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Avondale sports some great dining choices.
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Where to Eat and Drink in Avondale

Find succulent sandwiches, doner kebabs, and much more on the Northwest Side

by Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam, and Eater Staff Updated
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Avondale sports some great dining choices.
| Shutterstock
by Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam, and Eater Staff Updated

Nestled away on the city’s Northwest Side, Avondale is an area filled with a variety of exciting dining options. Home to a mix of old-school establishments — many that have been around for decades — and modern restaurants, this neighborhood is a culinary universe unto itself. A decorated prix fixe destination, a stalwart Irish pub, and a bustling Asian food court are just a few of the highlights; read on to discover all the essentials.

Note: Michelin-starred Parachute remains closed for renovations.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Wherewithall

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James Beard award-winning chefs and spouses Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark (Parachute) took a risk in 2019 when they launched this prix fixe neighborhood spot with a comforting-yet-inventive seasonal menu and mellow bar. In 2021, Kim and Clark stepped back from day-to-day operations so they could concentrate on raising their three children and reopening Parachute, but they continue to develop the menu in collaboration with chef de cuisine Taylor Ploshehanski.

3472 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 692-2192
(773) 692-2192
The dining room features tables made from salvaged wood, hanging lights, and plants.
Wherewithall first debuted in 2019.
Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Also featured in:

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant

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Cozy up next to the fireplace and enjoy a pint of Guinness and hearty, comforting fare. This lively Irish pub has an extensive whiskey collection and pairs it with Emerald Isle classics like shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and fish and chips. Other amenities include a large back patio and musical performances several nights a week.

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 583-3066
(773) 583-3066

Also featured in:

La Nonna

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Tucked away on a residential street corner, this rustic-chic spot offers a mash-up of Argentinean and Italian delights. Chef José Rivero pays homage to his Hispanic grandmother, as well as the Italian side of his family, by recreating their recipes for steak and chicken milanesa, empanadas, lomito sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and more.

3400 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 253-4741
(773) 253-4741

Also featured in:

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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Chef partners Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp first discovered the magical combination of honey butter on fried chicken while hosting their pop-up supper series Sunday Dinner Club. In 2013, the pair launched a restaurant dedicated to its namesake specialty to much success. The sweet-and-savory pieces of boneless chicken have proven to be irresistible and are complemented by items like pimento mac and cheese, corn muffins, and chicken sandwiches.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Also featured in:

Joong Boo Market

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One of the city’s most notable Asian markets also sells a variety of hot foods. Visitors can pick up mandu dumplings and steamed buns from the walk-up window out front or head to the counter-service restaurant in the back, dubbed “Snack Corner,” for Korean staples such as bibimbap and sundubu jjigae. Sashimi platters are popular as well, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays when they’re on sale for $25.

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-5566
(773) 478-5566

Also featured in:

Kuma's Corner

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The heavy-metal-themed restaurant and bar has been a dining destination for more than a decade thanks to its lineup of creative burgers and local craft beers. Expect sizeable 10-ounce beef patties on pretzel buns topped with a wide range of ingredients. Favorites include “Lair of the Minotaur” (brie, bourbon-poached pear, caramelized onions, pancetta), “Led Zeppelin” (smoked bacon, pulled pork, cheddar, pickles), and “Iron Maiden” (avocado, cherry peppers, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onions). The rotating burger of the month and the customizable mac and cheese shouldn’t be overlooked either. Long waits are common when dine-in service is available, but Kuma’s also offers carryout and delivery. Note that the restaurant has been criticized by staff for a toxic workplace environment. The chain also has a Fulton Market location.

2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 604-8769
(773) 604-8769

Also featured in:

Taqueria Mazamitla

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This under-the-radar taqueria is the best place to hit up to satisfy all those Mexican cravings. Dig into tacos, burritos, or tortas filled with crispy al pastor, tender carne asada, and more. Breakfast time features extra options like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.

3610 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 267-2667
(773) 267-2667

Pisolino Italian Market

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The neighborhood go-to for a glass of wine and some Italian fare, Pisolino has evolved from a restaurant into a marketplace as a result of the pandemic. In addition to chef and owner James De Marte’s hefty sandwiches and pastas, customers can purchase grocery items like fresh mozzarella, dry pastas, and sauces. Italian subs are also served during lunchtime thanks to a newish deli counter. Marte also operates a stall at Time Out Market Chicago in Fulton Market.

