Blues R & B
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2519 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Niki C. writes: They have this cat, Pistol Pete, who is a phenomenal guitarist.  If you come here for no other reason, come here to see/hear him.

It's incredibly smoky (at least until "Prohibition" as the sign above the cigarettes for sale calls it), it's full of a…

Sidetrack
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3349 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

David R. writes: We love love this bar!!!   The gorgeous gay bar in Chicago!!!! Don't you think?  :)   We've been here many times and always fun .  They have a lot of cute, hot and handsome bartenders in the boystown.
The slushy was just perfect.  Yummy!!!   Now,…

Bobak Sausage Company
Neighborhood: Garfield Ridge

5275 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60632

Patty V. writes: You have got to try Grandma's Cheesecake!! It is so light and delicious. I don't normally go out of my way for cheesecake, but this is different. It does not have a crust and is just heavenly!! Pirogi are wonderful as well.

Manzo's Ristorante & Pizzeria
Neighborhood: Irving Park

3210 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618

Nancy K. writes: Decent lunch buffet served Monday thru Friday for 6.95 which includes a soda.  When we went they had; beef vegetable soup, pork roast and mashed potatoes, pasta and fried chicken, rice and pepper steak, cheese pizza and sausage with cheese pizza,…

Metra Metropolitan Rail
Neighborhood: Near West Side

547 W Jackson Blvd Fl 13
Chicago, IL 60661

Bonnie L. writes: I'm staying in Riverdale for my two week stay in Illinois with Aunt Dodo. (FYI: a lot of people asked if I'm hanging with Archie and the gang and YES, we create havoc on the neighborhood everyday!)

She's not my aunt and her name is Doris. She is my…

Affy Tapple Inc

6300 W Gross Point Rd
Niles, IL 60714

nikki c. writes: OH OH OoooH! mouth salivating goodness.

healthy, soul satisfying and nothing, but smiles as the smell of the caramel and peanuts first hits your senses.

the perfect gift at any party. great for kids of all ages and perfect on a rainy day!

Celtic Crossings
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

751 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

Ronnie R. writes: This is the only Irish bar I consider just like home, due in the main by the two Johns that work here, and the great pint of Guinness they serve.

When you know that the famous Irish come here and the real Irish too then you know that you have the…

Katsu Japanese Restaurant

2649 W Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

Lindsay K. writes: Is there fatty tuna in Lake Michigan?

I love raw fish, and Katsu serves up fresh pieces of some of the finest sushi I've had all year. Toro, unagi, king crab oh my! Each piece was succulent. The maki pieces were on the small size, but Katsu is not a…

Williams-Sonoma
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville

900 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Rachel W. writes: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Williams-Sonoma!!  Yes, it's expensive, but they have fantastic sales.  I found Christmas cookie cutters for 80% off the day after and cute heart towels for $3 after Valentine's Day.  They've got unsurpassed quality and every…

Laschet's Inn
Neighborhood: North Center

2119 W Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60618

Katie H. writes: Confession: I rewrite a lot of Yelp reviews.

Most of my early reviews are really subpar. They're all about two sentences long, don't really tell you anything you need to know, aren't even vaguely amusing and only ever won me moderator compliments like…

The Parthenon Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near West Side, Greektown

314 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661

Ed U. writes: "Dance? Did you say dance?...O-PAH!"

Want to smash a plate? Dream about dancing the Sirtaki shoulder-to-shoulder with a mustachioed waiter? Ah yes, my friend...when you are in Chicago, you must come to Greektown. And when you are in Greektown, you…

Charleston
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2076 N Hoyne Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

jason t. writes: me likey. drinking stiegl without smoke or irritating dudes about makes me feel like i'm in my living room.

