Can somebody please "wow" me with a restaurant

I just moved here from the east coast, and I have yet to go to a place that really impresses me....a place that when a friend comes up I say "you HAVE to try this incredible place I just found." I've been here about 3 weeks, and so far I haven't had anything that really stands out. I'm looking for any place that's ethnic, reasonably priced, has character, and is really really really good. I'm thinking about trying Hot Doug's, Spacca Napoli, and Maza in the coming weeks, but I'd love any suggestions. I'm living in Lincoln Park right by DePaul, and while I have no problem taking the El to pretty much anywhere in the city, I also wouldn't mind some recommendations for places near me. Thanks a bunch.

Places I've tried so far:

Agami
The Bagel
Lou Malnati's
Bongo Room
Orange
Giordano's
Twin Anchors
Piece
Uno's (the original)

Didn't you hear, midwesterners only like bland food?

Your question is one of those things this whole forum is about answering, but recognizing that that's only marginally more helpful than not answering at all, we do make it a little easier with the Great Neighborhood Restaurant lists (on which both Hot Doug's and Spacca Napoli appear, incidentally). Read through those, and if you can't get wowed at, say, TAC Quick or Ed's Potsticker House, you can't get wowed.

As for what you've tried already, suffice it to say your list is a pretty typical one for the sorts of places many people recommend, what they mainly have in common is convenient location to where the yuppies live, and you can do better in every single category represented (although both Uno and Malnati's are pretty good, maybe you just don't like Chicago pizza).

I was in no way trying to imply that the mid-west had bad food. I went to school outside of Cincinnati, and some of the restaurants I miss most are from there. I'm going to make a point to try Spacca Napoli and Hot Doug's this week.

I wasn't saying you said that, look at the link, there was a minor kerfuffle about that elsewhere.

Oh, and you're not going to try Hot Doug's next week, he's on vacation.

Mike G wrote:As for what you've tried already, suffice it to say your list is a pretty typical one for the sorts of places many people recommend, what they mainly have in common is convenient location to where the yuppies live, and you can do better in every single category represented

Agami is located in Uptown, hardly a heavily concentrated yuppie area, and it's the top rated Japanese restaurant in the city. I'm curious what restaurant you would consider the benchmark in that category as I would love to try it. To the original poster, I've been some of the top Japanese restaurants in LA, San Francisco and New York, and Agami compares very favorably. If you were not wowed on your first visit, I would encourage you to try it again.

To whom is Agami the top-rated Japanese restaurant in the city? Not Zagat, who put Mirai first; and not the Reader, who give 16 Japanese restaurants at least one backwards R, and Agami is not one of them. Not that I would take either of those as gospel, but...

Anyway, to answer the question, I'd recommend Katsu or Bob San, for starters.

"The top rated japanese restaurant in the city"?

Since when? By whom? What a meaningless statement without any context. If you'd said "best", I would assume it was a personal opinion, but top rated implies authority!, and, well, it sounds like an authority I'd rather avoid.

Agami was very good...but maybe not quite what I was looking for. While the fish was indeed fresh, and the cuts rather large, it was a bit sloppier than what I am used to. Also, I am not a big fan of those "fusion maki" rolls that look like they could be served at a state fair. My friend got a friend shrimp tempura roll covered in melted cheese and filled with cream cheese. But like I said, the Sushi was very very good (although not quite Oishii in Boston, or Sushi Sono in Columbia, MD)...the fish was VERY fresh. I have been meaning to give Mirai a try based on people's comments here, although I'd like to find a Sushi restaurant that isn't super trendy.

thomasec wrote:My friend got a friend shrimp tempura roll covered in melted cheese and filled with cream cheese.

That sounds horrible. Melted cheese? Can't say I remember seeing that on a Japanese food item of any sort.

Instead of looking for knockout seafood (which seaboard locales like Boston, etc., have in abundance), why not try some of the cuisines that are less available in your old stomping grounds...you know, like regional Mexican...?

