seebee wrote:Don't ask me for a specific joint, but shouldn't there be some very worthy Jerk Chicken somewhere in one of these areas?
In the grand scheme, if you're thinking Zaragoza and Grand Duke's .

I would definitely recommend a Jerk Chicken spot - no question, one of the best things they do on the south-side (as compared to the north)...

When I do the south-side drive-by (and various stops of pick-up)...my first choices always were Old Fashioned, the dear-departed Uncle John's (whose loss I still havent recovered from), and Jerk Chicken. Then, if possible, the NWI trek (for Lincoln O's), and Vito and Nick's, and Zaragoza...those, to me, are the top-of-the-charts cant-miss spots...oh, and Calumet Fisheries too, of course...

Opinions vary on Jerk Chicken spots. I liked Irie's - but I dont think its around anymore. My standard spot for a while now has been Uncle Joe's Jerk - used to go to the spot on 82nd and Cottage Grove (but it has now moved to 47th and King - and the "ambience" has greatly improved - they even have live-music/reggae on Saturday nights - but the food has stayed spot-on and the prices have not increased either). I suppose technically the branch I go to (they have 3 IIRC?) is no longer south of 50th...but its very good nonetheless.

Its after hitting these spots that I personally start looking further...Top Notch and Thats-a-burger, for instance (I like both, TAB is a very good burger; Top Notch has the best shake in the city, and joint-top-fries IMHO, along with a solid burger)...Cafe Trinidad is very good, Abundance Bakery and Jimmy Jamm's very worthwhile etc. But, to me personally, they come in after the top 6 or 7 spots listed above...

One other spot I often hit on my trips (partly because Iam partial to it, and its not *that* far from Calumet) is Pupuseria El Salvador - I like their pupusas a lot, but their budin (and some of their sausages) are my particular faves...the best El Salvadorean food around, IMHO. (This one is a holdover for me, from the old days of the dear-departed TDP, the greatest fish taco place in the history of the city)...

c8w

c8w wrote:(This one is a holdover for me, from the old days of the dear-departed TDP, the greatest fish taco place in the history of the city)...

Tacos de Pacifico...the only GNR that was never a GNR.

Tacos de Pacifico Fish Tacos (RIP)

Here are some more ideas if you want them. I dont know how one can go south and have no tacos at all. This list should help you find a spot. I'd put the shrimp taco dorados at Memo's Taco Mex in Highland, IN on any top taco list I'm asked to make. I'm also confident in saying I've ate at as many different taco places around town as anyone. Note: That's just what I've gotten up, I have close to 200 spots doc'd. Speaking of which 106th street has five good shops (one is just east off it on Torrence). Also my current favorite fried shrimp in the city are at Haire's Gulf Shrimp. I think Heine's is worth a stop for shrimp and chicken. If still need more ideas, here's 75 different posts from S'C'&C with "southside" in the label. Enjoy.

c8w wrote:One other spot I often hit on my trips (partly because Iam partial to it, and its not *that* far from Calumet) is Pupuseria El Salvador - I like their pupusas a lot, but their budin (and some of their sausages) are my particular faves...the best El Salvadorean food around, IMHO.

Alas, Pupuseria El Salvador closed a couple years ago. Definitely my favorite Salvadoran food in Chicago.

Interesting to see the diversity of opinion on Miner-Dunn versus Schoop's. I like Miner-Dunn but I like the ultra-crispy edges of Schoop's even more. A few years ago I tried the two back-to-back and Schoop's was my clear favorite. I always try to go to the Munster location (the "original") where I've never been disappointed.

Though I haven't eaten there yet I've heard lots of good things about Indy Cafe in East Chicago.
Indy Cafe
5654 Indianapolis Blvd
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 397-1878
Hours:
Tue-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 3 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Indy-Caf ... 3515411322

I would defintely reccomend Roseangelas. A hidden gem in Evergreen Park. I consider it right up there with my other two faves, Vito & Nicks and Villa Nova. Although I am a fan of Wonderburger, the special sauce is what keeps me coming back, I would favor Top Notch. If you do make it towards Harlem a stop at Mini Hut for fried chicken on Archer and Normandy would be well worth it.

