Anyone would tell you there is more to losing weight than working out, you have to change your eating habits as well. Hitting the gym may seem like the hard part to most but changing my diet is equally if not more daunting for me.  Everyone has their opinions of what we should do or eat to lose weight. Today’s media is filled with the latest weight loss trends, from equipment, diets, and even clothes, like clothes even help. Now I stay clear of many weight loss fads, but I have fell victim to the Acai and Green Coffee Bean trend, and in my defense I only tried it since it was on sale on Groupon.  Complete waste of money even if it was on sale.  One trend I don’t mind is the the superfood craze. I love trying them. Plus, it gives a better reason to make more trips to  my local Farmer’s Market.

Another favorite staple of Chicago summers is the Chicago Farmer’s Market. They are hosted all over the city on various days of the weeks. I can never make it to the one in Hyde Park since it’s in the middle of the day on Thursday.  So I go to the one in Washington Park on Wednesday. Usually I will buy apples, honey, and of course some delicious homemade dutch apple pie. Lately, I have been hitting up the vegetables. I have always loved vegetables but I rarely bought them fresh, I was raised on canned and frozen veggies. The super-food Kale caught my interest when I tried a salad with it and it was delicious. After learning that it’s packed with vitamins and is considered one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet,
I took closer look at it. Kales’ benefits include high levels of vitamins K and C and antioxidants, it’s no wonder 2015 is considered the year of Kale. Kale maybe one of the most popular superfoods of the year but there are many worth trying and her are a few of my favorites;

•  Quinoa (Keen-wah)
  This fluffy looking weirdness is another nutrient rich powerhouse. It’s a great source of fiber and protein and it actually good. I was a bit put off by the way its looks but was really surprised at how easy it is to cook and how versatile it is in meals.
• Kale
  Packed with vitamins and is considered one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Need I say more. Click here to check out some great Kale recipes.
• Salmon
  High in proteins and good for fatty oils like Omega-3.
• Flax Seeds
  I have been using flax seeds for over a year and I use it from head to toe. I make flax seed gels for my hair and put ground flax seed in my smoothies. Another Omega-3 rich food, fiber, and lignans. Lignans are important for women because it helps prevent breast cancer. 
• Black Rice
  Black rice is a superhero because it has been linked to decrease the risk of many diseases, like Heart Disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a rich source of antioxidants.
• Black Beans
  High in protein and is great in breakfast burritos for a quick on the go healthy breakfast.
• Avocado
  Surprisingly this year is the first time I ever really eaten an  avocado even though I love guacamole and the oil for my hair.  Avocados contain over 20 vitamins and minerals, is a good source of protein, and fatty oils. I have tried avocado on toast instead of butter with just salt and pepper and you’re good to go.

Check out your local Farmers Market in the city and load up on your favorite super foods.
Here is a link with the schedule for Chicago Farmer market.

This week is my vacation and I am happy to report I lost 5 pounds but sadly not the ten that I was hoping for. I think it may have been the stress of trying to make such a quick deadline that contributed to my slow loss but I will take what I can get. At least after this I can relax and just continue on my lifestyle change with no deadlines. I make no promises I will not gain those five pounds back because I’m going to New Orleans for the first time and I hear the food is awesome. Beignets…here…I….come!

Ronni
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago
Instagram/Twitter @ronnilt

The arrival of fall means new students for colleges and universities all over the city. I’ve also started at a new University as well. I’m meeting new people from all over, Ohio, Texas, D.C and even Ecuador. Many of them are new to Chicago. One of my classmates who moved from D.C. even lives in Hyde Park near me. While riding the #6 bus home, she asked what bars are around Hyde Park. She asked the right person!

I am dedicated to my healthy lifestyle change, but working full time and going to school can be draining. For those days when tea and quiet time just won’t cut it, it’s good to be able to go somewhere for something a bit stronger. So check out these bars, call some friends and have a drink or two!

Seven Ten Lanes
This local spot offers alcohol, bowling, and pool tables. Basically, an ideal spot to hang after a cram session with friends.

Woodlawn Tap
Cheap drinks, cheap food and rousing conversation. This local gem is favorited by University of Chicago students. I recommend the fries and a good cider.

The Cove
This laid back bar has a great beer selection and offers a chill hangout spot for those who enjoy sharing an ice-cold beer with friends.