Also, I am not a big fan of those "fusion maki" rolls that look like they could be served at a state fair.

If I hadn't just changed the quote at the top of the page... good one.

although I'd like to find a Sushi restaurant that isn't super trendy.

KATSU!!!

I, too, moved out here from the East Coast, but about 12 years ago. I'm still here. I strongly second the recommendation to shift your focus to a cuisine that the East Coast doesn't have, which is regional Mexican. Search these boards for information about this, which is in abundance. Recently, there's been a lot written about a Yucatecan place called Xni-Pec in Cicero.

Exploring this cuisine might take you out of your comfort zone, geographically, but it will be worthwhile to explore the city. Unfortunately, you live in Lincoln Park which, while a favorite for yuppies and newbies, is akin to a food desert. You're unlikely to get a whole lot of decent food in your neighborhood, so keep your expectations low.

Definitely try Spacca Napoli, and Hot Doug's; but keep on trying lots of places that are well-regarded on this board; I don't think you'll be disappointed.

thomasec wrote:My friend got a friend shrimp tempura roll

Thy friend shrimp oft has made my heart to ache.

Sorry, I just had a flashback to doing about 85 on the NJ Turnpike. (Mister state trooper, please don't stop me -- for both our sakes.)

Seriously, though, I second Katsu, Spacca Napoli, and Hot Doug's. (Be prepared for a wait at the latter.) But you are also close to TAC (and not far from Spoon and Sticky Rice), which, along with regional Mexican, have the most potential to wow an East Coaster. You do need to do a bit of homework by reading up on some recommended dishes; here's a start.

If you go to TAC quick (or any other Thai place mentioned), be sure to take a look at Erik M's excellent site http://www.silapaahaan.com/ for some of the excellent offerings found only on the Thai Language menu. Also be sure to order one of the specials from the chalkboard.

And the reason I thought of TAC is that is is located right at the Red Line sheridan stop - very very easy to get to without a car.

Best,

Veeral

thomasec wrote:I went to school outside of Cincinnati, and some of the restaurants I miss most are from there.

I grew up in Cincinnati. What restaurants do you miss? (truthfully, outside of occasional cravings for chili and goetta, I don't miss much; IMHO there's so much more to offer here....)

Some of my favorite places in Cincinnati include Dewey's Pizza, Pacific Moon Cafe, Schoolhouse Restaurant, Zips Cafe, Big Art's BBQ, Jungle Jims (not really a restaurant, but more of a mecca for foodies), and The Black Forest. Dewey's Pizza is easily some of the best American style pizza I have ever had, and Pacific Moon's dim sum was incredible.

veeral wrote:If you go to TAC quick (or any other Thai place mentioned), be sure to take a look at Erik M's excellent site http://www.silapaahaan.com/ for some of the excellent offerings found only on the Thai Language menu.

Thanks for the publicity, veeral, but I should tell you that my translation of TAC's current Thai Language Menu can be found here:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=86439#86439

E.M.

I love Kuni's sushi, though you'll have to go to Evanston for it. It's right off the Purple line, though, if you want to do public transit. It's not big and sloppy, there are none of those wacky rolls, just really good fish. The cooked food is good too.

11 Main St.
Evanston 60202-4540
847-328-2004

Closed Tuesdays.

Welcome to Chicago. I am a Chicagoan (currently living in Tokyo) and I have to say that the sushi in Chicago and the U.S. non-coastal areas generally leaves something to be desired, especially if you don't like sushi of the "big fusion maki" variety. I assume this is more about the small middle-aged and over Japanese population who support the more traditional/authentic establishments than it is about the availability of quality fish. That being said, I would second the recommendations for Katsu and Bob-san. Especially Katsu, where I have had some of the best sushi and non-sushi Japanese food anywhere. I also like Sushi Wabi but that may be a bit more trendy than what you are looking for.

