I am a Chicago boy. I just moved back to the city about six weeks ago, and it’s been more than twelve years since I’ve lived here. I would come back to visit now and then, but every time I left, I’d miss the food. No other city I’ve gotten to know can compare—whether it’s a corner hot dog stand, a special-occasion date night dinner, or an under-the-radar neighborhood gem.
My Chicago has always been West Town. That was the part of the city I called home and got to know inside and out. So when I decided to move back, I wanted a fresh perspective—a different side of the city. Somewhere near the beach. Somewhere walkable. Somewhere I could easily get around on my bike. Somewhere with public transportation that could get me wherever I needed to go.
Ravenswood checked all the boxes. I knew almost nothing about Ravenswood before I moved. But I was excited to find out. Naturally, I started with the food.
Here’s what I’ve discovered so far about the food scene in my new neighborhood.
Breakfast
For me, breakfast is usually a cold brew and a smoothie, or an overnight oatmeal if I bother to whip one up. But sometimes I wake up with a craving that my smoothie won’t satisfy.
R&A Sourdough (1938 W Lawrence Ave) has a legitimate bagel that will hit the spot. I usually go for an everything bagel. R&A’s are loaded with seasoning. They also have that crispy and chewy contrast that a good bagel should. I look forward to grabbing a loaf of the sourdough for my future sandwiches.
Bayan Ko Diner (1820 W Montrose Ave) is a gem for sure. Their menu is rooted in the owners’ Filipino and Cuban heritage. I have tried the silog with fried rice and fried eggs. Also the sigsig, a kind of hash with pork belly and shishitos. The stand out for me though is the ube pancakes, which are honestly some of the very best pancakes that I’ve had. They aren't too sweet, and get an awesome texture from the ube. Ube is a purple Filipino yam that also gives the pancakes a striking color. You can get a full order with whipped cream and fresh fruit, or a side (pictured) for a little taste.
The diner has a really interesting menu that I can’t wait to eat my way through, one plate at a time.
Lunch
For lunch I am looking for something quick, something of quality, and something that I can eat outside on a bench. These spots have what I am looking for.
Budacki’s Drive-in (4739 N Damen) might be my favorite hot dog stand in the city. I know that’s a bold statement, but hear me out. You can tell they take a lot of pride in their place. The fries are perfectly crispy, the hot dog toppings are super fresh, and the vibe is exactly what you want from a neighborhood joint. I even ordered a pizza puff—something I hadn’t had in ages—and it was fried to perfection. Nostalgic comfort food. The picnic tables with umbrellas in the parking lot are ideal for lunch.
I plan to have the chicken wings during my next visit - I hear they are incredible. The owners run another popular spot called Crisp, which is known for the same wings. I haven’t tried them yet—neither at Budacki’s nor Crisp (and Crisp isn’t in Ravenswood, so I digress)—but if they’re anything like everything else on the menu, I’m optimistic.
There are other hot dog stands closer to my house. But I will walk right past them to get to Budacki’s.
Kanin (5131 N Damen Ave) is a hip, bodega-style takeaway counter with a cool lunch menu that leans Filipino and Hawaiian. I’m starting to notice Filipino food is making a big presence in the local food scene, and I’m excited about it.
At Kanin, the stars of the menu are the musubi—a Hawaiian favorite made with rice, nori, and usually Spam. Kanin puts their own spin on it, offering a lineup of simple, but complex options. My favorite is the tomato jam and egg version. Sweet, savory, and loaded with umami. A few drops of sriracha and it was a beautiful bite. They’ve also got a spicy Spam version, longanisa (a sweet and garlicky Filipino sausage), and tamarind shrimp.
Kanin also has an ube dessert - this one an ube banana pudding which is a nice twist on the classic. Rich, not too sweet, and full of that distinctive ube flavor. I will be back for more.
Dinner
When it comes to dinner, I am looking for a variety of experiences. It is always nice to have some authentic options, and rooms with good vibes. And of course, pizza. This is what I have discovered so far.
BienMeSabe (1673 W Montrose Ave) is an awesome authentic Venezuelan restaurant. We had the warmest welcome as soon as we walked in. They have a great patio and very lively dining room.
The sampler to start was a great introduction to their flavors. My sister-in-law’s mother is Venesualen, and she would often make me arepas. I also have a favorite arepa spot in Atlanta that I would frequent when I lived there. BienMeSabe’s arepas are up there with any that I’ve had before.
I’ll be back to try their massive platters of braised meats, fish, and side dishes. It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a celebration with a big group of friends and family.
Munno Pizzeria & Bistro (4656 N Clark St) is a very nice pizza restaurant. The pizza is Roman-style served with a little pizza cutter. The crust is nicely charred and the ingredients are noticeably fresh and quality. I also had a little side of giardiniera and N/A negroni that were pretty good. Munno also has a nice patio and good energy on a busy night.
One thing that Ravenswood seems to be lacking is great pizza options. I know that Spacca Napoli (1769 W Sunnyside Ave) is a local destination, but I haven’t made it in yet. I have tried another pizza place in the area and it was okay. Munno and Spacca Napoli are a little more high end. What I am wanting is a really good takeaway pizza and a proper slice shop. I haven’t found them yet so if you have suggestions for me, leave them in the comments.
Dessert
Margie’s Candies (1813 W Montrose Ave) is a classic, vintage ice cream parlor. Located right next to the Montrose Brown Line, they always seem to be packed on the evenings that I’ve been nearby.
They have a huge selection of confections, sundaes and other sweet treats that locals are lining up for. I have only stopped in once for a root beer float, and it was fantastic! Such a cool summertime spot.
Late Night
Taqueria Primo Chuki’s (1708 W Lawrence Ave) has come through in the clutch for me more than once.
Primo Chucki’s is killing it with their pastor burritos. They have a trompo of delightful pork in full view, that they shave off, crisp up on a plancha and wrap for my pleasure. Their green sauce is spot on and their red sauce is hot. I wash it down with a horchata and am good to go.
Come Join Me
Look for me in the neighborhood and come visit me at The Chopping Block, which is just a neighborhood away in Lincoln Square!
I am grateful and lucky to have found this opportunity at The Chopping Block. I work with a bunch of talented chefs and the community that attends our classes are a joy to teach. Some of my favorite classes so far have been Knife Skills, Date Night, Lunch and Learn, and of course, Culinary Boot Camp. I look forward to meeting you soon!