Falcon Inn
Need a spot to watch the Bears…nevermind. The Falcon Inn is a great place for drinks and sports and even karaoke.

Bar Louie
If you want to add a little class for ladies night, Bar Louie offers many drink and food special throughout the week. My favorite drink is the Clover.

Ronni
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago
Instagram/Twitter @ronnilt

Well it’s looking like Chicago weather is going to cooperate this year for St. Paddy’s and you know that means fun, fun fun in the city! Ok, so technically St. Paddy’s day is on Tuesday the 17th, but here in Chicago we start the celebration on Thursday and end on Sunday Funday. Whether you’re a local or in town for the weekend, here are 5 things to do in the city this weekend that we think you will enjoy;

1.) St Patrick’s Day Parade
This years parade will be on Saturday, March 14th, 2015. The parade ends with dyeing the Chicago river green. It’s sure to be packed with thousands of tourists and locals who just love to see the the river turned bright green vs it’s normal algae green color. Steps off at noon – rain or shine. For more details check out the parade website.
www.chicagostpatsparade.com

2.) Southside Irish Parade.
Why go to one Chicago parade when you can go to two? Come show the Southside some love on Sunday, March 15th. The parade will be Held in the Beverly neighborhood, and starts off at noon from 103rd, and proceeds down Western Avenue to 115th Street. For more details check out the parade website.
www.websitesouthsideirishparade.org

3.) Anywhere in Wrigleyville
There ain’t no party like a Wrigleyville Party because a Wrigleyville party don’t stop. That is unless its shutdown by the cops in riot gear at noon. (no really) Wrigleyville is like Chicago’s frat house, and there is sure to be wild shenanigans going on from
pretty much 8am on Saturday to 8am the next day. Not even going to lie, I love Wrigley on St. Paddy’s day. The people watching is unparalleled. A friend of mine years ago once said, “Why not be a part of the circus?” Wrigley on St. Paddy’s is indeed THE circus. Be warned – train travel, street travel and walking will be severely limited anywhere between Addison Red and Belmont. Probably not the best place to bring the kids or small pets, either.
Also, you’ll have better luck beating a red light camera ticket than finding parking in Wrigley this Saturday. But if none of this scares you away, head to Wrigley and have 10 green beers for me!

Oh and while in Wrigley, be sure to stop by Merkle’s pub and pose with the life size plastic Colonel Sanders statue wearing sunglasses. All of the cool kids do it! Also order a booty-call pitcher. It’s basically an old school fishbowl filled with liquor and Kool-Aid. Gotta love Wrigley.

4.) Emmit’s Irish Pub
Ever since Funky Buddha Lounge shut down across the street (I’m still sad about that), Emmit’s Irish Pub moved into my #1 spot for favorite bar in Chicago. In my younger days (Ok, I still go there sometimes), I used to go there to pre-bar before heading over to Buddha.

What do I love about Emmit’s?
I love the songs in the jukebox (heavy on 80’s music), love the authentic Irish accent of some of the bartenders, love that it was in the Ocean’s 11 remake, and love having a Reuben and Greenline there. On St. Paddy’s day, Seeing the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe band play there is just plain awesome.
www.emmits.com

5.) Be random and bar hop
Whether in Wrigley or Pilsen or Hyde Park. Get out there and follow the sea of Chicagoans and tourists dressed in green and beads to the nearest packed watering hole and throw back a few green beers. Chicago Eater has put together this awesome list of Irish pubs around the city.

Don’t forget to tuck in your flask, and put on something green! Preferably something that says Chi-Rish on it. Have fun this weekend and be safe. If drinking, please have a DD, Taxi or Uber on call – or just take the good old CTA! We like our Chicagoans alive. Cheers!

LaRon
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago
Instagram: @photosbyLaRon

If there is one thing that Chicagoans love to do, it is have a little sippy sip when not doing the commutes downtown and all around the area. There are many bars and restaurants in the area that are happy to quench that after work thirst. But the competition is fierce and these places can come and go over the years. Here is a list of fan favorites that are no longer around, but locals still love and reminisce about.

1. Tequila Roadhouse
Although most people barely remember going here due to blood alcohol level issues, Tequila Roadhouse was an absolute gem on the Gold Cost. Usually open until 4, you could easily crawl your way over here after you left another establishment and keep the part going. No one who has ever been will forget the shots that in the day would surely be outlawed by the health department.

