Z Gallerie
Neighborhood: Near North Side, DePaul

938 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Evann G. writes: My pineapple candle from Z Gallerie makes the living room smell like Hawaii, even when it's not lit. Amazing.

I love Z Gallerie. Sometimes overpriced, but I've found a lot of awesome deals here. Plus, it's super fun to browse. And a great place to buy…

Sushi X
Neighborhood: Noble Square, River West

1136 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Mike K. writes: If there ever was a boutique sushi take away, Sushi X would be it.  The first thing you'll immediately notice is the amount of attention paid to their packaging.  They have their own specially designed carry out plastic bag, box stickers, chopsticks,…

Menard's
Neighborhood: DePaul

2601 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Jenny z. writes: Far smaller selection than the Home Despot, but way better prices and lots of kooky items as well.  Need a pile of 2x4's, a mop, and a tub beef jerky?  Menard's has it all.

Staff knows what they are doing and are helpful, checkouts are well staffed,…

Paddy Mac's
Neighborhood: Irving Park

4157 N. Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60641

Nels W. writes: Has cheap food that is also delicious and will fill you up.  Some good drink specials as well, but it's all pretty reasonably priced.  A few TV's for watching sports and a jukebox.  What more do you want from a local bar?

Great Beijing

6717 N Lincoln Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

jennifer k. writes: john f. needs to get his facts straight.  i hate writing reviews, but i couldn't let this one go by.  the owners ARE chinese.  they were raised in korea. this restaurant does not serve "korean" food.  are you even korean?  because i am, and i think i…

Heat Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

1501 N Sedgwick Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Caroline A. writes: The best sushi experience I've ever had.  

If you're going to dine here, do not expect traditional sushi/sashimi options.  Heat's offerings are very inventive, creative and balanced.  It is truly an eating experience I've never had before.  We went…

Panaderia La Central
Neighborhood: Logan Square

2218 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Jenny z. writes: When my father comes to visit me, he wakes up obscenely early, picks up a paper and heads over here to pick up some breakfast pastries.  I'm not sweets eater, but he and my fella sure seem to enjoy them. Let's face it - what isn't to love about a…

Paul Frank Store
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

851 W. Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Izzy N. writes: I bought my favorite black hoodie with a skull and bones on it from Paul Frank. It makes me look bad ass and I will most definently wear this on my next hot date. SCREW IT if he takes me to a swanky restaurant, I'm wearing it!!!! and he'll swoon....…

Agami
Neighborhood: Uptown

4712 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660

Mike K. writes: Welcome to the Mike K Generic Review Template version 0.6c.

[ ] First!  Look at me!  I love this place!
[ ] First!  I wish I never found this place!
[ ] What the hell is everyone talking about?  This place rocks!
[ ] What the hell is everyone talking…

Equinox Fitness
Neighborhood: The Loop

200 W Monroe
Chicago, IL 60606

Becky R. writes: I've never been to this gym when someone wasn't cleaning something.  It is very tidy.  The "Maintain" team almost gets in the way.  There is an abundance of cardio machines -- I don't ever anticipate having to wait for one.  

Yes, it's expensive, but…

Costa's
Neighborhood: Near West Side, Greektown

340 S. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60686

Andrea R. writes: I'm really loving Greektown these days! Free valet parking, tasty food, and reasonable prices...what's not to love?  I have to admit that I've yet to visit a restaurant in Greektown that I don't like, but Costa's is among my favorites.

I was here with…

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Neighborhood: South Loop

600 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Jenna D. writes: This museum does a good job of presenting a wide array of work from contemporary photographers.  The space is really beautiful and they always use it well.  They also have really great little openings (often with free delicious food.)  

The best…

Hub's Gyros

3727 Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60076

Scott D. writes: Great place to stop for a quick bite to eat.

Always clean and very friendly.

I find the charbroiled burgers to be very heavy on the char taste, but they are large. Good selection in their menu. Fries are nothing to brag about.

