polish grocery store on the north side

Hi: I am wondering if there is a Polish grocery store on the north or northwest side that is comparable to Bobak's on Archer. I keep meaning to get to Bobak's but the distance combined with a tight schedule around fetching children from school has made it a somewhat elusive endeavor. I am looking to buy quality pork in various cuts, pierogis, jams, mustard, good rye bread, that sort of thing. And with Easter coming I am also looking to get my hands on some affordable but lovely European chocolates (and last year I swooned over the sugar chickens at Bobaks).

Any leads? Or should I just find the time and make the trek down south?

Thanks in advance.

bjt

Try Andy's on Milwaukee. They've got a pretty extensive meat/sausage dept. and most of the stuff you listed. I'n not sure about the chocolates at Andy's, but they have a pretty good selection at Family Fruit Market and Lincolnwood Produce.

Andy's Deli
5442 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 631-7304

Family Fruit Market
4118 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 481-2500

Lincolnwood Produce
7175 N Lincoln Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 329-0600

thanks, is this Andy's Deli owned by the same people who have the Andy's deli down on Division in Wicker Park? Just curious . . .

Wally's, on Belmont just west of Narragansett, is pretty good.

bjt wrote:thanks, is this Andy's Deli owned by the same people who have the Andy's deli down on Division in Wicker Park? Just curious . . .

Yes. It's the same people, except that the store on Division has closed. This is much larger than the Division store.

IMHO (at least), Andy's is a much better store than Bobak's, by a lot.

I've been meaning to say something lately about how Polish markets are the great unsung heros of Chicago eating. To me, they are like good and gooder (and I've never discovered a Polish market that's been less than good). I mean take Bobak's, on the scale of things, it's not bad, but on the Polish market scale, there's just so many great ones, it's hard to compare. All of these stores feature outstanding dairy and eggs, assorted high quality fresh cheeses and kefirs (a real treat when you can find it, are places that make the Highlander fresh sheep's milk*); of course there are the sausages and deli stuff, depending on the place it will be big or bigger selection; likewise the meat counter will be good, most of the places have Amish chickens and the like; pickles, pickles in the barrel are as god as anywhere in Chicago; usually excellent prepared foods, and breads, some bake their own, others get from assorted local bakeries. The quality is just so beyond about any other market in Chicago. If you enjoy eating, you should shop regularly at Polish markets.

Like I say, Andy's is one of the better markets, great deli, great bakery. Avenues on Belmont at Oak Park Ave is another good one on the North side. I shop a lot at Kolatch (2445 N. Harlem). The deli is relatively small, but this is a place for prepared foods and breads especially. (Kinda the opposite of Avenues, which has a huge deli but sucky prepared foods).

*Alas, I have only found fresh made sheep's milk cheese at Southside Polish markets.

Vital Information wrote:I shop a lot at Kolatch (2445 N. Harlem). The deli is relatively small, but this is a place for prepared foods and breads especially.

Do you mean Kolatek's? Lotsa good, cheap soups.

Cogito wrote:

Vital Information wrote:I shop a lot at Kolatch (2445 N. Harlem). The deli is relatively small, but this is a place for prepared foods and breads especially.

Do you mean Kolatek's? Lotsa good, cheap soups.

Yes, thank you. I happened to have been there yesterday and have a reciept, but I misread it!

And we bought soups! Chicken noodle, cream of barley and white borsht.

Montrose Deli & Cicero Deli are both owned by the same people. Excellent meats, soups, prepared dishes. Good prices, fresh every day. I think they are the best.

Montrose Deli
(773) 725-6123
5411 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

Cicero Deli
3206 N Cicero Ave,
Chicago, IL 60641

Another great Polish Market:

A & G Fresh Market
5630 W Belmont Ave
(between Central Ave & Parkside Ave)
Chicago, IL 60634