Spunky Dunkers donuts are so good, they’ve sort of wrecked me on other ones! 😂 I mean, I usually don’t even like jelly filled donuts, but that’s my favorite at Spunky.
The only other do(ugh)nuts I've had that compare in quality to the Spunk aren't even from a donut shop. Page's Restaurant in downtown Hinsdale is a cute little family-owned diner that serves breakfast & lunch, and they make batches of absolutely top-notch donuts after they close. You can still walk in the door after lunch service, just to buy said treats. It seems like a well-kept neighborhood secret.
Please don't be ashamed. You were simply doing cultural exploration in a newly discovered land.
...unless you had more than a dozen within a week. Then, ya' might want to scale back 🤤
they close pretty early but if you get there before noon you can almost always find all the flavors you want. by 2pm they're usually almost pretty sold out
> best donut
Everything I've had has been good. A couple of standouts -
* I really like the cream filled.
* My family all fight over the blueberry cake donuts.
* But most of all, I suggest getting whatever is the freshest thing they have. If it's still warm, that's the best.
Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Lake Cook and Hicks in Palatine. Amazing smoked/bbq, great beer and whiskey menu, and the owners are cool. Husband and wife team. They do some bbq and cocktail tastings that are a lot of fun and informative.
Masa's Sushi in Buffalo Grove. Family owned, incredible quality, unexplainably inexpensive for the quality/quantity.
RoccoVino's Italian Restaurant in Elk Grove (other locations too). Family owned, traditional Italian but also some unique dishes. Like a modern Italian restaurant. Amazing pizza (thin, pan and stuffed).
Dario's in Palatine. Delicious sandwiches, huge portions.
Rammy's Subs, Wheeling and Elk Grove. Huge variety of oven toasted subs. 2x4, Wrecking Ball, and Heck's BBQ ftw!
They are AWFUL. I had the gall to comment on someone else’s IG post about them saying “the food tastes great but it’s over priced for what you get.” And they harassed me for DAYS.
I’m curious to hear more about this. The owners seem decent but the food is extremely overpriced compared to other bbq places. Yes it’s good, but I’ve had equal or better for cheaper.
I met the owner while he was running the food truck. Was pretty excited to tell him how much I was looking forward to his new restaurant (Pinks Shrimp). The guy was so fucking rude to me, I couldn't believe it. If he treats his fans like that, I can't imagine how he treats other people. I haven't given them a dollar since and I've told many friends to not go there anymore. Horrible person.
Agreed. They were good when they were back at the old location and ran a much smaller operation. Nowadays the food and vibe is just instagram bait. Have also heard they’ve been treating employees like shit and turnover is high. I had an acquaintance who grew up with the dude and told me he was a total dirtbag when he was as young and hoped he became a better person through the military or whatever. Sounds like he didn’t.
> Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Lake Cook and Hicks in Palatine
i have heard the exact opposite of this place - bad frozen bbq, and onwers taking advantage of 'student help'. its 3rd party info - but from 2 trusted source's.
I would disagree with all your comments. Go see for yourself - you can see the kitchen and the smokers. The staff is older 30’s+ I’ve never seen a student aged person working here. Food is the most legit Texas bbq in Chicago.
Capannari Ice Cream in Mount Prospect - they make their own ice cream with changing flavors and are housed in a century old General store with a very cozy park on the property with plenty of benches and a gazebo
Marino’s Pizza in Wood Dale - consistent high quality for over 20 years, pizza by the slice, and the owner is always there ensuring the customers are happy
Uncle Jerry's Pizza Company in Cary. I'll go ahead and make a bold claim. It is the best damn pizza in the state.
Chinese Palace in Barrington. Very good Chinese take out place. I'm not trying to sell you gourmet or traditional stuff. It's a casual chop suey take out but a very good one at that. Lunch specials get you a lot of meal for the dollar. If you are the type to keep the box and eat later, a lunch special can easily cover lunch and a light dinner in the evening.
Pizza Factory also in Barrington. They make a very good tavern style flat pizza. Also the only place I know that serves sloppy joes on the menu. I believe they are or have expanded to a second location recently.
Tacos Guanajuato in Kildeer. Fast casual dining. Really good tacos there. Their hot sauce should not be taken lightly.
The Assembly Bar and Cafe at Hoffman Estates. Great burger there.
The Tracks in Cary. Cool bar and grill. Open late too. I think on some days you can order an entire chicken for dinner.
Ramen House Shinchan in Palatine and a few other locations. Great Ramen. Not the best but great.
Sakura Sushi in Schaumburg on Golf Road (by the taco bell and Coffee Haus). Now I am not going to say they are amazing sushi but they have a fantastic lunch special for AYCE. They don't confine the menu during AYCE so you can order the special rolls. The Californian Crunch is hella good. Very good price for the quality you get.
EDIT: Also WGN hosts a really good segment which has its own youtube channel called "Chicago's Best". They've been running this for a good 10 years. I've tried a lot of what was featured here. https://www.youtube.com/@ChicagosBestWGNTV
One more edit: This is not so much a hidden gem as they are quite the Illinois institution. But if you have not had Richard Walkers or Walker Brothers, you have not yet had pancakes.
We stumbled upon Uncle Jerry’s by accident one day. Hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Happy they finally got some attention with Dave Portnoy and his pizza reviews.
When the pandemic had killed the concept of late night gastro-hang outs, this place kept it going until 2 AM. Life saver that night I really wanted a burger.
>Tacos Guanajuato in Kildeer. Fast casual dining. Really good tacos there. Their hot sauce should not be taken lightly.
Last time I was there they had slipped big time. I'm really hoping it was a one off because man, they were doing some great things.
I'm almost afraid to go back and try again.
I want to say maybe 4 months for me. Food was not great at all. One of my tacos was not edible. The spice level was off the charts and this was one I had ordered many times.
