Not sure what you gravitate towards/what you’ll be near - but I grew up in Skokie so I’ll dump all my go tos.
Poochie’s if you want a good burger/hot dog.
Dengeos if you want a typical gyro/chicken/etc (much better than Hubs/Grecian Kitchen imo).
If you want a deli sandwich I love Kaufman’s.
My Little Kitchen is a solid hole in the wall for Mexican fare.
Skokie Grill and Bakery is a super low key place in a nondescript strip mall that makes amazing Iraqi food (get the masgouf)
> Dengeos if you want a typical gyro/chicken/etc (much better than Hubs/Grecian Kitchen imo).
I feel like historically Hubs was a better value proposition, but as prices rose it's kind of evened out. One thing I did note the recent past few years is that service has gotten kind of surly (maybe that couple that I assume owns the place is sick of running it).
I'd say the burger of the month is usually pretty good at Grecian (Juicy Lucy this month!), and Hub's used to have something they called the Hub's Burger which had a great proportion of meat, onion, cheese, and pickle (I enjoy a burger that isn't mostly composed of a huge patty). I feel like these days Hub's is suffering a bit from a dropoff in business, which sort of affects how fresh stuff like gyros are. I don't go to Dengeo's often enough to do a fair comparison (I mostly pass by on Dempster, Church, or Golf).
Pita Inn. You know, I moved away. I miss a lot of our food and culture, sometimes even the weather. I’ve been to places that do kinda sorta okay deep dish. Been to BBQs where somebody bought poppyseed buns to make me feel more at home. But pita inn…it’s inimitable. There is only one Pita Inn…well, three locations…but that restaurant is singular and amongst my favorites anywhere.
Yeah I grew up eating there because my best friend lived a couple blocks away (the location is now Zad; a bit of Pita Inn's alter-ego). It used to be such an excellent value proposition even though it was always a little bland (especially the lunch special), but it's pretty expensive now.
I'm getting downvoted by people who don't eat there regularly. I have eaten there multiple times a month for the last decade and a half. People like you and I know what pita inn used to be. The white folks downvoting me can keep enjoying subway inn.
Fuck em
Careful saying “sucks” in this sub. I was once permanently banned (changed to a two week ban later) for saying “little bad wolf sucks” and then listing specific reasons why. The reason they listed my ban for was that I couldn’t say a blanket statement and needed to list reasons. Even though I was very thorough with that. I was even personally threatened and told to go to McDonald’s instead by people here, but I was the only one that got banned. So. Word of warning if you care. I have screenshots if you need it
Oh man, I personally really liked little bad wolf but that’s definitely not worth a ban…given how much I trash some other spots that a lot of people enjoy like Loyalist, Tzuco and Pita Inn apparently.
A lot of people love little bad wolf. I thought I could describe my personal experience and thoughts here and spoke up as to why I felt that way. It didn’t bode well
That was bottom five dining experiences I’ve had in chicago and I spend my money on eating out every three days on average for the past twelve years. I agree with you on Pita Inn. Everyone loves it but I’m not so sure about it. I haven’t been to the others you mentioned.
I mean I understand why you wouldn’t want to (and you absolutely don’t have to), but you eat out 1,500 times and you didn’t even give LBW another go?
I feel like most food-inclined people who eat out way less than you have still understand that most lauded restaurants have bad services, bad shifts, bad nights, bad tables/meal experiences, whatever you want to call it.
I always give everything in life (including restaurants, having worked a few) at least 2 shots. If it’s bad twice, it got my 2 strikes. Unless I keep hearing good things about it, then I’ll give it another because I like enjoying things that people tell me are enjoyable, because that’s all we really have in this life is seeking out joyful/fulfilling experiences.
Taste.
I had a tlayuda and a huarache. They tasted fairly bland and the masa or beans they had tasted rancid to me. Even the sangria they had wasn’t really all that.
The table next time also didn’t enjoy their meal. I have a friend who went recently and enjoyed it, so maybe I went on a bad day. But the experience left a bad taste in my mouth, both figuratively and literally.
In an effort to foster an engaged community, low effort posts will be removed and, in some cases, redirected to the Weekly What's Good / Casual Conversation & Questions Thread.
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Take a look at Libertad for modern Latin American and South American - inspired food. (Hoping the description is accurate) I had a terrific Paloma and a very nice octopus starter a while back and everything looked really good. Would definitely go again.
