Santa Masa Tamaleria

A beautiful, eclectic coffee house just outside of Chinatown, La Malinche was the perfect place for…read morea casual late breakfast. With a cozy locals vibe, there was a mix of young professionals on laptops and families starting the morning. The bright aesethics of Mexican heritage and decor celebrating local artists make the space inspiring and energizing. The coffee was great. I got the horchata latte, which tasted even better than I hoped. I also ordered a El Chavo Torta, a deceptively simple sandwich that was incredibly delicious. I don't know what they put in the bread or what magical place they bought the cheese from, but my mouth is watering just thinking about it. When I'm in Chicago again, La Malinche is on my list of must visit spots.

Cutest coffee shop! Loved the artwork inside and outside. Great menu, even though we only ordered…read morean iced coffee and matcha. Took a little time but worth the wait. I'd like to try the Cubano sandwich next time. This place is quiet and good for work or studying!

Beautiful colorful vibes

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Hot chocolate

Dolce Arte

4.1(74 reviews)

11.7 mi•Bridgeport

Some restaurants you visit once and think "that was nice." Then there's Dolce Arte -- the kind of…read moreplace you bring your favorite people to, because you already know it's going to be a great time before you even sit down. This was my second visit and it delivered just as hard as the first. The Food What sets this place apart is the quality of ingredients. You can taste the freshness in every dish. The Service Attentive, friendly, and never rushed us. Exactly what you want when you're spending quality time with the people who matter. The Vibe It's cozy, warm, and the kind of spot where catching up with people you love just flows naturally. We lost track of time -- in the best possible way.

Dolce Arte ended up being a nice place to slow down for a bit. It's inside an art gallery, so it…read morehas this mix of rustic and industrial style that feels different from a regular coffee shop. They also have a patio, and with the weather being nice, it was easy to just sit outside and relax for a while. I was honestly too hungry to spend much time deciding, so I just ordered one of the sourdough donut ball. It was exactly what I was hoping for. The outside had a light coating of sugar that gave it just the right amount of sweetness without being too much. Once I bit into it, the inside was soft, airy, and slightly chewy from the sourdough, which made it different from a regular donut. There was a subtle tang from the sourdough that balanced the sweetness really well, so it never felt overly sugary. It had a light crispness on the outside, then a warm, pillowy center that practically melted away with each bite. I finished it way faster than I expected. The only thing I forgot was ordering something to drink with it. Looking back, a good coffee would've made it even better. Still, I'd definitely stop by again the next time I'm in the area.

Pastries

Stockyard Skillet

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I have had their pastries many times (the BEST in neighborhood), only 2nd time having reg food.

The Stockyard Coffeehouse

4.6(149 reviews)

12.1 mi•Bridgeport

Wow I almost want to gatekeep this place bc it's nearly perfect - amazing extensive menu with yummy…read morespecialty drink options. I got a delicious coquito latte with lavender cold foam (coconut lavender combo!) and the rajas and cheese breakfast wrap really hit. Can't wait to return. Very cozy inside, not a ton of seating. Many regulars in the morning, I hope I get to be one of them!! Excellent service & nice baristas.

I have been to this place three times. The coffee is amazing. I would definitely visit them even…read moremore frequently, but it is a bit of sensory nightmare inside. The coffee prep area is in the middle of an overall small room, and it stays pretty loud as they're continuously prepping drinks. There is some seating inside, but it's a bit limited. I got coffee flights the last two times I was there, and I was lucky to get a seat. On my last visit, I was there around 8:30 on a Sunday on a rainy, late summer day. I had wanted to order a flight, but every seat was taken, so I had resigned myself to ordering a single coffee. Luckily, a couple people left, so I was able to secure us a table. I would have been very disappointed if I hadn't been able to order the flight I came there to get! They have amazing flavors, I LOVE that they do flights, and their food has been decent. I only wish it was a little more spacious and quieter.

Selena themed coffee flight

Matcha flight

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Vibe

Pochos

4.4(130 reviews)

9.7 mi•Pilsen

One of the most surprising brunches in Pilsen. It feels unassuming compared to the hype of places…read morelike Kasama, but this place is worth the visit from any part of the city. The skillet: crispy potatoes, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked eggs, crisp chorizo The french toast: very sweet, but with fantastic bread texture and flavor. Well balanced. Good coffee, get it black or as mexican spice for something sweeter.

Super friendly staff and great space for brunch. I got the fried chicken and French toast and my…read moreniece got the chilaquiles with chicken. Both were amazing and huge! Would definitely come back!