Andersonville Wine and Spirits

5201 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Matthew S. writes: Ever realize at 9pm that you are running low on booze?  But you really don't want to push the cat off your stomach and go buy some?  Well - this place doesn't deliver to your door.  If you want booze delivered, you've got problems.  Yelp a good…

Cost Plus World Market
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2844 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

marissa d. writes: i give cost plus world market 500 stars. whenever i go here, i always leave with about 50 things i really don't need but they are always things that are random and also things that make me very happy. like, for instance, a large roll of marzipan. or…

City of Evanston

Evanston, IL 60201

Keiko S. writes: Here are my five *sparkling* stars to the City of Evanston!

As a former two-year resident of the city, I dearly miss this exquisite city. It's only been a month since we left...and in retrospect, I even find the certain "flaws" of the city - such as…

Mojoe's Hot House
Neighborhood: Avondale

2849 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Colleen C. writes: With no past experience of MoJoe's, I can't comment on the growing pains, etc. Perhaps the hours are wonky and the vibe is different and all that jazz, but I for one enjoyed it throughly. I stopped today (Monday) in the afternoon and it was pretty…

Bob Inn
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2609 W. Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Craig B. writes: I almost want to cry I am so emotional about the Bob Inn.

When I went in I threw some cash on the bar, when I left 11 or 12 hours and many PBRs later, THERE WAS STILL CASH LEFT!!

Throw in zany regulars (for god sakes don't make fun of Jeopardy), great…

FitzGerald's

6615 Roosevelt Rd
Berwyn, IL 60402

Allison K. writes: I had a great time at Fitzgerald's, I saw a live show here with cheep drinks.  I definitely want to check out this place again soon =)

G-Star Raw
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1525 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622

Mark S. writes: This place is so Euro -- in good ways and bad.

The clothes are great- very military influenced with epaulets all over everything.  I got a really nice jacket here the other day and totally LOVE it.  Wearing it makes me feel like I'm ready for…

Black Duck Tavern & Grille
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

1800 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Ellen M. writes: My charity date with Daniel T. at Steppenwolf was supposed to end up at Landmark, but at 10 p.m., Landmark was DONE.  Last call.  We were OUSTED.  BOUNCED.  I promised Dan a dramatic date.  All caps is very dramatic.

But the friendly man at Landmark…

Bar on Buena
Neighborhood: Uptown

910 W Buena Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Colleen C. writes: Dear BoB,

We have to talk. The secret has been spread, you are no longer a little neighborhood joint, you are a destination. Great beer, nice patio, sweet little side street...people love you.

And I was an "early adopter." I've loved you since my…

Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2100 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Matthew S. writes: This place really did it for me.  

It made me feel like I was in a little french restaurant - dimly lit, murmurs of other conversations, and tiny.

The Dr. didn't like that the table clothes were actually vinyl....which actually kind of surprised me…

Juicy-O

2942 Finley Rd
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Nancy K. writes: Formerly Rise and Dine

It's now a breakfast-lunch place that also has a juice bar where they do milk shakes, bubble teas, and fresh juices

Kramer Foods

16 Grant Sq
Hinsdale, IL 60521

Robyn C. writes: The man and I wandered in here last week and discovered their deli.  Wow, what a mistake that was.  

All other potato salads now seem subpar.  And spinach dips.  And...oh, well you get the idea.  This isn't the faux "home made" crap from a tub that's…

Mercury Cafe
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1505 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Dane K. writes: This is one of the better independent coffee shops I've found in Chicago.

It's got a lot of character to it... It's got more open space than most people's apartments.. if you're looking to go and accidentally end up chit chatting with people nearby…

Dairy Star of Lincolnwood
Neighborhood: North Park

3472 W Devon Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Matt W. writes: Having grown up in Rogers' Park I spent more time and money at the Dairy Star than I care to admit, tho my girlish figure betrays that omission anyway.