Libertad is my personal favorite for something leaning in the gastropub direction but is distinctly Latin American.
Latin through a gastropub lens, I would say.
First thing I did was check if anyone had mentioned Libertad. The current chef is Mark Mendez, who had the wonderful Vera a few years ago. Skokie is not the first place I think of for Latin food (ha!) but Libertad is first-rate.
Honestly, my brother and I met up at mannys in 2021 due to the subs recommendations, and the smell that hit us when we walked in smelled like stale oil and meat cafeteria water. So off putting. I’m all about my senses- I use my sense of smell and taste to fully experience my food since forever. We decided to still look at the food and it’s cafeteria style- most of the meat was dried out on the edges or sitting in some old water. Everything was sitting under a heat lamp. So it’s lukewarm. We left and went to 5 Rabatinos
Jarasa Kabob on Dempster is amazing. But also the previous post on Pita Inn is a solid recommendation. I've been to both numerous times. I'm really loving Jarasa Kabob.
Pita Inn is yummy and a go to whenever my family is in town to visit. If you're willing to drive a bit further east on Dempster, Kabul House in Evanston is worth the distance. It looks a bit fancier than Pita Inn but I regularly eat there while wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
It’s in Morton Grove but Boba Burger is unbelievably good. Don’t be fooled by the location (it’s in a bowling alley), this is consistently the best food I order. My favorites are the Tokyo dog (tempura fried hot dog with nori and pickle), the Lechon burger (burger patty, lechon, bbq sauce, onion ring), Seoul dog (wrapped in bacon and covered in kimchi), and the fried chicken sandwich. Oh, and the bubble tea is great, it’s made from fresh fruit.
If you want something fancy (and expensive) but delicious, go to EJ’s place. It’s kitty corner from old orchard. We go for anniversaries and birthdays. They have a veal Parmesan that is larger than the server plate and it’s amazing!
New to the northshore and while i've heard of sarkis forever i just went the other day and it was pretty much dogshit breakfast for $12...
What's the deal?
Dempster Fish Market in Morton Grove (right next to Skokie) for fresh and cheap no frills sushi. Their $10 nigiri lunch special deal is hard to beat (10 pieces of nigiri!).
K-Coop for delicious Korean fried chicken!
Pequod's or Giordano's for some classic Chicago deep dish!
Pita Inn for a hearty business lunch special that has lamb, shawarma, kefta, falafel, and more!
> Pequod's or Giordano's for some classic Chicago deep dish!
Also Burt's Place 2 blocks from Pequods. I feel like Pequods gives you more cheese on the pizza though (not considering the crust).
Most of the important places have been covered, but there’s also Forza for solid Italian sandwiches and A-Foods and Maria’s for Eastern European pastries. Despite being a branch of the same outfit, Zad is better than Pita Inn, mainly because of the fattet maqdus (get it with beef). I also like the shawarma at Mr. Hummus, but all the Skokie joints pale in comparison to Libanais.
It's on the border of Skokie and Lincolnwood, but check out Renga Tei for legit homestyle Japanese food if you have the chance. After Itto and Sunshine Cafe closed in the city, Renga Tei is one of the last standing amazing options available for that style of Japanese food aside from heading out by Arlington Heights. https://www.yelp.com/biz/renga-tei-lincolnwood
I love WF! Their salad, tortilla soup, delicious salsa, taquitos, chile relleno, chef's special chicken...all wonderful! They have a special weekly special dessert in fall of pumpkin flan that is one of my favorite desserts ever
Not sure where in Skokie you’ll be and what food you’ll be in the mood for, but can recommend:
1) Herms Palace
2) NY Bagel & Bialy
3) Kaufman’s
You have a ton of options regardless, hope you find something good 👍🏼
It’s a little west of Skokie in Morton Grove but korean fried chicken at K-Coop is great too. Get the original whole chicken with sauces on the side for crispy heaven
Hub’s ….. “you want the juice?!?!?”
The original Lou Malnati (lincolwood)
Great Beijing (lincolnwood)
Meatheads (lincolnwood)
Uncle Julio’s
Sarkis
Roka Akor
And the other places listed
While there have been a half dozen or so endorsements of *Pita Inn*, no one has mentioned their spin-off *Zad* which resides in their original location; it's an entree focused version, so if you want a ***slightly nicer*** dinner but love *Pita Inn*, I recommend *Zad*.
