"Kibbitz" in Yiddish loosely means "to stand around talking." Likewise, kibbitznest books, brews & blarney (a self-proclaimed "book bar") is a wifi-free space, promoting face-to-face chats. This is a beautiful space filled with books to buy (both new and used), a great spot to study, or the perfect meetup to grab a beer and play a board game. They also have a "little noshes" menu featuring cheese plates, hot dogs, and ice cream from Chicago's local shop, Johnson's.
This hybrid place is special because not only are they a nonprofit preserving tangible books, but they also create a cozy collective with their inviting space that begets conversation. Occasionally, they'll host live music or readings in the back room. Whenever I've been to kibbitznest, it feels like I've entered a few decades back before cell phones and laptops; plus, it's extremely relaxing and I could sit there pleasantly for hours.
Everyone at kibbitznest seems to engage with one another and this is a spot book lovers shouldn't miss. While there are plenty of bookstores in Chicago at large, here, the staff can provide suggestions for you or you can come without a book agenda to rest, chat, eat, sip tea or beer, and enjoy the ambiance.
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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I absolutely adore coming to Chiu Quon Bakery right when it opens and devouring their sweet and savory buns and steamed dumplings. Delicious!
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116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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