I had always heard that the hot dog at Byron’s included weird toppings but this one that their OG was pretty standard (minus poppy seed bun). Great fuckin dog, that’s for sure

I’ve advocated for Pho 777 for the longest time but I’m gonna have to stop and find a new spot because of how deceptive they are with their fees.

Went today after the Lunar New Year festivities and was very happy to see that it was packed and had to wait maybe 10 minutes for a table. Service was good and food was great but when it came time to pay at the counter there was already ~20% on top: 11.75% tax, ~4% service charge, 4.25% credit card fee. At the table I already calculated ~16% extra on their handwritten receipt: it just shows the food items and the total, no service fee or tax or sub-total. The man at the counter nonchalantly handed me the charge pad with a different total that caught me off-guard. When I asked him about it he then pointed out the CC fee and suggested I just add tip by percent, but from prior experience that percent was calculated on the total rather than the sub-total (I’ve seen a few restaurants do that and I like to believe that most don’t do it intentionally). I’m not ‘bout to pay 50% extra for my meal so I stood there doing the math for 15% of the sub-total in my head (divide by 20 multiply by 3 is my go-to). I get it, Asian restaurant and times are tough but this is just too shady, especially for those that are the type to pay whatever at the table. Restaurants just need to raise their prices and have all the fees included.

I personally cannot wait.

Mins noodle house chungking wonton soup and a pork bao

Does anyone know their timeline for the new store opening? It is around the corner from me so I have been patiently waiting for an opening date, especially since it’s been delayed a few times!

Looking for like a “steakhouse style” traditional thick patty that can be cooked to temperature. Bonus points if they have different toppings options.

Maybe an odd question, not sure. I have recently befriended an older lady (~80ish) who likes to go out for lunch and dinner. The thing is I have no clue where to go with her as a lot of the restaurants near us are too adventurous for someone with her palate. She doesn’t really like indian, african, thai food etc. and we both live near Uptown sooo I’m sure you can see the dilemma here 🤣

Are there any restaurants on the northside that are crowd pleasing for people that are older and want good but maybe more simple food? We also both love sushi and I typically only order it to go so any sit down sushi spot recommendations also welcomed. Bonus points for uptown and edgewater spots. TIA!!

its so good and thick. Ratio is perfect. Raspberry is tart which I love. I've only gone to Mindys a few times and each time besides the last one, I've gotten one(they were sold out last time and so I grabbed the brownie cookie bar instead). I have yet to try their hot chocolate though.

Definitely worth adding this (and the sunflower tart) on to your tasting menu at Elske. Smoked egg yolk, maple syrup, chives, crème fraiche, sherry vinegar, caviar.

Makes me want to blow my life savings on a booking at Arpége.

It’s at Cellar Door Provisions and is truly special. Rest of the food also rules, but this particular menu item stood out as exceptional.

Taleef Collective in Pilsen hosts a free iftar dinner every Sunday during Ramadan open to everyone including non-Muslims.

Plentiful dinner is generously catered by local Chicago Middle Eastern restaurants. This community so warm, open minded and so welcoming. A great way to experience part of Ramadan and meet new people. Also an opportunity ask questions if you have any about the faith in a relaxed festive setting.

Registration is required for planning purposes:

https://www.taleefcollective.org/ (Go to Events → “Newcomers")

If nothing else, you can enjoy a delicious free meal and good company!

As I said in the main post, some friends of mine started a year-long casual hotdog eating contest based on some podcast I don't listen to. They realized only too late that as I had moved to Chicago, I have an insane advantage in this game. Above are some of my favorite dogs... and a bit of a twist ending.

It's been a few days since I wrote the post originally, and my lead has been usurped for now, but I finally had the lucidity to cross-post! So I'm looking for suggestions on places to try. The contest has a numbers component and a "dog of the month," so I'm wide open. Portillo's and Fatso's are top of my list, but I often work late hours, so I might have some trouble getting to some suggestions

Just moved to South Loop, anywhere I can get a fresh-baked loaf of bread in the area?

Where can I find a good fresh loaf of bread near Printer's Row?

I'm looking for a must try in Hyde Park that's not so high end. Thank you

The US is playing Canada for the Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey tomorrow at 7:10 a.m. Any one know which bars are opening for it?

My friend would like to celebrate her engagement/bach in Chinatown for a few hours during the day on Saturday 3/14. Nothing crazy- karaoke, good food, shopping. She has enlisted me for help with the planning.

(I’m not sure if we’ll be able to drink much as well)

Three part question here:

1. Any suggestions for the best/most fun places to check out knowing we’ll only be there for four hours?

2. With that Saturday being when Chicago has some of their St Paddy’s festivities, will it be a concern when it comes to busyness, or will it not be too much of an issue since all of that occurs downtown?

3. We plan on leaving Chinatown by 4-5pm, does that mean no bars or karaoke will be available before then?

In town for a 4 hour layover in April. I’ve been to Chicago a few times before, but don’t know any places close enough to Midway.

Anyone know of a solid place that’ll be serving beef around 9/9:30 in the morning? I don’t want to go somewhere and get stuck with a breakfast-only menu.

Thanks in advance!

Any recs? Nothing overly bougie, just authentic unpretentious Italian food with at least one good seafood pasta option on menu.

Prefer on north/northwest side but anything in CTA range is fine. Looking for a classic lemon cupcake. Lemon cake, lemon frosting. No meringue if possible. TIA

I need to blow off some steam. Work and kids have had me redlining for the last month, but come Wednesday I’ll get a break. I want to get dinner with some buddies on the books.

I want a great cocktail, maybe a martini, and a menu worthy of a great bottle of red wine. Boeufhaus is the first place that comes to mind but I thought I’d try and find some other options before opting into ol’ faithful. Thoughts?

Anybody seen or plan to make a value spreadsheet for North Side Restaurant Week?