RESTAURANTS and SHOPPING

A GRAND NIGHT OUT

  • Arcos De Cuchilleros
    3445 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    773.296.6046
    A very quaint Tapas Restaurant with a romantic outdoor patio with trellised ivy and hanging lights. Serving amazing sangria, small plates of tantalizing grilled mushrooms, shrimp, and other wonders.

  • The Bangkok Cafe
    3542 N. Halsted

    773.327.2870
    Fine Thai Cuisine

  • Blue Mesa
    1729 N. Halsted, Near the Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater.

    Reservations 312.944.5990
    Southwestern Flare Cuisine.

  • Buca Di Beppo
    2941 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    Reservations 773.348.7673
    A nice Casual Fine Italian Dining experience.

  • The Chicago Diner
    3411 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    773.935.6696
    Known for their vegetarian & kosher delights! Great Eggplant Parmesan.

  • Chicago Pizza & Ovengrinders
    2121 N. Clark Street
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.2570
    Highly recommended: The Mediterranean bread, The vegetarian or meat pizza "in a bowl". Remember: Cash only and no reservations!

  • Cy's Crab House
    3819 N. Ashland
    Chicago, IL
    773.883.8900
    Seafood and Mediterranean Dining. Fresh Crab Plate or Blackened Swordfish Recommended.

  • DISH Restaurant
    3651 N. Southport
    Chicago, IL
    773.549.8614

  • Ed Debevics
    50's Rock 'n Roll diner! Fun - not Goth at all but they love everyone as long as you know how to have fun!

  • El Tapatio Cafe
    3400 N Ashland On the corner of Ashland and Roscoe.
    Chicago, IL
    773.327.5475
    Mexican Dining in a very quaint atmosphere with candles on the tables and outdoor sidewalk cafe. Affordable and romantic. Highly recommended: The "synchronizadas de papas" - a layered tortilla, potato, guacamole, diced tomato, lettuce, black beans and spices dish - marvelous! To wash it all down, order their large margarita - you'll thank me later!

  • Emilio's Tapas
    444 W. Fullerton Pkwy. (at Clark)
    Chicago, IL
    773-327-5100
    great food and service there no matter how I've been dressed and there's items on the menu for any budget

  • Flat Top Grill
    3200 N. Southport AND 1400 Belmont
    Chicago, IL
    773.665.8100
    Create your own stir fry! A Symphony of fresh veggies, sauces, and tofu ready to be grilled to order! And it's all you can eat vegetarian!

  • Fuel
    3724 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.3330
    next to Metro

  • Geja's Cafe
    340 W. Armitage
    Chicago, IL
    773.281.9101
    Famous for their fondues and wine!

  • The House of Blues Restaurant
    329 N. Dearborn
    Chicago, IL
    312.923.2000
    If you like Cajun food this is a good spot! I recommend the voodoo Shrimp appetizer to start, then to the Cajun dishes (or even the Cheeseburgers). For dessert get the key lime pie, banana pudding bread OR the beggar's purse (which is really good)! It isn't a cheap eat, but the appetizers are big enough to have as a meal so that helps when on a budget.

  • Jeanny's Chinese Cuisine
    1053 W. Belmont
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.1133
    Vegetarian

  • Jezebel
    3517 N. Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.4000
    Beautiful Romantic Atmosphere and good gourmet vegetarian mediterranean food. Valet Parking.

  • Jin Ju
    5203 North Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773.334.6377
    Contemporary Korean Cuisine

  • La Creperie
    2845 N. Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773.528.9050
    French Cuisine in a little cafe atmosphere that magically transports you to France. Has an outdoor patio with ivy and flowers.

  • Le Loup Cafe
    3348 N. Sheffield
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.1830
    A cozy cafe nestled in the heart of the Fun Sheffield/Clark District.

  • Leona's Restaurant
    773.327.8861
    A Family owned Pizzaria with Italian Cuisine.

  • Matsuya
    3469 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    Reservations 773.248.2677
    Undeniably the BEST Sushi restaurant around. Authenticity is the key behind this highly recommended dining experience. Try their plum wine!

  • Medieval Times
    ! I-90 & Roselle Rd.
    Schaumburg, IL
    Reservations 847.843.3900
    Dinner & Tournament - Chicago's only Medieval Dinner-Theater Attraction!

  • Nakayoshi Sushi Restaurant
    919 W. Belmont.
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.9333
    BYOB!