If South Holland is within your range, Cunis Candies is on 162nd Street and has wonderful house made ice cream.

bw77 wrote:If South Holland is within your range, Cunis Candies is on 162nd Street and has wonderful house made ice cream.

There's also a Harold's Chicken Shack located in the same strip mall.
Harold's Chicken Shack
1058 E 162nd St
South Holland, IL 60473

If were talking thin crust pizza, I'd pick:

1. Villa Nova in Stickney; and

2. Fox's at 100th and Western, Chicago.

A good old fashioned cheese and sausage will do at either place, Villa Nova in particular.

For deep dish, I'd go with Louisa's in Crestwood. I think Louisa's is some of the best deep dish pizza anywhere. The late Louisa Degenero worked at Pizzeria Due for over 2 decades. Her adult daughter runs the show now, and I think she spent at least a decade at Pizzeria Due, too. The Italian herbs and spices in the tomato sauce and elsewhere are grown in the garden behind the restaurant. Their tomato sauce is truly spectacular, and their garlic sausage recipe is made in house. It's probably the best garlic sausage on a deep dish pizza I've ever had, with Pizano's and Burt's Place garlic sausages recipes close behind. Louisa's crust is thinner and shallower than Pizzeria Due, and there's a healthy dose of butter in that crust. It's very good. If Louisa's were located downtown, it would be flooded with tourists, and the lines would be outrageously long to get in. Thankfully, it's in Crestwood, so it's a great neighborhood spot. I wish I lived closer. Great stuff.

deepdish wrote:For deep dish, I'd go with Louisa's in Crestwood. I think Louisa's is some of the best deep dish pizza anywhere. The late Louisa Degenero worked at Pizzeria Due for over 2 decades. Her adult daughter runs the show now, and I think she spent at least a decade at Pizzeria Due, too. The Italian herbs and spices in the tomato sauce and elsewhere are grown in the garden behind the restaurant. Their tomato sauce is truly spectacular, and their garlic sausage recipe is made in house. It's probably the best garlic sausage on a deep dish pizza I've ever had, with Pizano's and Burt's Place garlic sausages recipes close behind. Louisa's crust is thinner and shallower than Pizzeria Due, and there's a healthy dose of butter in that crust. It's very good. If Louisa's were located downtown, it would be flooded with tourists, and the lines would be outrageously long to get in. Thankfully, it's in Crestwood, so it's a great neighborhood spot. I wish I lived closer. Great stuff.

PREACH!

From 2007:

Jefe wrote:Uh oh, I am about to spill one of my family (and the southwest suburb's) best kept secret: Louisa's pizza. Legend has it that Louisa was an original chef at Uno's (or Due's). Sometime in the late seventies/ early eighties she defected and founded her outpost in Midlothian. She makes my favorite Chicago style pie- buttery crust with a hint of cornmeal that is caramelized around the edges, light on the cheese, homemade stewed tomato sauce, and the best house-made Italian sausage any where. My folks- vegetarians- love the fresh spinach. Not to be missed. Skip anything else on the menu and stick to the pies. The room has a great seventies chianti bottle charm and there is always at least three generations of Louisa's family present on any given night. Louisa is now a feisty ancient Italian grandmother who doesn't seem to spend much time in the kitchen, but makes rounds in the dining room.
It seems like you have your southside thin crust options covered, but for the best Chicago style:

Louisa's
14025 s Cicero
Crestwood

A quick zip on the Midlothian Turnpike (159th) will get you right there from Orland. Its fairly convenient from I-57 as well.

