Chilango1437 West TaylorIf you enjoy burritos, empanadas, tacos and more than this is a place to check. The vibrant colors inside the restaurant makes for a fun environment. This little joint is usually full of UIC, Rush and other students. I ordered a steak burrito and can’t stop thinking about it since the last time I got one. Not to make any extreme comments, but this might place might be better than that one place that rhymes with “Flipotle.” I also ordered a nutella-banana empanada. After taking my first bite I knew what true love was. The nutella was warm and gooey, and since this empanada has 3 or 4 slices of bananas in it, it’s pretty healthy.Â
Good Stuff Eatery22 S WabashGood Stuff Eatery is a new take on the classic American-burger place. They specialize in handcrafted burgers, freshly cut fries and hand-spun milkshakes. The restaurants motto is to bring their customers the best quality food, even if that means they have to spend a little more on ingredients. Their menu has a wide range of burgers, including farm raised beef, turkey and mushroom burgers, sweet potato fries and fresh salads. The even have a pair of burgers in honor of POTUS and FLOTUS, Barack and Michelle Obama. The “Prez Obama Burger” has applewood bacon, onion marmalade, roquefort cheese and horseradish mayo. My mouth is watering.
Joy Noodles & Rice3257 N Broadway StI love Thai food, I love Thai restaurants, I’ve been to countless places here in the city. But Joy’s has got to be the best place I’ve been to. Their Pad Thai is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Their crab rangoons are creamy and freshly fried every time. Their menu also has curry and rice dishes. But I don’t know why you wouldn’t get Pad Thai or any other of their delicious noodle dishes. Another plus is that this place is BYOB. Are you on your way there yet?
Volcano Sushi1062 West Taylor StreetRight behind UIC’s campus is where this gem is located. Their all you can eat sushi lunch special runs from 11 am to 4 pm and is only $15! Not only is it a deal, it’s a steal. Their menu has all your favorites on it like the california, boston and philly rolls. But thats just to name a few, they also offer signature rolls. Unfortunately they have a two hour sitting limit, but you can always go home, take a nap and come back for their dinner special of all you can eat sushi (for only $20).
Pasta Palazzo1966 North HalstedIf you love pasta, you have to check this place out! Pasta Palazzo offers authentic Italian food with a family friendly environment. Their menu is loaded with homemade pastas, salads and sandwiches. They would even love to cater any event you’re having, or if you just want to eat enough food for 20 people.  My family and I tried out this restaurant right after I turned 21. I ordered their house made sangria, and it came with a serving of fruit in the glass. And whats that saying, “a serving of fruit in your alcholic beverage a day keeps the doctor away.”
L’Appetito Cafe875 North Michigan Avenus30 E. Huron3332 N. Broadway StreetWith three locations, there is no reason not to try out this delicious Italian cafe. There is a location right off the Chicago Red Line stop, right past the Water Tower and across from the Cheesecake Factory. It’s a perfect place to go to on a hot summer Chicago day, and get some freshly made gelato. But what makes ice cream different from gelato. It is generally lower in sugar, calories and fat. In summary, gelato is really healthy and good for the soul. Go check out what flavors they’re offering now!
Dawaii Mediterranean Kitchen1625 North HalstedI’ve been to this restaurant twice in the last month because I cannot get enough of their homemade hummus. Here are a few adjectives to describe this restaurant: really good, byob, homemade, exotic, great lighting for selfies, fantastic, amazing, exotic. Their menu offers something for every one including vegetartian, vegan, dairy and gluten free options also. I recommend getting their hummus entree with either chicken, beef or lamb. For two reasons: 1. their hummus and 2. their meat is slow cooked, juicy and tender.Â
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