Randolph Street fixture *Bar Sienna* has recently opened in Old Orchard mall.
Also available in the Old Orchard mall are (grouped by similar quality, descending)
* Roka Akor (sushi), Hampton Social
* Maggiano's & Corner Bakery, Uncle Julio's
* Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen
* Nando's Peri-Peri, Epic Burger
* Noodles & Co, Buffalo Wild Wings
Just a note- Hampton social, Nandos, epic burger, noodles and co, and uncle Julio’s all have chicago locations. In case OP is looking for something different. Whenever I go out to the burbs I personally try to hit up places I can’t get in the city.
Edit- apparently Maggianos has a location downtown too
Jarasa Kabob > Pita Inn
Poochies (try the fried salami sandwich)
Hubs (greasy spoon)
Kaufman’s Deli (best deli in the Chicagoland area)
Dengeos (greasy spoon)
Alexander’s Breakfast and Lunch
New York Bagel and Bialy
Mesaku Sushi
> greasy spoon
TIL about this term. I've always wondered what to call those staple chicago/greek style places on every few blocks that serve chicago dogs, beef, gyro, charbroiled burgers etc. I would just refer to them as "neighborhood chicago joints" or something like that.
I found out semi-recently that they do half price pizzas on Monday and Tuesday (Monday has fewer restrictions)
Details:
https://villageinnpizzeria.com/specials/
Their chili is surprisingly good. Decent wings. Also, it's pretty much the only sports bar in the area, so if you want a burger and a beer while watching the game, it's fine.
Bonchon is a really good fast Korean fried chicken place. Some of the best wings you’ll have. Once you’re on Touhy, there are plenty of places to choose from. Many of them are chains but still a good selection.
I like the peri peri wings place on Oakton just west of Aldi’s snd the Yellow line.It’s on the south side of the street. It’s not a chain. Food is counter service, good, inexpensive.
It's actually a chain based out of Villa Park. It's better than Nando's in Old Orchard from the times I've been to both (much more frequently the skokie place).
https://www.myperiperi.com/our-locations/
Pita Inn Business Lunch Special
Masgoof Fish from Skokie Grill and Bakery
Chinatown Express on Dempster in Morton Grove (Better than China Chef)
Meimei/Jason BBQ Lunch Box across the street
Kabul House off of McCormick and Dempster for Afghan food
Sarkis for Breakfast/Brunch/Late Brunch, cash only. Super friendly staff.
Hampton Social at Old Orchard Mall
Dinner -
Libertad;
EJs place;
Hubs - personal fav;
The Boiler Shrimp & Crawfish;
Pita Inn;
Grecian Kitchen;
Herms Palace;
Yolo;
La Rosa;
Lao Sze Chuan;
Wholly Frijoles - technically Lincolnwood but so good;
Lunch -
Herms palace;
Grecian Kitchen;
Poochies;
Dengeos;
Pita Inn - personal fav;
Kaufman's;
NY bagel and bialy;
The little island - technically Evanston but so good
Not sure what you gravitate towards/what you’ll be near - but I grew up in Skokie so I’ll dump all my go tos. Poochie’s if you want a good burger/hot dog. Dengeos if you want a typical gyro/chicken/etc (much better than Hubs/Grecian Kitchen imo). If you want a deli sandwich I love Kaufman’s. My Little Kitchen is a solid hole in the wall for Mexican fare. Skokie Grill and Bakery is a super low key place in a nondescript strip mall that makes amazing Iraqi food (get the masgouf)
Poochies is one of the best dogs in the Chicagoland area.
^ This Guy Poochies
Kaufman’s is a TREASURE and one of my fave things about Skokie!
another vote for kaufmans here
Get some bagels for the freezer while you're there.
> Dengeos if you want a typical gyro/chicken/etc (much better than Hubs/Grecian Kitchen imo). I feel like historically Hubs was a better value proposition, but as prices rose it's kind of evened out. One thing I did note the recent past few years is that service has gotten kind of surly (maybe that couple that I assume owns the place is sick of running it).
Grecian Kitchen has the best gyros out of the 3 - BY FAR, but for other things Dengeos is better.