2008:

Jefe wrote:Hands down my favorite Chicago style pan pizza, in Crestwood: Louisa's

Favorite meals, bites… 2013:

Jefe wrote:Most eaten/classics:
Cheeseburger- Schoop's
Sole Fish Soup with Sour Pickle- Lao Sze Chuan
Sausage Pizza- Louisa’s
Chicken Boti- Khan
Cabbage Pierogies- Podhalanka
Beef Noodle Soup- Katy’s
Ground Pork with Preserved Bean & Famous Hunan Chile- Lao Hunan
Manila Clams in XO- Go 4 Food
Soppressata with Mushroom Pizza- Coalfire

I recently had the Jim Shoe sub from Stony Sub per Rene G's post http://www.lthforum.com/2013/06/in-sear ... -jim-shoe/
A worthwhile stop in my book.

If you are still free next week & want a dining partner (to divide & concur different dishes in LTH style), let me know what you got planned, my lunch time is wide open next week.

Artie wrote:

bw77 wrote:If South Holland is within your range, Cunis Candies is on 162nd Street and has wonderful house made ice cream.

There's also a Harold's Chicken Shack located in the same strip mall.
Harold's Chicken Shack
1058 E 162nd St
South Holland, IL 60473

cunis is very good.....their pecans are YUMMMMMM

bw77 wrote:If South Holland is within your range, Cunis Candies is on 162nd Street and has wonderful house made ice cream.

i wholeheatedly agree....great "sundaes"

Food crawl... mmmm...

I'm renting a car this Sunday for some errands, and the idea of an improvised marathon of South Side eateries immediately came to mind.* Below is my list so far - put together with invaluable help from previous posts and Da Beef:

La Favorita
Los Gallos
Garifuna Flava
Miss Lee's Good Food
Mini Hut
Grand Duke's
Lem's
Q Sazon
Vito & Nick's
St Rest No.2 Country Kitchen
Dat Donut
Hienie’s Shrimp House
Burritos Juarez
Al Bawadi
Nablus Sweets

The objective is to visit neighborhoods otherwise difficult to visit and to eat things otherwise difficult/impossible to find. I have no idea how to whittle this down to a humanly feasible list.

Any glaring omissions/suggestions/new additions? Burger recommendations that would make do, since That's-A-Burger and Top Notch will be closed on Sunday? Non-food stops along the way?

*If anyone else is interested in joining, please let me know!

bernard wrote:Food crawl... mmmm...

I'm renting a car this Sunday for some errands, and the idea of an improvised marathon of South Side eateries immediately came to mind.* Below is my list so far - put together with invaluable help from previous posts and Da Beef:

La Favorita
Los Gallos
Garifuna Flava
Miss Lee's Good Food
Mini Hut
Grand Duke's
Lem's
Q Sazon
Vito & Nick's
St Rest No.2 Country Kitchen
Dat Donut
Hienie’s Shrimp House
Burritos Juarez
Al Bawadi
Nablus Sweets

The objective is to visit neighborhoods otherwise difficult to visit and to eat things otherwise difficult/impossible to find. I have no idea how to whittle this down to a humanly feasible list.

Any glaring omissions/suggestions/new additions? Burger recommendations that would make do, since That's-A-Burger and Top Notch will be closed on Sunday? Non-food stops along the way?

*If anyone else is interested in joining, please let me know!

Is it safe to assume you've been to Zaragoza's & La Chaparrita?

I haven't been to half of these spots, two on my list are Heinie's and Mini Hut and damn, that barbacoa at La Favorita!

I've heard Los Gallos has fell off, though I'd get an informed opinion on that, as I haven't been in two years (and it was phenomenal then)

Burritos Juarez looks good, I've never been. I can also vouch for La Placita de Durango for norteño grub.
And if you're on south Pulaski, definitely stop by Cremeria La Ordeña for hard-to-source Mexican sundries.

Garifuna Flava, Lem's, & V&N's are the must do's that jump out at me on your list. I love Al Bawadi too, though despite the illusion that Middle Eastern food can be light, I have to warn you that its pretty tricky to have a light lunch at this place and I might advise a dedicated one stop meal there (I'd be down for a trip!). I think the aspect that the place is a formal-ish dining room might make one feel obligated to order a full meal.