Plenty of parking.

Pet Supplies Plus
Neighborhood: Irving Park

3640 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Katarina X. writes: Pet food scares led me to Holistic and Organic food, treats and chews.
However, My wallet was not so happy as my conscience or my dog's (ever-expanding) tummy until a nieghbor reccommended Pet Supplies Plus.
I appreciated it.
Princess does not need a…

Rosebud

Rosebud Theater District
70 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602

becki s. writes: YUP the rumors are true. You spend $10 on drinks during happy hour and you are getting the best free appetizer buffet in the city. Packed with lovely wonderful tasty things like ribs, hot wings, pizza and pasta.

If i could recommend one thing here,…

Grand Slam Video
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1369 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Delia C. writes: oh my god.

this place is amazing.  you can get *everything* here (yes, even porn - though it's a little dated when you look closer...and, yes, i've looked closer!)  they have whole seasons of tv shows and the next time i'm home sick, i'm catching up…

Katerina's
Neighborhood: North Center

1920 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613

Judy R. writes: One of Chicago's hidden treasures... Katerina's is truly a little low-lit slice of Europe with good food, great cocktails and killer music.  Katerina makes you feel like home, family even.  

As many have stated, the calamari rocks.  The appetizers are…

Indian Grill
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2258 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60686

Joelen T. writes: Indian cuisine varies from region, including Northern, Southern and Western. Our lunch was primarily dishes of Northern India. North Indian cuisine is distinguished by the higher proportion-wise use of dairy products like milk, paneer (cottage…

Hourglass
Neighborhood: Albany Park

3658 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60686

Lindley E. writes: I hang my head in shame for having waited so long to discover the joy that is the Hourglass. One part Korean bar, two parts kitsch with a kitchen, Hourglass is the late-night bar that puts all other late-night bars to shame. There's amazing fried…

Town Hall Pub
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3340 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

Ronnie R. writes: When I walked into this tavernesque looking dive the first time I went, all I could think was that this place would be great for bands to rehearse in. Its down on the mouth appearance however is botoxed back to life by its customers, who have no…

Fitness Formula Clubs - Halsted Street
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3228 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

Colleen C. writes: Ok, due to the sub-human temperatures, I need to get a gym. So, the hunt commences!

My first stop is FFC (Halsted location). I have driven past this about a bazillion times.

Plusses:
Free 2 hours of parking INSIDE!
Open 24 hours during the week (til…

Sunset Foods

1127 Church St
Northbrook, IL 60062

Kurtis W. writes: I went in there and I saw the guy in the diary was running around betting dimes on the mets and Jets and Nets. He called me Rook and said welcome to the diamond club. I told him I need brussels at -8 like I need oxygen. He asked if I was on wax.

I…

Robert Jeffrey Hair Studio
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3436 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

Nancy K. writes: "I was a virgin going into this hair care studio.  I have Never had foils in my hair -- to their amazement and mine (this is that uncommon?). I have always done my own hair color, it never occurred to me that this was a big deal.  

Jason listed an ad…

New Tokyo
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3139 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Shaun T. writes: Very nice!

This is really a tiny place situated on a small expanse of Broadway that seems to contain about fifty asian restaurants of various description.  They didn't have their menu posted, so we ventured inside and decided to test our luck, and boy…

West Gate Coffeehouse
Neighborhood: Near West Side

924 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60607

Caroline A. writes: West Gate is my neighborhood coffee shop and I love it!  Cozy and casual, it's the perfect place to get work done, catch up with friends or play games on a rainy Saturday.  They have plush sofas, fun board games and HUGE mugs for coffee and tea…

Caribou Coffee
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2453 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

Chiara F. writes: It's a hit and miss when it comes to the quality of their drinks.  One time, I had a horribly bitter cup of iced mocha.  I think the barista forgot to add a sweet ingredient.  Unfortunately, a lot of honey didn't help.  I ended up having to throw…

Clark Street Ace Hardware
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3011 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Craig B. writes: Ace IS the place with the helpful hardware man.