2. Beer on Clark
Beer on Clark was close enough to the action in Wrigleyville, but still far enough away that you could stop in for a beer and not be a sardine. With cheap beer and Karaoke, Beer was always a good time. As they say , not everything was meant to last.

3. Gino’s East Lakeview
Gino’s is known for some of the best pizza in Chicago. Unfortunately it has been reported by Block Club Chicago that it will become Gotham Bagels by Day and an Italian spot by night. I mean, hey, if you’re a bagel or Italian cuisine lover, it may not be so bad after all.

4. Emmits Irish Pub
You’ve probably seen Emmit’s Irish Pub in movies such as Oceans 11, Uncle Buck and Backdraft. It’s been a staple in the River West community for 26 years. Every time was a good time at Emmit’s with the jukebox oldies and really good food for an Irish Pub. Unfortunately, as of June 2022 Emmit’s has closed up as reported by ABC7 Chicago.

5. Funky Buddha Lounge
Speaking of Emmits. Right across the street from Emmits stood the Funky Buddha Lounge. In recent years it garnered some pretty bad reviews from Yelpers, but in its prime Funky Buddha was an amazing experience of international and hip hop music and prided itself on a diverse clientele. RIP Buddha.

6. The Pumping Company
Located in Far North neighborhood of Edgewater, Pump Co was a laid back local establishment that many locals frequented after work and on weekends. Unfortunately, after a fire the Pump Company is no longer with us. The reviews on it varied, but not everything was meant to be rainbows and butterflies. Some places aren’t shiny and gold plated, but still loved by those who loved them.

7. Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
OK so technically this was a restaurant rib shack, but they did serve booze and were close to Regal City movies and other social venues. Unfortunately Covid did Fat Willy’s in with the constant closings and loss of business.

8. Toast
Unfortunately, Adored Bucktown and Lincoln Park Brunch spot Toast as shuttered its doors also due to constant covid closures. Toast was a very popular establishment that served some of the best brunch cuisines and will be missed by all that loved it.

9. Income Tax
Another Edgewater gem, Income Tax bar has also unfortunately shuttered. According to Yelp the 4 star rated establishment opened in 2016. Many folks far north loved Income Tax. It will be missed.

10. Ditka’s
Not even da coach can recover from constant shutdowns, limited seating capacity, etc, caused by covid.
It does appear that Oak Brook Terrace and Pittsburgh locations will be opening, however according to
Do312.

Comments, Corrections? Additions? Contact Us here.

LaRon
Editor
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago
Instagram @photosbylaron

New year’s weight loss resolutions busted? Did you even make it past March? Don’t give up just yet because summer in Chicago is a great time to start losing weight. Just so I didn’t offend anybody when I spoke about busted new year’s resolutions I was talking about mine, this year was supposed to be the year. My will was weak though, I started a new job and going from Walmart to a desk job sitting for eight hours isn’t good for weight loss goals. On top of that I had the blessing to land a new job that caters lunches, a lot. It’s great really but I have a real problem with portion control. However my dedication is renewed, and it’s summertime.

In the winter you are confined to the gym or home to workout. Honestly there are too many easy excuses to not go to the gym for newbies like me. I’m not going to list them all because we all know them, but I will list the number one go to excuse. It’s too damn cold to go to the gym, even if it’s around the corner.  At home it’s no better. There we are too easily distracted. Your phone, TV, Laptop, boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, wife, and kids are all begging for the attention you denied them at work. I know I have found myself making difficult choices like workout, sweat and be sore the next day or binge watch Orange is the New Black. I chose the latter. In the summer that excuse is gone. Its beautiful in Chicago in the summer and there are lots of outdoor opportunities to win round two of the weight loss resolution.

I live in the Hyde Park area of Chicago, so I’m more than a little bias of when I say that Hyde park is the best place to lose weight in the summer in Chicago.  Hyde Park is beautiful especially in the summertime and is the perfect time to start again on my healthy lifestyle. What I love about Hyde Park is that it is such a great neighborhood people still say hi and good morning here. Everything you need is in walking distance – food, clothes, fitness and entertainment.

This is my second summer in Hyde Park, last year I was riding my bike and joined a running club. I lost weight and wasn’t even trying. I’ve gained it all back and then some, but I’m confident I can lose the weight again. Hyde Park just inspires that kind of lifestyle and hope.