Restaurant at 1pm on Saturday

DEVILED EGGS

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FRIED CHICKEN AND FRENCH TOAST

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

4.2(660 reviews)

11.5 mi•Chinatown

For a take out bakery style restaurant, this place has everything I need and it all tastes great…read more They open super early in the morning if you want that dim sum or bakery fix. There aren't tables so don't expect to sit down to enjoy your food. Service was friendly and prompt. I ordered sui mai, beef rice rolls, lotus leaf rice, zhongzi, and a pineapple bbq pork bun. Everything, and I mean everything, was delicious. This will be my new take out dim sum and bakery spot in Chicago now. Give it a shot, you won't regret it.

This is the best bakery in Southside Chinatown, without a doubt, the line just never stops like…read morethey're handing free food but they're not. Although the prices are very reasonable, you could come here everyday...BTW, make sure to bring cash as it's cash only. I really love coming here after a meal because the buns are soft, light, airy, and sweet. Thus far, my favorites are: - egg custard topping with a red bean filling and - the coconut bun with whipped creme Wow, those are really good but do try their other offerings and determine your own favorite item. I have to try their Argyle location to see if they're consistently great!! Oh, one more thing, there is a ledge by the window where you can eat quickly whilst standing up but it can get very crowded in there. Xie xie Chiu Quon!!

Custom order cakes

Portuguese egg tarts with their tantalizing brulee tops and tasty BBQ pork bun filling

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Portuguese egg tart, coconut bun & BBQ pork bun

Decadent Chicago

4.3(69 reviews)

11.4 mi•Near Southside

Decadent Chicago offers a wonderful and intimate dining experience, with exceptional desserts like…read morethe brownie skillet with ice cream and a delicious red velvet cake slice but my favorite items are pictured. I was visiting Chicago for the first time and stumbled on this hidden gem. I told everyone I could about this place. I went first for breakfast and again for brunch. The cafe provides a wonderful atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and over relaxation. The service is top-tier, with knowledgeable servers and the eclectic vibe is so rejuvenating. I will definitely visit again if I'm ever in the area.

This is genuinely a hidden gem in the city! It's black owned by the nicest family with an amazing…read moreatmosphere and delicious treats. It's more of a cafe style during the day making it a perfect spot to work remotely with great coffee, perfect cookies and great regular food dishes as well with lots of seating. Also great for a casual date. By the evening it turns into more of a restaurant and on certain nights they have events like bingo as well. I got the hazelnut cappuccino and a turtle cookie and they were both phenomenal So worth making the trek out of your way for, i'd highlyyyy recommend!

9.6 mi•University Village

Hot chocolate with S'mores

Toffee bread pudding

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Nice decor, relaxing music and friendly staff.

Sweet Maple Cafe

4.0(1k reviews)

Yummy in my tummy cinnamon roll pancakes The sweet biscuit…read moreand jam was also quite delicious My friend got the biscuits and gravy which also looked great, but I didn't try. My coffee was always filled up and our servers were very nice. I would go back and try one of the omelettes

It had been close to 20 years since I've been to SWC! I took my youngest to help reminisce of…read moreplaces that I used to go to in my pre-kid days. It's definitely a family place - just not one we had gotten around to visiting. On this visit I had the protein power scramble and paired it with their absolutely delicious biscuits and home fries. My daughter had a cinnamon swirl pancake that she enjoyed, but it was took big too finish. Not a problem as she demolished it the next morning. Definitely will be back and we won't 20 years this next time!

Service was quick and friendly.

3 Cheese Omelet

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Diaz y Noches Bowl with a Biscuit

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe

3.5(599 reviews)

11.0 mi•South Loop

The food came out relatively fast, our server was a nice and the restaurant itself was super cute…read more Omelet was very good, not wow worthy but still tasty. definitely try the pancakes the cinnamon roll pancake was delicious, super sweet.

One of the best brunch spots in the south loop! We came on a Saturday and had about a 45 minute…read morewait which sucked. The place is severely understaffed so expect empty tables and a long wait. The wait was worth it! The food came out pretty quick for being busy, but the service was a little slow. We were waiting on refills for some time. We got the biscuits and gravy and carnivore skillet. The biscuits and gravy were my favorite! The gravy was thick and tasty. Both had a ton of toppings and were typical brunch food. Only downside was our food was not warm. Overall this place is tasty if you're willing to wait! I always take friends and family that are visiting here and it never disappoints. The portions are large and worth the price. Only downside is the service.

12.3 mi•Back of the Yards, New City

Dining Area at Honeyberry Chicago

Veggie Skillet w/ sunny side up eggs

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Tom’s Place Pancake House

4.4(47 reviews)

Outstanding community restaurant serving up wholesome food. Small in size with outdoor eating space…read moremakes it perfect. The portions are generous and the price is right. One pancake is all you need but you can order a stack of three. My grits and eggs were divine but the pancake was the clear winner! I would go back here.