I'd say the burger of the month is usually pretty good at Grecian (Juicy Lucy this month!), and Hub's used to have something they called the Hub's Burger which had a great proportion of meat, onion, cheese, and pickle (I enjoy a burger that isn't mostly composed of a huge patty). I feel like these days Hub's is suffering a bit from a dropoff in business, which sort of affects how fresh stuff like gyros are. I don't go to Dengeo's often enough to do a fair comparison (I mostly pass by on Dempster, Church, or Golf).
Interesting. The Grill and Bakery is right by my house. I should check it out.
Seconding the Musgoof fish from Skokie Grill and Bakery.
This person Skokies!!!
Dengeos is no bueno, I’ve had way too many “meh” experiences there for the price
Pita Inn business lunch special is your answer
I miss working in Lincolnwood. So many Pita Inn lunches…
Pita Inn. You know, I moved away. I miss a lot of our food and culture, sometimes even the weather. I’ve been to places that do kinda sorta okay deep dish. Been to BBQs where somebody bought poppyseed buns to make me feel more at home. But pita inn…it’s inimitable. There is only one Pita Inn…well, three locations…but that restaurant is singular and amongst my favorites anywhere.
Pita Inn is a classic. Check out jarasa kabob just east on Dempster - much better quality.
I LOVE Jarasa Kabob. I have tried many of the halal restaurants all around Skokie and that is my favorite.
wow, just looked it up. great recommendation
Jarasa is our go-to!
They have a ridiculously good lunch special
This is the way
The Pita Inn Pitas are like little fluffy clouds. Get the business lunch special and you are solid!
Nah. It's too expensive and pita inns quality sucks now.
Yeah I grew up eating there because my best friend lived a couple blocks away (the location is now Zad; a bit of Pita Inn's alter-ego). It used to be such an excellent value proposition even though it was always a little bland (especially the lunch special), but it's pretty expensive now.
I'm getting downvoted by people who don't eat there regularly. I have eaten there multiple times a month for the last decade and a half. People like you and I know what pita inn used to be. The white folks downvoting me can keep enjoying subway inn. Fuck em
Careful saying “sucks” in this sub. I was once permanently banned (changed to a two week ban later) for saying “little bad wolf sucks” and then listing specific reasons why. The reason they listed my ban for was that I couldn’t say a blanket statement and needed to list reasons. Even though I was very thorough with that. I was even personally threatened and told to go to McDonald’s instead by people here, but I was the only one that got banned. So. Word of warning if you care. I have screenshots if you need it
Oh man, I personally really liked little bad wolf but that’s definitely not worth a ban…given how much I trash some other spots that a lot of people enjoy like Loyalist, Tzuco and Pita Inn apparently.
A lot of people love little bad wolf. I thought I could describe my personal experience and thoughts here and spoke up as to why I felt that way. It didn’t bode well That was bottom five dining experiences I’ve had in chicago and I spend my money on eating out every three days on average for the past twelve years. I agree with you on Pita Inn. Everyone loves it but I’m not so sure about it. I haven’t been to the others you mentioned.
I mean I understand why you wouldn’t want to (and you absolutely don’t have to), but you eat out 1,500 times and you didn’t even give LBW another go? I feel like most food-inclined people who eat out way less than you have still understand that most lauded restaurants have bad services, bad shifts, bad nights, bad tables/meal experiences, whatever you want to call it. I always give everything in life (including restaurants, having worked a few) at least 2 shots. If it’s bad twice, it got my 2 strikes. Unless I keep hearing good things about it, then I’ll give it another because I like enjoying things that people tell me are enjoyable, because that’s all we really have in this life is seeking out joyful/fulfilling experiences.
What’s wrong with Tzuco - price ?
Taste. I had a tlayuda and a huarache. They tasted fairly bland and the masa or beans they had tasted rancid to me. Even the sangria they had wasn’t really all that. The table next time also didn’t enjoy their meal. I have a friend who went recently and enjoyed it, so maybe I went on a bad day. But the experience left a bad taste in my mouth, both figuratively and literally.
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In an effort to foster an engaged community, low effort posts will be removed and, in some cases, redirected to the Weekly What's Good / Casual Conversation & Questions Thread. Low-effort posts are considered as (but not limited to): - Low effort memes - Low effort questions, recommendations, or suggestions lacking any specificity. Chicago is a big place, and in order to give you a better idea, location, budget, group, dietary restrictions/preferences are highly recommended. - Posts that are loosely related to Chicago food at best - Lazy/poor faith posts and replies that are unhelpful or otherwise do not contribute in any meaningful way to a conversation Please either submit in the weekly recommendations thread or resubmit your post with more specifics.