What I might add is an Italian beef at Pop's, especially to try their fresh-as-morning-dew "hot mix" giardiniera. The Kedzie location is probably more on your path, though the original in Palos Heights is more consistent.

Your burger hit should be Nicky's on Archer for a Big Baby.

And while we're talking south side delicacies, have you ever had a Mother-in-law or a Freddy? I'm not sure they'd be worth the gastro- real estate (especially the former), but when in Rome...

Also, Rainbow Cone?

Finally, GNR Spicy Thai Lao is for sure worth a stop.

Good luck paring it down, that's one hefty list! Its unlikely I'd be able to join, though if my Sunday frees up, I'll let you know.

Birrieria Zaragoza
4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 523-3700

La Chaparrita
2500 S Whipple St, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 247-1402

La Placita de Durango
2423 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632

Cremeria La Ordeña
5958 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 284-8300

Pop's
10337 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 239-1243

Pop's
7153 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 361-0087

Nicky's Hot Dogs
6142 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 585-3675

Rainbow Cone
9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 238-7075

Spicy Thai Lao
5357 State Rd, Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 424-1758

Jefe wrote:And while we're talking south side delicacies, have you ever had a Mother-in-law or a Freddy? I'm not sure they'd be worth the gastro- real estate (especially the former), but when in Rome...

Oh, and DUH, the Jim Shoe!

I like Super Sub in Marquette Park. That deep fried Shoe, that's all I'm sayin...

Super Sub
2810 W Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 434-2222

I think you could probably rent a car every Sunday for a month and still be working this list!!! But I admire the ambition. And Jefe's recs are right on as far as don't miss additions. I'm possibly up for joining you though it's a pretty crazy weekend. Keep us posted on your plan!

If you're willing to go really far south, you should include Uncle John's Too in Richton Park. It's right off I-57.

=R=

Uncle John's Too (website)
5103 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL 60471
(708) 679-0513

ronnie_suburban wrote:If you're willing to go really far south, you should include Uncle John's Too in Richton Park. It's right off I-57.

=R=

Uncle John's Too (website)
5103 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL 60471
(708) 679-0513

It's only flaw it is closed on Sundays. I know from having tried to go on a Sunday.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:If you're willing to go really far south, you should include Uncle John's Too in Richton Park. It's right off I-57.

=R=

Uncle John's Too (website)
5103 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL 60471
(708) 679-0513

It's only flaw it is closed on Sundays. I know from having tried to go on a Sunday.

Regards,

Yes. And Mondays, if I'm not mistaken.

=R=

Yep, Monday, too.

A solid substitute would be:

Honey One
746 E 43rd St
Chicago, IL 60653
b/t Evans Ave & Cottage Grove Ave
Phone number (773) 285-9455

Fantastic idea Bernard . . . I'm pretty well booked on weekends for the rest of the year, but if you haven't hit all of these places before January, I'm in then!

BR wrote:Fantastic idea Bernard . . . I'm pretty well booked on weekends for the rest of the year, but if you haven't hit all of these places before January, I'm in then!

agreed on all counts

Rainbow Cone is closed for the season, opens in March

Jefe wrote:Is it safe to assume you've been to Zaragoza's & La Chaparrita?

Assumption correct :) La Ordeña's an especially great rec since I can stop by even on a full stomach.

Jim Shoe's and Big Baby's don't tickle me quite as much as (it seems) many on lth, but I almost feel ... in debt to try it due to the comprehensive reporting by everyone.

bernard wrote:Jim Shoe's and Big Baby's don't tickle me quite as much as (it seems) many on lth, but I almost feel ... in debt to try it due to the comprehensive reporting by everyone.

I can see how the sloppy amalgamation of cheap, salty fast food ingredients that is the Jim Shoe (and certainly the Mother-in-law) would not appeal to some palates, but the Big Baby is more than a sum of its parts and considerably more composed than those other two sandwiches. And heck, the quality of the product might not necessarily be any lower grade than everybody's favorite burger in town.