Here is how I plan to use summertime Chicago to lose weight;

1. The Lake
   Being in such a close proximity to the lake it is of course a beacon for those looking for a good run. Even those like me who are not too crazy about running can appreciate the beautiful scenery while puffing away.
2. Outdoor sports
   Chicago is full of great parks to play outdoor sports. I recently played soccer at Washington Park. There are always random games to join and have fun. I always wanted to join a volleyball game when they play at the beach. This year I’ll try to join in.
3. Fun Runs
   They are so much fun to do with friends and a 5k is actually not that bad. I’m slow so I can push out a mile non stop, the rest is stop and go but I can manage to finish a 5k in 35 minutes. I’ve done the color run in the past and this I year I plan to do the same. I have a friend who is doing the Wipe Out Run, it is going to be hilarious.
4. Bike Riding
   I am currently riding my bike to work about 3 days a weeks I want it to be more but the weather has been really crazy.
5. Gym
   There are tons of gyms in Chicago, and not just traditional gyms, take this time to travel to different gyms with free passes, and groupons to try them out.

There are many other ways to take advantage of the only 3 months of great weather in Chicago, those are up to you to find and share.

Ronni
Hyde Park, Chicago

Still looking for the best burger joint in Chicago? Well look no further, because Umami Burger has burgers that will give your taste buds some big time TLC. With one bite into the tender high quality beef, you will realize that all burgers should taste like an Umami burger, leaving you wondering why you’ve been wasting your time eating such mediocre burgers after all these years. That time ends now.

Walking in, you automatically feel a hip and relaxed vibe. The walls are covered with plywood and decorated with edgy and colorful artwork, making you feel like you’re in some kind of high class skater park with your bros, but it’s warm, lively atmosphere welcomes it to anyone and everyone! Their menu is fairly priced, simple, and short, proving that they focus on quality, not quantity. Umami’s appetizers are all of what goes great with a good burger, ranging from melt-in-your-mouth truffle fries, sweet and tasty maple bacon fries, and crunchy tempura onion rings.

They offer three different sauces to dip your finger-linkins into as well, so every bite wows you with flavor! Along with the appetizers, the menu has a strictly “green” section for vegetarians that may happen to get dragged into a burger joint, outnumbered by the rest of their meat eating friends. But Umami’s vegetarian selection definitely doesn’t disappoint like you would expect from a place that is known for making beef. They make this amazing “Roasted Portobello” dish that has sherry vinaigrette marinated portobello mushrooms, piquillo peppers, and goat cheese that basically melts in your mouth. Another item they have is called “Truffled Beet,” which consists of truffled ricotta and goat cheese, smoked almonds, wild baby arugula, and truffle dressing.

As you would assume, what fills up most of the menu are their delicious burgers. Some of their most popular ones being;

The “Sunny Side” burger – It has fried egg, parmesan frico, and truffle galore

The “Manly” burger – Lives by its name – containing house-beer cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked-salt union strings, Umami house ketchup, and a mustard spread (yes, Umami makes their own ketchup! That’s how you know other burger places need to CATCH-up!).

Umami’s “K-BBQ” burger – This has got to be the most exotic burger on the menu, inside is gochujang glaze, caramelized kimchi, sesame aioli, Korean ketchup, and scallion-cilantro salad.

All these burgers have two things in common: the most tender and flavorful meat you will ever taste. So soft it immediately crumbles to pieces in your mouth, AND each and every burger is sandwiched between a warm bun that has the letter “U” branded on top for the name of their restaurant, “Umami Burger.” It’s a smart and cute little touch of detail that will reassure customers of all the love and attention their meal received whilst it was being prepared – and that, no doubt – it’s what has given them such great success.

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor
Instagram: @lyss_lou

Handmade soaps, body care, skin care, cosmetics, and a top of the line nail spa, Mojo Spa has it all. Add to that, all of their beauty products are all natural and handmade from scratch! So not only do you look good using their products, but you feel good too. Recently featured in British Vogue, you can’t expect anything but the highest quality of products, exquisite services and the friendliest staff – and it’s affordable too!

The creator of the brand, Amanda Kezios, who was originally a personal chef, was on a mission to make the best all-natural lip balm that would keep lips smooth and moisturized for long periods of time. With it’s success, Amanda ended up creating products for skincare, body care and much much more, and selling it from her apartment with the desire to make others feel as great as she did using her own products. From there, it eventually became the ever-growing and highly recognized Mojo Spa that it is today! The brand has now been featured in a number of magazines, websites, and TV spots.

