Best of Bucktown/WP

Recently started a similar thread on CH, thought I would bring my query here as well. Have been living in Btown for about a month now, and am slowly learning the lay of the land, food-wise. Was wondering if any other Btown/WP people had some rec's that were off the beaten path, so to speak.
Here's what we're still jonesing for:

Chinese Delivery. Papajin is pretty good...but can't help but feel there's something better out there.

Sushi--not a fancy-schmance place with $13 rolls, but the kind of place with good combo deals, good fresh fish and a less hefty price tag than Blue Fin or Mirai. Oh, we can't stand Coast, FYI. Overpriced and underwhelming.

Thai/Pan-Asian--We've tried Pot Pan, not bad...is Roong better? We sorely miss Joy's Noodles on Broadway, we used to live about 2 blocks away. Have heard mixed reviews of Green Ginger...is it as good as some say, or abysmal as others claim?

Late-Night Diner-y--Again, we miss our old standby of Melrose on Broadway in lakeview...not sure if there's anything comparable in the area. Darwin's is a great choice for a late-er night meal but not as cheap as Melrose, obviously. How's the food at Blue Line Diner?

Mexican-- Las Palmas was overpriced and the service pretty much blew, but the food was pretty good, good guac and margaritas. Is Lazo's Tacos still a good choice? What's the final verdict on the new Izcapulzaco?


Lunchy-Brunchy Spots--Toast is so freakin crowded, Feast is overpriced and overhyped, and Northside Bar and Grill is so crazy-trixified I can't even bear to walk in there.

And, of course, any other recs in any other category would be helpful! I refuse to trust citysearch....

JBanana wrote:...Chinese Delivery. Papajin is pretty good...but can't help but feel there's something better out there....

...Thai/Pan-Asian--We've tried Pot Pan, not bad...is Roong better? We sorely miss Joy's Noodles on Broadway, we used to live about 2 blocks away....

I'm not in the UV/Btown/WP area anymore but I recall being underwhelmed by Papajin's delivery. Someone once told me that dining there is the way to go but I dunno. We always did Hi Rickey, Penny's or Roong when the mood for Eastern struck. That I don't recall who we called for Chinese delivery says something but I'm not sure whether that reflects poorly on me or the local options.

I'm a big fan of most everything at Penny's. The WP Penny's is a favorite of mine. It's good, it's cheap, it's fast and I've rarely waited for a table. Off the top of my head I can't remember if they deliver but, if not, calling ahead for pick-up is quick, easy and nearly painless. I've done it many times.

I'm also a big fan of Roong's Larb Chicken salad. I'm no larb expert but I like this particular dish enough to feel confident in recommending that you give Roong at least one try. You may not be wowed but I can't imagine you'll be cursing me afterwords...

Of course, YMMV.

Kurt

I second Roong; probably, the best Thai in the neighborhood. I rate it just a bit below the strong standard repetoire of the Lincoln Square Thai restaurants, Opart and Roseded. I find Pot Pan a pretty dining room with way mediocre food. Same with Papajin, fyi. There's really no good Chinese in WP. When the craving hit I'd always do Eat First 2 in the Kmart plaza. It's not great, but a slight cut above the Yu Shang, etc., mass leafletters. If ordering stay away from the noodle dishes. You oughta give Luc Thang on Ashland a go; interesting ground beef potstickers, perky laab kai, flavorful grilled beef salad.

When I lived in Wicker Park, I used to like Flying Saucer. It's in Humboldt Park, technically, but who makes these kinds of distinctions? Lovely omelettes (if you get lucky you'll be there when the special is the veggie/goat cheese, which is very generous on the cheese), pleasantly sweet black beans next to the filling and still delicious breakfast burrito (something I'd never considered before eating here). I started going to Flying Saucer when they first opened a few years ago (5 or 6 maybe? can it be?) and Bite kept overcooking my poached eggs in the eggs benedict. That's not right at all. I've been more than pleased at FS. I've only been there once for dinner, but I remember that it was pleasant, particularly the turkey sandwich served on cinnamon bread.

You may also want to try Cold Comfort on North Avenue (second time in a week I've mentioned this place, and that was the first time in years I'd thought of it). Be warned that the service can be really terrible. When it first opened, I used to go in there a lot, and got to know some of the servers, who are all now gone because of problems with the ownership. I don't know if that situation is any better, so this is merely a mention, not necessarily a recommendation. But I can't remember ever eating anything bad there. And I like the little store in the front and the good coffee. They also have that Cel-ray soda, if you're into that kind of thing.

