We had a hard time deciding where to have dinner and then we remembered this place. We are so happy we came. All the dishes were spot on - filled w incredible flavors. Our waitress was extremely nice and helped make suggestions. Can t wait to bring our friends and family here. I just wished they had better signage, you wouldn't know there was a restaurant there if we didn't live in the neighborhood read more

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Ukrainian restaurant with real Ukrainian food selection . On busy intersection but Parking conveniently located on back of building . Will recommend to my friends read more

Hard to find. We bypass it couple of times , before we found it. I am not sure either its me being picky, since I cook same food at home, or there really nothing special. The place definitely has its own character and style , but we were not impressed at all. read more

Magic Jug - Ukrainian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not sure if I don't like Ukrainian food or if I don't like the Ukrainian food here. The dumplings with mushroom gravy was a bit bland and came out of the kitchen on the coolish side. My entrée of pork with vegetables and rice with vegetables was super greasy so I was not able to finish it. The goulash tastes a little bit like meat and barbecue sauce. I'm not sure what I expected. However, I have had Eastern European food previously, and this by far was not close to what I had experienced in the past. Cute place! Kind waitress! read more

Dishes authentic and delicious, great service good atmosphere. I will be a regular there

If you are looking for a quiet Ukrainian dinner that will be 100% authentic - you came to right place. Every dish tastes like my mothers and grandmothers cooking. They maintain quality on par with best restaurants in Kiev! I just got back from visiting Ukraine and this place made me feel like I was back in Kiev! Aside from being authentic the dishes are incredibly delicious and beautifully presented!!! Olivie & Solyanka soup - stole my heart but so did everything else, vareniki and chebukeri, golubci and deruni - A+ Quick and fantastic service!!! BYOB - it's a gem! read more

My first Ukrainian food experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Everything that I tried was really good, and the waitress was super helpful. If you are brave-hearted, try kvass! read more

No magic to be found. Let me explain. I checked Yelp and learned that Magic Jug was open until 7PM on Sunday. I rushed over as I've been eager to try this place given the reviews and the fact that I really appreciate Eastern European food that is properly prepared. I walk into the restaurant at 6:45PM - fifteen minutes BEFORE the advertised time on Yelp and an unknown amount of time before the hours posted on the door as all it says is "Sunday" with no hours shown below it. I walk into the restaurant - there are two active tables and a few others open. I don't have any "BYOB" with me as all I want to do is eat - I'm a party of one. There are two servers that approach me - I point at a table toward the front that is one of the suitable for one person tables that they have and say, "one, can I sit here?" "I'm sorry, we're closed" was the response. Fifteen minutes before the Yelp hours time, which was the only time I saw posted ANYWHERE. No response that included, "please come back at.... " or "next time you come the soup is on us, here's a coupon". No - nothing for the inconvenience of going there during what I thought were the open hours. It's not like I was with a slew of people that would have kept them on the job until 9 or 10 PM. Nope - all by myself, no booze, just wanting to check out the food. I didn't argue or debate. If they don't want my money along with what is usually a 20% tip, I'm not going to impose by begging them to stay. I opted to go to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Harwood Heights (Las Palmas) instead - $57.11 plus $12.89 tip. They welcomed me with open arms and I enjoyed a GREAT meal there where my money and presence was appreciated. read more

Good food at a reasonable price. Space is rather limited but it's perfect for small groups. read more

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VERY Disappointing. Don't you need any business? Don't you want to make MONEY? Called to make an appointment for 7 hungry people for Sat 7:30pm. Very unhappy, little angry voice on other end informed me that 7:30pm is too late, and she let me understand that we won't be much welcomed if we came. Because they close at 9:00. MAGIC JUG you NEED TO IMPROVE your CUSTOMER SERVICE! It's a CHICAGO not Ukraine ! Please learn something. You serve good food. But ............ sad read more

Last night, my husband and I stopped in for dinner at Magic Jug at around 7 at night. At first, we almost didn't enter the restaurant because the windows looked dark (we thought they might be closed), but when we saw the hours of operation on the door and the neon "open" sign in the window, we decided to go ahead. Upon entering the restaurant, we noticed that it was dark from the outside because it was actually quite dark inside. There were maybe 2 lights for the whole 8 table dining room, which gave the restaurant a very intimate feeling. The fact that we were the only customers there the whole time we had dinner only increased that feeling. The food we ordered was *super* delicious. I ordered the cheburek, and Adam ordered a large serving of meat pyrogy. We also had some drink that was like a fruit tea, served cold in mugs. It was tasty, and the bill at the end only came to $13! I wish I had ordered a little more because I was still a little hungry when we left, but now I know for next time. The only things that made me slightly uncomfortable was that there was no music (dining in silence is a little awkward) and our waitress *barely* spoke English (though she was very friendly). I think she may have been new to the restaurant, because when we asked for a carry-out menu, another member of staff had to show her what we were talking about. Overall, it was a good experience. I would recommend this place because of the quality of the food and the value for the price. My only suggestion would be to either come during daylight hours so that you can see your food better or order their amazing food for carry-out. read more