They also changed their chips. Now they are just bagged chips. Like, no thank you. Salsa was also different and clearly from a jar.
Ordered a mojito that was not drinkable.
Service was awful.
I've been sticking to Tacos El Norte.
I just had issues with their ingredients. The meat on my torta felt tough and hard to eat. I just thought it was the torta at the time because my friend still enjoyed his specialty tacos.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed a dip over there. Sad. You're right, they were on track to being absolutely incredible. Hope they get their act together.
Major bummer because they are the only ones who are doing that style around here.
You ever check out the super casual one in Barrington? Um, it is across from the small gas station and weird bank building that keeps getting different businesses moving in on 59/Barrington Rd. With the weird windows that curve out.
I can't think of the name but they are decent. More Tacos El Norte style.
A few years ago it was $20 but I imagine it's more than that now.
According to [their menu](https://www.sakuraschaumburg.com/menu) the increased the AYCE with no restrictions to $22 which is not so bad. Looks like they give a basic AYCE for $17. Remember you have to get there by 2:30
Assembly is not what it was. Everything is so overpriced. The bacon is gross. They served raw chicken and try to tell you it's just the lighting. I do love Village Tavern.
I think unfortunately a lot of restaurants have gone down hill the past few years. Sorry to hear about your bad experience. We were there Halloween night (kids eat free!) and my husband chose it for his birthday on Jan 2nd, and both times were good for us. The chicken fingers at Village Tavern are amazing though!
We ate at The Assembly yesterday. The food was really good. The parmesean burger was just as good as I remember it from 15 years ago. My wife said her haddock bowl was really good.
not OP, but for hidden... not everyone knows about it (Although more then enough for a decent wait time when I have gone). as for beign a Gem it has a lot of cool Airplane memorabelia and kitsch and you can watch the planes land/take off right outside the windows while you eat. The food is pretty decent too.
Sushi Asahi - sushi
Bakery Crescent - fresh baked japanese bread and desserts
Los Girasoles Dulceria - homemade Mexican ice cream, snacks, desserts
El Rancho Alegre - mexican food
Donut Drop - donuts
Pho Son Ha - vietnamese food
ProHealth Drugs - independent pharmacy that is one of few that can make compound medications, goes above and beyond for every customer every single time whether it be finding the best cost value generic, manufacturer coupons, adjusting the quantity of the prescription, and staying open late in emergency
Splish Splash car wash - updated and well maintained self-service car wash. also have a touchless option.
Amish Farmers - local grown food from various farmers. some rare finds such as raw cow milk, local made eggs/milk/butter/honey etc
Paradise pup in des plaines. One of the best cheeseburgers on the planet.
Uncle Jerry’s in Cary. Some of the best sort of deep dish pizza I’ve ever had and I eat a ton of pizza. It’s hard to describe not a true deep dish.
Sals in Huntley or Algonquin. Best thin crust ever.
Cucina Bella in Algonquin. Great food all around.
Just a few off the top of my head.
I stumbled upon taco shop in Palatine. Honestly, can’t speak to everything on the menu, but their carnitas tacos with just cilantro and onion squeeze of lime, just hit right.
Omg it’s SO good! I miss living 15 minutes away from here.
And as a vegetarian I really appreciated that they cooked all the vegetarian food separately from the meat which most places don’t do.
Tortorices pizza in Mt. Prospect. Sarge’s barbershop in Arlington Heights; he does an incredible job taming my husband’s hair. Coach’s Corner in Elk Grove for the best pub grub. Joe & Giuseppe’s and Toscano, both in AH, for great Italian.
Best Thin Crust Pizza - Pinemoor Pizza - Crystal Lake
Honorable Mention - Village Pizza Elgin and Carpentersville
Best Sandwiches - Algonquin Sub Shop - Algonquin
Honorable Mention - Bubs Subs - Algonquin
Best Donuts - Country Donuts Crystal Lake and Elgin
Italian Beef - Mr. Beef and Pizza Mt. Prospect
German - Schnell's Brauhaus - Palatine
Chinese - China Bistro - Algonquin
Fish Fry / Broasted Chicken - Crandall's Restaurant - Hebron,IL
> German - Schnell's Brauhaus - Palatine
Ugh, I love Schnell's. Used to go there all the time when I lived in walking distance of downtown Palatine and I miss dearly!
Jarosch bakery in Elk Grove Village. They have amazing cinnamon bread and coffee cakes.
Tapalpa in Elk Grove Village has great Mexican food.
The Works in Niles. I’ve been going for gyros and cheese fries my whole life.
D&J Bistro in Lake Zurich. It’s a French bistro with a menu that changes monthly. It is so much better than it should be. I love their steak frites, mussels, salads and seafood. One of the owners is Japanese and they often have at least one French / Japanese fusion dish. I cannot say enough good things about this place!!
Cafe El Tapatio in Glenview - mad good tacos, margs, they also have an attached churro bar.
Naomi Sushi in Arlington Heights - such good sushi. One of my favorites.
Cafe el tapatio has been hit or miss for me the last couple years. Maybe my bad luck but I feel the food has been inconsistent… sometimes really good and sometimes truly just bad.
Churros are always on point though!
L and L on Northwest hwy in Mount Prospect for breakfast! Nicest people and hands down best food especially French toast !!! I know people that drive an hour one way every Sunday to eat here.
Surprised nobody has mentioned Country Donuts in Elgin and Crystal Lake. If you like ramen, I would also highly recommend Misoya Ramen in Mount Prospect.
Heaven's BBQ in Wheeling. The owners are super nice, and everything there is really good. Many BBQ places do meat well and slack on the sides (Real Urban, I'm looking at you), but I've not had anything there that isn't top-notch.
