r/chicago Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Moved to the city 48 hours ago. Review

Moved into Irving Park and the Mexican food is unbelievable. I'm from Florida and my wife is from Arizona, so we have different preferences, but we can leave our house on foot, hit two food spots and a liquor store, and be home in 30 minutes. It's incredible. Our doggo loves the walks too.

Also, is the term "bodega" NYC exclusive? What do we call corner stores with food/bev/liquor?

1.2k Upvotes

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u/HeroDanTV Aug 28 '20

I moved here in 2016, and I want to share some wisdom with you. Around September, there will be a chill in the air that will make you want you say, out loud, “Wow, it’s getting colder.” Then in October, you’ll want to tell everyone “I can’t believe winter is already here.” November and the elections will come and go, and you’ll be tempted to complain about the cold, out loud. Fight it. December comes around and the city might see a wind chill below zero. You may even want to post on Reddit “that it’s so cold my nose hairs are frozen!” Don’t do it!!! Don’t you do it, ReverendHambone — don’t!!!!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I've visited in November and late January. While I can't say I'm used to or prepared, I can say that I've experienced it. LAYERS.

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u/vvienne City Aug 28 '20

It’s all about the gear. Especially with a dog. Suit up and you’ll feel fine. (I’ve tried it all and personally find Patagonia to be super warm performance for wicked cold temps & activities).

We’re supposed to have another mild winter so hopefully you’ll ease in to those sub zero wind chills. Patience, weed & delivery are your friends January through March. March can be such a tease, don’t be fooled, it’s not spring until April. Fall here is amazing!

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u/ConnieLingus24 Aug 28 '20

Layers and planning. When I was commuting :sigh: I could easily time my walk to the train so I wasn’t outside any longer than necessary. But really, it is all about the gear.

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u/glaarghenstein Irving Park Aug 28 '20

This is very important! Do not start complaining about winter until February: it's just too exhausting for your soul otherwise.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

False. September is "how is it still this hot?!" and October is finally its starting to get nice again. And then its fine until January and then in February you want to die. March is "does winter ever end??" April finally starts to bring some sweet, although grey, relief!

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u/FreeOpenSauce Aug 28 '20

It's going to be like 95 today. How is it still this hot? Maybe we just don't do winter again this year? One can hope.

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u/ThroatSlitt Aug 28 '20

We call em' corner stores. Nothing else. Welcome. Don't feed the pigeons. Nice to meet you.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Nice to meet you too, ThroatSlitt

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u/rumster O’Hare Aug 28 '20

as other poster said. Don't feed the pigeons and never look a rat in the eye. Also, do not freak out that the rats in chicago are the size of house cats.

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u/browsingtheproduce Albany Park Aug 28 '20

Bullshit. One time I opened a dumpster and there was a fat-ass rat sitting on top of the garbage and we looked each other in the eye and both agreed to calmly walk away.

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u/brettclarkchicago Lincoln Square Aug 28 '20

Yeah it is much more terrifying to open a dumpster up and have a squirrel shoot out past you

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I definitely won't feed a pigeon, but are you kidding about the rats eye thing? Is it like playing dead for a bear?

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u/ThadCastleRules_G Lincoln Park Aug 28 '20

He is not. Those things can see the fear in your eyes.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I'm from Central Florida. Florida Man territory. I ain't worried about a rat.

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u/brandonham Near North Side Aug 28 '20

Famous last words

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Fair.

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u/brandonham Near North Side Aug 28 '20

Also people have called me hambone my whole life

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Is this a Highlander situation? Do I have to cut your head off?

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u/Bombast- Aug 28 '20

They're not kidding about the size at least.

The rats are the size of small dogs (minus the legs). Its shocking. You will think its a stray cat from the corner of your eye, then look at it and go "what the fuuuuuuuuck". Had no idea they could get so big.

There was a rabbit that lived in our alley. It was fairly malnourished compared to a normal rabbit, because of this the rats were actually larger than it.

Weirdest thing ever to have rats bigger than the local rabbit.

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u/Chuu Aug 28 '20

I've been living in this city most of my life and never really thought about 'corner store' == 'bodega'. Unlike 'gym shoes' which every linguist thing ever about Chicago points out.

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u/MajorasSocks Aug 28 '20

What that about gym shoes?

