DineGuides

Hidden Gems in Rogers Park

12 restaurants in Rogers Park. Part of our Chicago Hidden Gems guide.

Hello Thai
#1Hidden Gems
6 photos

Hello Thai

Thai·$$

Hello Thai is a neighborhood spot that feels like home, serving up consistently delicious Thai food with a side of genuine warmth. It's the kind of place where friendly faces remember your order and the lunch specials are a steal.

🍽️95Food
80Vibe
💰90Value
📍75Location
💬

Perfect quality and taste every single time

💬

Music was obnoxiously loud for my taste

💬

You can't beat their lunch special

Ideal for
Affordable weekday lunch dinersThai food enthusiasts seeking authenticityCollege students & regulars building loyalty
Eggs with Benefits
#2Hidden Gems
6 photos

Eggs with Benefits

American·$$

This neighborhood spot elevates the humble egg sandwich with creative Asian-inspired flavors and perfectly cooked ingredients. From savory bowls to fluffy brioche creations, the menu offers a satisfying and unique take on breakfast and lunch favorites.

🍽️95Food
80Vibe
💰88Value
💬

Service was quick and the owner and workers are very friendly

💬

Right by the Loyola lakeshore campus so it's convenient

💬

Food has been consistent each time I have visited

Ideal for
Loyola students and campus visitorsBreakfast-sandwich enthusiasts seeking quality eggsAdventurous eaters interested in Asian-fusion breakfast
Zip Z Express
#3Hidden Gems

Zip Z Express

Korean·$$

Zip Z Express is a fast-casual Korean spot that excels at comforting, flavorful bowls. It's a family-run operation where the new owners have revitalized the menu with delicious, affordable options. Expect generous portions and friendly service, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.

🍽️92Food
65Vibe
💰95Value
📍75Location
💬

Honestly blew me away how good it was. Seriously delicious, but this is definitely more of a grab and go place.

💬

Everything I’ve had so far has been delicious. Affordable comfort food that is warm and tasty.

💬

What I loved the most was how quickly the food was prepared - I received …

Ideal for
Families with kidsQuick weeknight dinnerTakeout
Taqueria Ciudad Hidalgo
#4Hidden Gems
6 photos

Taqueria Ciudad Hidalgo

Mexican·$$
📍 7104 N Clark St

This neighborhood taqueria serves up some of the city's best tacos, with handmade tortillas and flavorful fillings that keep locals coming back. It's a casual, family-friendly spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.

🍽️92Food
70Vibe
💰95Value
👋65Service
💬

Best tacos in the city. No joke. Every place go to I compare to them, and they don’t

💬

I think this place has the best tacos I've ever had! Their chicken tacos are my favorite, hands down, but I've yet to order anything that wasn't absolutely delicious.

💬

The cook stuffed sour cream inside of my quesadilla. Who would do that? I ordered sour cream on the side. I'm not likely to return.

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningCasual weeknight dinner
Alexander’s Restaurant
#5Hidden Gems
6 photos

Alexander’s Restaurant

American·$

Alexander's is a neighborhood diner serving up fresh, thoughtfully prepared American fare. The owner, Eric, makes guests feel welcome, and the friendly, efficient service ensures a pleasant meal.

🍽️85Food
80Vibe
💰85Value
💬

This is a great diner and I’m so happy they’re here! The food is awesome, the service is wonderful and the prices are very reasonable.

💬

Wonderful little corner restaurant/diner. Friendly, efficient service. Tasty American fare.

💬

The neighborhood needed a breakfast place and Alexander is more than welcome.

Ideal for
BreakfastCasual neighborhood meals
Honeybear Cafe
#6Hidden Gems

Honeybear Cafe

American·$
📍 7036 N Clark St

Honeybear Cafe is a bustling brunch destination where generous portions and creative dishes, like the French toast flights, are the main draw. The lively atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a popular spot for families and groups, though securing a table often requires patience.

🍽️92Food
90Vibe
💰80Value
📍60Location
💬

Jennifer was our server and she was amazing. She was very attentive and very friendly.

