Giordano's
Neighborhood: The Loop

135 E Lake St
Chicago, IL 60601

stephy s. writes: The plain and simple of it is this...

Thanks to Giordano's my faith in Chi-town deep dishes has been restored.

Pete's Pizzeria 2
Neighborhood: Portage Park

5847 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60634

Scott Z. writes: I lived on Major St. around the corner from Pete's about 5 years ago. The fact I still think of this pizza should tell you how incredible it is. I have sampled pizza from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon and everywhere in between. I now live in…

Laurie's Planet Of Sound
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4639 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Alice S. writes: Excellent, just excellent. This is now MY music shop. In what other brick and mortar store can I find in stock: Modest Mouse (Good News For People Who Love Bad News); Rolling Stones (Flowers); Medieval Christmas music; the Kinks (Village Green…

Rose Angelis
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

1314 W Wrightwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Matthew S. writes: Honestly, this is my favorite restaurant in Chicago.  Tucked away on Wrightwood, it is like the rest of the city doesn't exist.   Parking is a total bitch in this neck of the woods, but once you've accomplished that, the rest is free sailing.

Look…

Will's Northwoods Inn
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3030 N Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Christine S. writes: Rewind to '99. I'm moving here from NYC and I'm somewhat bummed about it. I don't want to waste even one Manhattan weekend to come looking for an apartment in Chicago. Jonathon Bunge is the only landlord willing to rent me an apartment site unseen.…

Chicago Bagel Authority
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

953 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Dan T. writes: Holy balls, if one of these bagel sandwiches ever approaches you PUT IT IN YOUR FACE.

The Chia Bagel is ridonkulous good.

They steam them!

Plenty of those fancy bottled juice blends, and a variety of soda flavors.

Seriously, if you see food from this…

Blackbird
Neighborhood: Near West Side

619 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60606

Ellen M. writes: We had our first Blackbird visit this past Saturday and it was excellent overall.  Minimalist dining room - white walls and white artwork with yellow daisies juxtaposed on every table.  The view of the room from my seat was simple and cool - I turned…

Drake Hotel
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Streeterville

140 E Walton Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Ed to the M. writes: I don't get it.  I just don't get it.  I'm a big gross sweaty mess, even though IT'S TWO DEGREES OUTSIDE.  Why why why why why why?!?!?!?!? (Shut up, it ain't menopause, bitches)

So who knows what's going on, but I'm sweating up a freaking storm as…

Hard Boiled Records & Videos
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

2008 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618

Michael P. writes: If you listen to boring indie rock shit, this store has what you're looking for! in CD format only.  Just like...  everywhere else.

Sometimes the gentleman owner has some used LP's that you might not really want, but you guess you wouldn't mind…

Pasta Palazzo
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

1966 North Halsted
Chicago, IL 60614

Courtney B. writes: Confession:  I hate Lincoln Park.  It's crowded, expensive, parking is impossible, people give me funny looks because I don't carry a Coach purse or wear designer jeans (what, H&M doesn't count as a designer?)... I could go on but I'll restrain…

Aroy Thai Restaurant
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4654 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Tony C. writes: Every review about this place so far, no matter how noble and properly-starred, has been useless.

Notably:
1) "I would give it five stars, but Cozy Noodles and Rice in Evanston is far better."
** better how? better why? does Cozy Noodle and Rice make…

Mas Restaurant

1670 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Sy N. writes: More!

What if there was a restaurant that was named, 'MORE!'?  Wouldn't that be kind of weird?  Why is it that words we'd think would be weird names for business establishments, other languages get away with?

'MORE!'  More what?  Food?  Fogo de Chao…

Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant
Neighborhood: Edgewater

6120 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60660

carolynne r. writes: Had a really great birthday dinner here.  Started off with the Sambusa, which are kind of like empanadas.  We got one order of potato/carrot, one of beef.  The potato ones were disappointing, but the beef ones were very tasty.

Then we moved on to the…

Hollywood Mirror
Neighborhood: Lakeview

812 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Colleen C. writes: Despite a very unfortunate run-in with a saucy mannequin, my visit to Hollywood Mirror was quite fun.