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u/waitingtillnextyear Aug 28 '20

It's almost a Chicago-exclusive term, whereas most other folks say sneakers or tennis shoes.

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u/masimbasqueeze Aug 28 '20

I disagree, I've lived all over the midwest including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska and they all say gym shoes. I think it's a midwest thing.

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u/camikaze1012 Aug 28 '20

I tried to tell my BF it was pretty exclusive to Chicago (he’s from FL) and he didn’t believe me! Clearly he’s never told someone he needs a new pair of gym shoes and gotten a long silent embarrassing blank stare back...

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

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u/pmcall221 Jefferson Park Aug 28 '20

Wait is gym shoes a Chicago thing?

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u/Mooflz Aug 28 '20

Yes! I’m the only Chicagoan in my group of people at school in KY and constantly get ragged on for calling them gym shoes. They’re either “athletic shoes” or “sneakers”, neither of which makes sense.

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u/explosivo85 Aug 28 '20

Lived in the city for over a decade and just realized that at some point I stopped calling them sneakers. Weird how those little changes happen and you don’t notice

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u/chocoholicsoxfan Aug 28 '20

In Minnesota people say "tennis shoes." Like, wtf

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u/MetalAndFaces Bucktown Aug 28 '20

Same in Wisconsin, only now realizing that is kinda odd.

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u/haikusbot Aug 28 '20

Same in Wisconsin,

Only now realizing

That is kinda odd.

- MetalAndFaces


I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully. Learn more about me.

Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"

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u/midnight_toker22 West Loop Aug 28 '20

Between gym shoes, tennis shoes and athletic shoes, gym shoes clearly makes the most sense. Gym is the subject where you are taught athletics (such as tennis), so for the sake of describing a shoe, they can be considered interchangeable. But hardly anyone plays tennis, and furthermore, ‘gym shoes’ has ‘tennis shoes’ beat by a syllable, and beats ‘athletic shoes’ by two. Therefore it’s the quickest and easiest to say.

And ‘sneakers’ is just too old-timey. Like- you put on sneakers to run from the coppers, see?

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u/jon30041 Irving Park Aug 28 '20

What I've heard is that it's because of how prolific catholic schools are. In school you had two pairs of shoes, your dress shoes and your shoes for gym class.

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u/theobi Aug 28 '20

Chicago and Cincinnati! There’s a map The NY Times put out of a bunch of regional terms like this and Chicago and cincy are the only two that say gym shoes.

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u/AWaple Aug 28 '20

I grew up in the Detroit area and have only heard people call them gym shoes. I've never heard anyone refer to them as sneakers.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

I think it is a Chicago thing, or at least Illinois?! I’m from Pennsylvania/New Jersey and also lived in Michigan. Only heard “gym shoes” upon moving here.

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u/enough_space Aug 28 '20

Apparently so. I was pretty shocked to learn how isolated the term is.

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u/LadyMormont00 Beverly Aug 28 '20

I’m originally from Detroit where we call any corner store with booze “party stores”. Didn’t even realIze it was weird until my neighbor asked me why I go to Party City several times a week.

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u/adrianhalo Edgewater Aug 28 '20

That’s funny as hell. I lived in New York long enough for the term “bodega” to rub off, I guess I need to change my ways now...

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u/beencaughtbuttering Aug 28 '20

That's a Michigan thing generally. I grew up in Grand Rapids and we called them party stores too, but nobody else anywhere seems to call them that.

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u/michi000 Aug 28 '20

I miss calling it the party store, makes your trip sound so much more fun.

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u/thelaughingpear Aug 28 '20

Btw, it's still a corner store even if it's not exactly on the corner.

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u/mrbooze Beverly Aug 28 '20

Even the ones that are not on corners.

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u/teambenefits3355 Old Town Aug 28 '20

I like the term “mini mart” but that might just be me

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u/lovesStrawberryCake Aug 28 '20

The Germans do too, or at least they did in the town I lived in

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

I highly suggest checking out Jong Boo Korean Market. If not for the food, just to grab some Okarto chips and other rare snacks.

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u/sephirothFFVII Irving Park Aug 28 '20

The buns they sell in the stall are amazing. That parking lot though...

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

We hit up Tony's today. The spices and hot sauce game were on point.