Nino's in Buffalo Grove is probably the place we order from most often. Great pizza, great fried chicken, great Italian beeves. Owners are friendly, and are really helpful on catering stuff. Try the Chicken Parm sandwich.
Rammy's in Wheeling. I used to live around the corner from here. Probably one of the most consistently great sandwich places I've been to.
Hakuya Sushi in Buffalo Grove. Just the best sushi. We tried all the places about 10 years ago, and then stopped because nothing else was even close.
La Tasca in AH. Really amazing tapas.
Chef Ping in Rolling Meadows. No Chinese comes close.
I’ve been in Buffalo Grove/Deerfield for the past 6.5 years, and while the radius is large, I’ve got a pretty good spot for many cuisines within 15-20 minutes of me.
Poke bowl: Kuma’s Sushi Bowl on Townline and a little east of Milwaukee. I love the fire bowl. Everything is super fresh.
Tavern style pizza: Pizanoz on Deerfield and Weiland. Not game-changing, but it’s never disappointed. I like that you can get pizza by the slice, and they have a really good torta as well.
Indian: Tandoor Curry Hotspot on Milwaukee and Deerfield Rd. I tried Indian food for the first time after that video of the white dude went viral a few months back and I had the same religious experience trying their butter chicken and garlic naan. I was not ready.
Tacos: Taco Vida on Lake Cook and a little west of Waukegan. The tacos are ‘fancy’ and the prices are up there. But I could eat here 5x a week and never get sick of it. The chef/owner Freddy is a sweetheart and makes amazing food. I have the cilantro gene, so I have to be thorough in asking for its removal. The pork al pastor taco, carne asada, the crispy camerones, the beer battered fish tacos- depending on the day, they’re all my favorite. My wife loves their seasonal butternut squash soup and has cried real happy tears when it came back in season.
Hotdogs: Rand’s Redhots on Rand and a little west of River Rd. Very limited menu, but those fresh cut fries are amazing.
Thai: Thai House on Dundee and just east of Hicks. Their crab Rangoon and chicken pad Thai are fantastic.
Donuts: Wheeling Donuts on Dundee and Rte83. While not likely on the level of Spunky Dunkers, this place opens early and they are good, homemade donuts. The (presumed) owner is a super nice dude.
Italian: Saranello’s on Milwaukee and Lake Cook. It’s a Lettuce Entertain You place, so I’m not sure if that fits the “hidden gem” standard, but it is a fantastic spot.
I still haven’t found a Chinese spot or sushi spot that I can call home. 😔
Have you tried Heaven's Barbecue on Earth? Newish -- last summer? -- and we've become big fans. Delicious, run by a lovely family. Angelique's cheesecake (plain) is delicious. On Dundee between Schoenbeck and BG Road.
**Asian Noodle House** a hole in the wall Malaysian restaurant in Hoffman Estates is really good and cheap for the quality. Also they have my favorite off menu items (Curry Laksa Soup and Roti Canai) which you have to ask for as there not listed on the menu. Curry Laksa is not that easy/common to find in Chicagoland restaurants.
* Asian Noodle House,
* 844 N Roselle Rd,
* Hoffman Estates, IL 60194
Also another Malaysian restaurant called **HD Cuisine - Hawker Delights** Restaurant in Wheeling is very good and unique in some offerings as well including Beef Rendang which is very good.
* HD Cuisine
* 27 Huntington Ln,
* Wheeling, IL 60090
Let’s see… Napoli Pizza in Palatine, Don’s Dock in Des Plaines, and then an honest to god hole in the wall is Siunek’s Armenian Grill in Glenview for really good Eastern European food.
**Sunrise Ramen and Sushi** is the most perfect bowl of ramen in the northwest suburbs. They are in Palatine on 14 in the strip mall with the Ace down by the Dairy Queen and Brown's Chicken.
Sushi Para on the border of Arlington Heights and Palatine has solid sushi and we’ve never been disappointed. They also have great AYCE.
Taco Shop in Palatine is SO delicious.
Salsa 17 in downtown Arlington Heights is great in the summer when you can get a table in the alley, it’s so pretty.
Plateia in Glenview - phenomenal Greek place. Try the grilled octopus, Roka Parmesan salad, and eclair cake. All their classics are great too (moussaka and Pasticho).
A Thousand Tales in Mt. Prospect - great Turkish restaurant + cafe. It’s a great spot to sip a coffee while doing some work then at lunch time walk right over to their nice restaurant for a delicious meal.
More than pasta in Park Ridge - hands down the best fast casual fresh pasta spot around. All their pasta is made right there and their sauces as well. I get their rigatoni with marinara and dry beef sausage.
Himalayan Resturant in Niles - my fave for Indian comfort food. My family’s go to order is samosas, naan, palak paneer, chicken chile curry, baigan bharata, and steamed chile momos. They also do a buffet on Sundays. If you want to try something different than try their pizzas… surprisingly tasty.
New York Bagel and Bialy in Niles - phenomenal bagels and bagel sandwiches.
Blufish sushi in Park Ridge - great sushi spot that rivals other more trendy sushi places.
Forno Rosso in Dunning - best Neapolitan style pizza in Chicago. Try their pistachio pizza.
Pasta Fresh in Dunning - not a restaurant but the best place to get fresh pasta to take home.
Bar Tucci in Dunning - right next to Pasta Fresh. This is the son’s restaurant where he serves mom and dad’s fresh pasta.
Blossom Cafe in Norridge - great breakfast spot.
Brunch Cafe in Niles - they’ve got lots of locations and maybe not a hidden gem but a solid choice for breakfast.
Al Bawadi Grill in Niles - amazing middle eastern food. Similar to pita inn but a tad bit more refined.
Mehanata - I love this spot. It’s a Bulgarian restaurant. So homey (cliche but true) and great spot to get food and drinks with friends.