  • P S Bangkok
    (1) 3345 N. Clark (2) 2521 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    (1) 773.871.7777 (2) 773.348.0072
    Original taste of Thai food.

  • Pan Asia Cafe
    3443 N. Sheffield
    Chicago, IL
    773.880.0008
    A Favorite Asian Restaurant with a relaxing authentic atmosphere.

  • Penny's Noodles
    3400 N. Sheffield
    Chicago, IL
    773.281.8222
    Highly Recommended by Gothic Chicago for The Best Thai Noodles in Chicago! Casual Dining with outdoor patio.

  • Que Rico
    2814 N. Southport
    Chicago, IL
    Reservations 773.975.7436
    Mexican Dining in a gorgeous renovated villa. With tiled floors, bright fresco paintings, a stucco patio, and rustic Mexican furniture - you'll be transported to an evening in Mexico. We recommend their margaritas and sangria. Oh!, and the food is fabulous too!

  • Raw Bar
    773-348-7291
    Full menu of exquisite seafood, and wonderful cuts of mouth-watering steaks to chose from. For those a bit more adventurous, they also offer a wide selection of appetizers including shark, alligator, ostrich, and octopus. For the late-nighters, they serve dinner until one AM, closing at two, and are open for lunch. The atmosphere is very comfortable and laidback, With the whole staff always making sure to do whatever they can to make your visit special. The drinks are phenomenal. It does have a full bar, but is well known for it gigantic delectable martini menu; just try to get through a meal without sampling one along side of their endorphin rushing, pituitary gland stimulating desserts. The prices are right on, and an average meal without drinks will run around $25. Reservations are recommended for weekends, but usually if you just walk in, you'll be seated within ten minutes, or if you like to sit at the bar, you can be served dinner right there. Raw bar is located in Wrigley Ville at (3720 N. Clark street) 773-348-7291, approx. 2 blocks north of Addison. There is street parking, or plenty of pay lots within the vicinity that will cost you around $8-$10 to park.

  • Reza's
    5255 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.561.1898
    Persian Mediterranean Cuisine with a friendly atmosphere and floor to ceiling glass windows. The aroma alone will fill you up!

  • Rudi's Wine Bar & Cafe
    2424 N. Ashland Ave.
    Chicago, IL
    Reservations 773.404.7834
    Italian Cuisine like I've never tasted before! Definitely worth every cent you pay for a special occasion. The owner, Rudi, walks around and chats with all the customers! Very friendly and cordial.

  • Standard India Restaurant
    773.929.1123
    Located at 917 W. Belmont, near Clark street has a delicious, reasonably priced buffet. The place smells of yummy curry, saffron and nan bread. Just the place to meet a friend for dinner.

  • Star of India,
    3204 N. Sheffield Ave.
    773-525-2100
    very yummy, good buffet

  • Thai This!
    1123 1/2 W. Belmont.
    Chicago, IL
    773.528.1609
    Thai Cuisine and BYOB! Vegetarian

  • Trader Todd's
    3216 N. Sheffield
    Chicago, IL
    773.975.8383

  • Twisted Spoke
    3365 N. Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773-525-5300
    Thai Cuisine and BYOB! Vegetarian

  • Uncle Tannous
    2626 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    Lebanese Cuisine with elegant presentation in the exotic vegetarian plates at this friendly local favorite! Very charming and cozy interior.

  • Viennese Kaffe-haus Brandt
    3423 N. Southport
    Chicago, IL
    773.528.2220
    indoor and outdoor seating. Hearty food.


CHEAP EATS

  • Addis Abeba
    3521 N. Clark St
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.9383
    Ethiopian Vegetarian Cuisine.

  • Big City Tap
    1010 W Belmont Ave
    Chicago, IL
    773-935-1138
    inexpensive bar/deli food, good service

  • Big Horse
    1558 N. Milwaukee
    Chicago, IL
    773.384.0043
    OK, this is a very small Mexican restaurant near the 6 corners in Wicker Park next to Double Door. This is not a place for vegetarians, but they have some of the BEST burritos in Chicago.

  • Chicago Style Grill
    2572 N. Clark by Wrightwood -
    Chicago, IL
    773.477.9927
    VERY greasy but can't go wrong with $2.00 for hot dog, fries and drink!

