“Spotted by Locals” might as well be the nickname of the this colorful art shop/gallery–Sacred Art is 100% LOCAL. They sell original artwork created by Chicago and Midwest-based artists, ranging from paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, to one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirts, blown-glass, and miniature wind-up dioramas of pea-sized pirate ships (truly magical). I love Sacred Art, not only because they promote the work of local artists, but because the owners are almost always there, along with their irresistible door-dog Louie, engaging with folks about the stories behind the work that they sell. I have lived in Chicago over ten years, and every time I leave this space, I feel a little bit more “in-the-know” and connected to the city when I leave.
Moreover, Sacred Art’s location is a major bonus. It’s situated on Lincoln Avenue, the “main drag” through Lincoln Square, Chicago’s old German neighborhood. The stretch is sprinkled with local shops and restaurants like Mertz Apothecary, Gene’s Sausage Shop, Huettenbar, Timeless Toys, the Book Cellar, and the Grind Cafe, plus arts and entertainment hubs like One River School of Art, Old Town School of Folk, and my personal favorite directly across the street from Sacred Art–the Davis Theater, one of the few old-school, boutique movie theater in the city! I love feeding my right-brain with local art followed by cinema with a glass of wine Yep, there’s a bar connected to the theater and, yes, you can take your drinks to your seats!
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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116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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