Living in a city with harsh, cold winters, it is crucial to find a favorite hot spot. As a self-proclaimed soup connoisseur, I have tried my fair share of delis and diners and have found no better place to warm up with a bowl of soup than at The Bagel.
This 50s-styled spot is a classic staple in Chicago’s diner scene. With a rotating weekly soup special menu, it’s a hard choice to make deciding what soup to start out with; however, nothing beats the classics at this diner. Serving massive matzo balls and gallon-size bowls of mish mosh soup, the traditional deli favorites are always my first choice.
Although a difficult task, I always try to save some room in order to enjoy one of the delicious deli sandwiches or specialties offered on the restaurant’s expansive menu. I’ve found that the Bagel’s tuna salad or chicken salad sandwich ($ 10.95) is the perfect pairing to follow a bowl of delicious soup. If you’re truly lucky, you’ll visit the diner with a friend who is willing to split both sandwiches, allowing you to enjoy all of the delicious diner favorites this downtown delicatessen has to offer.
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The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.
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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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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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