Hopleaf started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of those in Ghent or Bruges, Belgium. Although they've added a restaurant and patio, the main entrance still opens to the original tavern, with a dark wood bar, little stools, low tables, and a few wood booths. I enjoy sitting in the old tavern most, though there is a potbelly stove nestled among the tables of the dining area that maintains Hopleaf's coziness and charm in the larger restaurant space.
No matter where you're sitting, you can be guaranteed warm aromas tinged with an addicting mixture of malt, frites, and the buttery broth served with some of the best mussels in Chicago. Hopleaf's beer list is extensive, and while they specialize in unique Belgian brews, they have something for everyone. I also really appreciate that their menu includes a description of each beer, in addition to the usual notes about glass size and alcohol content. If beer isn't your thing, or your just feeling too full, definitely try some of their wines on tap, which you can get by the glass, half or full carafe.
You'll probably notice on each pint glass is the Hopleaf logo, which actually says "Michael & Louise's Hopleaf Tavern." They're still the owners, support the neighborhood, and are very likely to be seen around the place on any given day. Hopleaf is their baby. Speaking of babies, leave yours at home. Hopleaf remains a 21+ bar, a tradition maintained since its tavern beginnings.
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
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They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
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The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
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There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
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While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
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BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
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Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.
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