Chicago Mexican

Torta Haüs (Chicago)

on
February 5, 2016

If you looked up the definition for “no frills” in the dictionary, you’d see a picture of Torta Haüs (926 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614). But let’s not judge a book by its cover, shall we?

Tortas are the best of two worlds: sandwiches and Mexican food. After dining at…

Bar Chicago Italian

Bar Siena (Chicago)

on
February 1, 2016

Bar Siena feels like a bar, but the best kind of bar: one with delicious Italian food everywhere.

After trying Siena Tavern, the fantastic River North restaurant from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani, I was very excited to try his slightly lower-brau offering in Fulton Market District, Bar Siena.

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Chicago Cocktail Bar

The Sixth (Chicago)

on
January 29, 2016

It’s to be expected that The Fifty/50 Group, owners of one of my favorite cocktail bars in Chicago, The Berkshire Room, would hit a home run with their Lincoln Square offering, The Sixth.

The “Spaceman Spiff” cocktail featuring an “aquarium” base filled with aromatic smoke…

Chicago Chicken

Nando’s Peri Peri (Lakeview)

on
January 22, 2016

If you’re like me, at nice restaurants you usually avoid the chicken. It’s not that I have anything against our clucking, feathered friends, it’s just that chicken is so damn easy to screw up. Overcook it and it loses all its moisture and becomes a rubbery, stringy mess. Undercook it…

Chicago Pizza

Blaze Pizza (Belmont Location, Chicago)

on
January 20, 2016

Alright, so I realize Blaze is a chain restaurant but I feel I need to give credit where credit’s due.

I went to Blaze today and the employees were the most cheerful bunch of people-pleasers that I’ve met in recent history. One more chipper than the last – asking about our…


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Burgers Chicago

Kuma’s Too (Chicago)

on
January 16, 2016

We went on a Sunday night. I live just down the street from Kuma’s Too and really, really wanted to like it. I love burgers, don’t mind metal, and am OK waiting for a table at a popular restaurant. Unfortunately Kuma’s Too created a perfect storm of disappointment.

First, the…

Kaiseki Kyoto

Jiki Miyazawa (Kyoto, Japan)

on
October 12, 2015

We were the first of our seating to arrive. The interior immediately strikes you in a way no restaurant ever has. Minimalistic. No art, a few plants hang remotely on the walls. Clean. Precise.

Chef Miyazawa and his Sous Chefs greet you with a serious, but welcoming look. Like they’re…


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Chicago Mexican

Carnitas Uruapan (Chicago)

on
July 26, 2015

Carnitas Uruapan is THE TRUTH.

This is the type of place that people who are too scared to explore Pilsen are missing out on.

For $7.00 (!) you’re treated to a heaping pound of expertly-curated chopped-up pig pieces, skillfully removed from the whole-cooked animal. This meat marvel is served with ultra-fresh…


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Chicago Mexican

Dona Torta Chilanga (Chicago)

on
March 7, 2015

Finishing a Torta at this place is akin to a one-night-stand. You had a great time, you’re a little ashamed, and you definitely need a shower.

For my non-Torta-eating friends, a Torta is the Mexican take on a sandwich. Meat, cheese, toppings, all sandwiched between grilled bread. You can order…

Brewery Chicago

Lagunitas Brewing Company

on
November 22, 2014

Walking in, you immediately realize that something amazing is about to happen to you. I don’t want to ruin it, but the trippy entrance will have the little hairs on the back of your neck standing up and your body moving almost involuntarily to speed you to the experience…

MATT CHIERA
CHICAGO, IL

I just don't want to look back and think "I could've eaten that."

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