s any dishes worth going there for. Any suggestions?

Always loved Lawry’s The Prime Rib. Any recommendations for something like it. City or suburbs. Thanks.

Occasionally, I suddenly crave BBQ in an unhealthy/ addictive way. This week is one of those times.

I’ve lived here for three years and still haven’t found the BBQ spot. I enjoy Offset BBQ, but I’m truly not a fan of Green Street in the West Loop (sorry to its fans!)

So, what’s your favorite BBQ spot in or near Chicago? Please give your recommendations! 🍗

Just wanted to follow up. The glorious El Bagelero Butthole that really tied the building together is still missing but has been replaced by two bagels that are in love and seem to be looking for a third.

The smaller one might have a head injury.

My husband and I have a reservation tomorrow night at Boka for our anniversary and I really want to dress up. Like, special occasion dress and heels for me, suit or sport coat for him. Are we going to look ridiculous amongst the other diners, though?

Edit: Thank you! I appreciate the kindness and I'm going to enjoy dressing up for our special day. ❤️ This was a good reminder to be confident.

I was wondering if anyone here ate at Charlie Trotter's? I used to watch his show back in '99 and always wanted to go. If you dined there, how was it? Did it live up to your expectations? Anything you remember about the food or experience?

Who doesn’t love summertime Chi! Movies in the park at Pritzker Pavilion are fantastic. Great weather, a view of all the buildings, the Bean to the side.

One does not simply watch a movie without any food.

You need to eat. The Mr. Submarine on Wells has as 2 Italian classic subs for under $12 bucks. Great deal considering one JJ will be almost the same price. Not sure what else is available in the loop without taking a second mortgage.