You should try this place, it's a small family owned place, ascetically pleasing atmosphere, with Ukrainian/pop music playing in the background, but let's talk about the food. Home made, delicious and rich flavored food is what you can expect here. Chanakhy is the reason i drive here from Skokie, but everything else tasted good too, they take no shortcuts in the food making. read more

Magic Jug - The Chanakhy is amazing. - Ukrainian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fabulous Ukrainian food. The warm borscht soup was delicious and worth coming back for, I never say that about soup!!! I had the crepes with meat very tasty, my sweetie had the potato pancakes with pork and mushroom sauce. Dessert was two beautiful crepes with cream sauce. We will definitely be back to try the cabbage rolls. read more

Magic Jug - Nice and quaint - Ukrainian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place! Everything is delicious here! We keep coming back and trying something new every time and it's always a hit! read more

Magic Jug - Ukrainian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was kind of sad to hear that they are closing. They said that during the week, a lot of people don't stop in and that really hurts business. The same thing happened to their other restaurant "MJ" (who had really really good food). I honestly think they just need a makeover. Both restaurants have good food items but you wouldn't notice that it's a Ukrainian restaurant unless you were walking down the street and happened to peek inside and see something reminiscent of Ukraine. Maybe a flag? Maybe a more lively decor from the outside that pops out and grabs the attention of drivers/passerby? This time, I had the Pechenya. It was pretty good for my first time eating it. read more

What a pleasant surprise! Drove by this place for at least a year before realizing it is a restaurant. Talk about low key. But when we did decide to go in we were met with the friendliest service and the most delicious Eastern European food ever. And it's BYOB! The prices are ridiculously reasonable too. The plaxce obviously caters to an very etnic clientelle so there's no BS in what they serve. It is expected to be as good as the 'old country,' and they sure make that happen. You have to try the stew - served over crepes in the 'magic jug.' It's indescribably tasty. But go hungry -- the portions are generous and filling. A wonderful experience! read more

One of my favorite places in Chicago. Its so authentic and remind me home for 100 %. I know the taste of food from early childhood and it exactly the same like I remember. Isn't the highest level of satisfaction?... read more

Traditional Ukrainian food, delicious. I am keep coming back here. Today I ate borshch. 5 starts for it. read more

Great place for Ukrainian food. The waitresses are good looking healthy girls. The foods is like home made. I was even allowed to check the kitchen and the way they prepare the food looks like at home. I love this place read more

I have passed Magic Jug many times and finally went there this evening with my husband for a quick dinner. The place is small, but the food is on point and the decor is welcoming. I had the dumplings and my husband had the cabbage rolls all for under $20! The plate size was not huge, but it was a great deal and very flavorful. Next time we will probably order a salad or soup to start. This was a great place and we will return and/or get carry out soon! read more

Magic Jug is channeling my grandmother Rose! OMG. The best Ukrainian food on Chicago's west side. Haven't had anything this good since our Sunday dinners on Mellon St. in #Pittsburgh! Thank you for the memories. It's crazy that this lovely restaurant has been in business for 14 years and I had never heard of it until my friend Penny suggested that we go. I'm going to dream about returning soon. It's that good and extremely reasonably priced. $63 for 4 people; byo! Seriously good food. Start with the borscht and mushroom soups. The Golubtsi cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice were better than grandma's (sorry) and the very astute server brought an extra one (4 instead of 3) because she recognized we were sharing. We didn't have to ask! The Pechenia roasted pork with potato pancakes was another OMG, served in a crock like vessel, the pancake was drenched in delicious gravy with tender chunks of pork. Yummy! The Varenyky (Pyrogy) were tender and stuffed with tasty potato and meat. There were others available including sauerkraut. The dessert was like a crape filled with sweet cheese or blintz. Whatever you call it, it was the perfect end to a delightful, fun meal. The room with wood paneling was reminiscent of a cabin. The woven imported tablecloths gave you the feeling that you were back in the Ukraine. We were so excited about the dining experience, we asked if we could meet the chef, who as it turns out, was also the owner and was doing the dishes when we sauntered into the kitchen. She came to Chicago from the Ukraine 20 years ago. Katarina Kravchuk, I felt an immediate kinship. It is obvious that she loves what she does. You can taste her love in every bite. I am so happy to have discovered The Magic Jug. Magic, yes indeed. It certainly has a spell over me! read more

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Delicious! Well presented! Staff is great! The potatoes are FANTASTIC and if you know me, I am ALL about the potatoes in life. Three thumbs waaaaay up! read more

Food was delicious! Very authentic and yummy! Had the pelmeni and goulash and salad olivie.