2755 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6025
(773) 293-6025

Also featured in:

Caravanserai

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Drinking chocolate destination Caravanserai from popular local coffee roaster Dark Matter features hot, sweet beverages made with pre-colonial recipes and chocolate from Mexico City-based partner La Rifa Chocolatería. Hits include the Cafe de Olla (La Rifa sweet chocolate, cinnamon, orange zest, espresso) and Mayan Mochas (La Rifa Mexico City chocolate, Dark Matter cinnamon blend, cayenne).

2901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6425
(773) 293-6425

Reed's Local

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This revamped dive bar is a quaint space with enough room for a few friends who want to catch up and see live music. The inside is the type of dive that Chicago is known for — cheap drinks, friendly people, and Tetris.

3017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 806-0520
(872) 806-0520

Also featured in:

TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop

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The brainchild of Honey Butter alum Becca Grothe, TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop has upped Avondale’s sandwich game in a serious way since its launch in February 2022. The menu is a wonderland of meaty and vegetarian delights, and omnivores would do well to test drive Grothe’s take on a horseshoe, a central Illinois classic featuring a protein and crinkle fries piled on Texas toast and blanketed with a layer of melted cheese.

2949 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 878-2717
(773) 878-2717

Also featured in:

DMen Tap

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The brick-and-mortar outpost of a popular food truck, DMen Tap focuses on German street fare. Scarf down warm pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, bratwursts, currywursts, or doner kebabs — the restaurant’s signature item made of chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie. There are a host of vegan and gluten-free options too, along with craft beers on tap.

2849 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 961-8757
(773) 961-8757

Also featured in:

The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen

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Irish food is about more than corned beef and hash — have you ever tried pizza with black and white pudding? Wolfhound is the place to be for a unique menu of modern Irish American hits. It’s also a perfect place for a sip of Guinness.

3188 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 234-2736
(773) 234-2736

Also featured in:

The Beer Temple

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The Beer Temple is one of Chicago’s most popular liquor stores. Craft beer fans know that the store will stock rare releases, special collaborations, and most anything they would possible interested. Ownership would move the store around the corner to a larger space with room for a bar, promising to leverage relationships with breweries to put unusual beers on tap. While the bar is closed, beer nerds should switch on Instagram notifications so they can preorder the latest concoction the store has to offer before the vultures gobble them up.

3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0907
(773) 754-0907

Also featured in:

Metropolitan Brewing

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Located in a warehouse-like space along the North Branch of the Chicago River, Metropolitan Brewing’s taproom boasts picturesque views to go with its German-style lagers. Folks have the choice of picking up a six-pack to take home or to enjoy on the riverside patio. The brewery is dog-friendly and outside food can be brought in or delivered.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
(773) 754-0494

Also featured in:

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Ludlow Liquors

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This tiny bar pours some of the best cocktails in town and had a spacious back patio. Find some fancy pours, or enjoy a domestic can in style. There’s food; right now the kitchen is used for rotating pop-ups. Check the restaurant’s website for the latest in terms of food availability.

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-7492
(773) 754-7492

Also featured in:

Mother's Ruin

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This Midwestern outpost from the team behind raucous New York watering hole Mother’s Ruin had to delay its opening by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, it finally began serving, and has since made up for lost time with an ever-changing selection of strong drinks, boozy slushies, and fun food (think French onion soup grilled cheese). There’s also a third location in Nashville.

2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Also featured in:

Central Park Bar

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The owners of Estelle’s, Easy Bar, and the Owl have taken over a classic Chicago tavern space. Find no-frills drinking and a large patio.

2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 698-6063
(773) 698-6063

Also featured in:

The Brewed

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Slasher aficionados and scaredy cats alike can have a delightful time in this improbably colorful horror movie-themed coffee shop from the owners of next-door-neighbor Bric-A-Brac Records. Horror memorabilia collectors in their own right, Nick Mayor, Jen Lemasters, and Jason Deuchler have created a comfy space for coffee drinkers and laptop nomads that’s packed with posters, toys, and baked goods from Sugar Moon.