For Chinese delivery, I believe that Friendship delivers to that area. I used to be crazy coo-coo about this place, but it just hasn't been that great lately (no more dumpling trio!). Maybe I'm spoiled and used to it. But I'd eat it every day of my life before I'd choke anything down from Papajin.

I'm not sure how late you're looking for, but you could do worse than Silver Cloud. Way worse, like Hollywood Grill, which is where everyone in the area goes for diner food at 3 a.m.

Flying Saucer
1123 North California
773 342-9076

Cold Comfort Cafe and Deli
2211 W. North Ave
773 772-4552

Silver Cloud
1700 N. Damen Ave
773 489-6212

Friendship Chinese
2830 N. Milwaukee Ave
773 227-0970

I just wanted to add that, as opined (about Thai in general)on another thread, you have to hope Roong's having a good day when you order.

As I lament the lack of a Chicago deli tradition like that of LA, Manhatten, or Houston, Cold Comfort cafe' was always good for an aproximation of my goto sandwich: roastbeef, swiss, deli mustard on white with pickle and Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda. Yes, service is terrible and not quaintly terrible, either.

Stay way away from Hollywood Diner and Sultan's Market and Earwax. A friend of mine loves the breakfast place Bongo Room, but it underwhelms me. If you manage to stomach walking past Trixie hell along Damen you could always give Cafe' DeLuca a try with it's panini and huge tea list.

And Stevie B's barbeque's pretty average; gloppy, sweet, gooey, moist.

Late-Night Diner-y--Again, we miss our old standby of Melrose on Broadway in lakeview...not sure if there's anything comparable in the area.

How about the Hollywood Grill? I was there last Saturday for the first time, and since it seems to have a Hispanic tone to it (staff, clientele, menu), I ordered the Tex-Mex skillet. Fresh chorizo, tomatoes, peppers, chili, a nice morning picker-up (which I needed, since their coffee was pretty average). Can't speak to the rest of their offerings, but it's sure a diner and they are open 24/7.

Hollywood Grill and Breakfast Restaurant
1601 W. North Ave.
773-395-1818

Christopher Gordon wrote:And Stevie B's barbeque's pretty average; gloppy, sweet, gooey, moist.

I'm pretty sure Stevie B's is long-gone anyway...

clogoodie wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:And Stevie B's barbeque's pretty average; gloppy, sweet, gooey, moist.

I'm pretty sure Stevie B's is long-gone anyway...

You may be thinking of their old location. They moved to Ashland and Blackhawk (I think) a few years ago.

Either way, I'd avoid it.

eatchicago wrote:

clogoodie wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:And Stevie B's barbeque's pretty average; gloppy, sweet, gooey, moist.

I'm pretty sure Stevie B's is long-gone anyway...

You may be thinking of their old location. They moved to Ashland and Blackhawk (I think) a few years ago.

Either way, I'd avoid it.

Well that's the location I'm thinking of...during my trips up and down Ashland, it's always looked dark and empty...and I believe there was a For Sale sign on it.

Yes, they moved into a once cursed space opposite my old building. The Q is intensely average, the staff friendly enough... On weekends they started an underground House club blasting sub bass through the wraparound glass walls of the restaurant, slamming our building to the wee hours, and crowding the neighborhood with tons of half-hazzardly parked cars. I was happy to move. It's possible they've since closed(um...hopefully, really), but in the years since they arrived they'd often shut down for months at a time.

What merits mentioning is one of the best sources for steak tacos and al pastor in the city: Taqueria Leon. They're across the street from Stevie B's at the very corner of Blackhawk and Ashland.

Down Ashland a few feet is a worthwhile Supermercado Guanajuato.

Both have been mentioned on LTH before. Search the various al pastor threads.

clogoodie wrote:

eatchicago wrote:

clogoodie wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:And Stevie B's barbeque's pretty average; gloppy, sweet, gooey, moist.

I'm pretty sure Stevie B's is long-gone anyway...

You may be thinking of their old location. They moved to Ashland and Blackhawk (I think) a few years ago.

Either way, I'd avoid it.

Well that's the location I'm thinking of...during my trips up and down Ashland, it's always looked dark and empty...and I believe there was a For Sale sign on it.

Interesting. You're right. I just called and the number is disconnected.

Christopher Gordon wrote:As I lament the lack of a Chicago deli tradition like that of LA, Manhatten, or Houston

Could you say something more, maybe in Beyond Chicagoland, about the deli tradition in Houston? That's new to me.

(And he did!)

Ever since the Busy Bee left Damen Ave., I've found little to like about the offerings in Wicker Park/Bucktown.