  • Clarke's
    930 W. Belmont
    Chicago, IL
    773.404.7901
    Cheap American Diner food.

  • Erwin's
    2925 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    773.528.7200

  • Ethiopian Village
    3462 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.8300
    Winner of the Chef 2000 Award. Specializing in dairyless vegan cuisine and receives acclaim for their buffet and affordable prices AND BYOB!(All you can eat buffet $6.95 weekdays & $7.95 weekends)including live African music. Slow and relaxed service - enjoy!

  • Fiesta Aranda's
    958 Belmont
    Chicago, IL
    773.871.5300
    Hearty Mexican food. Quick fuel if you're on the go!

  • Ginger Restaurant Inn
    2585 N. Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773.348.6888
    Chinese food $5.95 all-you-can-eat or fill up in a carry-out box

  • Golden Apple
    2971 N. Lincoln Avenue
    Chicago, IL
    773.528.1413
    Right in the heart of Lakeview. This is a standard diner with a wide variety of dishes. Open real late and convenient!

  • The Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House
    4744 N. Broadway near Lawrence
    Chicago, IL
    773.334.0406
    Cheap eats and right next to the Riviera Music Venue. Open late

  • Golden Nugget
    2720 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.0724
    Cheap food, good diner coffee and convenient! Open late.

  • Heartland Cafe
    7000 Glenwood Avenue
    Chicago, IL
    773.465.8005
    Cool interior & outdoor cafe. Live bands & artist gift shop.

  • International House of Pancakes
    3760 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    773.296.0048
    An American Tradition.

  • Kitsch'N
    2005 W. Roscoe
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.7372
    Great little cafe in Roscoe Village and has a front patio.

  • Kopi Cafe
    5317 N. Clark.
    Chicago, IL
    773.989.5674
    A traveler's cafe full of worldly items for sale. A slow paced cafe to relax with friends.

  • Mamacita
    2439 N. Clark AND 3324 N. Broadway
    Chicago, IL
    Try the vegetarian quesadillas - outstanding! AND it's BYOB! Hit or miss on the service though...hang out and relax, you're not in a hurry at this place!

  • Mi Tierra
    1039 W. Belmont
    Chicago, IL
    773.929.7955
    Mexican Restaurant. Open daily for Lunch and Dinner.

  • Nervous Center
    Need to boost your caffeine intake? Let me suggest Nervous Center, located on Lincoln Avenue right next to the Davis Theatre. The place is decorated in thrift shop weird and serves Coffee to wake the dead and a ginger ale to crack your teeth. There is also a thrift shop in back and lots of bizarre stuff to read. It makes a nice friendly gathering place. Closed on Mondays though.

  • Nookies Too
    2121 N. Halsted
    Chicago, IL
    773.327.1400
    Cheap Diner Food and good coffee. in Friendly Boystown.

  • Oggi's Trattoria Cafe
    1378 W. Grand (3 blocks East of Ashland)
    Chicago, IL
    312.733.0442
    Family owned Italian Cafe. Highly recommended: The Margarita Pizza 16" and their large sized fountain coca cola! Good food on a budget or not.

  • Pick Me Up Cafe
    3408 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.248.6613
    Open 24 hours on the weekends! Great meeting place and open until 3am nightly.

  • Salt & Pepper Diner
    3537 N. Clark St.
    Chicago, IL
    773.883.9800
    Kind of a 50's retro look to this small diner. Easy on your wallet. Packed on the weekends though but turnover is quick.

  • Ann Sathers
    929 W. Belmont Ave
    Chicago, IL
    Great cinnamon rolls and Swedish food. They are also very active in social activities, for example the Aids walk, sponsoring fight against cancer events, local street fairs, etc.

  • Screenz Digital Universe
    2717 N. Clark
    Chicago, IL
    773.244.1633
    Internet Cafe.

  • Twisted Spoke
    501 N Ogden at Grand Avenue.
    Chicago, IL
    312.666.1500
    A sort of "Harley Davidson" Biker Restaurant with a tamed approach to it! Very cool place and very cool people. Larger than large portions so make sure you are HUNGRY!

  • Wishbone
    3300 N Lincoln Avenue
    Chicago, IL
    773.549.2663
    A local Chicago favorite for their "Crunchy" French Toast, Amazing Gravy & Biscuits, and omelettes. Beware: Packed on weekends.

NOTE: some of the names, locations etc may change. be safe, call ahead before heading out!