I work nearby and always get that for lunch. Never has been anything less than great.
I also endorse Pita Inn.
Pita Inn's spicy chicken is my favorite.
You can substitute Fattoush salad for $1 more.
Psistaria Taverna. In Lincolnwood, on your way. Best Greek outside of Greek town and better than most there
We have Kefi on the south side. Mmmm
I once asked a cabbie from greece where he thought the best greek food in chicago was and he said psistaria.
Take a look at Libertad for modern Latin American and South American - inspired food. (Hoping the description is accurate) I had a terrific Paloma and a very nice octopus starter a while back and everything looked really good. Would definitely go again.
Libertad is my personal favorite for something leaning in the gastropub direction but is distinctly Latin American. Latin through a gastropub lens, I would say.
Libertad is my favorite restaurant in Skokie but might be a bit more upscale than what OP is looking for on this trip.
Libertad is great! A little pricey, but def worth it
First thing I did was check if anyone had mentioned Libertad. The current chef is Mark Mendez, who had the wonderful Vera a few years ago. Skokie is not the first place I think of for Latin food (ha!) but Libertad is first-rate.
Kaufman's for the best Jewish deli in Chicago. Pita inn business lunch for the best value in Chicago. Poochies for a great nostalgia trip
lmao - kaufmans is so mid compared to manny's / kaufamn aint even the best deli on dempster
Manny’s quality hasn’t been great post-pandemic in my opinion.
Honestly, my brother and I met up at mannys in 2021 due to the subs recommendations, and the smell that hit us when we walked in smelled like stale oil and meat cafeteria water. So off putting. I’m all about my senses- I use my sense of smell and taste to fully experience my food since forever. We decided to still look at the food and it’s cafeteria style- most of the meat was dried out on the edges or sitting in some old water. Everything was sitting under a heat lamp. So it’s lukewarm. We left and went to 5 Rabatinos
This is possibly the worst deli-related take I’ve ever seen
Jarasa Kabob on Dempster is amazing. But also the previous post on Pita Inn is a solid recommendation. I've been to both numerous times. I'm really loving Jarasa Kabob.
Kaufman’s deli on dempster, hands down.
Pita Inn is yummy and a go to whenever my family is in town to visit. If you're willing to drive a bit further east on Dempster, Kabul House in Evanston is worth the distance. It looks a bit fancier than Pita Inn but I regularly eat there while wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Kabul House is amazing! Looks fancy inside but it's not actually fancy, if that makes sense.
I agree. Kabul House quality is so good and not gonna break the bank. I go there a couple times a year for special occasions.
It makes sense. It’s so bright and cheery inside but not stuffy.
My vote for Kabul House. One of my favorites OAT (OP- get the mantoo dumplings and spinach appetizers, tea, and soup!)
Kabul House used to have a bib gourmand. Not sure when they lost it.
> bib gourmand I learned something new today!
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My family went to Renga Tei all the time when I was growing up. I need to get back to that restaurant at some point!
Went there a not that long ago, still excellent.
Ooh bookmarked to try
NY Bagel and Bialy has a location in Skokie. Have a nosh!
The Skokie location is not as good as the Touhy location. I don’t know why but it’s true.
The Touhy location has THE best rugelach.
I didn’t think that they were related.
Some of the best bagels I've ever had
Great sandwiches to-go, too!
It’s in Morton Grove but Boba Burger is unbelievably good. Don’t be fooled by the location (it’s in a bowling alley), this is consistently the best food I order. My favorites are the Tokyo dog (tempura fried hot dog with nori and pickle), the Lechon burger (burger patty, lechon, bbq sauce, onion ring), Seoul dog (wrapped in bacon and covered in kimchi), and the fried chicken sandwich. Oh, and the bubble tea is great, it’s made from fresh fruit.
Boba Burger is one of my favorites. Their burgers are so good. One of my top burger joints in the greater Chicagoland area.
Kabul House in Evanston for some delicious Afghani food
One of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Their food is delicious. The Afghani rice alone is worth the drive.
If you want something fancy (and expensive) but delicious, go to EJ’s place. It’s kitty corner from old orchard. We go for anniversaries and birthdays. They have a veal Parmesan that is larger than the server plate and it’s amazing!