The mannequin, with her pursed lips and haughty stance...well, she deserved it. I am sorry, but if you can't hold your own...you get run over. Ok, I…

DePaul University
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2320 N Kenmore Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Gail T. writes: i don't go to depaul, but i wish i did. i visited the campus yesterday and wish i'd gone on campus visits instead of trusting that the jesuits at loyola would give me quality education. they shouldn't be trusted.

a friend of mine is going to depaul…

The Container Store

1500 16th Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523

j. d. writes: ENTERING "THE STORE"

...heart beats faster... eyes glaze over... sweat beads form...

LOCATING RELEVANT SECTION

... feebly reaches for cart... stumbles down narrow aisles... thwarts "Sale" sign sirens...

SIDESTEPPING BOOBIE-TRAPS

...deactivates…

Buena Vista
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3147 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Nick H. writes: Excellent portions, decent prices, and above average food make this one of my favorite Mexican spots in the city.  Based on those three factors it would be a four star restaurant but there is more.

They serve glass bottle coke here.  Not only is it…

Itto Sushi Restaurant
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2616 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614

Sharin F. writes: Oh how I love you Itto!  You were my first, you busted my sushi cherry Maybe I bled, yes, but it was worth it to taste that first buttery bite of sake nigiri.

You are priced well for sushi, but your sushi is of such good quality that you really…

Sensational Bites
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3751 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Johnny B. writes: Sensational Bites may be one of the single most underrated (or undiscovered) treats in our fair city.  At the time of my writing, Sweet Mandy B's has 168 reviews, Sensational Bites only 26.  That is a travesty.  At SB (as opposed to SMB's) you get…

Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant
Neighborhood: Bucktown

1865 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Deanna M. writes: That oatmeal milkshake will haunt my dreams for years to come.

Yes, I drink milkshakes in December when it's 20-something degrees outside and there's snow on the ground.  But you will, too, once you've tried Irazu.

The service was quick even as the…

Falcon Inn
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1601 East 53rd Street
Chicago, IL 60615

Allix T. writes: Psssst. You never saw me here.

You did, however, hear Lynrd Skynrd on repeat for 20 minutes that one time. I might have done that.

Otherwise a good haunt - not completely taken over by students (yet) but also not exclusively for locals.

Grill On the Alley
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Streeterville

909 N Michigan Ave Ste 1
Chicago, IL 60611

Amanda L. writes: This place is lovely. A real classic. Especially after a hard day of shopping. Great service, nice wines and a pleasant atmosphere. I will be back.

I have been back a few times since my original review and feel compelled to bump my review up to 5…

Flo
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1434 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Johnny T. writes: I had been meaning to get to Flo for a while.  After corralling (is that how you spell it?) my friend, we made our way to West Town.  

Because I am a masochist, I take the CTA.  I was able to get to the restaurant from my place in Lakeview with…

Cozy Noodle & Rice
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3456 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Johnny B. writes: One of my favorite places in Chicago.  It was one of the first restaurants I went to when I moved up (or even before I moved up?)  It's great for delivery, carry-out, or dine in.  

I think I've had about half the menu (no small feat - this was only…

Nuevo Leon Restaurant
Neighborhood: Pilsen

1515 W 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608

Jen S. writes: The best mexican food in Chicago, perhaps the World.

I am not kidding. The fried cheese is so delicious I have sexual fantasies about it.

Not really, but if I had to make sweet love to a food object, it would be the fried cheese.

The staff is nice, the…

Ten Cat Tavern
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3931 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Carly F. writes: Reserve Ten Cat as a place you take established friends. I'd wait until a third or even fifth date to take someone here because you'll regret having given up your new favorite secret drinking spot. It's quiet, but not dull, with a decent jukebox that…

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
Neighborhood: Near North Side

600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Bonnie L. writes: I am afraid of heights.

I get the leg numbing and butt shaking sensations when I am high up.

I still wanted to ride the Ferries Wheel because it was built to show off during a World's fair by Ferries AND the views.

I'm not a clingy, needy, whiny, can'…

Parrots Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: Lakeview

754 W Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Damian C. writes: Free pool and an overwhelming popcorn/smoke smell.  