Located in the very heart of Wicker Park, you won’t be able to walk by its entrance without becoming entranced by the delightful smell that wafts out of its doors and the bumping, high-energy music. Their window displays are always top notch. Decorated with homemade tissue-paper-flowers that are popping with color they invite you into this fairytale land of pink and gold painted walls and stacks of cupcake soaps that look so real you have to stop yourself from taking a bite! A greeter at the front will give you a warm welcome, inform you that everything is all natural (handmade from scratch) and all locally made in Chicago!

At the back of the store is their totally chic nail spa, with more than 100 nail colors to choose from. Their basic manicure involves a mini leg massage with their seasonal scrub of the month (right now it’s the Pomona grapefruit scrub!), their best-selling Save Your Soles Foot Butter, a mini hand massage, nail care and polish that uses their Finger Fluff Cuticle Cream and Nail Candy-Nail treatment. In every nail service they use their own all-natural products that they sell in the store, so if you really like how it feels, you can have it for yourself! AND with every nail appointment, they offer a complimentary cocktail – talk about the best pampering experience ever!

Whenever you’re in Mojo Spa, it’s always a celebration! The store is always booking birthday and bachelorette parties, baby showers, corporate events and much more! The store has even recently added a photo booth where you can pose in front of their beautiful hand crafted flowers after getting a service or a Mojo make-up makeover. Yes, you heard that right, if you’re interested in any of their all natural make-up, Mojo has highly qualified make-up artists that can walk you through all their great looks and must-haves and apply them on to help you look naturally flawless!

So if you haven’t checked out Mojo Spa, don’t miss out on all the buzz! It’s a rarity to have products that not only work, but are completely natural and affordable, and sold by a small local business that genuinely cares about their clients and customers.

Check out their awesome website here!: http://www.mojospa.com

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor
Instagram: @lyss_lou

You know what you can’t buy on Amazon? A local, family friendly place that makes you feel like you belong, with knowledgeable staff to recommend favorite novels and a cozy nook to chill out in and skim through new and used books alike until you’ve found the one that begs to be delved into.

So, the next time you’re craving a page-turner, go and visit one of Chicago’s appraised independent book stores:

The Book Cellar, Lincoln Square. Image copyright bookcellarinc.com

The Book Cellar, Lincoln Square
This has to be the classiest bookstore I have ever been in. You can actually sip on a nice glass of wine while you browse through the book shelves, and the staff recommendations always seem to be on point with what you are looking for in a good read: the genres are varied, but the plot lines gripping! You can also catch local authors every third Thursday of every month at “Local Author Night” where they do Q&A and readings.

Myopic Bookstore, Wicker Park
Legendary for its huge selection of used books, and one of the oldest and largest indie bookstores in Chicago, you won’t want to miss out on this mystical place. Myopic has a magical charm to it that can only be compared to what a local bookstore would look like in the Harry Potter world. Its three stocked floors and narrow, bendy halls bleed with character, while the smell of old, dusty books puts your mind at ease. Local poet, Larry Sawyer has booked one of the best free poetry series in the Midwest here for years, and in Myopics top-floor space, the readings are always a delight.

City Lit, Logan Square
This indie bookstore sells fresh new books, and has an extensive section that is dedicated to children’s books. What really makes it stand out from the rest is that they also have a whole area that offers literature in Spanish. The owner, Teresa Kirschbraun, has lived in Logan Square for 25 years, and felt that it always needed a bookstore. So, she decided to open one! And, get this, they have a fireplace to relax and get cozy with your new book!

Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, South Loop
Being family owned and operated since 1982, this bookstore provides a much more personal experience compared to others. It has to be one of the cutest little bookstores in Chicago! Only about the size of a decently large living room, inside are exposed pipes and brick walls, giving it an industrial kick, and almost every book’s cover seems to be on display, making it easy to browse and pick the perfect book for you. Sandmeyer’s is known for carrying a wide selection of new releases, and travel guides for those adventure hungry!

