Chicago is known as being a foodie’s paradise. While the city is filled with award-winning restaurants backed by well-known chefs, there are also numerous little-known eateries around this city that are just as good as the better-known places. Many of these hidden gems may become your new go-to restaurant in Chicago.
Located in Bucktown along North Damen Avenue, Feast Restaurant is a hidden gem for diners. This often-overlooked restaurant is located in the Intercontinental Hotel. Feast features a bistro-style menu and is known for serving up a terrific brunch and mouthwatering entrees. The food at Feast has an eclectic American style. The menu is ever-changing to ensure only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used. On Wednesdays, there is a prix fixe menu, which includes two courses and a glass of wine for $25. Feast has a casual atmosphere complete with an outdoor dining patio during the summer.
Feast Restaurant
1616 North Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-772-7100
feastrestaurant.com
Half Shell, situated on West Diversey Parkway, was named "Best Hidden Gem in Chicago" by Sneaky Sunday. This restaurant serves some of the best fresh seafood in the city, all at affordable prices. Despite being open since 1968, this pub and oyster bar maintains a small neighborhood feel. The décor of Half Shell may leave some wanting, but the fried shrimp or crab legs won't. This restaurant accepts cash only, so visit an ATM en route . Half Shell is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. during the week and until midnight on weekends.
Half Shell
676 West Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
773-549-1773
halfshellchicago.com
Located in Logan Square is the small, little-known restaurant called El Cubanito. Locals flock to El Cubanito, and occasionally groups wait patiently to get seats in this hole in the wall. The outside of El Cubanito is memorable, with vivid colors covering the exterior of this renovated garage. In addition to relaxing at limited inside seating, patrons can order food through a small walk-up window. El Cubanito is best known for its sandwiches and for Café con Leche with Toast. Locals recommend the Cuban Sandwich, which is filled with ham and pork, perfectly melted cheese, mustard, peppers, hot sauce and shoestring potatos. El Cubanito is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
El Cubanito
2555 North Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60639
773-235-2555