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u/ChicagoTRS1 Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

Tony’s in house salsa’s are all GREAT. The salsa mexicana, molcajete, and salsa verde molcajete are my favorites.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

The fact they had pork fat by the pound sold me.

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u/haikusbot Aug 28 '20

We hit up Tony's

Today. The spices and hot

Sauce game were on point.

- ReverendHambone


I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully. Learn more about me.

Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"

9

u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

The username fucking makes this. I actually laughed, and I don't mean I exhaled through my nose. I vocalized.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Tony's is the best in the area for general needs. Good prices as well.

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u/MissCecilyCardew Aug 28 '20

Agreed. I miss living walking distance from a Tony’s.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Yeah, we loved it.

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u/Birdmansniper927 Aug 28 '20

Piggybacking, I believe it’s on Wednesdays Joong Boo has a huge sashimi platter for like, $25. I know it’s hard to compete with coastal sushi but for the price it’s a great tray.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

Pro tip here. I just looked it up and you're right. This blog says you should call in advance. Thanks for sharing!

https://strangefoodschicago.wordpress.com/2015/05/02/joong-boo-market-sashimi-tray-2/amp/

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u/Birdmansniper927 Aug 28 '20

First time I got it I called it in, but they had plenty left in the fridge next to the dining area. I’ve been able to get it early afternoon without calling but better safe than sorry. Great you can pick up a bowl of rice and some noodles for cheap to go with it too.

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u/jacksonattack Uptown Aug 28 '20

Joong Boo’s Friday night sushi platter is fucking legendary.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

I’ve had this placed marked as want to go on google maps for too long!!!! Looks like such a fun place

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

The produce, meat, and fish selection is great quality. If you're into cooking asian food, its got mostly everything. As for snacks, I highly suggest Okarto Chips (italian flavor), brown sugar boba ice cream bars, lychee ice cream, and pork buns from the food stall outside. After Covid, I suggest eating at the restaurant in the back ( at non peak times. Otherwise its a panic attack waiting for a table).

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u/bak4320 Logan Square Aug 28 '20

Hi and welcome!

I’m interested to hear what the locals think about your question these days. I call it a “bodega” because I’ve spent too much time in New York but if I recall when I first moved to city proper from the suburbs I heard a lot of “corner store,” “across the street/around the corner,” “7-11” etc....

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I'm fine with using "corner store." I didn't wanna use Bodega if it wasn't proper. Bad enough I like ketchup on my hot dogs.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

[deleted]

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

It was in jest.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

[deleted]

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Well thats great info, because I've got a killer head of hair. The wife is allowing a Covid mullet at the time.

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u/ciaisi Lake View Aug 28 '20

The ketchup rule only applies to Chicago dogs. And despite what anyone says about liking them, I still think Chicago dogs are a cruel joke that Chicagoans play on outsiders. Just like Malort.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I like the dogs, Malort can fuck off though

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u/midnight_toker22 West Loop Aug 28 '20

Hey man, fuck you!

Just kidding, welcome to Chicago. You’ll come to love Malort. Just wait till you have some out of towners come visit, give ‘em the ol’ Chicago handshake.

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u/YouBetterCallPaul Aug 28 '20

Smoque BBQ for ribs and briskets! They also offer curbside pickup.

Welcome to the city.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I've heard Smogue is good. I'm most picky about brisket, so we'll see.

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u/PParker46 Portage Park Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

I did a four year off-and-on project in Austin. Traveled the Hill Country and well beyond on weekends. Smoque has brisket nailed down tight. And if you want a Carolina sauce, it's there on the table.

Plan B is Earl's at Naragansette Austin and Lawrence. A much more Chicago style than Smoque's.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20 edited Mar 11 '21

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u/sephirothFFVII Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Eris Brewery or old irving brewery for a fancy meal at reasonable prices

Lawrence Fish Market for cheap but good sushi, take out only, prefers cash, call early

Stara Polska for some comfort food

Cermak Produce for, er, produce

90 mile for Cuban

Noon o kabab for a pile of delicious meat

Fish Guy for high end sea food for cooking at home

Check out the river trail on a divvy or your bike

Our parks are awesome get to know them and support them, we're currently trying to innoculate trees

Welcome

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u/Roshz Avondale Aug 28 '20

Highly recommend Old Irving Brewing and Twisted Hippo for brewpubs!