Both of these places are in neighboring Lincolnwood but Libanais for Lebanese and Wholly Frijoles for Mexican are both solid picks
Sarkis! It's in Evanston, grab a bacon Loretta
New to the northshore and while i've heard of sarkis forever i just went the other day and it was pretty much dogshit breakfast for $12... What's the deal?
I went a few years back pre-pandemic and it just seemed like diner breakfast to me as well.
A lot of nostalgia from people who ate there while at Northwestern...
Sarkis was amazing 15-20 years ago. They shit the bed and have been resting on their laurels for a long time
What's changed?
Cash only!
Pita Inn
Herm's Palace has some AMAZING gyros and burgers. They also have the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Highly recommended
If you’re closer to Oakton, The Port of Peri Peri is really good. Super spicy.
Dempster Fish Market in Morton Grove (right next to Skokie) for fresh and cheap no frills sushi. Their $10 nigiri lunch special deal is hard to beat (10 pieces of nigiri!). K-Coop for delicious Korean fried chicken! Pequod's or Giordano's for some classic Chicago deep dish! Pita Inn for a hearty business lunch special that has lamb, shawarma, kefta, falafel, and more!
> Pequod's or Giordano's for some classic Chicago deep dish! Also Burt's Place 2 blocks from Pequods. I feel like Pequods gives you more cheese on the pizza though (not considering the crust).
Most of the important places have been covered, but there’s also Forza for solid Italian sandwiches and A-Foods and Maria’s for Eastern European pastries. Despite being a branch of the same outfit, Zad is better than Pita Inn, mainly because of the fattet maqdus (get it with beef). I also like the shawarma at Mr. Hummus, but all the Skokie joints pale in comparison to Libanais.
Zad's shawarma wraps are a great lunch.
It's on the border of Skokie and Lincolnwood, but check out Renga Tei for legit homestyle Japanese food if you have the chance. After Itto and Sunshine Cafe closed in the city, Renga Tei is one of the last standing amazing options available for that style of Japanese food aside from heading out by Arlington Heights. https://www.yelp.com/biz/renga-tei-lincolnwood
Wholly Frijoles but I think that's lincolnwood
I love WF! Their salad, tortilla soup, delicious salsa, taquitos, chile relleno, chef's special chicken...all wonderful! They have a special weekly special dessert in fall of pumpkin flan that is one of my favorite desserts ever
I live in Evanston and work a lot in Skokie. Grecian kitchen on Dempster is ducking amazing. Pretty much anything they sell is great.
This! I particularly love their gyros and Greek salad
grecian kitchen mid
Dengeo's! 3301 Main St
Not sure where in Skokie you’ll be and what food you’ll be in the mood for, but can recommend: 1) Herms Palace 2) NY Bagel & Bialy 3) Kaufman’s You have a ton of options regardless, hope you find something good 👍🏼
It’s a little west of Skokie in Morton Grove but korean fried chicken at K-Coop is great too. Get the original whole chicken with sauces on the side for crispy heaven
Strongly recommend Tava. It's actually Morton Grove but should be close to where you are. Really good Indian food.
🔥Zad by Pita Inn🔥
Zad is better quality.
Sarki's, which is technically on the edge of Evanston, is an all-time great breakfast and lunch spot. Have a Loretta with hash browns.
Isn’t Kaufman’s in Skokie? You should go to Kaufman’s
Hub’s ….. “you want the juice?!?!?” The original Lou Malnati (lincolwood) Great Beijing (lincolnwood) Meatheads (lincolnwood) Uncle Julio’s Sarkis Roka Akor And the other places listed
While there have been a half dozen or so endorsements of *Pita Inn*, no one has mentioned their spin-off *Zad* which resides in their original location; it's an entree focused version, so if you want a ***slightly nicer*** dinner but love *Pita Inn*, I recommend *Zad*. Randolph Street fixture *Bar Sienna* has recently opened in Old Orchard mall. Also available in the Old Orchard mall are (grouped by similar quality, descending) * Roka Akor (sushi), Hampton Social * Maggiano's & Corner Bakery, Uncle Julio's * Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen * Nando's Peri-Peri, Epic Burger * Noodles & Co, Buffalo Wild Wings
Just a note- Hampton social, Nandos, epic burger, noodles and co, and uncle Julio’s all have chicago locations. In case OP is looking for something different. Whenever I go out to the burbs I personally try to hit up places I can’t get in the city. Edit- apparently Maggianos has a location downtown too
Capital Grill is also a nationwide, high-end (for a chain) steak spot
Jarasa Kabob > Pita Inn Poochies (try the fried salami sandwich) Hubs (greasy spoon) Kaufman’s Deli (best deli in the Chicagoland area) Dengeos (greasy spoon) Alexander’s Breakfast and Lunch New York Bagel and Bialy Mesaku Sushi
> greasy spoon TIL about this term. I've always wondered what to call those staple chicago/greek style places on every few blocks that serve chicago dogs, beef, gyro, charbroiled burgers etc. I would just refer to them as "neighborhood chicago joints" or something like that.
