Ever pass by little shops or cafes and think to yourself, “I don’t know if it will be any good.”
Well, some of what I’m going to talk about might make you feel that way. I assure you, I have been to all of these places and before, I’ve walked in, and I’ve said the same thing to myself. I questioned whether their coffee would meet my expectations, because I am very picky. Each of these places has become a gem to me, that many shrug off to go to default restaurants and coffee shops.
It is a scary experience to try new things for some people, but it is worth it when you fall in love with a new place. I’ll only share ten in the article, that I feel are underrated and not talked about enough.
First, Cafe Jumping Beans, located at 1439 W 18th St, in Pilsen. Pilsen’s atmosphere is greatly filled with tradition and culture, and now a mixed more diverse demographic. The atmosphere is inviting and friendly inside the cafe. You are surrounded by colorful walls and music. The coffee is worth buying and the bakery section is great. The iced coffee is good, all three flavors, expresso, late, and thai. I recommend trying the sandwiches; they are great based on your personal preferences and toppings. Even though the menu is limited, the prices and tastes are worth the stop in Pilsen. It’s on a corner of the street so parking is a bit hard to find but it is worth checking out at least once.
Our second gem, Calumet Fisheries, is located in South Chicago. The only issue is the hike for many, but it is worth it. The shack smokes all of their fish, and the view is gorgeous. The shack is located next to the Calumet River, and since there is no inside seating, you get to enjoy the food and view at the same time. The shack is a seafood lover’s dream. The shack is family owned and has been open since 1948. It has kept the same recipes and styles since it opened. The same design of the shack as well. It is best known for the smoked and fried fish in the community. They have smoked salmon, fried catfish, oysters, fried shrimp and a lot more. It is sold by the pound, so it’s a bit expensive, but it is fish, and fish is not cheap. It is cash only so stop at atm earlier before you drive there. There is no inside area, so try to go when it’s nice out.
The third gem is Dat Donut. Forget the big donut chains in Chicago like Krispy Kremes and Dunkin Donuts. You need to check out Dat Donut in Chatham! The shop has been around since 1994 and it is considered a mom and pop shop by locals. The owners Darryl and Andrea are dedicated to their shop, and they want to serve nothing but the best to you and yours. I recommend you try the famous Big DAT, a donut so big it’ll probably be the size of your face, and order milk to go with it. A donut tastes better when you pair it with milk. Also, Dat Donut is open 24 hours Monday through Saturday (and Sunday until 5 p.m.) so you can get stop in whenever you can, even after work.
The Fourth gem, Fat Johnnie’s Red Hots, North Side hot dogs have nothing on South Side hotdogs. Especially if those hot dogs come from Fat Johnnie’s located in Chicago Lawn! I am a hotdog fanatic, and I’m skeptical trying hot dogs from new places, but when I tried these hotdogs I knew I found a great place. Fat Johnnie’s is a lot different from different hot dog stops, especially if your style is Chicago style. Here instead of a pickle, they put a cucumber. This is also cash-only joint which, so I advise to stop at your bank or an atm before you go.
Our Fifth gem, La Casa de Samuel,is a restaurant located in Little Village, and the first thing you notice is the architecture of the building. It was designed to look like an authentic Mexican joint. It is family operated, and what I love most is that they serve hand made tortillas. Many of the Mexican cuisine is authentic with family recipes that have been passed down. Sunday is a great day to go since they have live music you can enjoy with friends or family. You can go during the week if you planned on having a conversation with someone. La Salsa de Molcajete, Cabrito Estilo Monterrey, and Cordonizes en Salsa Verde come highly recommended! The restaurant is very welcoming and enjoyable, it is the perfect spot for any occasion.
The Sixth gem, is Kusanya Cafe. The cafe’s name means “to gather, collect, accumulate” in Swahili. Which means they gather as a community in this place to connect. Kusanya Cafe is located in Englewood and the community enjoys it very much. Many locals go here to feel empowered, especially the youth. Many events like poetry slams and open mic are done at the cafe. Especially for younger kids in the neighborhood who want to express themselves. I recommend trying the Rasta Jerk Chicken Wrap or the Funkadelic Chicken Sandwich. Don’t be afraid to try something new, the food and coffee are great so sit back and enjoy the shows.
Seventh gem is Sweet Mandy B’s OldFashioned Desserts. First off, they do not have a parking lot and there is limited street parking. Be careful and check the signs because some of them are residential spots needing a permit. At busy times, it can be hard to find parking nearby. So I recommend going around daytime; the earlier the better. I recommend trying the hot chocolate. Of course, I love chocolate, I just want you to go and sample things and see what you like. There are tons of flavors so choose what you’d like.
Eighth gem, Kuma’s Corner, is one of my favorite gems on this list. All the items on the menu are named after metal bands. It’s a cool joint to check out, and the food is amazing. The two-hour wait is worth it. The food is so good and there is so much on the menu you won’t be disappointed. I recommend the Iron Maiden, and the Neurosis. Both burgers use different concepts. The Iron Maiden is a burger with Avocado, Cherry Peppers, Pepperjack, Chipotle Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion. The Neurosis is a burger with Cheddar, Swiss, Caramelized Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, Horseradish Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion. When I say you’ll be back, you’ll be back.
Ninth gem, Ann Sather Restaurant, I’d recommend going for breakfast. A must try is the cinnamon rolls, you cannot leave without trying one. All the Entrees are served with two sides, and cinnamon rolls are an option. I recommend you try the Southern Decadence which is $11.95, made of poached eggs over sausage patties and hot biscuits topped with country sausage gravy. Or the Swedish pancakes with lingonberries which are amazing. You can add a topping like ice cream or whipped cream. If you go with a friend be aware there is a $1.75 charge for any split order. So order from the cash register so you can save that $1.75 and they don’t charge you for sharing.
Last but not least, Superdawg Drive-In Restaurant. Now this is a lot different from the other hot dog joint I recommend; this place is no joke. These are the hotdogs and fries you’ll ask for on your death bed. Your last words will be… “Superdawg”. If you go to Superdog order the Superdawg. It comes with a hotdog and some amazing salty fries. The hotdog is served with mustard, tangy piccalilli, kosher dill pickle, chopped Spanish onions, and a dash of hot pepper. This will be one of the best hot dogs you’ll ever have, and it’ll keep you coming back. I hope you find these gems to be one of the best decisions of your life. At least they are to me. I have enjoyed every restaurant and cafe on the list. You’ll sure find out that my last words will be… “Superdawg”.
Ranked Top Ten Gems…
1. Kuma’s Corner
2. Superdawgs drive-in
3. Ann sather Restaurant
4. Cafe Jumping Beans
5. Sweet Mandy B’s
6.Calumet Fisheries
7. Fat Johnnie’s Red Hots
8. La Casa De Samuel
9. Dat Donut
10. Kysanya Cafe
I ranked each place from best experience and food from one to ten. I understand not everyone might like sweets or fish but I recommend trying it. It is a great way to expand your taste buds and say you tried something new.
You can even update your Facebook status and said you’ve tried it. It is great to get out of your comfort zone because you’ll never know, you might just love the place.
I hope one of these places will be on your list for Spring break.
Priscilla Vargas
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