Very delicious ukrainian kitchen Chenakhy is the best. Always order them! Highly recommend read more

Super authentic Ukraine food. Everything is made fresh and taste delicious. I went with my Russian wife and we will be back again soon

I live not far away and know the place, this is not an American fast food place it's hamburger but European food restaurant small but looking good read more

This is a very nice and cozy place that serves delicious food. Prices are reasonable. Server was attentive, polite and helpful. I hope to visit this place again. read more

Caterina is a boss lady. She is clearly the brains behind this place--in appearance, it's just a cedar-walled room about the size of a sauna, with some traditional folk art on the walls (it's painted on glass, with gold accents--I bought one for my parents of a couple posing next to a pig. Caterina looked at and proudly laughed, "Hmph! These are Ukrainian people.") I found this place as a total fluke before my second semester of Chemistry on a blustery, wintery night at Wright College....I wanted something that wasn't instant ramen, and wasn't from the cafeteria vending machine. I ended up here, just happy I was somewhere inside and warm! I ordered something called Deruny, which is like potato latkes-type pancakes, with a salty stew on top. It was phenomenal. I also got their signature, a flaky cheburek--a really wide, flat fried dough with seasoned meat inside. It had a bunch of dill and parsley seasoning it, it was perfection! I'm not sure if it's an appetizer, because it's only $3, but it was substantially filling. I ended up going every other week, and my go-to was the half-order of pelmeny, a dumpling with seasoned pork folded inside, and either a cheburek or one of their beet salads. If it was a really good day, I got one of their cakes and their coffee (a hint of raspberry flavor, not too obvious) for dessert. It was always up in the air what kind of cake would show up, but they had superfine sugar decorating the plate, and some syrup on top. The flourless chocolate cake was phenomenal, but--hold the phones--a couple of times I had an all-out Pavlova-style cake, with cream filling and flakey crust. I DIED! So good. For some reason, it took me a whole year to try their borscht--why?? They ruined me for other borscht, before or after. I sadly don't live anywhere near Magic Jug anymore, but if I ever got to trip the light fantastic on Check Please, it would be a no brainer--I'd be all about this place. read more

Nothing fancy and it's a very small place. They only accept cash. They do not speak much English but the menu is in English, so all you have to do is point. If you are looking for Ukrainian / Russian food, this is the place to go. Very inexpensive. My favorite is the stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes (with mushroom sauce). They do not serve alcohol. Oh and I had a soup (can't remember the name) they say it's spicy, it not spicy but it was very good. read more

My latest "friend" told me about this restaurant across from Merrimac Park. It is small (10 tables) but very inviting and cozy. Well, I am not here for decor but to try Ukranian food made from scratch. The first thing I noticed is the kitchen which you cannot avoid seeing. The "lady" cooks are busy preparing the days fare. It does help to know an Eastern European language. My friend knows Belarus, Russian, Polish, and German. All of our bases were covered. She suggested we start with Pickle Soup/Solianka. Made in a beef broth are the pickles, chopped smoked beef and finely cut carrots. The bowl was substantial and delicious. We also ordered cucumber and tomato salade. Our entrees differed. My lady ordered the Pechenia, roasted prok with potato pancakes. Pork is the most popular meet in most of eastern Europe. Pigs are more abundant than other meats. I had the Shashlyc which is seasoned pork in a rich sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Great! We passed on the Golubtsi (Golombki or stuffed cabbage rolls) and Nalysnyaky (I call them crepes) with varied fillings. At reasonable prices, we will be back to try other items on their menu. It is that great out of the way hideaway that you don't want the multitudes to know about. We will return. JohnnyChitown read more