I'm sure you will find that Chicago has excellent food and it sounds like you are well on your way to discovering some good places. As for not being into the big fusion maki, I've never hated it, but I have always just thought of it as a different food altogether from sushi, the same way Western food in Japan is unlike anything you can get in the U.S.. So, I guess it should come as no surprise that here in Tokyo, where no regular sushi restaurants serve big fusion maki, there is a very trendy restaurant in center of the city that specializes in them and advertises itself as a California-style sushi restaurant. I have yet to try it, but from what I've heard it's a very popular place and seems to do well. Apparently, those strange maki filled with cheese, mayo, chili sauce and tempura crumbs that are so commonplace in the U.S. are quite a novelty here.

If you're looking for unpretentious sushi, do check out Katsu (though it will not be easy on your wallet). But also try Hama Matsu. You can search the board for mentions of it, but a quick perusal of my own found mostly peripheral mentions of it when people asked about "Sushi Mike," or else the recommendations for it were a few years old.

The fish is fresh. If you want some rolls but not over the top, can't-taste-the-fish concoctions, they have those. They have very tasty pickled somethings that they give you before your meal and often a cidery drink at the end (anyone know what this is?). And the price is right: Two of us ordered so much that we couldn't finish ( ~8 or 10 nigiri and 2 rolls) and we were out for under $40, including tip. I'm fairly certain it's BYOB.

Hama Matsu
5143 N. Clark
(773) 506-2978

I, too, was an east coast transplant (Boston/NY), and have only been here for 2.5 years. It took me about a year to begin to love the offerings in Chicago - I was pretty unimpressed at first. Earlier advice to try places that you can't find on the East Coast is rock solid - while Brazilian, Ecuadoran, and Colombian are quite good in Boston (for example), there's nothing like the regional Mexican you can find here. Thai food is also exceptional - there may be one place in the Boston area as authentic as 4 or 5 places here. There is so much great food here...and while there are gaps in certain cuisines, you can always fill them in during travel outside of Chicago.

Definitely start with the GNR list.

If you are coming from the Northeast, you may be disappointed by ice cream. I eat a lot of ice cream whenever I go home for that reason.

Your timing is also unfortunate - Chicago has a vibrant farmers market scene and a great outdoors lifestyle in better weather. There's nothing like it on the East Coast, except maybe in Vermont (when people picnic outside when the temperature hits 60 degrees).

You'll get used to it, and you'll find great food. Chicago gets better and better every day.*

*although I'm not holding my breath for great bread.

Here are a few of my picks:

Fan Si Pan
http://www.fansipanchicago.com/

Hai Yen
http://www.haiyenrestaurant.com/

Tomboy
http://www.tomboyrestaurant.com/alt/home.htm

Green Tea
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurant ... uisineid=0

Panes Bread Cafe
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurant ... uisineid=0

Bistro Campagne
http://www.bistrocampagne.com/

Kaze
http://www.kazesushi.com/

Sticky Rice
http://www.stickyricethai.com/

Uncommon Ground
http://www.uncommonground.com/

Vivo
http://www.vivo-chicago.com/websitedark/home.html

Aloha Grill
http://www.vivo-chicago.com/websitedark/home.html

Hearty Boys
http://www.heartyboys.com/navigation.htm

Iberico
http://www.cafeiberico.com/

Mia Francesca
http://www.francescarestaurants.com/

Victory's Banner
http://www.victorysbanner.com/

Southport Grocery
http://www.southportgrocery.com/

Red Rooster
http://www.cafebernard.com/Redrooster/

Dixie Kitchen
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurant ... uisineid=0
(there is also an evanston location that is just as good)

gleam wrote:"The top rated japanese restaurant in the city"?

Since when? By whom? What a meaningless statement without any context. If you'd said "best", I would assume it was a personal opinion, but top rated implies authority!, and, well, it sounds like an authority I'd rather avoid.