Great place to eat yes it's in one of the hoods from Chicago but you should be fine ppl. Parking on…read moresundays is free on the streets on 47th fyi. The staff was amazing and friendly and felt very welcome from the entrance to checking out. Prize was good to be honest and the food was really good. Also noticed that you can reserve a table as well just putting that on here so you girls and guys know. Super clan restaurant and restrooms as well. Come try this place guys and girls.

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Tom's breakfast burrito

Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe

4.0(324 reviews)

11.3 mi•Chinatown

Recommendations: Breakfast Meal…read moreBBQ Pork Bun Pineapple Milk Custard Bun We went to st. Anna for breakfast on Labour Day morning. We ordered the breakfast meal sets, which came with two mini pineapple buns and spam macaroni. We also ordered a breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and fried spam. The breakfast meals come with hot drinks and are only around $9, which is a great value. There are only 5 tables for dine in, first come first serve! The bakery also offers a variety of freshly made pastries and buns. Our favorites were the BBQ pork bun and the pineapple milk custard bun. Both were flavorful and fresh. It is a great spot for an affordable breakfast and some fresh bakery items.

Saint Anna is a traditional Hong Kong-style bakery and café offering authentic, high-quality…read moreproducts at very reasonable prices. Before the pandemic, we used to visit every weekend. Our family and extended family often ordered birthday cakes from them, and their mango cake was our favorite. When mangoes were in season, they used plenty of fresh mango in the cakes. Their cakes are always fresh, light, fluffy, and not too sweet. My daughter and I also love their individual cakes, especially the Black Pearl and Walnut Cake. Their pineapple buns and egg tarts are her favorites as well. Saint Anna has also been part of our daughter's childhood. When she was little, my husband used to bring her here before or after Chinese school in Chinatown on Sundays. Her go-to breakfast items were the Butter Bun, Ham and Macaroni in Soup, and Diced Ham and Corn in Cream Rice. As she got older, Curry Chicken with Potato became her favorite. She especially loved the potato cubes soaked in the delicious, mild curry sauce. She would always ask for more potatoes and less chicken, haha! Saint Anna is a family-run business, and Sara and Irene, the daughters-in-law, used to take care of the front of house. They were always so friendly and accommodating. After a 6-year hiatus, we finally returned one Friday recently when we happened to be in the area with a friend. Sara is now a co-owner, and it was wonderful to see her again. She immediately recognized us and was so warm and welcoming. She even asked me to relay her greetings to my sisters when she greeted us and again when we were leaving. Those little gestures made our return feel especially meaningful. We were still full from a big dim sum lunch, so my daughter picked up 2 Mini Pineapple Buns and 2 Paper-Wrapped Sponge Cakes, while I got a Red Bean Roll. Everything was fresh, soft, and delicious, and the total came to just under $8, really a great value. Our friend also purchased 2 Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings with Chicken. I had never really paid attention to their limited dim sum selection before, so that was a nice discovery. We love Saint Anna and will definitely be back whenever we're in the area.

Red bean bun

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Hong Kong milk tea, egg tart

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Rocio R.

0

14

17

1 year ago

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home We stumbled upon this tamale spot and wow -- what an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the warmest smiles and a sense of genuine hospitality you just don't find everywhere. Everyone was incredibly sweet and attentive, and it felt less like dining out and more like being welcomed into someone's kitchen. We got to watch the food being made, and that alone was such a treat. There's something really special about seeing tamales being lovingly crafted by hand -- it's clear that every step is done with care, tradition, and heart. You can truly taste the love in every bite. We ordered several different items (because how could we not?) and every single one was a hit -- fresh, flavorful, and deeply comforting. The tamales were out-of-this-world good: perfectly steamed, with rich, authentic fillings that instantly transported us. Every bite told a story. It's rare to find a place that gets everything so right -- the food, the drinks, the people, the atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and without a doubt, we'll be back again (and again). Highly, highly recommend! read more

Santa Masa Tamaleria - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Great Mexican restaurant with great food. I would highly recommend this place..Trust me you will…read morenot be disappointed. Check this place.out if you are in the mood for authentic Mexican food.

Little to no flavor pozole. Watery no flavor sauces…read more Stale chicharrón and tostadas. Good agua frescas and tortillas.