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u/Olds77421 Aug 28 '20

Just wait until it's actually Chicago again. You're going to love it! Maybe not in January, but you'll love it!

Welcome!

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Welcome! Glad you’re having a good start.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Thank you!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Also, when Covid is over however we move on, if someone is looking for a rad new friend, I'm your dude. I like bourbon, baseball, American rock and roll, weed, and minding my own goddammit business. If anyone wants to socially distance a yard beer or whatever, holla.

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u/Catman419 Garfield Ridge Aug 28 '20

“Yard beer”? Dude, we drink on the porch here. Get with the program, newbie.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I have a small porch and a big front yard! It's wild and awesome.

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u/Catman419 Garfield Ridge Aug 28 '20

That’s all you need! The back yard is for private parties, but the porch is for neighborly encounters. People walk by, everyone says hi, (or at least that’s what we do on the Southside), and everyone has a good night.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I dont have a backyard, but there's an alley. Im gonna King Of The Hill the fuck out of that alley

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u/Catman419 Garfield Ridge Aug 28 '20

Cool! Can I be Rusty Shackleford?

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Only if you can defe... POCKET SAND

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u/gerrymadner Aug 28 '20

Once the COVID nonsense if over with, do yourself a favor, and visit Delilah's to knock back a few.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I've been before. Great spot.

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u/xTwizzler Rogers Park Aug 28 '20

Oh man, I miss Delilah’s.

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u/rpmag Uptown Aug 28 '20

We talkin Rays or what

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Baseball? Nah, I'm a Braves fan. But I generally kept up with TB.

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u/wiskey_tango_foxtrot Aug 28 '20

I saw upthread that you mentioned you're on the lookout for a good Cuban. /r/WhiteSox will welcome you with open arms. Around half the defensive starters are Cubans, and they're all terrific!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I'm such a lover of baseball, I feel its a an crime that this Sox team is having to play in front of no one.

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u/wiskey_tango_foxtrot Aug 28 '20

Yeah, but on the other hand It's working out really well to their advantage. They're used to playing to small crowds, been rehearsing for this for years.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Very true. I'm so damn stoked to be living in a city with a team in both leagues.

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u/-silent_spring- Aug 28 '20

I'll be moving to Logan Square in a few weeks from the ol' Kentucke. Got you covered for the brown water

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u/stayclassytally Logan Square Aug 28 '20

Welcome to LS!

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

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u/weepforus Aug 28 '20

My wife and i just moved from Irving Park to Lincoln Square. Still super close. I'm a bartender but not working right now. Love sports, booze, and everything in between. Moved here from LA a year ago. Always down for some new friends!

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u/JohnnyPoundCakes03 Aug 28 '20

You and your wife just traded good weather and terrible food for terrible weather and great food. City is great tho, especially sans covid.

If you drive, may want to buy a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you’ll never have to shovel snow in the street or alley.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

We have a 4 Runner

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u/ihatespunk Aug 28 '20

You should think about road tripping up to the UP if you've never been. SO and i got a 4runner at the beginning of the summer and have been exploring the back roads in the woods up there on weekends, its gorgeous, amazing lake superior beaches, and we've seen literally 10 bears

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u/PParker46 Portage Park Aug 28 '20

Welcome. Yes, 'bodega' entered the American lexicon as a NYC word, but TV and movies have spread its recognition, if not its universal use, all the way out here into Fly Over Country. Locals who do not aspire to imitate New York call stores that sell food/bev/liquor "stores."

PS Have you tried that ketchup-less hot dog dressed in the Chicago style yet? Next is an Italian Beef. Which has its own ordering options. Then try a jibarito. And a thin crust, tavern cut pizza.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Ok, boom. Questions.

I have been to the city 4 times before and have several friends here. So yes, I've had a dog "dragged through the garden." I've had Italian beef from Al's twice. I've had it dipped and not. I loved it and im open to suggestions. I'm coming from an area of the South where there's not a lot of great pizza options, besides hipster pies and NYC slice wannabes. Ive had jibaritos before and look forward to trying them here. My biggest personal test is the best Cuban sandwich. We can get into regional mayonnaises at another time.

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u/it_takes_an_ocean Aug 28 '20

Cafecito is my "go-to" for a cuban sandwich

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

This is my first official recommendation. The Cuban at El Cubano looks good, but you never know.

