## Chicago’s Best Bites of 2024: A Culinary Journey Through Neighborhoods
2024 brought a wave of exciting food trends to Chicago, from the rise of plant-based cuisine and gourmet breakfast sandwiches to elevated childhood favorites and upscale snacking. But beyond the trends, this list celebrates the diverse and delicious offerings that make Chicago’s neighborhoods so vibrant. From long-standing favorites to exciting newcomers, these are the best bites our intrepid dining team discovered this year.
Sanders BBQ Supply Co.: Brisket Sandwich
This South Side spot blends Texas BBQ with local flair, slow-cooking meats over wood-burning fires. Chef James Sanders’ dedication ensures perfectly charred, tender delicacies. While the peach tea-smoked wings and rib tips are tempting, the brisket sandwich is the star. Tender, smoky meat with a choice of homemade sauces makes for a truly delicious slice of Southern cooking. (1742 W. 99th St., $15, Thurs-Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. or until sold out)
Kie-Gol-Lanee: Chapulines
Fried crickets might sound adventurous, but Kie-Gol-Lanee’s Oaxacan chapulines are a must-try. Crispy, seasoned with lime and chili, and tossed with tomato, they offer a unique umami flavor. Enjoy them with a mezcal margarita for a taste of Oaxaca. (5004 N. Sheridan Rd. & 2901 W. Diversey Ave., $14, Mon, Wed-Fri 3:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Pimento Nyam: Signature Rice Bowl
Located in Bronzeville’s Boxville marketplace, Pimento Nyam offers a modern take on jerk/Caribbean cuisine. Chef Prep Tyler’s focus is on nutrient-dense options, using familiar flavors to encourage healthy eating. The signature rice bowl, with grilled protein, red beans, rice, candied sweet potato, plantains, and slaw, is a flavorful and satisfying choice. (330 E. 51st St., $17, Wed-Sat 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Carniceria Aguascalientes: Gorditas
In Little Village, Carniceria Aguascalientes offers a simple yet exquisite treat: a gordita. This thick masa patty, stuffed with creamy beans and buttery cheese, boasts a slightly toasted exterior and soft interior. Top it with salsa and escabeche for a perfect bite. (3132 W. 26th St., $5.50, Daily 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
Gio’s: Stuffed Artichoke and Baked Cavatelli
This 40-year-old Italian eatery is a neighborhood gem. While everything on the menu is excellent, the baked cavatelli and stuffed artichoke are standouts. The artichoke, tender and topped with garlic bread crumbs and lemon juice, is a nostalgic delight. (2724 S. Lowe Ave., Stuffed Artichoke $21.95, Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Loba Pastry + Coffee: Mole Croissant
This cafe serves unique and unforgettable pastries. The seasonal mole croissant (available Sundays and Mondays) is a must-try, with layers of buttery pastry, dark chocolate, and rich, spicy mole. (3600 N. Lincoln Ave., $6.50, Thurs-Fri, Mon-Tue 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Il Milanese Ristorante: Pappardelle “Bice”
This Lincoln Square restaurant elevates the simple pasta with tomato sauce. The Pappardelle “Bice,” with its stringy mozzarella-enhanced sauce, is a comforting and surprisingly awe-inspiring dish. (2201 W. Montrose Ave., $22, Tue-Fri 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Sun 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Green Apple PHOever: Pho Vegetable
A hidden gem in the Loop, Green Apple PHOever offers healthy and affordable Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. The pho vegetable is a hearty and satisfying option for cold weather. (105 W. Madison St. B1, $14.45, Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Taipei Cafe: Popcorn Chicken
Discover Taiwanese flavors at Taipei Cafe in Chinatown. The sweet potato flour popcorn chicken is a standout, offering a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Pair it with the brown sugar pearl milk tea. (2609 S. Halsted St., $11.95, Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Give Me Some Sugah: Butter Pecan Potato Chip Cookie
This old-school bakery offers a variety of treats, but the butter pecan potato chip cookie is a must-try. The perfect balance of sweet and salty makes it irresistible. (2234 E. 71st St., $3/cookie or $18/lb, Tue-Sat 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Rubi’s: Huitlacoche Quesadilla
Experience the unique flavor of huitlacoche (corn fungus) at Rubi’s. The quesadilla, made with cilantro, onion (optional), and your choice of yellow or blue maize tortilla, is a delicious way to sample this Mexican delicacy. (1316 W. 18th St., $7, Thurs-Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Bar Parisette: Salted Vanilla Soft-Serve
This Logan Square bistro’s salted vanilla soft-serve is incredibly smooth and rich. Enjoy it on its own or with seasonal flavors, perhaps alongside their crunchy fries. (2829 W. Armitage Ave., $12, serves two, Wed-Sat 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Void: Shrimp Scampi Toast
Void offers a creative take on Italian-American classics. The shrimp scampi toast is a delightful fusion of Cantonese and Italian flavors, with a satisfying crunch and tangy sauce. (2937 N. Milwaukee Ave., $25, Tue-Thurs 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine: Vegan Sloppy Joe
Majani proves that vegan food can be both delicious and satisfying. Their sloppy joe, made with lentils and BBQ sauce, is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. (7167 S. Exchange Ave., $17.20, Tue-Fri noon – 6 p.m., Sat noon – 7 p.m.)
Cariño: Suadero Taco (Omakase)
Chicago’s newest Michelin star restaurant offers a late-night taco omakase. The suadero taco, with its rich, braised beef and salsa verde, is a highlight of the experience. (4662 N. Broadway, $125 per person, Wed-Sun 6 p.m. – 12 a.m., omakase starts at 10 p.m.)
Swadesi: Breakfast Sandwich
This cafe offers beautifully crafted dishes with Indian influences. The breakfast sandwich, with its spiced potato tikki and custardy omelet, is a delicious and impeccably balanced bite. (328 S. Jefferson St., $12, Daily 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Los Comales (Bolingbrook): Bistec Taco
A family-owned restaurant with a long history, Los Comales offers fantastic tacos. The bistec taco, with its flavorful meat and perfectly balanced garnishes, is a classic for a reason. The Bolingbrook location boasts a standout cocktail menu as well. (278 S. Weber Rd., Bolingbrook, $3-$4.50, Sun-Thurs 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m. – midnight)
Tuk Tuk Thai: Green Papaya Salad (Tum Thai and Pu)
Tuk Tuk offers a variety of green papaya salads, showcasing the flavors of Northeast Thailand. The Tum Thai and Pu version, with added crab, is particularly flavorful and funky. (2852 N. Clark St., $16, Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., BYO)
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings: Wagyu Beef and Onion Dumplings
QXY Dumplings boasts a 300-year-old family recipe and a dedicated following. The wagyu beef and onion dumplings are a comforting and delicious option, available steamed or pan-fried. (2002 S. Wentworth Ave. #103 & Time Out Market, West Loop, $21.99, Daily 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Bayan Ko: Yuba and Kale “Lechon”
This Cuban and Filipino restaurant’s tasting menu includes a vegetarian highlight: the yuba and kale “lechon.” This inventive take on roasted suckling pig is a surprising and delicious experience. (1810 W. Montrose Ave., $95 per person, Wed-Sat 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
(Author bios for Maggie Hennessy and Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu follow here.)