Top 5 Specialty Food in Cook County

7549 W Montrose Ave, Norridge, IL 60706, United States

“First visit and I had the strawberry shortcake sundae with two scoops. I had strawberry cheesecake and lemon cheesecake ice cream. It was delicious but two scoops was too much got me. They have a variety of options to choose from to satisfy your sweet tooth. The lines get long but move quick. Definitely will be back again.”

655 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“I recently dined here and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. The food was truly amazing, and I was particularly impressed by the flavorful meats. The owner proudly mentioned their ranking among the top 100 Mediterranean restaurants in the Midwest, and I wholeheartedly agree that they deserve such recognition. In my opinion, Cedar Place Restaurant is the best Mediterranean restaurant I've tried so far in the Midwest. The delicious flavors and welcoming atmosphere made it a memorable dining experience. Will be back soon for their garlic sauce! Bring cash to avoid the 3.5% credit card fee. Limited Street parking.”

5812 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660, United States

“The food here was AMAZING!! The shrimp was delicious as was the crab Rangoon. We had the tonkatsu ramen and the Tom kha soups and they had wonderful flavor. All the staff was so nice and the chocolate mousse pie to end the meal was decadent and rich!”

570 E Devon Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, United States

“I recently had the pleasure of trying Polish cuisine for the first time, and my experience was nothing short of delightful. The restaurant, which is family-owned, exudes a cozy ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The hospitality was warm and welcoming, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall dining experience. To begin my culinary journey, I opted for two different soups – the mushroom soup and the chicken noodle soup. Both were masterfully crafted, offering rich and distinct flavors that set the stage for the rest of the meal. The mushroom soup had a comforting earthiness, while the chicken noodle soup was a hearty and satisfying choice. Moving on to the pierogi, I indulged in a variety of flavors that showcased the diversity of Polish cuisine. The sauerkraut mushroom pierogi was a standout, with a perfect balance of tanginess from the sauerkraut and the savory goodness of mushrooms. The potato and cheese pierogi were equally delicious, featuring a creamy and flavorful filling encased in perfectly cooked dough. For those craving something beyond traditional pierogi, the kebab was a delightful surprise. Cooked to perfection, the kebab offered a juicy and well-seasoned meat that added a delightful twist to my Polish culinary adventure. As a sweet ending to my meal, I couldn't resist trying the dessert pierogi. The blueberry pierogi was a burst of fruity goodness, with a sweet and tart filling that left me craving for more. The farmer cheese pierogi, on the other hand, provided a rich and creamy indulgence that perfectly concluded my feast. Overall, my first experience with Polish food at this establishment was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen, showcasing a careful balance of flavors and textures. The commitment to quality and authenticity shone through in every bite. What truly sets this place apart is not just the delectable food but also the sense of being in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. The cozy ambiance, coupled with the genuine hospitality, made the dining experience memorable and enjoyable. I am already looking forward to my next visit, eager to explore more of the menu and savor the incredible flavors that Polish cuisine has to offer. If you're a fan of delicious food, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere, this restaurant is a definite must-try. I wholeheartedly recommend it and am confident that, like me, you'll be eager to return for another delightful dining experience.”

6708 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631, United States

“Came here about 3 times now. I am new to the neighborhood. Great prices and everything was fresh on my sub, but I did feel as the bread has been a little bit on the hard side each time.”

901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

“One of the best sandwiches you could buy around this area. The staff is very friendly, and the sub comes out fast. Mr. G is a must try!”

1150 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

“Amazing food, great customer service. Some of the best fried rice and fried chicken in Chicago. Will be returning asap!”

3241 95th St, Evergreen Park, IL 60805, United States

“I've been going there for years, and I live in Indiana. I absolutely love their Danishs, especially their plain Danish. Friendly staff and great selection of baked goods 👍 …”

1260 N Dearborn St, W Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

“So happy to find out that this cafe managed to stay open for so many years. I finally got the chance to come back after over 30 years and was pleasantly surprised that it has retained so much of its charm. It was a great place to feel nostalgic and fall in love with Chicago all over again.”

8100 S Roberts Rd, Justice, IL 60458, United States

“Highlander potato pancakes”

1437 W Chicago Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

“This is a family-owned small business that serves great Puerto Rican food. They always have fresh food prepared daily and they have different specials and soups everyday. I've been coming here for the past 5 years and it is a real nice gem. Sandra always gives amazing service and it is a pleasure to be there. The decor is very old school with booths and tables which adds to the authenticity of its customers and staff. I highly recommended this place.”

