Located near the northern Chicago border of Rogers Park, this local institution serves up a wide selection of organic vegetarian and free range fare, with a peace lovin’ hippie vibe no other restaurant can compare.
Founded back around the time of that infamous Democratic Convention, the Heartland Cafe has been a place where activists can meet and post bulletins, folk musicians can sing about the events of the day, and strict vegetarians can bring their carnivorous friends to dine together on variants of traditional and contemporary favorites. Tie dyes, cut offs and sandals aren’t necessary, since the Heartland makes a point of welcoming each and every person, no matter what path they may follow.
A vegetarian’s dream come true, the Heartland offers a large selection of meat-free entrees, sandwiches and appetizers, like their Seitan Barbecue sandwich, the Macro Plate and their ever so Spicy Black Bean burger. Decadent desserts like the Mixed Berry or Peach pie are so good, no one would be the wiser it’s vegan! Customers can also try out some of their various meat-based dishes, like their famous Buffalo burgers, Chipotle Shrimp, Chicken Chardonnay or the Farm Raised Catfish. Their Buffalo Sirloin steak is a real crowd-pleaser and comes complete with garlic mashed potatoes, bread, veggies and topped off with grilled onions.
A nice compliment to any meal is a good drink, and their famous Buffalo Bar serves people up right! Literally dozens of domestics, micro brews and imports are available, making it one of the best places in the entire city for finding those rare libations no one else carries. Grab a pint while checking out a performance!
Besides the restaurant and bar, a main attraction is the general store and gift shop guests walk through upon entering, taking them through a virtual time warp back to the Woodstock era. People far and wide enjoy exploring their vast display of periodicals and gifts, chatting with the owners about various causes, points of action or just shooting the breeze.
Overall, the Heartland Café is quite possibly one of the best places in the entire city for taking just about anyone, from the stuffy suits to the granola-munchers, and everyone in between.
Hold onto your bibs folks, because Fat Willy's Rib Shack makes short order out of southern cooking with its finger lickin’, smoky fare! From the baby back ribs to the brisket and right down to the pecan pie, everyone within whiff shot of this artery-clogging rib joint is sure to start salivating - the name says it all!
Right across from the large cineplex, Fat Willy’s invites its guests to savor in its variety of traditional southern favorites, like baked macaroni and cheese, vinegar coleslaw and pulled pork sandwiches, on top of the best beef brisket in town and yes, let's not forget about those ribs and tips! Of course, the foundation of any good barbeque is its sauce, and Fat Willy’s own concoction is no exception. Bottles of two coldsore aching varieties are available, with the hot sauce contained in the pancake house-style syrup bottle. Sop it up with their steak fries and Texas toast!
Sides abound and compliment entrees, like baked sweet potatoes, home made corn bread and roasted corn on the cob. For those looking for something a little more on the light side of things, their Roasted Veggie salad is fresh, flavorful and otherwise top notch, justifying its $14 price tag. And be sure to wash it all down with one of their famous Hogaritas or southern sweet tea.
The ambiance can be jarring for those who require quiet, personal space, as most of the indoor, cow hide patterned tables are pushed snugly together. The outdoor patio is probably better suited, but can also get vocal, due to its proximity to the lines forming from the theater. Unless it’s early, the place is usually hopping with couples and even families, making the decibel level rather high. Therefore, it is highly advised for those making it a dinner and movie night to choose a later film, since the small dining area can become quite busy and staff can sometimes be short handed.
So for those who want a great place to go and offer enormous portions, Fat Willy’s proves to be the ideal spot for great food and lots of fun!
Clustered among several other Hispanic-inspired restaurants and take-out joints, both El Cid and El Cid II provide an oasis with a wide variety of filling and delicious Mexican fare, all at very reasonable prices.
Both restaurants offer an extensive list of authentic selections, from carne astada burritos to their popular chile rellenos, and many items can be made with as little or as much heat as desired. Their only contemporary facet is in their health-conscious cooking: vegetable oil is exchanged for lard, and only the choicest cuts and freshest ingredients make the cut. Even strict vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised to find plenty of items to choose from! A full bar is available, but the margaritas and Mojitos are by far some of the best in the city and tend to overshadow every other selection. Customers are also treated to a spread of warm, fresh chips and home made pico de gallo, verde salsa and pickled jalapenos, along with live music on Wednesday evenings.
While the original El Cid on Milwaukee offers plenty of parking and has a festive decor, it's the sister location that wins hands down for the overall experience! El Cid II has a charming, beautiful outdoor patio that begs couples to enjoy in warmer weather, and can sometimes become a bit packed, making reservations a recommendation. Their fabulous made to order margaritas are mixed with quality tequila, and their small but decadent choice of desserts should be sampled, if there's any room to spare! Also, the staff is knowledgeable, pleasant and courteous, even during rush periods.
Overall, both restaurants offer a fun and casual escape for an inexpensive evening out, ideal for couples new and old. They are truly the rare, hidden gems of Logan Square.
Dharma Garden may not be the most elegant or sophisticated Thai restaurant in Chicago, but it is the unique menu and the generous hospitality at this north side establishment that has people returning time and again. Whether you are a Thai-infused seafood connoisseur or simply a vegetarian seeking a new place to expand your palate, Dharma Garden will delight you and your date with fresh, traditional fare and leave you begging for more!
If karaoke is your thing, then crooning along with the regulars at night while enjoying a sumptuous meal can become quite an experience. Their bar features a variety of healthful drinks and compliments the array of the original specialties, and because they are designated as a BYOB, those wishing to expand their choices are able to do so.
The knowledgeable, helpful wait staff will tone down the spiciness of their many selections if asked, so it is a good idea to ask about the heat in advance, even on otherwise unassuming dishes. Since the owner is staunch on health, no MSG can be found at this Asian restaurant, nor are fish sauce, refined sugar or other processed ingredients. The mock duck and jasmine rice are by far some of the best in the city, the spring rolls are light and flavorful, and the surprisingly large and inventive dessert menu demands your attention!
Overall, Dharma Garden is a fun, quaint place to experiment without going overkill on the pocket book, and it is guaranteed to have newcomers from all walks of life to stop by again and again.
Located near the northern Chicago border of Rogers Park, this local institution serves up a wide selection of organic vegetarian and free range fare, with a peace lovin’ hippie vibe no other restaurant can compare. 