Open Books, West Loop
This bookstore emulates creativity and fun! With wooden bookshelves painted primary colors and paperbacks dangling from the ceiling like flying birds, you can’t help but feel like a kid in a playground of adventure and imagination. Open Books also has a warehouse-like shop located in Pilsen. The shop is an outgrowth of Open Books nonprofit, so more than 50,000 books that are stacked on their shelves are actually used and donated. Store sales from both locations go towards the company’s literacy programs which benefits over 5,000 kids yearly.

Even though going to your local bookstore to buy a book has become something that doesn’t happen as much anymore, it is still a very important part of our artistic community in Chicago. These bookstores are part of what makes Chicago so special, and it’s a way to support the small businesses that truly love books for whats beyond the price tag.

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor

Summer is right around the corner and Chicago has finally got to the point where weather will be consistently warm. We aren’t hesitating anymore and walking about the city wearing pants and a light jacket on a 70 degree day as an emergency precaution, just in case the city’s temperature will drop a dramatic 25 degrees in a matter of hours (as we know, it has happened before!). Now we can leave our homes as confident Chicagoans, in a T-shirt, shorts, sandals, and even a layer of sunscreen, ’cause it’s sunny out there! Hallelujah.

Kayaking the Chicago River. Image courtesy of enjoyillinois.com

So, now that it is absolutely gorgeous out, I’m going to share with you my absolute favorite summer activity to do in the city on a nice day off. You can do this with just yourself, or with your friends. This is a really unique thing that Chicago has that many other cities don’t, you can actually Kayak through the city on the Chicago River.

Elements of nature and city collide in a super fun and active way, allowing yourself to view the city as you’ve never imagined before! For those who are beginners, and need to get a little more comfortable operating a Kayak, have no fear, because they offer a number of classes to teach you everything you need to know. Once you’re in the water, your tour guide will lead you on your way! There are a few Kayak places in Chicago, and each tour begins at different places in the city, so you have an option to choose which one best works for you. All of them are incredibly scenic and full of excitement!

During the tour, you learn a lot of interesting facts about the city, especially on architecture and history of the areas you stop to admire. The tour is, no doubt, a great workout for your arms as well as good cardio for your heart. It’s just the right amount without leaving you panting and feeling like you’re going to die, so it’s open to pretty much anyone – all ages and fitness levels. You can paddle your way through the beautiful city during the daytime to take in the good vitamin D, or you can get a completely different experience and enjoy the spectacular lights of the city buildings at night. If you plan for the right day, you can even catch the fireworks that go off on the weekends at the Navy Pier! Either way, the experience is very intimate with nature, and much more memorable compared to the other tours Chicago offers.

I know after a long cold winter, we all feel like we need to re-connect with nature again.
If you’re feeling that urge to dip your fingers into the river as you gaze up towards this beautifully crafted city with the sunshine on your back and the wind in your hair, you should definitely check out the Chicago kayak tours. It’s time to celebrate summer and go out and do the things we have been daydreaming about for much too long, because who knows how long it will last!

Alyssa McGrail
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor
Instagram: @lyss_lou

Pizza is one of life’s greatest joys, and pretty much everyone can agree with me on that one, well, if you exclude the poor unfortunate souls that either don’t like or can’t eat the lovely sauce, cheese, and crust taste-explosion of glory. I mean, there is a reason why it is always the chosen food for little kids birthday parties. Everyone loves pizza, and that is why as I, myself, eat a slice, I’d like to talk about some of Chicago’s most locally favored pizza places. More to come!

Giordano Spinach Slice. Copyright Giordano’s.

Giordano’s, Multiple Locations
Many Chicagoans will only bash this pizza because it’s a hot spot for the tourists, but I got to say, Giordano’s was the first deep dish that I had ever had and it was one impressively cheesy and filling experience. When the waiter slides that spatula under a slice, lifting it up to put on your plate, your eyes trace the mouth watering string of gooey cheese that stretches from the other resting slices. It looked like the picture perfect pizza’s that are only seen in commercials. When you bite in, the combination of sauce, cheese and crumbly crust create nothing but delight in your mouth, and one slice is so big that you might not even need another, but you’ll want to force yourself to, because it tastes so damn good.