333 S State St, 8 E Van Buren St Unit C13, Chicago, IL 60604, United States

“This is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in Chicago - they absolutely nail EVERYTHING. The waiters are exceptional - they are attentive and friendly, and if you dine in I really recommend sitting in one of the seats that is a hammock. …”

3025-3113 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“I had the best Sunday morning at Logan Square. The farmers and artisans are so friendly, so lovely! The Midwest charm and welcoming air are on grand display at this market. Try the cheeses, so good! And the fruits and vegetables are as tasty as if I grew them in my backyard. Breads, pastries, pastas, sauce, all yummy. I also had the best coffee from the cafe on the street. Love it all, and I can't wait to visit again next year! Thank you for a memorable day, Logan Square Farmers Market.”

3358 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

“A little gem of a restaurant. Very courteous service. The food list is limited, but sufficient. We only wished there were a couple of more vegetarian options. But the two we had - the Bruscheta and Arancini were fantastic. The wine was wonderful also. Definitely would love to go back.”

16111 South La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL 60467, United States

“I've dined here many times and have never had a bad meal. They have a bar and high tops near the bar and a dining room and an outside patio for dining when it's nice out. I usually try and grab a seat at the bar and then end up staying there to eat as well. The free bread and oil is good; and the salads, pizza, linguine and clams are some of my fave items to order. They have a standard menu and also offer a specials menu. Last time I went they had a grouper entree on special and I tried it as I love grouper. It was seasoned and broiled nicely. It can get crowded by the bar and you may have to wait awhile to get a drink but the staff is always pleasant and make good cocktails. This is one of my fave Italian restaurants in Orland.”

1315 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

“Found this place through a google search after a conference at McCormick place. Great Hawaiian decor creates a lonely atmosphere. The server was pleasant and the food was amazing! I can't remember the names of our dishes or the name of my drink. But they were all excellent! (sorry)”

1419 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“Solid spot, expecting bar food and was blown away by pretty much everything. Garlic knots were incredible (drenched in butter), spinach artichoke dip was super flavorful (tortilla chips were stupid salty- chill out yo). Deep dish pizza was probably the real hidden gem. That sauce was tangy, good bread and overall a real solid pie that can actually be held. 10/10 solid spot to grab a beer bite and watch any game.”

1780 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, United States

“Service was great, but be warned when they offer you soup or salad after you order your entree it is NOT included. We were surprised to see it on our bill, the server should have clarified it was additional. From how she phrased it, it sounded like it was included and we had to pick from the choices. Pork chop was amazing, I ordered my ribeye steak medium rare and it came close to well done. The top of the macaroni and cheese was hard and dry like it was sitting under the heat lamp for too long, and it could have used more sauce. I expected better for a $400 bill. The appetizers, blue cheese wedge salad and beet salad were fantastic, drinks were great, but overall disappointed with the main meal. I wish I sent back the steak. Update: realized I was billed for the trio steak sauces but they were never brought to the table.”

1237 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, United States

“My dad used to take us to Homer’s in the 1980’s on our way back from visiting his mom in a nursing home. The only ice cream (and one of few desserts) I ever saw him eat so it has special memories for me. But other than ordering it at restaurants around Chicagoland that carry Homer’s, I haven’t been back in 30 years. Finally went on a perfect summer midweek afternoon with my mom. It was exactly like I remembered it. Super quaint / fun throw back. We had no wait and when the employee realized we were going to split a small, he said he could do a split small with half of two flavors! I was impressed with this option and with his excellent service. We ordered the seasonal peach and the pecan praline. Peach was good but the pecan praline was superb (I’m biased - it has their vanilla as the base and I love vanilla). Nice small pieces of nuts not huge chunks. I used the bathroom and was pleasantly surprised that it was perfectly clean, had paper, and worked well, despite several negative Yelp reviews. Now I just wonder why it took me 30 years to return. I can’t wait to go back!”

9144 S Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805, United States

“One of my favorite spots outside of the city limits. Parking lot on two sides, but there is street parking just be sure to read the signs. They take reservations, but you can walk in. You may have a wait or not at all, depends on day and time. Service is nice, professional, and quick. Have patient if you are with a big group, there may be a small wait time for food but nothing too extreme. I haven’t heard anyone complain about the drinks, they have an extensive list of options. The food is fresh!!! I have been several times over and have never been disappointed. They provide a lot of food (main course), the portions will leave you with leftovers. Nice atmosphere for girls dinner, a date, or meeting over a meal.”