On a recent trip to Chicago, my (part Ukrainian) boyfriend wanted to get some authentic Ukrainian food. I've never had the cuisine before, so we decided on the Magic Jug because the menu looked the most authentic. A small space with an unassuming brick and glass store front, you might miss it if you weren't looking closely. But the moment you step inside, you're magically transported through time and space to a Ukrainian grandma's house! You can see her in the kitchen, rolling out dough, as you sit down amidst the wood-covered walls and traditional woven tablecloths. All around you are traditional paintings of smiling Ukrainian girls, poppies, and mermaids, and a little wooden Ukrainian bear greets you from the napkin holder on the table. The server brought a basket of bread and butter right to our table when we ordered. There were two kinds of bread, one looked plain white, the other was hearty sunflower seed. It had a crust of crunchy sunflowers and what tasted like anise sprinkled across the top. Then came our golubtsi--what my boyfriend calls Ukrainian egg rolls. They are cabbage leaves stuffed with warm meat, rice, and spices and served with fresh dill sprinkled on top and a side of sour cream. The golubtsi were cooked to perfection; the cabbage leaves were soft enough so that you could easily cut through them, making me think they had maybe been boiled, but there was a perfect golden crispness on top. When I get a dish colored in shades of beige and wrapped in cabbage leaves, I expect it will be pretty bland. So I was happily surprised when these unassuming cabbage rolls were bursting with meaty, spicy, herby flavor. The fresh dill and sour cream lightly counterbalanced the savory, warm filling. Next, our pelmeny were served in an earthenware jug, and it really was magical. Pelmeny are small, buttery, chewy dumplings filled with ground meat and onion. They came to us piping hot with a hearty sprinkle of dill on top. When I cut one in half, the buttery, golden sauce it was cooked in came oozing out and made everything else on my plate that much happier. About the size of a golf ball, I could have eaten at least 30 of these. I imagined myself sitting in a wooden Ukrainian hut on a frozen January day, warmed inside and out with a steaming little jug of pelmeny. Last in our tour of savory dishes was the cheburek, a fried meat pie. It was a pocket of dough about the size of a dinner plate folded in half, again filled with spicy ground meat. The meat mixture was similar to the others, spicy, hot, oniony and dilly, and similarly delicious. The dough was freshly made, with a delightful flaky texture fried to golden brown perfection. To finish off the meal, we ordered what was labeled simply as "sweet" in the English menu translation. It turned out to be two thin crepe-like pastries filled with a sweet cheese filling, fairly similar to cheese blintzes. The sweets were sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with fruit sauce and served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce on the side. Even though we finished the meal feeling as stuffed as the golubtsi, the bill was surprisingly small! Come to the Magic Jug if you want to be whisked away to delightful Ukrainian flavors, charm, and hospitality. read more

As a Ukrainian born in Kiev, I can say that this was easily the best Ukrainian food I've had in US since moving here. I would highly suggest to anyone to check this place out! BYOB! read more

This place is special. The cabbage rolls (stuffed with rice/beef) were pillowy soft and exploding with comfort food flavor and tecture. The borscht was also delicious but I've got to try their version of the all-in-one soup (don't recall the name), I'm told. Everything was delicious, made with care. Small kitchy storefront, some parking in rear. Worth the trip, 1/2 mile west of 90 on Irving Park... read more

The food is what you can expect to be made by the finest Ukrainian chefs. All as it has to be, rich, tasty and authentic. The people who work there really know how to make the food taste delicious and the prices are very good for the quality. Do not compare this place with some fancy restaurant and expect that from it, it is not but that is the right place to experience the truly Ukrainian food! read more

Very disappointed with this restaurant/cafe. Today was my daughters b-day and we came in as a family to have a quick lunch. Borsch was okay nothing special,but the vareniki with the cherries was worse than expected.The pie itself was thick ,so you cant really taste the cherries. However,all of the mentioned would not be an issue if the following didnt occur: The waiter brought the check and I gave her the card to swipe it. She took the car and mess with the card for about min and came back with the card only NO RECEIPT TO SIGN which triggered something suspicious is going on. So I have decided to log in to my bank and check the transactions. Here is what I found out: They charged the car twice and the amount that was charged was incorrect. When we asked if they do any specials for the b-day,the waiter said and let me check with the owner,later came out with the cake -we thought it was free. However,after the waiter gave my daughter a piece of cake due to the b-day today but later charged the cake and the tip to the card without even asking for my approval. Customers please be aware of this restaurant!!!!! read more

It is my favorite Ukrainian restaurant in chicago. Small but very cozy and inviting. Food is delicious. Recommending to all of my friends . Thank you for keeping it authentic. read more

Wonderful Ukrainian and European dishes that reminded me of my mom's food. Such delicious pirogi, crepes, potato pancakes, borsch and desserts, I have not tried in Chicago for a long time! The highest praise for the chef! read more

This restaurant is fantastic! Authentic Ukrainian food at its best. Would highly recommend it.

Excellent food and service. We had all the different pirogies: potato and meat. Good flavor and they were boiled to order. Beet salad with mayonnaise is not my thing, but my aunt and uncle liked it. Then we had those individual jugs with their national stew (glecheks). Delicious, tender pork. For desert, we had sour cherry pirogies, crepes with poppy seeds, and crepes with sweet farmers cheese. All three were delectable. Good restaurant and good value. read more

Delicious home cooked food. One of the best borscht I have ever had. I stop here at least once o week on my way home and will continue to so so. Thank you! read more