Since the start of the pandemic many local businesses and restaurants have been forced to shut down leaving the owners and employees with little to no income. Unfortunately, many businesses have had to close down forever because of this. This is a huge issue across the world as well as in our own backyard of Chicago. At the moment indoor dining is not allowed here and it is too cold for most places to stay open for outdoor dining. Because of this, places are either closed or offer take out and delivery which is barely keeping them afloat. While mainly big restaurants or chain restaurants are struggling as well, the small and local ones are struggling the most which is why the community of Chicago should support this local restaurants. Here I will give a few of my own local restaurants that I am supporting and believe you should support as well.
Beard & Belly is located in Edgewater right on North Broadway by the Granville Redline stop. Along with this restaurant is their delicious Honey Pie Bakeshop which features different pies all of the time. The restaurant itself provides many options including unique burgers, incredible poutine, and a yummy brunch on the weekends.
2. Siena Tavern
Located on West Kinzie, Siena Tavern is the kind of place you leave fully stuffed with no regrets. They have some of the best Italian food in Chicago and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Unfortunately, the pandemic doesn’t allow for us to enjoy the moody ambiance of the restaurant but the food is enough to take the plunge and indulge in their pizza, pasta, and giant meatball.
3. Berry Pike
This cafe is doing it right! Berry Pike is located in Evanston and has some of the best breakfast sandwiches and smoothies. They make each sandwich perfectly which is what keeps you coming back. They have other great sandwich options as well if you’re not a breakfast sandwich kind of person and they have sweet breakfast options as well.
A perfect little place to go to when you’re craving some good bar food. Located near Gold Coast, Dublin’s prides itself in its Irish heritage and leaves you satisfied in the end. My personal fave is the grilled ham and cheese with waffle fries.
5. JB’s Deli
The Jewish deli is something special! Not only do they have amazing breakfast sandwiches and matzo ball soup but they have many different traditional Jewish dishes. It’s located in Edgewater and the cool thing about this deli is that it’s a pharmacy as well.
6. Moody’s Pub
Moody’s pub is a great place to go to when you’re craving some good pub food. It’s located in Edgewater and offers many tasty selections. When they were open for outdoor dining they had pitchers of sangria for about twenty dollars and they got the job done. They may still have this offer to go but I would call to find out.
I’ve only been here once but it’s safe to say it’s one of my favorite sushi places. There are two locations; one in Wicker Park and the other in Lincoln Park. They have unlimited sushi for an amazing price where you can try as many different rolls as you’d like.
If you want spicy Thai food this is the place for you. Pho’s has locations in Rogers Park, Lakeview, and Lincoln Square and offers a great selection of Thai food. You can choose between no spice, mild spice, mild plus, medium, hot, and extra hot. I recommend the chicken fried rice with mild plus.
With locations in Lakeview, Wrigleyville, River West, and the Loop, Roost is the spot to go for some good old fashioned chicken. Whether you like it spicy or not you can build your own chicken sandwich and choose amazing sides. I always go with a side of Mac and cheese and a side of green beans.
10. Handlebar
This amazing vegan and vegetarian restaurant is located in Wicker Park. They take simple meals and turn them into something unique, and they do it well. If you’re someone who doesn’t think they enjoy vegan or vegetarian food, this place will change your mind. They also have a great brunch and killer French toast.