El Taco Feliz Taqueria

4.6

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Note: they are CASH only…read more Ambiance - super small spot, be prepared to sit outside as there's only 3-4 bar stool seats by the windows inside Service - exceptional, staff were nice, food came out 15 min after ordering Food - do not skip on the chips and salsa (balanced & has a really good kick), highly recommend the coconut milk, all of the tacos were well seasoned and toppings with it were paired well

The ONLY bad thing about this taqueria is how long it took me to realize #1 how close it was to my…read morehouse, and #2 how DELICIOUS all of their food is!!! This last summer I couldn't wait to sneak out of the house for a quick taco and a good book and their cute little patio section, which I did every chance I got. The staff are all super sweet. They are a cash only establishment. My three go-to tacos are: #1- The Texano - Shrimp cooked with chorizo with cabbage.... the shrimp is always fresh and tasty, and never rubbery #2 - The Arriero - Steak, black beans, peppers, cheese, and nopales, all a perfect combination with one another! #3 - The Happy Taco - Pork with onions, jalapenos, and zucchini My husband loves their burritos, but I almost ALWAYS get one, two, or all three of these options when I go. Two tacos generally fill me up because they do a great job of not skimping on ingredients. The inside sit down area is very small, and looks like it could maybe accommodate 3 people at the window area. Still a perfect to-go spot when it's cold. I know I saw another location not too far away, so I'm curious to check them out as well. I usually walk over, but parking finding street parking doesn't seem to be a huge problem either.

Barca Restaurant

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Best burrito. Meaty and large they don't skip on ingredients. It's be my go to burrito spot.read more

A hole in the wall that I will be coming back to. The flavors have a reminder of Mexico and has a…read morefamily feel upon arriving. The service was great and they knew the needs of one and very attentive. The platillo de birria was a nicely portioned plate and the tortillas de mano kept coming.

Sol de Mexico

4.2

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I was looking for a taco joint in the evening before running some errands. I read the reviews and…read morewas shocked to find that this little hole in the wall was a gourmet restaurant. It proved to be not only lovely, great service, but very unusual and excellent Mexican delights. Since I didn't have much time, I ordered mango margarita, their tortilla soup which is redolent of some kind of deep red pepper and of course the chicken and the strings of fried tortillas. Astonishing! Also ordered an appetizer of four different flavors on mini sopes. So filling I only ate two. This would be a great place to bring friends to share different dishes. What a culinary adventure in the middle of Cicero Avenue! Pricing is reasonable for the quality in imagination that goes into these dishes.

Sol de Mexico is another superb entry in Chicago's mole community. Elegant dining in a casual…read moreatmosphere. The mole negro with rack of lamb is, in particular, superb. A model of the form. The rojo negro with chicken is subtly complex with a gentle punch of heat. The guacamole is made fresh and an excellent way to start the meal. Margaritas are good, but they only have one bottle or wine - a bottom shelf Zin - and it is not. I am told that you can bring in a bottle of your own, however. Gorgeous indigenous art on the walls, colorful space, very casual vibes, friendly waitstaff. Stop by sooner rather than later, one never knows how long these places last.

Gwacamole Restaurant

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What an AMAZING experience!! Thank you for making my daughters wedding reception memorable!! The…read moreFood was flavorful, the Presentation was visually pleasing and the Servers were so pleasant and came prepared!!

Food was good. I been wanting to try this place out . I spent $30 on uber eats they are cheap for…read morechips there are better places. I go to food can be amazing he had the audacity to tell me that I have would have to call them to give me chips after I ate the food over an hour ago. You would think spending all that money cause food is not cheap anymore. They would give chips.

El Kacheton

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The food here is definitely authentic! The sauces were all so fresh, everything was so flavorful…read moreand everyone was so kind and attentive.

Came here for a quick bite to eat. The staff here is great and more importantly, the food is…read moredelicious. My wife ordered an Asada Torta. It was pretty big and very filling. It came with carne Asada, beans, lettuce and tomato. The bread was also fresh and soft. I ordered their carne Asada burrito. I substituted the lettuce and tomatoes with rice and beans and then added cebolla y cilantro. The burrito was also very good but they put way to much onions in it. The meat was also very tasty. It was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Would definitely be returning soon.

El México de Chicago

4.1

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The food was delicious and filling they speak English owner does. So. Americans welcomed and…read moregreeted with a smile atmosphere Spanish tv not crowded please of space. I ordered food to go I even took an order to go for my friends at home the owner and his brother very kind and nice to customers Please help our local restaurants stay here Chicago has the best food in the world Mexican food is sooooo good come visit they also have karaoke on

I recently discovered this location opened via the Belmont Craign United Facebook page. I live in…read morethe area, it good to have a Mexican restaurant near Grand Ave. I made my stop today, very clean location, plenty of space, several tables for two to four people. Greeted as soon as we walked in, very friendly staff. The mexico de chicago chilaquiles with cecina (meat) with rice and beans, perfect portion and very well served. The menu varies, seafood is also on the menu, along with tacos and more. I was able to speak with the owner, very friendly and approachable. You can tell he places his heart into his passion. They offer live performances on certain occasions, karaoke is offered on Friday nights. Welcome to the area, I will return soon.

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