I have never walked into this hardware store without someone promptly assisting me.  Hell, these people are damned near mind readers...

Me:  I, uh...
HHM:  You fell on your kitchen table after the Yelp…

Taste of Peru
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

6545 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60626

Deanna M. writes: I could get used to this whole eating-by-myself thing if it's always like this!

Very helpful servers, very quick order taking and delivery of food.  The crusty bread is delicious, but the accompanying mustard sauce is a bit too spicy for my poor…

La Oaxaquena
Neighborhood: Irving Park

3382 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

Kevin A. writes: THE BALLAD OF KEV. CLAMPETT

(to the tune of the Beverly Hillbillies theme)

"Come and listen to a story 'bout a man named Kev,
A hungry urbanite, who gets grumpy 'less he's fed,
Then one day he was cravin'  Mex'can food,
And up in Avondale came a…

El Barco
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

1035 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Matt F. writes: Last night was my first excursion into the realm of ridiculously huge menus which weigh no less than twenty pounds, also know as El Barco. Great googally-moogally. I felt as if my hands had suddenly shrunk down considerably, with busty waitresses all…

Portage Park
Neighborhood: Portage Park

4100 N. Long Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641

Mark S. writes: The park's big, but the roar of traffic and boom stereos racing down Irving Park can be heard throughout.  I walk here, but there is parking on the north side of the park near the tennis courts for drivers.  The pool is OK- big, but you're not…

Java Thai
Neighborhood: Irving Park

4272 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60641

Dane K. writes: Went here for lunch... had a really great turkey sandwich and veggie chili.  Normally wouldn't have gone for the veggie chili, but it was great.

The breakfast is supposed to be fantastic and a really great value.

The coffee drink I had was good.

Their…

Usagi Ya
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1178 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Colleen C. writes: Great sushi date spot...my only recommendation is that if it is an "early" date (like, early in the courting phase not early in the evening) you do not order the Crunchy roll. I'm pretty sure I looked ridiculous eating it. HUGE.

My madre and I…

Pete's Red Hot's

6346 Roosevelt Rd
Oak Park, IL 60304

Allison K. writes: Best place to get a "Chicago Style Hot Dog" in Oak Park.  Very cheep prices for their meal deals.  I got the hot dog meal, which came with a decent sized pop and lots of fries packaged with the dog.  We also got an order of mozzarella sticks which…

Lemmings On Damen
Neighborhood: Bucktown

1850 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Daniel L. writes: Good stuff this "Lemmings" place.

Fine selection of brews I seem to recall, good atmosphere and laid back.  Nice interior decoration going on, quite timeless.  Pretty smart looking really but still quite a relaxed little oasis amidst the mean, and…

Scratch 'N Sniff

120 N. Marion
Oak Park, IL 60301

Becky S. writes: This schizophrenic store has always been good to me.  I never expect much out of it, yet somehow, I always find exactly what I didn't know I needed.  They have pet goodies like toys, treats, collars, leashes, and bowls, yes; but also the human…

Borders Book Music & Cafe
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1539 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615

Allison B. writes: I love Borders, much better then other large, chain bookstores. At this particular store, the staff seems nice (Especially the ones that run the children's storytime on Thursdays), but many don't really know what they have or do not carry etc. Also,…

Liquor Barn

8170 W Golf Rd
Niles, IL 60714

Skazoo M. writes: Wow - impressive beer selection at good prices.  I stopped in to get a Stroh's 30-pack for my Dad (an inside joke we have) and became engrossed in the international beer selection, impulse buying a number of single bottles.  I was worried that a…

Thyme & Honey Restaurant

104 S Oak Park Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302

Nancy K. writes: This location closed 2006
104 S Oak Park

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a nice place.  I've only been here for breakfasts.