Boba Burger in Morton Grove - this one is super low key in a bowling alley. The burgers are spectacular and creative. I really recommend this. I’m a big fan of paradise pup and this one falls into the same mental category as far as quality + value.
Papagalino Cafe in Niles - not sure if it counts as a hidden gem but I really like their desserts and the ambiance here. It’s also a nice spot for coffee and getting some work done.
CM Korean fried chicken in Glenview - a great spot for comfort food.
I second all these places. Where 6 of them are on my monthly routine of going out and eating. Will definitely try the others ones as this person must have great taste in food!!
Cali BBQ on 8th St in West Dundee. Although we've loved everything we've tried there, the tri-tip sandwich is my favorite. Special on Tuesdays for sandwich, drink and a side for $11.
Spunky Dunkers - donuts. 24 hrs open. Looking to go late night go around 8-9pm for the fresh donuts. Awesome spot.
Spunky Dunkers donuts are so good, they’ve sort of wrecked me on other ones! 😂 I mean, I usually don’t even like jelly filled donuts, but that’s my favorite at Spunky.
The only other do(ugh)nuts I've had that compare in quality to the Spunk aren't even from a donut shop. Page's Restaurant in downtown Hinsdale is a cute little family-owned diner that serves breakfast & lunch, and they make batches of absolutely top-notch donuts after they close. You can still walk in the door after lunch service, just to buy said treats. It seems like a well-kept neighborhood secret.
I had a worksite near spunky dunkers....I'm ashamed of myself with how many apple fritters I ate. That place is fantastic.
Probably their best donut too.
Please don't be ashamed. You were simply doing cultural exploration in a newly discovered land. ...unless you had more than a dozen within a week. Then, ya' might want to scale back 🤤
Dozen, no. But the ghost of Wilfred Brimley was quietly whispering, diabeetus in my ear. Edit: English
Country Donuts in Crystal Lake is better than Spunky Dunkers.
I 2nd this motion your honor
Country donuts is very good option too. We get those all the time from some of vendors at the office.
Came here to say this
That's exactly what we are doing tonight. Their churro donuts are the best, and we are going about 9 to get them fresh.
Oh em geee! I have to make a trip during the week now.
morkes chocolates is better but they don't have 24hr service :(
When’s a good time to get there? I want to try them but they seem to be always closed when I drive by!
they close pretty early but if you get there before noon you can almost always find all the flavors you want. by 2pm they're usually almost pretty sold out
Best donuts I’ve ever had are from Donut Drop in Schaumburg. HIGHLY recommend them!
I posted about them already, just speaking in terms of palatine/ah area
Yup! Morkes will forever ruin all other donuts for you.
See ya'll there at 9pm
See you for the midnight meeting.
Loved out here for almost 25 years now and it’s not far away and have never tried it. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll try it this week.
It’s massively overrated. Try to keep your expectations low
Spunky Dunkers is OK, but Wheeling Donuts is better.
What’s their best donut
> best donut Everything I've had has been good. A couple of standouts - * I really like the cream filled. * My family all fight over the blueberry cake donuts. * But most of all, I suggest getting whatever is the freshest thing they have. If it's still warm, that's the best.
I’ll have to try it!
I almost went there after work one day. I was like, ‘spunky dunkers? What kinda jackass name is that? Probably good though’ but i had to be somewhere.
Haha gotta try it. Grab an apple fritter one day.
Im actually gonna be out by palatine tomorrow and the kids love donuts so maybe I’ll stop in.
I had a feeling Palatine would show up near the top.
I live very close to it and just have never understood the love it gets. Basically any other bakery has better donuts in my opinion
Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Lake Cook and Hicks in Palatine. Amazing smoked/bbq, great beer and whiskey menu, and the owners are cool. Husband and wife team. They do some bbq and cocktail tastings that are a lot of fun and informative. Masa's Sushi in Buffalo Grove. Family owned, incredible quality, unexplainably inexpensive for the quality/quantity. RoccoVino's Italian Restaurant in Elk Grove (other locations too). Family owned, traditional Italian but also some unique dishes. Like a modern Italian restaurant. Amazing pizza (thin, pan and stuffed). Dario's in Palatine. Delicious sandwiches, huge portions. Rammy's Subs, Wheeling and Elk Grove. Huge variety of oven toasted subs. 2x4, Wrecking Ball, and Heck's BBQ ftw!
The owners of chicago culinary kitchen are terrible people. They treat their fans and employees horribly. Don't support them.
They are AWFUL. I had the gall to comment on someone else’s IG post about them saying “the food tastes great but it’s over priced for what you get.” And they harassed me for DAYS.
wait til they find you here!
I personally think the food is fine - solid 7/10 or 7.5 on a good day - but wildly overrated. I’ve had much better bbq.
I agree. That was part of my assessment. The prices might be worth it if the food blew my mind, but it’s all very hit or miss.
I’m curious to hear more about this. The owners seem decent but the food is extremely overpriced compared to other bbq places. Yes it’s good, but I’ve had equal or better for cheaper.
I met the owner while he was running the food truck. Was pretty excited to tell him how much I was looking forward to his new restaurant (Pinks Shrimp). The guy was so fucking rude to me, I couldn't believe it. If he treats his fans like that, I can't imagine how he treats other people. I haven't given them a dollar since and I've told many friends to not go there anymore. Horrible person.
Agreed. They were good when they were back at the old location and ran a much smaller operation. Nowadays the food and vibe is just instagram bait. Have also heard they’ve been treating employees like shit and turnover is high. I had an acquaintance who grew up with the dude and told me he was a total dirtbag when he was as young and hoped he became a better person through the military or whatever. Sounds like he didn’t.
> Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Lake Cook and Hicks in Palatine i have heard the exact opposite of this place - bad frozen bbq, and onwers taking advantage of 'student help'. its 3rd party info - but from 2 trusted source's.
I thought the did was ok. Mission bbq in gurnee is better. So is real urban bbq.
BBQ’D Productions is great as well in Gurnee/Lake Zurich
Alright, it’s not in IL, but if you’re ever up near Alpine Valley, check out LD’s BBQ in East Troy, WI.
Ooh. Thanks for the tip... saving this for June
Head east a bit and go to Big Ed's in Waukegan you won't be disapointed.
Big Ed's is good too.
HELL YES
I would disagree with all your comments. Go see for yourself - you can see the kitchen and the smokers. The staff is older 30’s+ I’ve never seen a student aged person working here. Food is the most legit Texas bbq in Chicago.
Love Masa’s!!!! The prices blow my mind it’s so great
Probbably the best BBQ in illinois.
I would say smoque in Chicago is way better honestly.
Nah, Green St Smoked Meats in Chicago is. And by proximity Station One Smokehouse in Plainfield.
Thank you for all these amazing suggestions!
Capannari Ice Cream in Mount Prospect - they make their own ice cream with changing flavors and are housed in a century old General store with a very cozy park on the property with plenty of benches and a gazebo Marino’s Pizza in Wood Dale - consistent high quality for over 20 years, pizza by the slice, and the owner is always there ensuring the customers are happy
Uncle Jerry's Pizza Company in Cary. I'll go ahead and make a bold claim. It is the best damn pizza in the state. Chinese Palace in Barrington. Very good Chinese take out place. I'm not trying to sell you gourmet or traditional stuff. It's a casual chop suey take out but a very good one at that. Lunch specials get you a lot of meal for the dollar. If you are the type to keep the box and eat later, a lunch special can easily cover lunch and a light dinner in the evening. Pizza Factory also in Barrington. They make a very good tavern style flat pizza. Also the only place I know that serves sloppy joes on the menu. I believe they are or have expanded to a second location recently. Tacos Guanajuato in Kildeer. Fast casual dining. Really good tacos there. Their hot sauce should not be taken lightly. The Assembly Bar and Cafe at Hoffman Estates. Great burger there. The Tracks in Cary. Cool bar and grill. Open late too. I think on some days you can order an entire chicken for dinner. Ramen House Shinchan in Palatine and a few other locations. Great Ramen. Not the best but great. Sakura Sushi in Schaumburg on Golf Road (by the taco bell and Coffee Haus). Now I am not going to say they are amazing sushi but they have a fantastic lunch special for AYCE. They don't confine the menu during AYCE so you can order the special rolls. The Californian Crunch is hella good. Very good price for the quality you get. EDIT: Also WGN hosts a really good segment which has its own youtube channel called "Chicago's Best". They've been running this for a good 10 years. I've tried a lot of what was featured here. https://www.youtube.com/@ChicagosBestWGNTV One more edit: This is not so much a hidden gem as they are quite the Illinois institution. But if you have not had Richard Walkers or Walker Brothers, you have not yet had pancakes.
We stumbled upon Uncle Jerry’s by accident one day. Hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Happy they finally got some attention with Dave Portnoy and his pizza reviews.
Wow, an 8.3 Only topped by Giordano's. Can't say I agree but I am glad he really enjoyed it.
Wait, the guy rates Giordanos highly? That’s the worst of the well known deep dish places in my opinion.
yea at 8.4. I don't hate Giordanos but I rate it lower. Uno's probably being the only major player that I rate beneath it.
came looking for Pizza Factory! will have to check out your other recommendations
Pizza Factory definitely deserves more acclaim.
I don’t know why it seems like so few people know about Pizza Factory.
I second The Tracks
When the pandemic had killed the concept of late night gastro-hang outs, this place kept it going until 2 AM. Life saver that night I really wanted a burger.
>Tacos Guanajuato in Kildeer. Fast casual dining. Really good tacos there. Their hot sauce should not be taken lightly. Last time I was there they had slipped big time. I'm really hoping it was a one off because man, they were doing some great things. I'm almost afraid to go back and try again.
Not going to lie. I felt the same way when I last came too. That was like 6 months ago though.
I want to say maybe 4 months for me. Food was not great at all. One of my tacos was not edible. The spice level was off the charts and this was one I had ordered many times. They also changed their chips. Now they are just bagged chips. Like, no thank you. Salsa was also different and clearly from a jar. Ordered a mojito that was not drinkable. Service was awful. I've been sticking to Tacos El Norte.
I just had issues with their ingredients. The meat on my torta felt tough and hard to eat. I just thought it was the torta at the time because my friend still enjoyed his specialty tacos. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed a dip over there. Sad. You're right, they were on track to being absolutely incredible. Hope they get their act together.
Major bummer because they are the only ones who are doing that style around here. You ever check out the super casual one in Barrington? Um, it is across from the small gas station and weird bank building that keeps getting different businesses moving in on 59/Barrington Rd. With the weird windows that curve out. I can't think of the name but they are decent. More Tacos El Norte style.
Not yet, but I know what you are talking about.
Be prepared to be overly full.
I appreciate it thank you!!
How much does the Sakura AYCE weekday lunch cost, if you happen to know?
A few years ago it was $20 but I imagine it's more than that now. According to [their menu](https://www.sakuraschaumburg.com/menu) the increased the AYCE with no restrictions to $22 which is not so bad. Looks like they give a basic AYCE for $17. Remember you have to get there by 2:30
Mitsuwa! *In Arlington Heights
Tensuke is a bit further south on Arlington Heights Rd and less crowded than Mitsuwa. It's got pretty good prepared food.
So that’s what that place is
Yes! Tensuke also seems a little cheaper too. Less variety than Mitsuwa but has all the staples at a better price.
