DineGuides

Hidden Gems in Uptown

11 restaurants in Uptown. Part of our Chicago Hidden Gems guide.

Rice & Noodles Thai Food
#1Hidden Gems

Rice & Noodles Thai Food

Thai·$$

Generous portions of authentic Thai flavors define this neighborhood spot. It's a BYOB establishment where friendly service and a casual atmosphere make it a go-to for weeknight dinners and casual outings.

🍽️93Food
75Vibe
💰95Value
💬

Amazing customer service. But even better food. Like wow. Fried bannanas are 🔥. Egg rolls on point. Crab Rangoon is to die for. Pad see ewe is delicious.

💬

The Khao Soi was so delicious and had a generous serving of noodles and protein.

💬

The food is in huge portions and very delicious at an affordable price. Highly recommend.

Ideal for
Date nightSolo diningFamilies with kids
A Pizza Pie
#2Hidden Gems
3 photos

A Pizza Pie

Pizza·$$
📍 4449 N Broadway

This Uptown pizza joint offers a nostalgic taste of classic Chicago pies, reminiscent of old-school bowling alley pizzas. It's a family-friendly spot that delivers on generous toppings and a satisfying, familiar flavor profile.

🍽️92Food
82Vibe
💰90Value
🛡️68Safety
💬

Owner whipped it up in 8 minutes

💬

I've tried a few. [implies repeat visits, consistent experience]

💬

Crust that's perfectly crisp outside and soft inside

Ideal for
Casual pizza lovers seeking quality and valueNeighborhood residents looking for quick lunchGroups wanting to order slices or whole pies
Tweet
#3Hidden Gems
6 photos

Tweet

American·$$

Tweet is a Chicago institution, a cozy and eccentric diner that feels like a neighborhood living room. It's a place where the art on the walls is as vibrant as the conversations at the tables, offering a full bar and a menu that caters to nearly every dietary need.

🍽️95Food
90Vibe
💰88Value
🔊65Noise
💬

Food is always spot on. Probably the best breakfast in Chicago.

💬

Like NYC lower east side, very cool place. Seams like a place full of artists.

💬

Service was beyond amazing from the moment I walked.

Ideal for
Group brunches willing to waitDietary-conscious diners (GF, vegan, allergies)Those seeking artsy neighborhood charm
Taqueria Diamante
#4Hidden Gems

Taqueria Diamante

Mexican·$$
📍 4431 N Broadway

This Uptown taqueria serves up authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions and a welcoming, casual atmosphere. It's a family-run spot where dishes like the mole enchiladas and al pastor tacos are made with care, often drawing comparisons to beloved former establishments.

🍽️92Food
85Vibe
💰88Value
🛡️65Safety
💬

Great atmosphere, excellent food, outstanding service 👌, if your looking for a great spot awesome food and drinks I highly recommend Taqueria Diamante.

💬

This place has the absolute best Mexican food I’ve had locally. Incredible burritos, salsa, chilaquiles and very friendly staff.

💬

Best tacos on the Northside 🎯 tasty and fresh as ever, coming from the restaurant’s new spot in Uptown.

Ideal for
Date nightFamilies with kidsGroup dining
Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar
#5Hidden Gems
6 photos

Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar

Puerto Rican·$

This unassuming strip mall spot transports diners straight to the island with its vibrant tropical decor and a massive rum collection. It's a place where the food tastes like home-cooked comfort, prepared with love and tradition, making it a favorite for authentic Puerto Rican flavors.

🍽️95Food
92Vibe
💰85Value
📍75Location
💬

The food was amazing. Prices are fair. You can tell they put in a lot of work to make everything great.

💬

This is one of my go-to restaurants in the city. Everything on the menu is delicious - drinks, apps, entrees, desserts!!

💬

This unassuming spot in a strip mall of small spots is tiny but FIERCE. It’s BEAUTIFUL inside. Intimate. …

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
Honeymoon Cafe
#6Hidden Gems

Honeymoon Cafe

Chinese·$$

This family-owned spot serves up authentic Chinese dishes, with a particular talent for salt and pepper preparations. It's a casual, no-frills neighborhood favorite that prioritizes generous portions and fair prices over decor.

