Michael Alvarez+FollowLincoln Square loses a beloved Greek spotBarba Yianni Grecian Taverna, a neighborhood favorite since 1989, has suddenly closed its doors after a commercial eviction. Walking past the familiar spot on Lincoln Ave, locals were met with metal panels blocking the view inside—no warning, just an abrupt end to decades of moussaka, saganaki, and lively nights. The restaurant’s licenses were still valid, and the interior looked untouched, making the closure even more shocking. For many, Barba Yianni was more than a place to eat—it was a community gathering spot. What does this mean for the heart of Lincoln Square? #Food #LincolnSquare #ChicagoEats00Share
Jason Wells+FollowChicago’s hidden omelet gem in LakeviewLocals know that the best omelet in Illinois isn’t found at a flashy brunch spot, but inside the cozy, unassuming Southport Grocery and Cafe in Lakeview. The Southern Omelet—packed with house sausage, white cheddar, and caramelized onions—has quietly built a cult following. Regulars line up in all weather, drawn by the cafe’s warm vibe and the promise of a breakfast that’s both comforting and extraordinary. Beyond the food, the spot doubles as a mini gourmet market, letting you take home a taste of the experience. What’s your go-to hidden breakfast spot in Chicago? #Food #ChicagoEats #Lakeview00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowChicago eats: Local favorites vs tourist trapsLocals in Illinois know where to find the real flavor—and where to steer clear. While places like Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, and Al’s #1 Italian Beef have earned die-hard fans for their authentic taste and neighborhood vibes, chain spots like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s mostly attract tourists and leave residents unimpressed. Some restaurants, like Au Cheval and Girl & the Goat, are so beloved that people plan their week around a meal there. What’s your go-to spot in Illinois, and which place do you think is overrated? Let’s swap stories and recommendations! #Food #ChicagoEats #IllinoisFood00Share
Ryan Horne+FollowPickleball meets fried chicken in ChicagoHoney Butter Fried Chicken is shaking up the Sheffield Neighbors scene by opening a brand-new spot inside SPF Chicago’s pickleball facility this September. Imagine grabbing a lobster roll or crispy fried chicken right next to the courts—perfect for players and anyone craving comfort food with a coastal twist. The new Honey Butter Beach Club will offer sit-down dining and is open to everyone, not just pickleball fans. Plus, you’ll find Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company in the same space. What do you think—will this combo of sports and food become your new go-to hangout? #Food #ChicagoEats #Pickleball00Share
Robert Daniels+FollowChicago’s pizza popcorn collab is here!Chicago’s most iconic flavors just joined forces: Garrett Popcorn Shops and Home Run Inn Pizza have teamed up to create Chicago Pizza popcorn! Imagine crunchy popcorn dusted with all the savory goodness of a classic Chicago pie—think sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and Parmesan. This isn’t just a snack, it’s a taste of the city in every bite. You’ll spot it at stores across the Midwest and beyond. Who else is curious to try this mashup? Would you snack on pizza-flavored popcorn, or is this combo a step too far? #Food #ChicagoEats #PopcornLovers00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowChicago’s breakfast sandwich obsession: Worth the wait?People in Lakeview are lining up at sunrise for a breakfast sandwich that’s become a local legend. Southport Grocery and Cafe’s signature creation—applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar, and a runny egg on a grilled potato bun, finished with their house-made rhubarb mustard aioli—has inspired a cult following. It’s not just hype; regulars say it’s the kind of comfort food that makes you rearrange your weekend plans. The vibe inside is warm and welcoming, blending neighborhood grocery with cozy cafe. Have you braved the line for this sandwich, or do you have another Chicago breakfast favorite? Let’s swap stories! #Food #ChicagoEats #BreakfastGoals00Share
dianefrank+FollowChicago’s French toast worth the driveNothing beats discovering a breakfast spot that makes you rethink what French toast can be. Griddle 24 on Chicago Avenue has locals and visitors lining up for their thick-cut challah French toast—crispy outside, custardy inside, and loaded with fresh berries. It’s the kind of dish people cross the city for, whether it’s 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., thanks to their 24-hour service. The vibe is classic diner with a modern twist, and the menu is packed with both sweet and savory favorites. If you’ve tried it, you know: this isn’t just breakfast, it’s a Chicago food experience. Who else has made the trip? #Food #ChicagoEats #FrenchToast00Share
Ryan Horne+FollowChicago’s rib tip legend: Lem’s Bar-B-QThe smoky aroma from Lem’s Bar-B-Q on Chicago’s South Side has been luring locals for generations, and for good reason—their rib tips are the stuff of legend. Forget fancy decor or sit-down service; Lem’s is all about that no-frills, finger-licking barbecue experience. The line out the door is just part of the ritual, and the reward is messy, saucy rib tips and spicy hot links that define Chicago-style barbecue. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-timer, Lem’s delivers a taste of tradition that keeps people coming back. Who else thinks Lem’s sets the bar for BBQ in Illinois? #Food #ChicagoEats #Barbecue00Share
Charles Coleman+FollowHarold’s Chicken faces tough times in ChicagoHarold’s Chicken, a South Side staple for generations, is feeling the heat as one of its major franchise groups just filed for bankruptcy. Fans in Homewood, South Holland, and Olympia Fields are left wondering if their favorite fried chicken spot will survive, with the South Holland location already closed and others hanging by a thread. Even with fried chicken sales booming nationwide, smaller local chains like Harold’s are struggling to keep up with big-name competitors and rising costs. For many in Chicago’s south suburbs, this hits close to home—reminding us how quickly beloved neighborhood spots can disappear. #News #ChicagoEats #HaroldsChicken00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowChicago’s hot dog legends: Bourdain’s top picksAnthony Bourdain once called the Chicago-style hot dog the “finest hot dog on the planet,” and his two favorites—Hot Doug’s and Jimmy’s Red Hots—are still talked about today. Hot Doug’s, though now closed, was famous for its creative toppings and duck fat fries, while Jimmy’s Red Hots has been serving up classic Vienna beef dogs (no ketchup allowed!) since 1954. Both spots captured what Bourdain loved most about Chicago: real pride, big flavors, and a welcoming spirit. Which Chicago hot dog joint do you think deserves the crown now? #Food #ChicagoEats #HotDogs00Share