Best Hidden Gems in Chicago

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding taste, freshness, and authentic Middle Eastern flavors, with falafel and shawarma being standout items.

“Best I've ever had”

Service is overwhelmingly described as friendly, welcoming, and first-rate, with staff often treating customers like family.

“Kind and friendly”

The atmosphere is generally described as humble, inviting, and warm, with a focus on hospitality.

“Pure hospitality”

Diners frequently highlight generous portions and reasonable prices, offering top-notch value for money.

“Insane value for the price”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, freshness, and unique profiles, with burgers and deli sandwiches frequently highlighted as standouts.

“All the food was amazing!”

Service is frequently described as outstanding, attentive, friendly, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond for customers.

“Service was amazing”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as warm, welcoming, cozy, modern, and serene, making it a comfortable place to dine or work.

“The vibe here is just that good”

While most signs suggest good value, one mention suggests a sandwich was a little overpriced for its size.

“A little overpriced”

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, freshness, and creative presentation, with many diners calling it the best they've ever had.

“Each course was a masterpiece”

Service is described as professional, attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating, significantly enhancing the overall dining experience.

“The staff will walk you upstairs”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as intimate, luxurious, stunning, and well-designed, contributing to a special occasion feel.

“Ambiance and interiors were stunning”

While expensive, most diners feel the high quality of food, service, and experience justifies the cost for a special occasion.

“Worth the price!”

The food, particularly pupusas and the signature puputaco, is well-regarded for its excellent freshness, vibrant flavors, and authentic preparation, with many calling it the best in the city.

“The food is incredible! So fresh”

Staff are frequently described as remarkably friendly, warm, attentive, and treating customers like family, creating a welcoming and hospitable environment.

“Attentive and warm staff”

The atmosphere is generally described as cozy, charming, welcoming, and family-friendly, contributing to a positive dining experience.

“Small and cozy”

While most diners find the food to be worth the price, one diner noted the prices as expensive for pupusas.

“Good food, expensive prices”

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, bold flavors, and high-quality ingredients, particularly the steak and wings. The signature 'Deebo style' loaded chip bags are a standout.

“The meat was so soft and flavorful”

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and excellent, with staff and owners often going out of their way to ensure a positive experience.

“The service is spectacular”

The atmosphere is consistently noted as positive, with good music and a welcoming, home-like feel.

“The whole vibe is amazing”

Portions are generous and prices are considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food.

“The order was so big”

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, freshness, and authentic Mediterranean and Turkish preparations, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

“Food was outstanding”

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, kind, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience.

“Service was great”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as elegant, cozy, inviting, and beautifully designed, creating a sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance.

“Ambiance is lovely”

While most reviews do not explicitly discuss price, the general feeling suggests good value, with some mentioning reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.

“Very reasonable price”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with many diners considering it among the best Thai in Chicago.

“Some of the best Thai food I’ve had in Chicago.”

Service is frequently described as remarkably friendly, kind, and attentive, with owners often going out of their way to assist customers.

“The owners are incredibly kind and welcoming!”

The atmosphere is generally described as humble, cozy, and homey, with some noting it can be dated or empty.

“A humble hole-in-the-wall”

Diners find the portions generous and the prices reasonable, offering good value for the quality of food received.

“Delicious food with large portions”

Well-regarded for the food for its outstanding flavor, freshness, and quality, with many calling it the best Indian food they've had. Dishes are described as rich, well-spiced, and cooked to perfection, with a notable variety of options.

“Phenomenal flavors”

Service is frequently highlighted as first-rate, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond to accommodate guests and offer recommendations.

“Top-notch service”

The atmosphere is generally described as cozy, warm, and well-decorated, making it suitable for casual dates and family gatherings.

“Cozy atmosphere”

While some note a slight premium, most diners find the quality and portion sizes justify the cost, offering good value for the experience.

“Fair prices”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, fresh ingredients, and authentic Mexican taste, with many dishes described as outstanding or the best ever.

“Best Mexican food I have ever had”

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, with staff and the owner being incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive, often going the extra mile.

“Amazing service! The owner made us try”

The atmosphere is described as lively, friendly, and welcoming, with a genuine, heartfelt, and authentic feel.

“Warm vibe”

While prices are noted as relatively high by one diner, the overall consensus is that the quality of food and experience justify the cost.

“Very reasonable price”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, quality ingredients, and creative Latin American fusion. Dishes like the oxtail, short rib, chicken and waffles, and chilaquiles are frequently highlighted as outstanding.

“Everything was outstanding!”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond to make diners feel like family.

“Service was friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, cozy, cute, and colorful, with subtle Latin music contributing to a pleasant ambiance.

“Atmosphere was warm and relaxed”

While some diners note the prices as being on the higher side, many feel the portion sizes and quality justify the cost, especially when specials are available.

“Modestly priced”