I don't think Stevie B's has been on Ashland for a few years now. I walked by the old place a month or two ago and I believe there's a Mexican seafood-type place in there now, or maybe that too has been orn down and made into condos. I just checked the web for Stevie B's and saw that there are apparently three locations in existence - all in Florida. (I think "Stevie B's" is the same as the "Steve B's" mentioned in this thread - right?)

http://www.steviebsribcafe.com/

Bill wrote:Ever since the Busy Bee left Damen Ave., I've found little to like about the offerings in Wicker Park/Bucktown.

I don't think Stevie B's has been on Ashland for a few years now. I walked by the old place a month or two ago and I believe there's a Mexican seafood-type place in there now, or maybe that too has been orn down and made into condos. I just checked the web for Stevie B's and saw that there are apparently three locations in existence - all in Florida. (I think "Stevie B's" is the same as the "Steve B's" mentioned in this thread - right?)

http://www.steviebsribcafe.com/

That's the logo and color scheme on the building at Ashland & Blackhawk. Funny to see the quotes from Chicago area critics on the side of the page when all locations are currently in Florida...

Well, if they're gone it's been in the past year and a half(the time since I moved). Like I said, they often closed for extended periods. Also, as I opined, that site seemed cursed with Stevie B's lasting the longest of several enterprises. Not surprised in the slightest if it goes condo. I hope Taqueria Leon stays.

Hmmm...I've been in Bucktown for three years now. I haven't found Chinese delivery that I like and my husband and I don't love Roong. When I was pregnant, and my palate was all wacky, they repeatedly ignored my requests to make the food less spicy. We've had some luck ordering from the Pan-Asian place Zen Noodles. Stay far, far away from Duck Walk though. Blech!

For a cheap Central-American meal, we like Irazu. But depsite living very close to Lazo's, we've never tried it. A little out of the neighborhood, there's a pretty good casual Mexican place on Ashand called El Presidente.

We like the food at Sultan's Market too -- why don't people like it? -- although the service is abysmal.

No real brunch places we favor in the neighborhood. We have a two-year-old, so we tend to brunch at Mitchell's, John's Place and the like.

Be long gone. My wife and I recently moved out of that area (Cleaver and Potomac), and would occasionally order from Stevie B's, whenever they happened to be open. I never understood how they had enough income to remain in business, since they had irregular hours and remained closed for months at a time, with no venerable explanation. One night, Lauren (my wife) and I happened to pass by Stevie B's, and they were miraculously open. We entered the restaurant, and there was a strobe light going with Earth, Wind & Fire blaring. I'm sure the neighbors could hear the music. A man rapidly approached us. "We're closed for a private party," he yelled. I asked when they were open, and he said, "Whenever I feel like it." He was the owner. It looked like everyone was having a good time, and not particularly worried about business. I think the place was a front. Anyone else know of any other fronts? Or fronts where the food was actually good? There are some places along Grand Avenue which are suspicious as well. There was a little Italian place on North and Wood which was kind of dubious as well.

JohnB wrote:I think the place was a front. Anyone else know of any other fronts? Or fronts where the food was actually good?

Yeah, it's called Chinatown.

ekpaster wrote:Stay far, far away from Duck Walk though. Blech!

What is wrong with Duck Walk?

Here are my Bucktown picks:
Chinese delivery: I'll second Friendship in Logan square but I have found it to be hit-or-miss. It's about 50% more expensive than the average chinese delivery (which is fine on a "hit" night). Young's on Ashland at Irving also delivers to me--good when you crave those American-Chinese classics like orange chicken.
Thai delivery: P.S. Bangkok and Thai Classic (both on Clark street in Wrigleyville both deliver to my house. I think they are better than the Thai places in Bucktown. The Spice in Logan square delivers. I like their Tom Kha Kai. It's very cheap but the food is only so-so. The original Roong Petch on Montrose is far more consistent than Bucktown's Roong, which I generally avoid.
I'm not a Penny's fan at all--I find their dishes to be a bit on the bland side.
Jane's on Cortland is a nice, consistent, contemporary American place. It's a bit overpriced for what it is, but very dependable. Lula's in Logan square is great--same genre, but involves a drive.
Earwax cafe and Filter both have pretty decent cafe food. Both have sandwich's, wraps, breakfast food. Nothing spectacular, but good. Earwax delivers. Cafe De Luca (sp?) is a cute Italian-style cafe. I like it better for drinks than for food.
Tre via has good pizzas and pastas but the inside is very dark and it's always quite smokey (the owner is one of the leading crusaders against banning cigarettes in restaurants).
I love Spring for an event meal. I've also had some great meals at Cafe Absinthe (but it's been a while). Scylla has been hailed pretty extensively on this site and elsewhere.
Le Bouchon has very good bistro fare. On Tuesdays they have a $22 prix-fixe meal that's a great deal.
For sushi, I don't stay in Bucktown. If I'm going to pay Mirai, Coast prices, I'd rather drive to Katsu.
For late night dining, I'd stick with Darwins. The Blue Line Diner is pretty standard bar food(although it's not really a bar).
I love living in Bucktown. But while the pubs/bars are great (I like the Map room, the Charleston, the Bucktown pub, Danny's, Get me high, Small Bar), I think the restaurants are over-hyped. You're probably better off going to Logan for taqueria's, diners, dives.

