## Chicago’s Best Bites of 2024: A Culinary Journey Through Neighborhoods
The year 2024 brought a bounty of food trends to Chicago, from the flourishing plant-based scene and the elevated breakfast sandwich to gourmet takes on childhood favorites and a surge in high-end snacking. But beyond the trends, this list celebrates the diverse and delicious culinary landscape of Chicago’s many neighborhoods, highlighting both new discoveries and timeless classics. From Little Village to Lincoln Square, our intrepid dining team uncovered a wealth of edible delights.
Sanders BBQ Supply Co.: Brisket Sandwich
($15; 1742 W. 99th St.; Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday or until sold out; closed Monday-Wednesday) This newly opened South Side spot blends Texas BBQ with local flair. Chef James Sanders’ slow-cooked, wood-fired meats are the star, with the brisket sandwich a standout. Tender, smoky slices of meat are perfectly complemented by a selection of homemade sauces. Don’t miss the peach tea–smoked wings, rib tips, and Sunday turkey leg. *– Ximena Beltran Quan-Kiu*
Kie-Gol-Lanee: Chapulines
($14; 5004 N. Sheridan Road & 2901 W. Diversey Ave.; Open 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Tuesday) Fried crickets might sound adventurous, but Kie-Gol-Lanee’s chapulines are a must-try. Crispy, seasoned with lime and chili, and tossed with tomato, these Oaxacan snacks are a fiery, umami delight best enjoyed with a mezcal margarita. *– Maggie Hennessy*
Pimento Nyam: Signature Rice Bowl
($17; 330 E. 51st St.; Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday) Located in Boxville, Pimento Nyam offers a modern take on jerk/Caribbean cuisine. Chef Prep Tyler’s signature rice bowl, featuring grilled protein (chicken pictured), red beans, rice, sweet potato mash, plantains, and slaw, is a nutrient-dense and flavorful experience. *– X*
Carniceria Aguascalientes: Gorditas
($5.50; 3132 W. 26th St.; Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily) In Little Village, Carniceria Aguascalientes serves up a classic: thick, fluffy gorditas stuffed with creamy beans and cheese. Top with your choice of salsa and enjoy with an agua fresca de jamaica. *– X*
Gio’s: Stuffed Artichoke
($21.95; 2724 S. Lowe Ave.; Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday) This 40-year-old Italian eatery serves up generous portions of classic dishes. While the baked cavatelli is excellent, the stuffed artichoke, with its tender leaves, toasted garlic crumbs, and lemon juice, is a nostalgic highlight. *– X*
Loba Pastry + Coffee: Mole Croissant
($6.50; 3600 N. Lincoln Ave.; Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Monday-Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Wednesday) Chef Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten creates unique and unforgettable pastries. The seasonal mole croissant (available Sundays and Mondays) is a standout, with layers of buttery pastry, dark chocolate, and rich, spiced mole. *– M.H.*
Il Milanese Ristorante: Pappardelle “Bice”
($22; 2201 W. Montrose Ave.; Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday) This Lincoln Square restaurant elevates a simple dish to culinary art. The Pappardelle “Bice,” with its creamy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, is a comforting and awe-inspiring experience. *– M.H.*
Green Apple PHOever: Pho Vegetable
($14.45; 105 W. Madison St. B1; Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday) A hidden gem in the Loop, Green Apple PHOever offers healthy and affordable Korean and Vietnamese fare. The pho vegetable is a hearty and flavorful choice for colder months. *– X*
Taipei Cafe: Popcorn Chicken
($11.95; 2609 S. Halsted St.; Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday) This Chinatown restaurant offers a taste of Taiwan, with the popcorn chicken a must-try. Made with sweet potato flour, it boasts a satisfying crunch and juicy interior. *– X*
Give Me Some Sugah: Butter Pecan Potato Chip Cookie
($3 per cookie or $18/lb; 2234 E. 71st St.; Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday) This old-school bakery’s butter pecan potato chip cookie is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. *– X*
Rubi’s: Huitlacoche Quesadilla
($7; 1316 W. 18th St.; Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; closed Monday-Wednesday) Rubi’s offers a rare treat: huitlacoche (corn fungus). The quesadilla, with its earthy, smoky flavor, is a unique and delicious experience. *– X*
Bar Parisette: Salted Vanilla Soft-Serve
($12 (serves two); 2829 W. Armitage Ave.; Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday & Wednesday-Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday) This Logan Square bistro’s incredibly smooth and rich salted vanilla soft-serve is a delightful treat, perfect on its own or with seasonal flavors. *– M.H.*
Void: Shrimp Scampi Toast
($25; 2937 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday) Void’s shrimp scampi toast is a creative fusion dish, combining Italian-American flavors with a Cantonese classic for a satisfying and unique experience. *– M.H.*
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine: Sloppy Joe
($17.20; 7167 S. Exchange Ave.; Open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon to 7 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday) Majani proves that vegan food can be decadent and satisfying. Their sloppy joe, made with lentils and BBQ sauce, is a healthy and delicious twist on a classic. *– X*
Cariño: Suadero Taco (Omakase)
($125 per person for late-night taco omakase; 4662 N. Broadway; Open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday; omakase starts at 10 p.m.; closed Monday-Tuesday) Chicago’s newest Michelin-starred restaurant shines with its late-night taco omakase. The suadero taco, with its rich beef and vibrant salsa verde, is a standout. *– M.H.*
Swadesi: Breakfast Sandwich
($12; 328 S. Jefferson St.; Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily) Swadesi’s impeccably crafted breakfast sandwich features Indian-inspired flavors and textures in a perfectly balanced bite. *– M.H.*
Los Comales (Bolingbrook): Bistec Taco
($3 to $4.50; 278 S. Weber Road, Bolingbrook; Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; open until midnight Friday-Saturday) A family-owned institution, Los Comales delivers flavorful and authentic tacos. The Bolingbrook location boasts a standout cocktail menu, complementing the delicious food. *– X*
Tuk Tuk Thai: Green Papaya Salad (Tum Thai and Pu)
($16; 2852 N. Clark St.; Open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; BYO) Tuk Tuk Thai’s green papaya salad is a menu category unto itself, with multiple iterations. The Tum Thai and Pu version, with added crab, is a particularly flavorful choice. *– M.H.*
Qing Xiang Yuan (QXY) Dumplings:
($21.99; 2002 S. Wentworth Ave. #103 & Time Out Market in West Loop; Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily) QXY Dumplings boasts a 300-year-old family recipe. Their juicy and flavorful dumplings, particularly the wagyu beef and onion option, are a must-try. *– X*
Bayan Ko: Yuba and Kale “Lechon”
($95 per person for the tasting menu; 1810 W. Montrose Ave.; Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday) Bayan Ko’s vegetarian tasting menu features the remarkable yuba and kale “lechon,” a creative and flavorful vegan take on roasted suckling pig. *– M.H.*
*Maggie Hennessy* is a Chicago-based food and drink writer. *Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu* is a Chicago-based storyteller.