2843 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-7542
(773) 697-7542
A purple coffee bar inside a shop with a black-and-white checkerboard floor.
Horror fans might feel like they’re in heaven at the Brewed.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Owen & Engine

Copy Link

This beloved pub is known for its great British beer list and chef Bo Fowler’s passion of farm-to-table sourcing. The pub burger is among the best in Chicago thanks to its homemade bap. The other items give a true slice of British cuisine, including British Indian delights. The place gets crowded on weekends, so get there early.

2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-2930
(773) 235-2930

Also featured in:

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Wherewithall

3472 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

James Beard award-winning chefs and spouses Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark (Parachute) took a risk in 2019 when they launched this prix fixe neighborhood spot with a comforting-yet-inventive seasonal menu and mellow bar. In 2021, Kim and Clark stepped back from day-to-day operations so they could concentrate on raising their three children and reopening Parachute, but they continue to develop the menu in collaboration with chef de cuisine Taylor Ploshehanski.

3472 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 692-2192
(773) 692-2192
The dining room features tables made from salvaged wood, hanging lights, and plants.
Wherewithall first debuted in 2019.
Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Cozy up next to the fireplace and enjoy a pint of Guinness and hearty, comforting fare. This lively Irish pub has an extensive whiskey collection and pairs it with Emerald Isle classics like shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and fish and chips. Other amenities include a large back patio and musical performances several nights a week.

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 583-3066
(773) 583-3066

La Nonna

3400 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Tucked away on a residential street corner, this rustic-chic spot offers a mash-up of Argentinean and Italian delights. Chef José Rivero pays homage to his Hispanic grandmother, as well as the Italian side of his family, by recreating their recipes for steak and chicken milanesa, empanadas, lomito sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and more.

3400 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 253-4741
(773) 253-4741

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Chef partners Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp first discovered the magical combination of honey butter on fried chicken while hosting their pop-up supper series Sunday Dinner Club. In 2013, the pair launched a restaurant dedicated to its namesake specialty to much success. The sweet-and-savory pieces of boneless chicken have proven to be irresistible and are complemented by items like pimento mac and cheese, corn muffins, and chicken sandwiches.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Joong Boo Market

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

One of the city’s most notable Asian markets also sells a variety of hot foods. Visitors can pick up mandu dumplings and steamed buns from the walk-up window out front or head to the counter-service restaurant in the back, dubbed “Snack Corner,” for Korean staples such as bibimbap and sundubu jjigae. Sashimi platters are popular as well, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays when they’re on sale for $25.

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-5566
(773) 478-5566

Kuma's Corner

2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The heavy-metal-themed restaurant and bar has been a dining destination for more than a decade thanks to its lineup of creative burgers and local craft beers. Expect sizeable 10-ounce beef patties on pretzel buns topped with a wide range of ingredients. Favorites include “Lair of the Minotaur” (brie, bourbon-poached pear, caramelized onions, pancetta), “Led Zeppelin” (smoked bacon, pulled pork, cheddar, pickles), and “Iron Maiden” (avocado, cherry peppers, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onions). The rotating burger of the month and the customizable mac and cheese shouldn’t be overlooked either. Long waits are common when dine-in service is available, but Kuma’s also offers carryout and delivery. Note that the restaurant has been criticized by staff for a toxic workplace environment. The chain also has a Fulton Market location.

2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 604-8769
(773) 604-8769

Taqueria Mazamitla

3610 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This under-the-radar taqueria is the best place to hit up to satisfy all those Mexican cravings. Dig into tacos, burritos, or tortas filled with crispy al pastor, tender carne asada, and more. Breakfast time features extra options like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.

3610 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 267-2667
(773) 267-2667

Pisolino Italian Market

2755 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The neighborhood go-to for a glass of wine and some Italian fare, Pisolino has evolved from a restaurant into a marketplace as a result of the pandemic. In addition to chef and owner James De Marte’s hefty sandwiches and pastas, customers can purchase grocery items like fresh mozzarella, dry pastas, and sauces. Italian subs are also served during lunchtime thanks to a newish deli counter. Marte also operates a stall at Time Out Market Chicago in Fulton Market.