Is it my favorite burger in Chicago? Probably not– I prefer fresh ground, hand formed burgers like That's-a-Burger and Schoop's (are you willing to drive to Muenster, IN?). I do find it juicier than Top Notch, though. But its open on Sunday, has a frozen-in-amber feel to its matchbox sized diner counter, and the show of the grill man and his spatulas alone is worth a stop. And who doesn't like a massive heap of grilled onions?

bernard wrote:

Jefe wrote:Is it safe to assume you've been to Zaragoza's & La Chaparrita?

Assumption correct La Ordeña's an especially great rec since I can stop by even on a full stomach.

Don't forget there's Cremería La Ordeña #2 on the north side, on Lawrence (between Kimball & Pulaski).

Nice list. I've been to most multiple times and there's not a bad one in the bunch. I'll go through your list in order, trying not to add too many places. Mostly, I'll try to help pare down your list, giving you reasons why you might want to save certain places for another day.

La Favorita — I haven't visited.

Los Gallos 2 — It's been too long since my last bowl, but they've always set the standard for carne en su jugo. Maybe not an essential stop, but close.

Garifuna Flava — With so few Garifuna restaurants in the world, it would be a shame to miss it. Hopefully they'll have some interesting weekend specials (not that there isn't enough on the regular menu).

Ms Lee's — It would be tough to pass up Birda's herbal chicken (I imagine it would reheat well for Monday's lunch), but maybe just pick up a dessert for later?

Mini Hut — Good chicken, but it doesn't strike me as unique in any way. If you're a fried chicken fan and want to check it off your list, by all means go for it.

Grand Duke's — Nothing else quite like it in Chicago. Cool interior, heavy food. Maybe just sit at the bar for a draft Svyturys and the "Enjoy it with Beer" platter (smoked pig ears, fried bread, etc)? Definitely check out their deli next door.

Lem's — The definitive Chicago barbecue house, not as consistent as it should be, but still well worth a visit. Go across the street to Brown Sugar for a slice of Stephanie's superlative caramel cake. Cathy2's suggestion of Honey 1 would be great too (more consistent, though less picturesque).

Q Sazon — I haven't visited.

Vito & Nick's — I've been going for many years and still love it. Surprisingly easy pizza to eat, even when full (so it wouldn't be a bad later stop). Go a few blocks south to admire Rosario's remarkable neon sign and pick up some excellent fresh Italian sausage (you will have a cooler, won't you?).

St Rest — No small plates here; this might bury you. I might like Morrison's on Ashland a little more, but it's a close call. But any soul food stop might not be ideal for a day like you're planning.

Dat Donut — Good donuts, fairly priced. Why not pick up a few for later? Simpler is often better at Dat.

Hienie's — Worth visiting, if only so you can try their oddball hot sauce in its native habitat. If you're on the SE Side, you ought to get some smoked fish at Calumet Fisheries. And browse the fascinating La Fruteria for kola nuts, djon djon mushrooms, pickled pig tails and Hienie's hot sauce (by the gallon or single-serve cup).

Burritos Juarez — Their burritos are good, small, fast and cheap, but I'd go with Jefe's suggestion of La Placita de Durango for a more interesting selection of Duranguense food, including handmade wheat or corn gorditas stuffed with chicharron prensado, cuajada, requeson or some great guisos.

Al Bawadi — Wonderful place, but as Jefe points out maybe not ideal for a snack. The gratis appetizer plate alone might be all you want, but then you'll feel obligated to order a full meal. If you go, check out Nut House across the street for excellent lokum and several za'atar mixes.

Nablus Sweets — A mammoth slice of their top-notch, ultra-rich knafeh would surely finish your day (and after a deep-fried Jim Shoe it might finish your life).

BR wrote:Don't forget there's Cremería La Ordeña #2 on the north side, on Lawrence (between Kimball & Pulaski).

True, but I much prefer the lively, jam-packed atmosphere at the original.