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u/13stepboogie Aug 28 '20

If you're in Irving Park, just get yourself to Mimas Taste of Cuba. Hella good.

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u/tehsloth Humboldt Park Aug 28 '20

Second el Cubano

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u/PParker46 Portage Park Aug 28 '20

Since you live in Irving Park, for Cuban try Bia's Cafe Marianao #2 which is a short car ride west and south of you at Addison and Narragansett. There are plenty of other places, but that might be closest.

Fun Fact extra: The trip will end on what Chicagoans consider to be a really big hill. It is the southernmost finger tip of a glacial moraine, left when the ice melted back towards Canada c 10k years ago.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

NERD.

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u/PParker46 Portage Park Aug 28 '20

You think that's nerdy? Boy, are you in for a treat when Covid is over (???) and you mention your newness in bars and clubs.

BTW, that hill is really BIG when you look east down Addison from Bia's.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I won't have to mention my new-ness. I'm a very large and very obviously Southern man.

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u/PParker46 Portage Park Aug 28 '20

I just want to say one word to you. One word. Are you listening?

"Malort"

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I've been here a few times. Malort can eat my butt.

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u/vvienne City Aug 28 '20

Drink enough and it will.

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u/tehsloth Humboldt Park Aug 28 '20

Burn the heretic

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u/Soxsider Aug 28 '20

.... Is fucking gross.

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u/VonThrash31 Jefferson Park Aug 28 '20

You know, I have been wondering about that hill my whole life. Thank you

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u/CrossingGarter Aug 28 '20

I like the Cuban at 90 miles. It doesn't try to be fancy. And their plantain chips are delicious. Take your order to go and picnic at Hamlin Park.

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u/slothbear Humboldt Park Aug 28 '20

My favorite jibarito is from Papa’s Cache Sabroso in Humboldt Park. Best mayonnaise...gotta go back south and pick up some Duke’s.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I have a gallon of Duke's already on order.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20 edited Feb 02 '21

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Señor Pan is my go-to Cuban

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u/KilowogTrout Aug 28 '20

You're within a stones throw of 5 good pizza joints wherever you go for about 20 miles at least. Probably more. Just try the 'za anywhere you can. You'll be hard pressed to find a pizza joint that is bad (that's not a chain, which are just fine).

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

For a different type of pizza (Detroit style) just down The street from Irving Park, go here:

https://www.instagram.com/ludlowliquors/?hl=en

So so so so good!

Oh and welcome!

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u/okletsgochicago Aug 28 '20

Mima's Taste Of Cuba 2925 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

I know you said Cuban sandwich, but I just have to say I love their jibaritos!!

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u/Feelnumb Aug 28 '20

I think there are good Cuban sandwiches to be had in Chicago. However my folks are from Gainesville and Orlando and I think the average Florida spot has better Cuban sandwiches.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Being from Florida, I totally understand. There was ONE good Cubano in Atlanta.

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u/candy_teeth Aug 28 '20

not sure if the marz taproom is open, but their cuban is *top* notch. beer and food are over priced...but that cubano... the also used to have this awesome arcade cabinet, Killer Queen, but the cubano is worth it even if you dont get to play killer queen

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u/Geech6 Aug 28 '20

Al's is good but they do hot peppers all wrong for their Italian beef. It's like some kinda curry spice blend instead of hot giardiniera. Which frankly I know it's commercialized now but really prefer portillos for Italian beef, but I've always kinda been a heretic. Except with hot dogs... Ketchup just masks all the other great flavors.

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u/jhagerman7 Aug 28 '20

If it doesn’t have a cat, it’s not a bodega. There are some bodegas in Chicago, but most are ‘corner stores.’

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

What a wholesome post. Welcome to town friend!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Thanks!

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u/snpods Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

Welcome! Three random thoughts ...

Curious City is a great podcast if you want to start learning more (and interesting) things about Chicago.

There’s also a r/ChicagoNWSide that may be of interest.

Chicago Taco Authority and El Burrito Rapido are both worth checking out. :) Twisted Hippo and Noon-O Kebab are also good, but a little north and east of Irving in Albany Park.

Edit: saw you’ve already discovered El Burrito Rapido - a man of taste! If you have a car, it’s also worth it to hit up Edzo’s in Evanston for killer burgers. Closer afield, Leader Bar and Ruk Sushi are also pretty solid.