The cherry dipped ice cream as pointed out below is not only unique but a simply awesome idea.…

Butter - CLOSED
Neighborhood: Near West Side

130 South Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Nick R. writes: I went to Butter to celebrate a promotion on Saturday and was very impressed with the food and the ambiance.  The dishes here are very inventive and interesting.  The meal started with some great Martinis and some oysters and ceviche, all very good.…

The Chicago Green City Market

South end of Lincoln Park between 1750 N. Clark and Stockton Dr
Lincoln Park
Chicago, IL 60614

Andrea R. writes: I was making my way through my neighborhood to get a sandwich from the spots I frequent everyday (boorrrinnnggg) when I saw white tents in the distance.  Could it be? Is it that time of year already? Oh yes it is....The Chicago Green City Market has…

Le Lan
Neighborhood: Near North Side

749 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60686

Edward H. writes: I managed to sneak a reservation in on their Tuesday night (prix fixe!!!!) just prior to their dinner rush.  The $38 prix fixe includes any soup/salad, entree, and dessert on their menu.

My gf and I were treated to some tasty treats.  We started off…

Pink Polish Nail Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side

670 N. Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60686

elizabeth n. writes: I think I found my new favorite place to get a manicure/pedicure!  I walked into Pink Polish and right away was told to sit down in one of the massage chairs for the pedicure.  Love the massage chairs and the plasma with E News on- celebrity gossip…

Que Syrah Fine Wines
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3726 N Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60686

Ashley K. writes: "The best of life is but intoxication" --- Lord Byron

This shop and its staff are truly charming! I tend to have champagne taste on a beer budget, so I have tried several bottles from the clearance section, located at the back of the store, and have…

Raizy
Neighborhood: Bucktown

1944 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Rachael W. writes: Raizy is owned by my cousin, who a long, long time ago also used to go by the name Raizy. Now she goes by Renee and she owns this awesome girlie store in Chicago. Yay for cute undie connections!

If you haven't checked out Raizy yet, you should. She…

Crate & Barrel
Neighborhood: Near North Side, DePaul

850 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Patrick W. writes: I found out yesterday that the best time to get here on a Saturday is 10am. Not long after that, the parking lot becomes an absolute zoo. Even old people will stop just short of ramming your car to get into a spot first.
Nevertheless, the store is…

Los Nopales
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4544 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Colleen C. writes: Holy mother of avocados, this place has the best damn guacamole north of Mexico. I am not kidding.

A large order for the table is enough for 4 avocado-lovin' junkies. I generally get a side order and it's plenty...

Mmmm. no for real. One must try it.…

See Eyewear
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2531 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

Andrea R. writes: I was putting on my glasses the other day and my brother commented "how long have you had those things?"  Hmmmm....maybe my eyeglasses from high school just aren't cool anymore?  It's probably time to get some new ones.

I'm well aware that my…

Chicago Bulls
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1901 W. Madison
Chicago, IL 60612

Alichia S. writes: The Chicago Bulls will always be my favorite NBA team, even if I ever move from this town, which is highly unlikely. Growing up in the 'Chicago-land' area I got to live the glory days of the back to back to back championships.

Even now going to games…

The Grafton
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4530 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Jerry M. writes: I'm a sucker for a good IRISH (had to change it from what I had previously) pub, a SUCKER I tell ya. They got it all!

Moody low lights, check.

Strongbow on tap, check.

GOOD fish and chips, check.

Curry to go with the fries, check.

Good friends, oh, I had…

Artopolis Bakery & Cafe
Neighborhood: Near West Side, Greektown

306 S Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60661

Ed U. writes: Wear your Ray-Bans...
Smile broadly...
Clap your hands to the rhythm...
Now look up and sway your head...yeah you got it...
"Do I do, what I do, when I do...my love for baklava...all right."

After a hearty slab of braised lamb at the Parthenon Restaurant…

San Soo Gab San
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

5247 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Lori L. writes: If I had a conversation with God, this is how I imagine it would play out.

Me:  "Hi God.  What's up?'
God:  "Oh, not much.  Just trying to keep the human race from imploding."
Me:  "Oh, that's all?  Well, could you squeeze in one little favor for me.'…