However, getting to the free pool is quite the feat.  Think:  Jennifer Connelly's journey in the hit 1986 "Labyrinth" (maybe, if you're lucky, David Bowie music will be in the background).

Pizzeria Due
Neighborhood: Near North Side

619 N Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Ed to the M. writes: My first Chicago Deep Dish pizza in Chicago (and definitely not the last).  The crust was perfectly flaky, the beer (312 wheat beer?) was flowing, and the price was cheap.  All in all an excellent meal.  And I'm still smelling like garlic now.  Yum.…

The Original Pancake House
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1517 E Hyde Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60615

Audrey J. writes: First off, thank GOD there is no more indoor smoking at Chicago restaurants because now, instead of the lovely smoke-grease combo I used to rock whenever I exited this establishment, I now only carry a fragrant, cloud-like grease aroma, Pepe Le…

Walker Bros Original Pancake House

1615 Waukegan Rd
Glenview, IL 60025

Kathy R. writes: One of the best breakfast places around.  I've not had a bad meal here yet.

My fave is their signature apple pancake.  For the uninitiated, it is apple slices and brown sugar baked into a giant pancake concoction.  It covers the whole plate, and is so…

Your Choice Thai Cuisine

1417 Waukegan Rd
Glenview, IL 60025

Rachel H. writes: They have the best Crab Rangoon ever! I go here for  lunch ever so often with the work crew. The red and green curry is very good. Not too thick, just right. I would highly reccomend the beef with the spicy basil leaves.

At every table they have a…

Powell's Bookstore
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2850 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Chaviva E. writes: You'll note that I have a pretty fancy and stellar review of Myopic Books in Wicker Park up here on the Yelp. I might have to change my stars, though, as Powell's is my new favorite place to grab used books. It beats out Myopic in a million ways, but…

Cost Plus World Market

1725 Maple Ave
Evanston, IL 60201

Marion P. writes: I usually hate buying food from stores that aren't specialized in food, but I broke my own rule at World Market.

Oh, how I had been sad: to be thousands of miles from Europe, and miss out on all the Christmas candy days! Well, no more! This place has…

Las Tablas Restaurant
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2965 N Lincoln Ave # 1
Chicago, IL 60657

brennan s. writes: Las Tablas was a replacement for a last minute scratch.  We were going to head to Tango Sur but it was pooring rain.  So we took the closer option and tried Las Tablas.

Wow, I'm glad it rained.  The close location made it attractive to taste some…

Uptown Animal Hospital
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5545 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Matthew S. writes: Yesterday, I had to make one of the hardest decisions in my 31 years.

My chubby little Russian Blue, Moscow, was violently ill.  

The Uptown Animal Hosptial got me in very quickly when I called yesterday.

The diagnosis was grim.

Dr. Taylor and her…

Hoagie Hut
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2580 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Rob L. writes: Grease is the word!

Really this place is great for a few things.

1. Drunk food
2. Hangover food
3. Clog your arteries

I really haven't had it sober, I don't know if I will... but before I come stumblin' and bumblin' home in a cab... if I go to the…

Hannah's Bretzel
Neighborhood: The Loop

180 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602

Kristin C. writes: It's not everyday I am willing to break a 10-spot at lunch.  I like the challenge of the under $5 midday meal (Turkey Wednesdays at Subway, Hummus Pitas at Taza, etc).  However, my week has been craptacular so I decided a little TLC for KC was in…

The Container Store
Neighborhood: Near North Side, DePaul

908 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Alice S. writes: In the interest of full disclosure: I used to work here, at TCS (that's what we all called it). When this location first opened, Chicagoland had 3 other stores in Northbrook, Schaumburg and Oakbrook. Chicago was the urban experiment for the company.…

Graham Crackers Comics
Neighborhood: The Loop

77 E Madison St
Chicago, IL 60603

bill s. writes: I'm not going to say it's better or worse than Chicago Comics because I haven't been to the aforementioned place in a awhile and I only have stopped inside Graham Crackers, with my woman, just once so far. Let me just say that I may compare them at a…