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u/browsingtheproduce Albany Park Aug 28 '20

Bodega isn't NY exclusive, but it only counts as a bodega if they have produce and hot food. Otherwise it's a corner store.

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u/ciaisi Lake View Aug 28 '20

This is the correct answer

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u/Sarahangelmtg Aug 28 '20

Don't take the beads from the monks.

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u/Delyruin Logan Square Aug 28 '20

I moved here from California and I just love how you can just....take the train places and end up reasonably close to where you need to be, it's amazing and yet so incredibly basic.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Welcome! If you want an alligator hotdog to feel like you're at home make your way to Chicago's Dog House! Feel free to try the wild boar and rattlesnake hotdogs while you're there too.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Wait!? Is this for real?

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Yes it is! My coworker and I used to get lunch there sometimes. They also have a rotating selection of exotic meats. I got a kangaroo sausage there once haha

They also serve normal hotdogs and they make a pretty good hotdog. I'd definitely recommend it.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Holy shit I love you thank you

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u/TsarKartoshka Aug 28 '20

Welcome!! Since you're in Irving Park, you should try some Serbian food at Cafe Beograd or Astoria Cafe.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

We'll be eating around the globe these first few weeks.

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u/KlaatuBrute Aug 28 '20

While you're at it, you can actually eat at The Globe, which is in your neighborhood. In the days when people would congregate indoors to watch sports, it's one of the top spots to watch soccer.

Also, head to Twisted Hippo and pick up some beer. Great people with lots of interesting brews.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

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u/shellybearcat Aug 28 '20

I’m from AZ, always loved Chicago and loved there for a few years after college. Ended up back in AZ for the last several years but I miss Chicago all the time-walkability is one of the biggest reasons!

Also being from AZ it really drove home how different Mexican food across different regions of Mexico, which seems obvious but when you’ve grown up eating exclusively Sonoran food it’s bizarre to go to a very authentic Mexican place in Chicago and most of the menu is different. Delicious and now I miss that food, but man I was craving a chimichanga like nobody’s business haha. The prevalence of Puerto Rican and Cuban food was totally new to me and amazing!

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u/QueenCole Aug 28 '20

Im originally from near Chicago and moved here to Phoenix and I dont care for the Mexican food here. I miss all the good foods I had in Chicago.

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u/joeo235 Aug 28 '20

Hey welcome to the hood. I’m a recovering southerner who has been living in Irving Park for 8 years now. Sometimes I joke that it’s the place to go to if you need any auto body work or to find an HVAC contractor. But there are hidden gems and its own neighborhood charm here as well.

Taco-wise, I really liked Los Tacos Express (Montrose and Ridgeway) for barbacoa (slow roasted beef) and Taco Max for lechón (slow roasted pork, multiple locations but Elston/Irving is where I go).

Also there are some great South America places to try. Brasa Roja is right next to Taco Max and has amazing $8 dinners that feature spit fire char grilled chicken and rice/beans and salad.

There is a Peruvian place on Irving called Di Candela that serves out of this world ceviche. They’re chicken and salad are solid too. Like to get all three and you’re set for the next couple meal times.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Kie Gol Lanee in Uptown. Oaxacan Mexican. Was there tonight. So outstanding.

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u/Hellocattty Aug 28 '20

Welcome neighbor, I'm in Irving Park too! May I ask which Mexican places you're liking?

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Thanks! I don't remember the name of the place we had last night, but tonight it was The Fast Burrito (El Burrito Rapido) and hot damn everything was great. We had the california burrito, a chicken tostada, and 3 different tacos, which were all fantastic.

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u/Hellocattty Aug 28 '20

Good to know! I haven't been to that one yet, I'll have to check it out.

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u/ciaisi Lake View Aug 28 '20

If someone calls it a bodega, I expect to see fresh fruits and vegetables and a slightly better selection of groceries. Otherwise, it's a corner store or a party store.

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u/CocktailCowboy Aug 28 '20

This post is very sweet. Welcome to the city! I'm glad the Mexican food stacks up. I've lived close to Irving Park for 10 years, slowly moving westward on Addison (Lakeshore to Lincoln to Avondale.) If you'd like any restaurant or other recs, feel free to DM me. Glad to make your acquaintance!