🍽️88Food
70Vibe
💰88Value
🛡️65Safety
💬

This place doesn't look like much, but it's my go-to Chinese place in the area, for sure.

💬

We clearly ordered shrimp and chicken ONLY - no pork - yet they served us noodles full of pork …

💬

The BEST. Quiet hole in the wall with amazing food.

Ideal for
Group diningFamilies with kidsTakeout
Tala House
#7Hidden Gems

Tala House

Mediterranean·$$$
📍 5022 N Clark St

This Andersonville spot is a favorite that shines with its vibrant patio and globally inspired menu. Regulars rave about the attentive service and the cozy yet lively atmosphere, making it a go-to for everything from brunch to special occasions.

🍽️90Food
95Vibe
💰75Value
🛡️65Safety
💬

My daughter had the salmon on an avocado puree and said it was the best MEAL she had ever had.

💬

The ambiance at Tala is perfect, with a cozy yet modern decor that makes you feel right at home.

💬

We have been coming to Tala House since it opened. We have always had an excellent experience.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
Co 5 Kitchen
#8Hidden Gems
4 photos

Co 5 Kitchen

Vietnamese·$$
📍 5100 N Broadway

This family-owned spot offers a comforting taste of home with its daily changing menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes. It leans casual, serving familiar favorites alongside unique home-style meals you won't find elsewhere in the neighborhood.

🍽️92Food
88Vibe
💰90Value
💬

I ordered two bowls of special pho with sweet broth and noodles that weren't sour like at other restaurants, except for Miss Saigon where the meat was tender.

💬

Newish family owned resturant that opened in my neighborhood. And I am all for supporting family businesses.

💬

It leans more casual and has the popular well known dishes but also serves more home-style food you typically don't see.

Ideal for
Comfort food cravingsSupporting local businesses
Las Piñatas de Chicago
#9Hidden Gems
5 photos

Las Piñatas de Chicago

Mexican·$$

This cozy neighborhood spot serves authentic Mexican flavors with a family-run touch. The steak and birria burrito is a rich, indulgent highlight, while the pastor and carnitas tacos offer deep, homemade flavor.

🍽️88Food
85Vibe
💰85Value
💬

I ordered the steak and birria burrito, and it was easily the highlight of the meal.

💬

We had the chicken enchiladas and a 3 taco dinner with Al Pastor, mushrooms and birria.

💬

Good vibe, the waiter was very nice and they served the food at a nice speed.

Ideal for
Families with kidsNeighborhood casual dining
Demera Restaurant
#10Hidden Gems
6 photos

Demera Restaurant

Ethiopian·$$
📍 4801 N Broadway

Demera offers an authentic Ethiopian feast in a bright, modern space, perfect for sharing family-style platters. The menu shines with flavorful vegan and gluten-free options, including a standout vegan cheesecake.

🍽️92Food
85Vibe
💰70Value
💬

The food and Demera margarita were delicious, the environment was quiet, and the service speedy and friendly.

💬

The vegan cheesecake* with vegan shai ice cream was literally the best thing I’ve had in the past 12mo!

💬

I’ve been a regular for years. That's why I was so surprised by the delivery order I placed last night.

Ideal for
Date nightTasting menuFamilies with kids
My Buddy's
#11Hidden Gems

My Buddy's

Bar/Pub Food·$$$
📍 4416 N Clark St

This lively neighborhood bar pulses with energy, fueled by a packed calendar of events from drag bingo to live sports. It's a place where the community feels like family, thanks to a welcoming atmosphere and staff who make everyone feel like a regular.

🍽️78Food
95Vibe
💰80Value
💬

The food here was delicious! The atmosphere was very nice.Josh at the front was a sweetheart! 💕Make sure to order the margaritas!!!! …

💬

We had a bomb chicken taco with mac n' cheese and a delicious veggie burger.

💬

Come for the cool laid-back atmosphere, but definitely stay for the delicious food and drinks!

Ideal for
Group diningWatching the gameDrag shows