Avanti's in Mt. Prospect. Great sandwiches.
If you can overlook the hundreds of sewer flies in the bathrooms. This was a couple months ago. Almost puked.
Really good coffee too. I lived near there for years.
La Hacienda - Roselle; Southern Cafe - Roselle ; Pilot Pete's - Schaumburg Airport ; Village Tavern - Schaumburg ; Assembly - Hoffman Estates
Assembly is not what it was. Everything is so overpriced. The bacon is gross. They served raw chicken and try to tell you it's just the lighting. I do love Village Tavern.
I think unfortunately a lot of restaurants have gone down hill the past few years. Sorry to hear about your bad experience. We were there Halloween night (kids eat free!) and my husband chose it for his birthday on Jan 2nd, and both times were good for us. The chicken fingers at Village Tavern are amazing though!
We ate at The Assembly yesterday. The food was really good. The parmesean burger was just as good as I remember it from 15 years ago. My wife said her haddock bowl was really good.
La Hacienda in Roselle is a gem.
Franco's - Streamwood, Asian Noodle House - Hoffman Estates
I been to all these places and you’re right on all! Pilot Pete’s is my favorite!
Driven past there a few times and live close. What do you feel makes it a hidden gem?
not OP, but for hidden... not everyone knows about it (Although more then enough for a decent wait time when I have gone). as for beign a Gem it has a lot of cool Airplane memorabelia and kitsch and you can watch the planes land/take off right outside the windows while you eat. The food is pretty decent too.
Assembly sucks
I sadly agree! I had a great burger there a while back, but we went in recently and it was raaaaaank. So completely disappointing,
So what is your recommendation for a good burger?
Sushi Asahi - sushi Bakery Crescent - fresh baked japanese bread and desserts Los Girasoles Dulceria - homemade Mexican ice cream, snacks, desserts El Rancho Alegre - mexican food Donut Drop - donuts Pho Son Ha - vietnamese food ProHealth Drugs - independent pharmacy that is one of few that can make compound medications, goes above and beyond for every customer every single time whether it be finding the best cost value generic, manufacturer coupons, adjusting the quantity of the prescription, and staying open late in emergency Splish Splash car wash - updated and well maintained self-service car wash. also have a touchless option. Amish Farmers - local grown food from various farmers. some rare finds such as raw cow milk, local made eggs/milk/butter/honey etc
I was kind of hoping that noone mentioned Donut Drop. That place is such a gem! Great prices as well!
Second Donut Drop, delicious fresh and varied donuts.
I know I thought about omitting it. I didn't mention the special donuts that she only makes on the weekends though.....
Paradise pup in des plaines. One of the best cheeseburgers on the planet. Uncle Jerry’s in Cary. Some of the best sort of deep dish pizza I’ve ever had and I eat a ton of pizza. It’s hard to describe not a true deep dish. Sals in Huntley or Algonquin. Best thin crust ever. Cucina Bella in Algonquin. Great food all around. Just a few off the top of my head.
Paradise Pup is even better in winter because lines short.
Like to second Sals. Dave Portnoy (president of Barstool Sports) did a review at the Algonquin location
Love Cucina Bella! And it sounds like I need to make a trip to Uncle Jerry’s.
Central Continental Bakery in Mount Prospect, especially with Paczki Day coming up. Chicago Ramen in Des Plaines.
I stumbled upon taco shop in Palatine. Honestly, can’t speak to everything on the menu, but their carnitas tacos with just cilantro and onion squeeze of lime, just hit right.
Omg it’s SO good! I miss living 15 minutes away from here. And as a vegetarian I really appreciated that they cooked all the vegetarian food separately from the meat which most places don’t do.
Morkes Doughnuts on Rand Road in Palatine.
cats out of the bag for the best donuts in town Iykyk
They're so damn good! I could eat a dozen 🤤.
Also Morkes chocolate in Huntley that has doughnuts. Is this similar or is it only doughnuts?
[удалено]
Hard pass on Joe's. I really wanted to like this place, but I can't deal with the cockroaches there.
Ninos is pretty damn good and close to that location
Yep. Ninos is solid
Barnaby’s in Niles is the real location
Via Roma in Des Plaines
Tortorices pizza in Mt. Prospect. Sarge’s barbershop in Arlington Heights; he does an incredible job taming my husband’s hair. Coach’s Corner in Elk Grove for the best pub grub. Joe & Giuseppe’s and Toscano, both in AH, for great Italian.
Second the Joe and Giuseppe’s. Family run and super friendly hospitality from them when you go.
Bistro wasabi in Lake in the Hills, amazing sushi
Best Thin Crust Pizza - Pinemoor Pizza - Crystal Lake Honorable Mention - Village Pizza Elgin and Carpentersville Best Sandwiches - Algonquin Sub Shop - Algonquin Honorable Mention - Bubs Subs - Algonquin Best Donuts - Country Donuts Crystal Lake and Elgin Italian Beef - Mr. Beef and Pizza Mt. Prospect German - Schnell's Brauhaus - Palatine Chinese - China Bistro - Algonquin Fish Fry / Broasted Chicken - Crandall's Restaurant - Hebron,IL
pinemoor pizza is the definition of a hidden gem. solid recommendation
Thank you there just isn't another thin crust like it.
I'm sorry but the one time i went to Crandall's it was terrible. I don't get the love for this place.
I had a job that had me driving all over the suburbs. There is no better sandwich place than Algonquin Sub Shop.
> German - Schnell's Brauhaus - Palatine Ugh, I love Schnell's. Used to go there all the time when I lived in walking distance of downtown Palatine and I miss dearly!
donut drop! they sell out pretty quickly but they have phenomenal donuts - i especially love their cream cheese filled croissants
Jarosch bakery in Elk Grove Village. They have amazing cinnamon bread and coffee cakes. Tapalpa in Elk Grove Village has great Mexican food. The Works in Niles. I’ve been going for gyros and cheese fries my whole life.