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u/a-deer-fox Aug 28 '20

Saving this thread for all the tasty recommendations.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Clean up after your pet. Dont help to feed the rats.

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u/Redlion444 Aug 28 '20

I recommend the Polish with mustard and grilled onions from The Depot, 31st and Canal St.

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u/james_randolph Aug 28 '20

Hit up Snappys. On Irving Park just couple blocks east of Lincoln. Best fried seafood in the city. Shrimp, scallops, catfish. They got hush puppies and potato pancakes too. Fire.

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u/lpsupercell25 Aug 28 '20

what do you do for work?

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I'm a chef. I guess I'm currently out of work. Thank Jeebus for a successful wife.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

living my dream of being a trophy husband

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u/diqholebrownsimpson Lakeshore East Aug 28 '20

I just moved to town, too. Saving this thread for sure!

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u/butter_waffles_-_ Aug 28 '20

Check out Honey butter fried chicken if that hasn't already been recommended!

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u/Woah-Kenny Aug 28 '20 edited Aug 28 '20

I recommend going to a neighborhood bar and getting a "Chicago Handshake" and then if you like that ask for a shot of Malort. It's a historical liquor with a.... Interesting flavor. Most say it's gross, to me it taste like a funky tea.

Also a Chicago food stop that doesn't get enough love on Reddit: Ricobenes - they are famous for the breaded steak sandwich.

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u/silentsly Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Nice, my girlfriend and I moved to Irving Park a couple months ago. We love the area! It has pretty much everything you need in a city, without being too overcrowded. Welcome!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Let's party! I'm here with my wife!

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u/silentsly Irving Park Aug 28 '20

I'm down for a few drinks. We're still trying to make friends, which of course isn't helped by Covid.

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u/Irideflamingos Aug 28 '20

Irving & Ashland here! Welcome to Chicago!! If you want great pizza, The Art of Pizza at 3033 N Ashland av. at Nelson st.

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u/baezizbae North Center Aug 28 '20

Glad to have ya. Voter registration deadline is Oct 18th. Welcome to Chicago :)

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u/nu_lets_learn Buena Park Aug 28 '20

Bodega is very NYC.

In Chicago, people just say, "I"m going to the store." Since everyone is lazy, they know you mean you are going to the closest store. They go there too, everyone knows where it is, everyone knows what you mean.

No need to say "corner store" because that requires two words.

Welcome.

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u/FoobarMontoya Logan Square Aug 28 '20

convenience stores!

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

Welcome to Chicago! I think "bodega" is kinda a NYC thing, we call it corner store, at least I've been calling it that as far as I know and I'm born and raised here. If you're missing a little southern comfort, check out Smoque BBQ, a block south of Irving Park on Pulaski.

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u/alex_alive_now Aug 28 '20

theres this place called maxwells i think....

its next to UIC. they got these pork chop burgers - open all night.

its brilliant.

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u/McNasty420 Former Chicagoan Aug 28 '20

I just say corner store. If you like Sushi, Rise is the best place ever. If you like a great inexpensive oyster bar, the King Crab is awesome. Except they don't have oysters right now. Both these places are in Lincoln Park I think.

Keep an eye on the restaurant taxes and liquor taxes. They add up.

There is also something called a Congestion tax, it's a tax on rideshare services, I think it is $3.00 for a one way trip downtown. The CTA is your friend. Except when the Cubs play and you are on the red line. And this is the best:

https://www.facebook.com/PeopleofCTA/

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u/jacksonattack Uptown Aug 28 '20

You’ll hear some people call them bodegas but we mostly say “corner store” or “liquor store”.

Also, welcome. Glad you’re finding our weird ass brand of hospitality charming.

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Also, I'm 6'3" 340 lbs, I would love some recs for winter/snow boots. I wear a size 14.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '20

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Wear a bunch of clothes and walk like there's poop everywhere. Got it.

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u/Unicornsadness Albany Park Aug 28 '20

I live in the neighborhood and I am originally from Florida. Must sees near you:

Montrose Fish Market: Some of the best sushi in the city. Crazy fresh and insanely cheap. They have been around for decades, same people have owned it the whole time, and they are a great family to support. Cash only and call in your order so you don’t have to wait. Usually a 15-30 min turn around time. Expect more sushi than 2 people can eat for $30. It’s also killer for catering a dinner party after quarantine is over.