2755 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6025
(773) 293-6025

Caravanserai

2901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Drinking chocolate destination Caravanserai from popular local coffee roaster Dark Matter features hot, sweet beverages made with pre-colonial recipes and chocolate from Mexico City-based partner La Rifa Chocolatería. Hits include the Cafe de Olla (La Rifa sweet chocolate, cinnamon, orange zest, espresso) and Mayan Mochas (La Rifa Mexico City chocolate, Dark Matter cinnamon blend, cayenne).

2901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6425
(773) 293-6425

Reed's Local

3017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This revamped dive bar is a quaint space with enough room for a few friends who want to catch up and see live music. The inside is the type of dive that Chicago is known for — cheap drinks, friendly people, and Tetris.

3017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(872) 806-0520
(872) 806-0520

TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop

2949 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The brainchild of Honey Butter alum Becca Grothe, TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop has upped Avondale’s sandwich game in a serious way since its launch in February 2022. The menu is a wonderland of meaty and vegetarian delights, and omnivores would do well to test drive Grothe’s take on a horseshoe, a central Illinois classic featuring a protein and crinkle fries piled on Texas toast and blanketed with a layer of melted cheese.

2949 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 878-2717
(773) 878-2717

DMen Tap

2849 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The brick-and-mortar outpost of a popular food truck, DMen Tap focuses on German street fare. Scarf down warm pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, bratwursts, currywursts, or doner kebabs — the restaurant’s signature item made of chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie. There are a host of vegan and gluten-free options too, along with craft beers on tap.

2849 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 961-8757
(773) 961-8757

The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen

3188 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Irish food is about more than corned beef and hash — have you ever tried pizza with black and white pudding? Wolfhound is the place to be for a unique menu of modern Irish American hits. It’s also a perfect place for a sip of Guinness.

3188 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 234-2736
(773) 234-2736

The Beer Temple

3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The Beer Temple is one of Chicago’s most popular liquor stores. Craft beer fans know that the store will stock rare releases, special collaborations, and most anything they would possible interested. Ownership would move the store around the corner to a larger space with room for a bar, promising to leverage relationships with breweries to put unusual beers on tap. While the bar is closed, beer nerds should switch on Instagram notifications so they can preorder the latest concoction the store has to offer before the vultures gobble them up.

3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0907
(773) 754-0907

Metropolitan Brewing

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Located in a warehouse-like space along the North Branch of the Chicago River, Metropolitan Brewing’s taproom boasts picturesque views to go with its German-style lagers. Folks have the choice of picking up a six-pack to take home or to enjoy on the riverside patio. The brewery is dog-friendly and outside food can be brought in or delivered.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
(773) 754-0494

Related Maps

Ludlow Liquors

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This tiny bar pours some of the best cocktails in town and had a spacious back patio. Find some fancy pours, or enjoy a domestic can in style. There’s food; right now the kitchen is used for rotating pop-ups. Check the restaurant’s website for the latest in terms of food availability.

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-7492
(773) 754-7492

Mother's Ruin

2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This Midwestern outpost from the team behind raucous New York watering hole Mother’s Ruin had to delay its opening by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, it finally began serving, and has since made up for lost time with an ever-changing selection of strong drinks, boozy slushies, and fun food (think French onion soup grilled cheese). There’s also a third location in Nashville.

2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Central Park Bar

2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The owners of Estelle’s, Easy Bar, and the Owl have taken over a classic Chicago tavern space. Find no-frills drinking and a large patio.

2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 698-6063
(773) 698-6063

The Brewed

2843 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Slasher aficionados and scaredy cats alike can have a delightful time in this improbably colorful horror movie-themed coffee shop from the owners of next-door-neighbor Bric-A-Brac Records. Horror memorabilia collectors in their own right, Nick Mayor, Jen Lemasters, and Jason Deuchler have created a comfy space for coffee drinkers and laptop nomads that’s packed with posters, toys, and baked goods from Sugar Moon.

2843 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-7542
(773) 697-7542
A purple coffee bar inside a shop with a black-and-white checkerboard floor.
Horror fans might feel like they’re in heaven at the Brewed.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Owen & Engine

2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This beloved pub is known for its great British beer list and chef Bo Fowler’s passion of farm-to-table sourcing. The pub burger is among the best in Chicago thanks to its homemade bap. The other items give a true slice of British cuisine, including British Indian delights. The place gets crowded on weekends, so get there early.

2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-2930
(773) 235-2930

Related Maps