Though it’s one of Chicago’s smaller community areas, Hermosa isn’t short on great restaurants. The birthplace of Walt Disney is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood is about a 25-minute drive northwest from the Loop and home to a variety of ethnic cuisines, some of which are regarded as the best in the city. Whether it’s Venezuelan-style arepas or sandwiches with Southeast Asian flavors, there are tons of exciting foods to try. So read on to discover Hermosa’s most essential spots for a bite and drink.
As of April 29, Chicago restaurants are permitted to serve customers indoors with a 50 percent maximum capacity per room, or 100 people — whichever is fewer. Regardless, the state requires reservations for both indoor and outdoor dining. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Poncitlan Jalisco #1 Taqueria
Chicago, IL 60639
Taking its name after the town in Jalisco, Mexico, this corner eatery serves dependable tacos, burritos, and favorites like “Mar Y Tierra” (carne asada with grilled onions and large shrimp). Weekend specials include hearty and comforting bowls of menudo and pozole. Call (773) 685-1162 to order.
Right Bee Cider
Chicago, IL 60639
Husband-and-wife Charlie Davis and Katie Morgan are the engine behind one of Chicago’s only cideries, Right Bee Cider. The company’s beverages are available in stores and bars around town and also straight from the source at a 48-seat taproom in Hermosa. Customers will find pours of Right Bee Cider’s flagship ciders along with rotating specials and kegged cocktails. Food can be brought in or ordered from neighboring restaurant Rice Arepa.
Hermosa
Chicago, IL 60639
Owner Ethan Lim’s acclaimed restaurant showcases the flavors of Cambodia through bold sandwiches. The fried chicken sandwich is a best seller that gets a boost from a pickled papaya salad, chopped long beans, and Asian herbs. But don’t overlook the rest of the menu, which reimagines traditional dishes, such as sach chrouk and lok lak, and presents them between buns. Lim also offers affordable rotating plates like griddled rice with Chinese sausage and chicken. Order carryout and delivery here. Lim also offers weekend dinner service once a week for one group. It’s a more refined experience that’s sold out weeks in advance; check social media for reservations.
Googoo's Table
Chicago, IL 60639
At first glance, Googoo’s Table may seem like a standard American Chinese restaurant. But while folks can satisfy their cravings for Kung Pao chicken and Mongolian beef, the menu also dives into less-represented Southeast Asian specialties. Khmer flavors, in particular, are highlighted on dishes like curry chicken noodle soup, sour beef soup, and noodle salads. Online ordering is available here.
Central Bakery
Chicago, IL 60639
Grab a pair of tongs and stock up on Mexican pastries and sweet breads. The panaderia is also a popular lunchtime destination thanks to its selection of sandwiches. Most of the choices are variations of ham and cheese or turkey, and they’re available cold or toasted on a sandwich press.
Ponce
Chicago, IL 60639
Family-owned and operated for more than 20 years, Ponce is the neighborhood go-to for Puerto Rican fare. Marisel Melendez, whose mother started the restaurant, whips up jibarito sandwiches, codfish fritters, banana dumplings, fried chicken, roasted pork, and other traditional bites. The restaurant offers online ordering for pickup and delivery.
Tacotlán
Chicago, IL 60639
Quesabirria, the food trend that took Chicago by storm last year, is the star of the show at this Mexican spot. Diners near and far come for the signature red-hued tacos, which are made of braised beef and melted cheese tucked inside a tortilla that’s fried in birria fat. They’re paired with a side of consomme for dipping. The menu also features additional items like birria ramen and birria fries. Online ordering is available here.
Rica Arepa
Chicago, IL 60639
Feast on more than two dozen varieties of arepas at this homely Venezuelan spot. Husband-and-wife owners Kharim Rincon and Maria Uzcategui produce light corn cakes that they crisp on the griddle and stuff with meats, cheeses, and other fillings. The popular “Pabellon” features shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and cheese, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians too. Empanadas and Venezuelan-style burgers are similarly impressive. Online ordering is available here.
Taqueria El Tapatio
Chicago, IL 60639
Nachos are a universally-loved dish and the underrated version at this local taqueria deserves some attention. Customers can try a variety of Mexican staples, such as tacos, tortas, burritos, caldos, and more, but the nachos supreme are a must-order. The tortilla chips are covered in heaping portions of meat and cheese as well as dollops of guac and sour cream. Call (773) 278-1468 for carryout; delivery is available through third-party services.
Pipeworks Brewing Company
Chicago, IL 60647
Founded in 2012 by Beejay Olson and Gerrit Lewis, Pipeworks Brewing has earned accolades and a loyal following for its creative one-off beers. Drinkers can stop by a shop located within the production facility to pick up some bottles and cans to go. The rotating selection includes fun flavors inspired by things like the Fluffernutter sandwich, horchata, cookies and cream, and apple pie. Pickup ordering is available here.