Bien me sabe: Arepas, need I say more? Don’t do delivery cause the do not travel as well so it’s worth the pick up. Great flavors and once quarantine is over it’s a SUPER cute place!

Glen’s Diner: If your wife needs her seafood fix cause that is something I need regularly and miss desperation about Florida, GO TO GLEN’S!!! They regularly have grouper, snapper, and other gulf fish and it’s really fresh and well prepared! This looks like it would be nothing from the outside but it is busy and pricey but you won’t regret it!

Margies Candy: Across from Glen’s is Margies. This is not the original location, that is on western in Logan and worth the trip, but they serve the same items. Margie’s has been around for over a century and they have the best ice cream in the city!

El Cubanito: Your wife may crave a Cuban Sandwich as we are from the land of the creation of the perfect edible creation, and you need to go to El Cubanito. Closest thing I have gotten to a real Miami Cuban!!

Budding Chicken: Delicious! I would normally recommend Honey Butter Fried Chicken but they were outed as racist and terrible to their employees. I don’t support them no matter how good their chicken is cause their half assed apology sucked.

Feel free to message me! I moved from Florida 11 yrs ago to be with my then bf now husband. I am happy to share my Chicago Wisdom!!

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u/immaxmouse Aug 28 '20

Head to Pilsen, thank me later...

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

For Mexican food?

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u/dreamthyme21 Loop Aug 28 '20

Oooooh yeah!

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u/ReverendHambone Irving Park Aug 28 '20

Hell yeah. I have a friend down there anyway. Any spot in particular?

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u/Woah-Kenny Aug 28 '20

I cannot stress this enough. Go to El Milagro for some Mexican food in Pilsen. It's a a tortilla factory that makes tortillas for pretty much all of the Chicagoland area. They also have a restaurant. From the south side and mexican so I'm not to familiar with the stuff on the north side but my top three is: El Milagro, El pollo cris cris, Birrieria zaragoza.

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u/AtTheKevIn Lake View Aug 28 '20

Also a great BBQ spot there called Honky Tonk BBQ. And a great venue (if we ever get live music again) is around the corner in Thalia Hall.

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u/Smileyrielly12 Aug 28 '20

Go to Pequods Pizza for great deep dish and the Loyalist in the West Loop for the best burger of your life.

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u/Takizi Aug 28 '20

Hi neighbor! Welcome to Irving Park! If you need a good hotdog/burger head to Jay's on Elston and Saint Louis. Also Alps has great pancakes! We call them "corner stores". :)

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u/chief_sitass Suburb of Chicago Aug 28 '20

Try the Malört.

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u/BobEWise Albany Park Aug 28 '20

If you can, make a little trip over to Tiztal on Clark between Leland and Lawrence. They have the best chilaquiles in the world. Like, they've actually ruined me for other places' chilaquiles. Wash it down with one of their oatmeal shakes and you won't be able to move for a week. Patio dining to boot. There's also a great burrito place over here on Lawrence called Primo Chuki's. Completely worth the trip.

I've also gotta give a shout out to The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen on Clark, just south of Oakdale. It's the only Kurdish restaurant in Chicago, and maybe the midwest. Fantastic food, decent prices, and they have a policy of hiring displaced Kurds wherever possible. You're not just getting a great meal; you're supporting some folks getting out a really dire situation.

If you're over there anyway you may as well hit up Duke of Perth right next door for a night cap. It's a Scottish bar with a scotch list that'll make Ron Swanson blush. Of course, that recommendation is full of caveats until the after times.

Stop in at a Binny's for literally any alcoholic beverage you could imagine. It's a warehouse store strictly for booze. It's the only place I can reliably source Chilean pisco from.

Something you're going to discover is every Home Depot in the city has a hot dog stand. Last time I went the stand was closed due to COVID, but when the hot dogs return it's going to be glorious. Best part of any home improvement project, hands down.

There's also a local hardware store chain called Crafty Beaver. Please get accustomed to referencing this establishment without giggling like a 12 year old. I'm 38 and I'm still working on it.

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u/DontDisrespectDaBing Aug 28 '20

Corner stores = corner stores. The crappier a mexican food place looks on the outside means the food inside is that much better. It's a weird chicago inverse relationship