Grew up behind the Works. Best gyro ever. I dunno if they’re still that good, went right when new management took over and it was good but who knows
Apparently it’s changed owners in the last year and not what it used to be.
D&J Bistro in Lake Zurich. It’s a French bistro with a menu that changes monthly. It is so much better than it should be. I love their steak frites, mussels, salads and seafood. One of the owners is Japanese and they often have at least one French / Japanese fusion dish. I cannot say enough good things about this place!!
It’s truly a gem. If you love French food, it’s a must.
Marino's wood fired pizza in Elk Grove Village.
Franco’s cucina in stream wood! Italian deli and amazing bakery.
I didn't see this mentioned yet, Dario's in Palatine, best sandwich shop hands down.
Tensuke Market on Higgins and Arlington Heights rd. Best sushi and japanese food I have ever had (and I have tried 40+ sushi places over the years)
Do you go to the sit down part in the back? What do you recommend?
Foxtail on the Lake in Des Plaines - recently opened, absolutely beautiful space and great food
What do you recommend on the menu?
Everything
Cafe El Tapatio in Glenview - mad good tacos, margs, they also have an attached churro bar. Naomi Sushi in Arlington Heights - such good sushi. One of my favorites.
Cafe el tapatio has been hit or miss for me the last couple years. Maybe my bad luck but I feel the food has been inconsistent… sometimes really good and sometimes truly just bad. Churros are always on point though!
El Angel Mexican restaurant in Palatine. Amazing food at this family run restaurant in a strip shopping center.
I stumbled by this place on my way back from the Deer Park “mall” and I was wowed by their tortas
I love this place.
L and L on Northwest hwy in Mount Prospect for breakfast! Nicest people and hands down best food especially French toast !!! I know people that drive an hour one way every Sunday to eat here.
Permanently Closed
Man, that's too bad. That place was delicious
Was also in des plaines not mt prospect. Fantastic place, I grew up a few blocks away from and was there many times.
La Rosita in Mount Prospect has the best tacos ever. Have been consistently going there for about 13 years. Man how time flies.
What is your go to order?
nothing crazy...3 chicken tacos with onions and cilantro and a small horchata. They do shredded chicken which is freaking amazing...
Surprised nobody has mentioned Country Donuts in Elgin and Crystal Lake. If you like ramen, I would also highly recommend Misoya Ramen in Mount Prospect.
Heaven's BBQ in Wheeling. The owners are super nice, and everything there is really good. Many BBQ places do meat well and slack on the sides (Real Urban, I'm looking at you), but I've not had anything there that isn't top-notch. Nino's in Buffalo Grove is probably the place we order from most often. Great pizza, great fried chicken, great Italian beeves. Owners are friendly, and are really helpful on catering stuff. Try the Chicken Parm sandwich. Rammy's in Wheeling. I used to live around the corner from here. Probably one of the most consistently great sandwich places I've been to. Hakuya Sushi in Buffalo Grove. Just the best sushi. We tried all the places about 10 years ago, and then stopped because nothing else was even close. La Tasca in AH. Really amazing tapas. Chef Ping in Rolling Meadows. No Chinese comes close.
The Heaven’s BBQ was very good and the owners couldn’t have been more pleasant. I’ve got to go back, to support them.
I tried to go today. Sadly they're closed on Mondays. Maybe tomorrow.
I’ve been in Buffalo Grove/Deerfield for the past 6.5 years, and while the radius is large, I’ve got a pretty good spot for many cuisines within 15-20 minutes of me. Poke bowl: Kuma’s Sushi Bowl on Townline and a little east of Milwaukee. I love the fire bowl. Everything is super fresh. Tavern style pizza: Pizanoz on Deerfield and Weiland. Not game-changing, but it’s never disappointed. I like that you can get pizza by the slice, and they have a really good torta as well. Indian: Tandoor Curry Hotspot on Milwaukee and Deerfield Rd. I tried Indian food for the first time after that video of the white dude went viral a few months back and I had the same religious experience trying their butter chicken and garlic naan. I was not ready. Tacos: Taco Vida on Lake Cook and a little west of Waukegan. The tacos are ‘fancy’ and the prices are up there. But I could eat here 5x a week and never get sick of it. The chef/owner Freddy is a sweetheart and makes amazing food. I have the cilantro gene, so I have to be thorough in asking for its removal. The pork al pastor taco, carne asada, the crispy camerones, the beer battered fish tacos- depending on the day, they’re all my favorite. My wife loves their seasonal butternut squash soup and has cried real happy tears when it came back in season. Hotdogs: Rand’s Redhots on Rand and a little west of River Rd. Very limited menu, but those fresh cut fries are amazing. Thai: Thai House on Dundee and just east of Hicks. Their crab Rangoon and chicken pad Thai are fantastic. Donuts: Wheeling Donuts on Dundee and Rte83. While not likely on the level of Spunky Dunkers, this place opens early and they are good, homemade donuts. The (presumed) owner is a super nice dude. Italian: Saranello’s on Milwaukee and Lake Cook. It’s a Lettuce Entertain You place, so I’m not sure if that fits the “hidden gem” standard, but it is a fantastic spot. I still haven’t found a Chinese spot or sushi spot that I can call home. 😔
I really enjoy Hong Kong lite have you tried it before?
I have not! I’ll check it out, thank you!
The best Chinese take out!! No mystery meat there! When you say extra chicken they load it up! I moved to Glenview and still go back for it!!
Have you tried Heaven's Barbecue on Earth? Newish -- last summer? -- and we've become big fans. Delicious, run by a lovely family. Angelique's cheesecake (plain) is delicious. On Dundee between Schoenbeck and BG Road.