JBanana wrote: Was wondering if any other Btown/WP people had some rec's that were off the beaten path, so to speak.

I think the lesson I've learned from this thread is confirmation of something that I've always suspected:

There's not much "off the beated path" in Bucktown/WP. Bucktown/WP is the beaten path.

thaiobsessed wrote:I love living in Bucktown. But while the pubs/bars are great (I like the Map room, the Charleston, the Bucktown pub, Danny's, Get me high, Small Bar), I think the restaurants are over-hyped. You're probably better off going to Logan for taqueria's, diners, dives.

I agree wholeheartedly. There's not much food worth the money in Bucktown. There are a few places, but the low-end is especially poor. Besides irazu there just isn't much.

While there's a lot of overpriced, often so-so food in Bucktown, at least we're in close striking distance to a lot of great, price-point appropriate offerings. (How's that for soft praise?)

In addition to some of the other's mentioned already (e.g. Darwin's, Janes), here are some of my top picks in the area (in no order). I'm pretty sure more detailed reviews have been posted elsewhere on LTH:

Cafe Bolero (solid Cuban food, live music, friendly staff)
2252 N. Western Ave.
773-227-9000

Irazu (BYOB, hearty Costa Rican food, good shakes)
1865 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-252-5687

Think Cafe (BYOB, intimate but often packed, Italian)
2235 N. Western Ave.
773-394-0537

Milk and Honey Cafe (great pre-noon brunch, afterwards it's packed)
1920 W. Division St.
773-395-9434

Sultan's Market (Sandwiches are cheap and filling -- and often mediocre, but I go for the rice and lentils)
2057 W. North Ave.
773-235-3072

Handlebar (good beer selection, veggie-friendly)
2311 W. North Ave.
773-384-9546

There are a few other places in the neighborhood where I'd recommend a dish or two but avoid others (e.g. Spicy Basil Chicken @ WP Penny's).

Zee

thaiobsessed wrote:Here are my Bucktown picks:...Lula's in Logan square is great--same genre, but involves a drive.....

Not necessarily. Anyone in WP/Btown within walking distance of the Blue Line is a a mere two stops away from Lula. Parking is usually easy enough to find around Lula but a drive certainly isn't required.

That said, cabs can be pretty scarce around Lula so taking the El here means taking the El home (or calling for a cab). Don't count on hailing a cab.

Kurt

Just ordered delivery from Zen Noodles. No minimum on delivery charges, $1.95 delivery fee.

I ordered one dish for hubby (coming home late) and ate Papaya salad and Pad Thai (classic with tofu). They were both good, I could have used more spice in the Papaya (a generous dollop of rooster sauce fixed it up) and a bit less tofu in the Pad Thai (which most people probably want more tofu). It was browner than I usually have had it (a more peanutty sauce, maybe) but tasty. They include a slice of lime for the Pad Thai, which I like.

It came faster than they said it would, I think the dishes were a bit small for the price, but not outrageously so. It was tasty, and the delivery guy was nice. It definitely didn't sit around, the hot food was hot and the Papaya salad was not hot.

I'm not a huge fan of the area, but, in a pinch-

Thai Lagoon is nearby. I've only ever had the rice nam sod, but I've never had it better.

Pacific Cafe is a nice little pan-asian place. Everything's decent.

Brunch? Eh. There's a three dollar ham egg and cheese breakfast sandwich at Underdogg that always seemed to take the edge off. Also, Thyme on Milwaukee has some sort of brunch buffet with champagne; I've never been so I can't vouch for it.

If you like pizza at all, Piece and Santullo's are worth a shot. While Piece can be crowded, it's pretty good stuff. And, Santullo's can be greasy, so get several extra napkins, but, it's a damn fine slice for 4$.

Also, Cafe Lucia on North has a very reasonable lunch menu (try the Yale Special) and then a nice dinner service (outdoor seating and pumpkin ravoli are a great combination.)

Good luck. Sorry not to be more specific with your suggestions, but, someone already suggested Eat First II for chinese. . .
ee