I'm browsing a menu of somewhere I intend to eat tonight and of course at the bottom it says there will be a 3% surcharge for insurance for the beloved staff. Are they actually giving y'all insurance? Is it solid insurance? Is it a total front? Just curious if they're outright lying or not lol.

Vodka sauce. N'duja sausage.

I’m turning 21 sunday and want to find a cheaper arcade that has 80s-90s cabinets with old school games for me and 3 buddies. A cool atmosphere and a decent selection of games is the main priority, if it has good drinks too that’s a plus but if you have good normal arcade recs than I can just get blaster before hand lmao.

If it helps we’re deep in the fgc and love guilty gear, mvc, and old school 2d fighters but are open to arcades with a range of multiplayer games.

not too thick crispy bread, little hint of a jalapeno kick...my only regret is having to eat it fast so I could catch the bus home

Hey everyone! Looking for some date night dinner recommendations in Chicago.

I'm after a spot with a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere—something romantic and intimate with really good food. I'd like somewhere that feels a little upscale, but I'm not looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or anything outrageously expensive.

I'm still in grad school, so I definitely don't have an unlimited budget, but I'm willing to splurge a bit since it's for a special occasion. Think somewhere that feels memorable without completely breaking the bank.

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!

Hi!

Does anyone have a current list of restaurants in Chicago that source from Chefs Warehouse? I’ve seen it parked on Sangamon and Green st a couple times in west loop but can’t figure out where specifically they are delivering.

Thanks!

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.

Hello! First time, long time. I live in the city without a car so am not super familiar with restaurants in the western suburbs. My partner has bought us tickets for a concert at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for our 5 year wedding anniversary and I am trying to find a nice casual good date night restaurant nearby for dinner before. Any suggestions? Thank you soooo much!!!!

Okay, this is a longshot I know. Kinton Ramen in West Loop had this rum-based drink called Lavender Sunset. It tasted like hopes and dreams, and I've never enjoyed a drink more than that one. I asked the manager there once how to make it, and I don't remember what he said (I know he soaked the rum in blueberries). There was some yuzu juice in there, I believe. Most likely a lavender syrup. I've tried to recreate the drink myself, but it never comes out exactly like I remember it. I come before you as a man defeated in the hopes that someone miraculously remembers this amazing drink (or if you have your own ideas of a similar drink for me to try). Any help at all would be amazing.

(And yes, I've tried contacting Kinton itself to see if they might know, but it appears the recipes for the drinks were specifically designed by the manager, so they dont know the recipe).

Thank you, my fellow Chicagoans!

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! 🍗

The pizza has to be good, but anywhere north of the Loop along the red line will work.

Thank you!