Take It Easy with Lakeview To Go Meals from the 2021 Culinary Guide
There’s no doubt that 2020 was one for the books. Everything changed! From the way we go to the grocery store to our ability to see friends and family, last year definitely was...different. One thing that is for sure though, is that everyone has been struggling, especially small businesses.
There is nothing worse than seeing the mom and pop stores you have grown to know and love close their doors. The effects of Covid-19 have had an impact on everyone but small businesses have arguably felt it the most. That’s why we as a team at Dine-It-4ward have made it our mission to help small businesses across the city, but especially in our own neighborhoods! The best way to do that? Fill our stomachs and their pockets by eating our way through neighborhoods like Lakeview.
So, we set out to do just that - starting with my neighborhood: Lakeview. Now, this is a task that can not be done alone. My roommate and I took to the streets (and our living room) to try out some of our favorite local restaurants that also happen to be in the Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide. They’re amazing places for all kinds of foodies, plus, every restaurant we tried has some sort of deal on your meal when you buy the guide! Let’s get down to work…
Stan’s Donuts {multiple locations}
If you want a Chicago favorite that screams “happy days ahead,” Stan’s Donuts is always a good idea. With cheery decor and donuts that will take you back to your childhood, you will be thinking about these every night before you fall asleep (maybe that’s just me). As a child growing up in rural Indiana, Apple Cider Donuts were a luxury I looked forward to as fall was approaching each year. When I moved to Chicago, I could never find a good one that I liked. This year, I saw that the Stan’s near me had a seasonal Apple Cider cake donut and I knew I had to get my hands on it. It certainly did not disappoint!
Kai Sushi {3819 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.360.8333}
Moving from a small midwestern town, I had never tried sushi until the day my feet touched Chicago’s soil. In the time I have been in Chicago, I have tried everything from grocery store sushi to some of the most luxurious places you can find. One thing is for sure, nothing is better than the neighborhood spots I have grown to know and love. If you want a relaxed/zen environment to enjoy your sushi, Kai is the perfect spot. With a quiet ambiance and the best vegan sushi I have had in years, it’s perfect for both first-timers and experts. I have heard the Chicago Cubs roll is especially to die for!
Big Star {multiple locations}
I have spent many of mights (pre-quarantine) at Wrigleyville’s Big Star location. On Fridays and Saturdays you could catch me there laughing with my friends, eating Walking Tacos like we used to “when we were young” and drinking Big Star’s Southern Night’s Sweet Tea. Their spiked tea with Four Roses 80, Amaretto, Halfwit Roasters Cascara Tea with a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of lemon is just the perfect combination. If you want good tacos and better drinks that will remind you of better days, order Big Star or checkout one of their outdoor patios loaded with heaters and covered in lights.
Note: The Big Star Wrigleyville location is temporarily closed but you can still order carryout from their Wicker Park location!
Yoshi’s Cafe {3257 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 773.248.6160}
Since moving to Lakeview nearly two years ago, I had always heard great things about Yoshi’s but never made the trip for a visit. It looked cozy and inviting, but when looking at their restaurant description of “long-time destination for French-Japanese fusion cuisine in an elegant, white-tablecloth setting,” I didn’t know what to expect from a meal there. But as every neighbor I talked to and every review I read raved about them, I knew I just had to try this cute cafe on the corner of Aldine and Halsted. As a long time lover of desserts and cocktails, Yoshi’s was the perfect way to spend my “I hate Covid and I am tired of being inside” Saturday night. With heaters and the best Ginger Cosmopolitan I had ever tasted, I have a feeling this Boystown spot is going to be my new go-to.
Tuco and Blondie {3358 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.327.8226}
Let’s just get something straight: I’m never NOT in the mood for tacos. From what I have heard, when most people get asked the question, “What do you want to eat?” their palms sweat and they can’t think straight when put under pressure. As a major foodie though, this rarely happens to me. Probably because most of the time I know I am going to say “tacos.” When I moved to Lakeview my very first meal was at Tuco and Blondie. With my roommate working in the restaurant industry, we could always go here to get pitchers of margaritas (they have the best) and sit at their back patio under their lights and bright colored decor for hours. For every special occasion: a new apartment, a new job, a friend moving…we always come back to Tuco. For the best margaritas or everyone's favorite, Frosé, Tuco and Blondie is your place.
Geja’s Cafe {340 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.281.9101}
Is there a better winter meal than fondue? I think not! Melted cheese, cozing up next to a fire, pairing it all with a great glass of wine….it all just sounds like perfection. They are now seating people out on their winter patio if you want the real Chibera experience, but you can also order their @ Home Fondue Experience too! It’s great for date night, with your family, or when you just really want to a little cheesy after a tough year.
By Madison Freeman | Contributor
This is a guest post from Madison Freeman. Madison is a journalist and freelance writer with a keen eye for good stories. Over the last year, she has worked as the social media manager of various companies and has also appeared in Orange Coast Magazine, Her Campus Media and WGN-TV. Madison thinks traveling is the best form of therapy and never turns down a good piece of cake.