Dimo’s, Lakeview
If you want your pizza to be different and exciting for your tastebuds in all the best ways possible, then Dimo’s is definitely your go to. This place is known for their bigger sized, thin slices, their famous flavor called, “The Mac,” which is basically mac and cheese and pizza combined. Two of America’s favorite cheesy foods, what can get any better? “The Mac” isn’t the only cool pizza at this joint either, they even have a chicken and waffles one with literal chicken and waffles on it, a S’mores one for your sweet tooth, and a tasty vegan one that is so flavorful you won’t even believe it’s vegan. Your mouth will never experience such a range of delicious, complimentary tastes like this. And I gotta say, after a long drunken night out, their pizzas are like medicine.

Piece, Wicker Park
Piece is not only known for their pizza, they also have their own freakin’ brewery. The creators had to be the smartest people ever for conjoining pizza and beer under one roof, because obviously together they are simply magical. Piece is known for their thin and crispy crust and high quality flavor. Their menu is kept simple with the luxury option of being able to create your own pizza or add on any toppings you’d like. This is the kind of pizza that you would imagine would be from Italy. The taste is so rich and the bread is baked to perfection. Everything has that freshness to it, which in the end doesn’t make you feel guilty for having four, five… okay, fine… six slices.

Gino’s North, Edgewater
Far North up in Edgewater on Granville is Gino’s North. Now in all likelihood unless you live far north or have a reason to visit far north, you probably aren’t coming up to the top of Chicago for a pie. But if you do, be sure to check out Gino’s North. It’s a local favorite and for good reason. It has a pretty romantic vibe and it’s so Chicago that it literally sits about 10 feet from Granville Red line train. So in addition to having one of Chicago’s best pizza’s, you get to hear the train go by every 5 minutes. Can’t get much more Chicago than that! Oh, and Peggy, one of the pizza makers at Gino’s is freaking 85 years old! How awesome is that? She is an Edgewater legend. When you order you can see her in the back making your pie.
If you go in at the right time, she will also sit at the bar and have a cocktail with you.
Speaking of cocktails, give their Gino’s North Manhattan a try. It’s a good time.

Lou Malnati’s, Multiple Locations
Yep, we already know. Like Giordano’s this one will get scrutiny for being too mainstream. But there is a reason that it keeps coming up in conversation. They make a fantastic deep dish and they’ve been doing so for over 40 years. Secret family recipe for the amazing crust and sausage topping is nothing short of amazing.

Homeslice, Lincoln Park
Not far from Fullerton Redline is pure pizza deliciousness to the soundtrack of 90’s throwback rap music. There is a reason that they have a 93% rating on Urban Spoon
and four stars on Yelp. It’s also a great place for groups and a stones toss from the Fullerton & Armitage stops in Lincoln Park.

Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria, Ashburn
This place is a south side legend…Any pizza joint that has been around since 1932 is clearly doing something right. If you’re a sucker for family owned diners and dives, then Vito and Nick’s is a good call without a doubt. The thin crust at this place is the talk of Ashburn. Wash it down with an Old Style draft, and you have yourself a win/win situation.

Boiler Room, Logan Square
So yeah. Logan Square is full of hipsters. We all know that. But it also has some pretty nice places to eat, including Boiler room on California. You can’t miss it, since you literally get off of the California Blue Line train and almost walk into the front door. Go and order what they’re famous for…the PB&J. An enormous slice of pizza, a tall boy PBR and a shot of Jameson. The pizza here consistently gets high ratings on Yelp, and the PB&J deal alone is enough to give the Boiler Room a shot. Assuming you can survive the shot of Jamo. That stuff is hardcore.

Link: The 7 weirdos you may come across in Wicker Park

Connie’s Pizza, Bridgeport
A local Chicago chain, Connie’s always gets great reviews across the board for having a delicious pie. With several crust choices and an awesome “Connie’s special,” (sausage, mushroom, onion bell peppers), it’s sure not to disappoint. A great place for families and pizza and a haven after Sox/Bears games. Oh and you just can’t beat the free shuttle service to Sox games and other Chicago events!

Pequods, Lincoln Park
Pan pizza with a delicious caramelized crust. It’s very unique and delicious. Their thin crust
also is pretty popular. This place is also caught up with the 21st century and you
can make reservations online.

If you aren’t craving a hot yummy slice of pizza at this point, I unfortunately have to tell you that you need to get back on your spaceship, because you, sir/madam, are not from this planet. One has not lived a complete life without pizza’s warm, cheesy embrace.

There is no one place that is the reining king of the pizza franchise, but I do believe that Chicago is surely a highly qualified competitor. Watch out Italy!

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor
Instagram: @lyss_lou