West Town and Ukrainian Village sit just west of downtown, between the Loop and Wicker Park. They're quieter than their neighbors, but the food per block is some of the best in the city.
Grand Avenue's Italian sub row
A stretch of Grand Avenue is Chicago's best street for the giardiniera-loaded Italian sub.
- Bari: the classic deli, with house giardiniera that has real heat.
- D'Amato's Bakery: the bread comes out of an old coal oven, and it makes the sub.
- Tempesta Market: the modern version, with house-cured meats and spicy 'nduja. Get The Dante.
Pizza
- Pizz'Amici: the thinnest, crackliest tavern-style crust in town. Go early.
- Milly's Pizza in the Pan: a pan pizza with a crust like fried focaccia. It sells out, so order ahead.
Bakeries and breakfast
- Kasama: a Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant with a daytime pastry counter. Try the ube basque cake.
- Publican Quality Bread: the bakery behind half the bread at Chicago's best restaurants.
- Uncle Mike's Place: a no-frills diner serving Filipino breakfast. Get the longganisa with garlic rice.
Everything else
- Fatso's Last Stand: the char dog locals name first. Chicago dog guide →
- Rudy's Ramen: a short menu, done right.
- Cafe Central: a longtime Puerto Rican diner with a crisp-edged jibarito.
- Black Dog Gelato: small-batch gelato. Try the goat cheese cashew caramel.
Thinking about living on this side of town? Browse apartment buildings in Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square →