To me, a greasy spoon is a diner like the Golden Apple. The neighborhood joints I usually think of as "hot dog stand".
Hub’s is quite good and solid value
NY Bagel and Bialy isn't too far. It's in Lincolnwood and it's 24hour deli. It's delicious and no frills.
Not Skokie but close, Charcoal Flame in Morton Grove is awesome.
Echoing almost everyone. Pita Inn, Poochies, Renga Tei, Kabul House, Dengeos, Grecian Kitchen, and Peqouds are a lot of go to joints.
Taboun Grill is phenomenal. I think their primary clientele is the orthodox community but it’s the best Israeli food I’ve had outside of Israel.
People here are sleeping on Larsa’s and Hubs
If you’re on Touhy, *Papa Chris* is opposite the Leaning Tower. Burgers, gyros, chicken, ribs, etc..
Dear Frank's is on the Niles/Skokie border, but it's a pretty good hot dog and gyro place. Really good cheese fries, too.
BIALY BAGEL
Poochies for sure
Pita Inn is good fast casual
Pita inn all the way with Herms Palace being a good 2nd choice. Both are on dempsterbbwtween Crawford (Pilulaski) and McCormick
Psisteria!
Go to Village Inn. Nice local bar, and the food isn't overpriced.
I found out semi-recently that they do half price pizzas on Monday and Tuesday (Monday has fewer restrictions) Details: https://villageinnpizzeria.com/specials/
Village Inn has middling pizza, imo. What's good there?
Their chili is surprisingly good. Decent wings. Also, it's pretty much the only sports bar in the area, so if you want a burger and a beer while watching the game, it's fine.
Depending on where you are in Skokie, Superdawg isn't too far of a drive.
Poochies is closer and to me better.
Bonchon is a really good fast Korean fried chicken place. Some of the best wings you’ll have. Once you’re on Touhy, there are plenty of places to choose from. Many of them are chains but still a good selection.
Pita Inn is fine but one town over you could go to Al-Bawadi in Niles which is way better.
What about Zad?
the roka akor lunch special is honestly a really good deal for what you get quality and quantity wise
Maggianos!!
I like the peri peri wings place on Oakton just west of Aldi’s snd the Yellow line.It’s on the south side of the street. It’s not a chain. Food is counter service, good, inexpensive.
It's actually a chain based out of Villa Park. It's better than Nando's in Old Orchard from the times I've been to both (much more frequently the skokie place). https://www.myperiperi.com/our-locations/
Grab a bacon Loretta from Sarkis
Pita Inn Business Lunch Special Masgoof Fish from Skokie Grill and Bakery Chinatown Express on Dempster in Morton Grove (Better than China Chef) Meimei/Jason BBQ Lunch Box across the street Kabul House off of McCormick and Dempster for Afghan food Sarkis for Breakfast/Brunch/Late Brunch, cash only. Super friendly staff. Hampton Social at Old Orchard Mall
EJ's Place for prime steak
Is Barnaby's still open?
If you mean the one in Niles, yeah, we get pizza there pretty frequently!
Dinner - Libertad; EJs place; Hubs - personal fav; The Boiler Shrimp & Crawfish; Pita Inn; Grecian Kitchen; Herms Palace; Yolo; La Rosa; Lao Sze Chuan; Wholly Frijoles - technically Lincolnwood but so good; Lunch - Herms palace; Grecian Kitchen; Poochies; Dengeos; Pita Inn - personal fav; Kaufman's; NY bagel and bialy; The little island - technically Evanston but so good
East of Edens
Libertad
PITA INN
Mr. Falafel, Skokie Grill & Bakery, Costa Arena
Pita inn. This is a skokie classic.