Excellent point. I have Zagat to Go on my Palm, and I update it monthly. As of the January update, if you search by cuisine for Japanese, then sort the list by food rating, Agami is first with 26 points for food, 26 for decor, and 23 for service. Mirai is next with 26 for food, 20 for decor and 20 for service. I don't always agree with Zagat, but I have been to Agami at least half a dozen times and it has impressed me as well as various dining companions. I have been to Mirai as well as a number of other Japanese restaurants, and Agami is the best IMO.

Thomassec, you're making me feel old...I think the Schoolhouse is the only restaurant on your list that I remember from when I lived there (also, very likely, I didn't get out much back then) I do remember that Jungle Jim's opened just as I moved away...

At any rate, you've been trying very Chicago-style pizza options, but there are other types here. Try some of the wood-fired joints, mentioned here and here.

[piping in[ I don't like kow-towing to this East-Coast-food-rules myth. I had a great couple of dinners at Morimoto and Babbo and ate around London a month later including La Noisette and Roka finishing up in D.C. at Cityzen and Citronelle and D.C. wowed me... not like Chicago keeps doing but still.

I have yet to eat at Citronelle, but I recently ate at Michele Richards new restaurant Central, and it was easily one of the best meals I have ever had. Next time you're in DC, try "Ray's the Classics" or "Ray's the Steaks" for the best steak on the planet. And some people swear by "Komi" and "Restaurant Eve", although I have yet to eat at either.

Sounds great... Minibar was the one I really wanted to try - no dice with only 6 seats...

Thomasec, I lived one year in Cincinnati, and I miss Jungle Jim's too!!! Also UDF and Graeter's. I'd be happy to never see a Skyline Chili again, however.

I'm listing the places I eat as a regular on Chicago's north side that reflect my favorite things about the city: no pretention, heart, quality, great people, great atmosphere, and of course, fantastic food.

Bistro Campagne -- french bistro in Lincoln Square. Great food, great wine, great service. I've never had a meal that was anything less than excellent there.

Friendship Restaurant on Milwaukee in Logan Square - delicious and innovative Chinese

Fat Willy's - BBQ on Schubert. We used to have to drive deep into Kentucky to get BBQ this good in Tha Nasty!

Scooters - I dunno about you, but they don't have frozen custard back east, and this is the best I've had. I think they've just reopened for spring.

Margie's on Western/Armitage - an old-school ice cream shop, the decor'll blow your mind.

Frances Deli -- on Clark in Lincoln Park for late breakfast, deli sandwiches and milkshakes.

El Cid II - but part of the charm is sitting out in the patio, so you might want to wait till it warms up in the spring. Fish tacos there are great. And I am also a fan of their breakfasts. Very cheap, great service.

Happy dining! You've landed in a wonderful city for a foodie!

Do yourselves a favor and try Williams Inn pizzaria on 5600 south block of ashland in chicago-their sausage pizza has to be experienced to know how good a small little known south side pizza joint can be.The neighborhood can be a little intimidating to those not comfortable in areas that appear to be "iffy"but the pizza must be tried to be truly appreciated.Also Salernos pizza on Grand near racine in chicago serves up the absolute best thin/medium crust italian beef,bacon,onion,mushroom and garlic pizza with extra cheese you could ever experience anywhere.Try both and post back here to let us know-am i right or am i delusional? Also,La Pasadita on ashland-1132 n. ashland makes the best steak burrito with everything on this planet-do it and let us know.

I don't know about "wowing you" but doesn't get much better than:

Bari Subs: Any sando there

La Pasidita: Carne asada burrito/taco

Mike G wrote:Read through those, and if you can't get wowed at, say, TAC Quick or Ed's Potsticker House, you can't get wowed.

I personally haven't been wowed at either - but that's just me. I think that TAC is "Really Good", but haven't been AMAZED.

And Ed's - liked the pancakes, but didn't find either the XLB or cigar potstickers to be spectacular. And, left feeling like i was covered in oil.

I'd rank TAC far above Ed's. I don't think I have any desire to go back to it again. I'll save up my XLB cravings for trips to NYC, where I can hit up Joe's Shanghai!