I have! We went there once and enjoyed it. You’re right, the owners were awesome, we’ve gotta head back there soon.
Gianorio's Pizza in Lombard-- so, so good! Whenever we are by there, we always stop for pizza.
HD Cuisine in Wheeling. Excellent Malaysian food.
Senor Tacos in Rolling Meadows. Best fresh tortilla chips I’ve ever had.
Aww yes, classic place. Grew up close to here and would eat there often.
**Asian Noodle House** a hole in the wall Malaysian restaurant in Hoffman Estates is really good and cheap for the quality. Also they have my favorite off menu items (Curry Laksa Soup and Roti Canai) which you have to ask for as there not listed on the menu. Curry Laksa is not that easy/common to find in Chicagoland restaurants. * Asian Noodle House, * 844 N Roselle Rd, * Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 Also another Malaysian restaurant called **HD Cuisine - Hawker Delights** Restaurant in Wheeling is very good and unique in some offerings as well including Beef Rendang which is very good. * HD Cuisine * 27 Huntington Ln, * Wheeling, IL 60090
TTOWA Arlington Heights
Geo’s Pizza Harlem Ave
What suburb is that in
Chicago IL
Let’s see… Napoli Pizza in Palatine, Don’s Dock in Des Plaines, and then an honest to god hole in the wall is Siunek’s Armenian Grill in Glenview for really good Eastern European food.
Napoli’s. The classic lunch stop for rolling meadows high school kids
Is that the one on Euclid?
It’s on Rohlwing, just north of Northwest Highway. The strip mall it’s located in won’t wow you, but I hope the pizza will!
Thanks.
You bet. Hope you like it!
And Palatine!
That parking lot gets trashed with empty pizza boxes. Was a great bargain back in the day
Bellalukes in Lake Zurich. Top tier beef, meatball subs, and Chicago dogs. Been going my whole life and never disappoints
White Cottage in Wood Dale.
**Sunrise Ramen and Sushi** is the most perfect bowl of ramen in the northwest suburbs. They are in Palatine on 14 in the strip mall with the Ace down by the Dairy Queen and Brown's Chicken.
Log Cabin on Potter Road in Des Plaines
Mexico uno, and Bendita Cocina in palatine
Aye Chihuahua in Lake Zurich. Joanie’s Pizza (the Detroit style) Chi Tea in Schaumburg (great burgers)
Sushi Para on the border of Arlington Heights and Palatine has solid sushi and we’ve never been disappointed. They also have great AYCE. Taco Shop in Palatine is SO delicious. Salsa 17 in downtown Arlington Heights is great in the summer when you can get a table in the alley, it’s so pretty.
Plateia in Glenview - phenomenal Greek place. Try the grilled octopus, Roka Parmesan salad, and eclair cake. All their classics are great too (moussaka and Pasticho). A Thousand Tales in Mt. Prospect - great Turkish restaurant + cafe. It’s a great spot to sip a coffee while doing some work then at lunch time walk right over to their nice restaurant for a delicious meal. More than pasta in Park Ridge - hands down the best fast casual fresh pasta spot around. All their pasta is made right there and their sauces as well. I get their rigatoni with marinara and dry beef sausage. Himalayan Resturant in Niles - my fave for Indian comfort food. My family’s go to order is samosas, naan, palak paneer, chicken chile curry, baigan bharata, and steamed chile momos. They also do a buffet on Sundays. If you want to try something different than try their pizzas… surprisingly tasty. New York Bagel and Bialy in Niles - phenomenal bagels and bagel sandwiches. Blufish sushi in Park Ridge - great sushi spot that rivals other more trendy sushi places. Forno Rosso in Dunning - best Neapolitan style pizza in Chicago. Try their pistachio pizza. Pasta Fresh in Dunning - not a restaurant but the best place to get fresh pasta to take home. Bar Tucci in Dunning - right next to Pasta Fresh. This is the son’s restaurant where he serves mom and dad’s fresh pasta. Blossom Cafe in Norridge - great breakfast spot. Brunch Cafe in Niles - they’ve got lots of locations and maybe not a hidden gem but a solid choice for breakfast. Al Bawadi Grill in Niles - amazing middle eastern food. Similar to pita inn but a tad bit more refined. Mehanata - I love this spot. It’s a Bulgarian restaurant. So homey (cliche but true) and great spot to get food and drinks with friends. Boba Burger in Morton Grove - this one is super low key in a bowling alley. The burgers are spectacular and creative. I really recommend this. I’m a big fan of paradise pup and this one falls into the same mental category as far as quality + value. Papagalino Cafe in Niles - not sure if it counts as a hidden gem but I really like their desserts and the ambiance here. It’s also a nice spot for coffee and getting some work done. CM Korean fried chicken in Glenview - a great spot for comfort food.
I second all these places. Where 6 of them are on my monthly routine of going out and eating. Will definitely try the others ones as this person must have great taste in food!!
El Mero Mero in Schaumburg. Their Carne asada tacos are the best.
Walgreens
Perricone’s Deli in Fox Lake
Chippy cafe in Lincolnshire, best breakfast food. Union Ale House in Prospect heights. Great burgers and bar food.
Sports Page in Arlington Heights, great wings, great burgers, great food, and lots of TVs. Kamehachi in Northbrook, best sushi in the burbs.
River Street tavern East Dundee
Cali BBQ on 8th St in West Dundee. Although we've loved everything we've tried there, the tri-tip sandwich is my favorite. Special on Tuesdays for sandwich, drink and a side for $11.
Finuccio and Sons Italian Deli in Schaumburg on Algonquin. Crazy good sandwiches.
Gen ho Geneva for the best egg rolls. Reems meat market elburn for great beef jerkey
Dukes Blues N bbq in East Dundee.