💬

Carnitas skillet is my favorite hearty brunch choice, while cookie butter banana waffles are my go to for sweet and decadent.

💬

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

Ideal for
Weekend brunchGroup diningFamilies with kids
Nueva Italy Pizzeria
#7Hidden Gems

Nueva Italy Pizzeria

Pizza·$
📍 7109 N Clark St

This neighborhood pizzeria is a family-run spot that truly shines with its signature butter crust, available in both deep-dish and thin-crust styles. It's a go-to for locals seeking authentic Chicago pizza with fresh ingredients and friendly service.

🍽️92Food
75Vibe
💰85Value
💬

Consistently delicious, hot, and fast

💬

Never got to try. Waiting for 2 hours

Ideal for
Chicago-style pizza enthusiastsNeighborhood residents seeking reliable carryout/deliveryBudget-conscious diners valuing quality
Nayos African Cuisines
#8Hidden Gems
5 photos

Nayos African Cuisines

African·$$

This Chicago spot serves authentic Nigerian dishes, with many diners highlighting the jollof rice and okra soup as particularly flavorful. It's a casual, family-friendly place where the food often evokes a strong sense of home.

🍽️90Food
80Vibe
💰80Value
60Wait
💬

Absolutely amazing Nigerian food! We ordered egusi with iyan, jollof rice, and both fish and chicken stew - everything was bursting with flavor and perfectly seasoned.

💬

My son wanted to try fresh Nigerian food and this spot was the perfect place.

💬

The jollof rice is a perfect starter for someone new to the cuisine.

Ideal for
Families with kidsAuthentic Nigerian foodCasual weeknight dinner
Anto Pizza & Pasta
#9Hidden Gems
6 photos

Anto Pizza & Pasta

Italian·$

This cozy neighborhood Italian spot offers a creative take on comfort food, most notably pasta served in a cone. It's a family-friendly, BYOB destination with a charming patio for warmer months.

🍽️92Food
90Vibe
💰70Value
💬

By far the best pasta in Chicago I ever had!

💬

Just a quaint neighborhood Italian spot with friendly family environment and some great food.

💬

The people who work there, including the owner, are very friendly and attentive.

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningSolo dining
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
#10Hidden Gems

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

American·$$

This fast-casual spot focuses on a simple menu of chicken fingers, served with crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and their signature Cane's sauce. It's a no-frills approach that prioritizes speed and consistency for a reliable meal.

🍽️85Food
85Vibe
💰70Value
💬

The chicken was absolutely delicious. Never thought a chicken tender could taste so good.

💬

The parking is tricky around loyola. This place is perfect for foot traffic

💬

Street parking is free and is right out in front of the door. Access was quick and easy.

Ideal for
Families with kidsLate-night eatsQuick weeknight dinner
Mama’s African Kitchen Restaurant Bar
#11Hidden Gems

Mama’s African Kitchen Restaurant Bar

African·$$

Mama's African Kitchen offers a taste of Congolese home cooking, with dishes like dindon and fumbua served in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. The owners are passionate about sharing their culture and cuisine, making it a spot to support local small business.

🍽️80Food
80Vibe
💰70Value
💬

This place is seriously amazing. Had the dindon with jollof rice and african beans.

💬

However, as a person that enjoys food from around the world, I would not recommend the food here.

💬

The dish was $26 but they served plenty of food, and it was absolutely delicious.

Ideal for
Families with kidsCasual weeknight dinner
Urban Tables
#12Hidden Gems

Urban Tables

Soul Food·$$
📍 6958 N Clark St

Urban Tables offers Jamaican patties and soul food, often found at local markets or through catering. Early signs suggest a focus on accommodating special requests and providing generous portions.

🍽️75Food
💰65Value
💬

Urban Tables has consistently provided delicious, flavorful, and reasonably priced meals for my family.

💬

Autumn was fantastic working creating a menu, discussing pricing, and answering all of my …

💬

Food can also be purchased during the summer months at the Glenwood Sunday Market every Sunday from 9-2.

Ideal for
Group diningCatering