This counter servicebahn mi spotfrom two UIC grads highlights Vietnam’s signature sandwich. French baguettes are stuffed with proteins like honey grilled pork and ginger chicken, and topped with pickled daikon, cilantro, cucumber, jalapeno, and house mayo. Festival-goers can also recharge with noodles, rice bowls, and pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup that some claim has restorative powers.

Cozy and family-owned restaurantJarabe Mexican Street Foodoriginally launched as one of Chicago’s first food trucks, according to brothers Teddy and Alexis Vejar. The pair opened a brick-and-mortar location four years ago with a menu offering classic and creative tacos, tortas, burritos, and more. Long lines form quickly at this spot so it’s a good idea to call in an order before showing up.

A sleek and stylized throwback to classic neighborhood diners, thisTri-Taylor gathering spotfeatures hearty breakfast and lunch classics with gourmet touches. The Monte Cristo sandwich, for example, is made with house-cured ham, Gruyère, Texas toast, and honey, and then batter-dipped and fried. Other favorites include the six varieties of ice cream sundaes and a plethora of vegetarian and vegan options.

The poke craze seems to be waning in Chicago, butAloha Wagonis a welcome reminder that there’s more to Hawaiian-style eating than bowls of raw fish. A sizable selection of “beach buns” like the Kalua pork sandwich and a chicken katsu burger are tempting options, and tropical enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the loco moco plate (two beef patties, two over-easy eggs, brown gravy), a favorite among island locals.

This Michelin-starredBYO South Side restauranthas delighted diners with chef Phillip Foss’s innovative and playful approach to fine dining since 2011. The decidedly unpretentious spot aims to demystify the culinary process through its wide open kitchen and ownership promotes interaction between cooks and diners. The menu changes regularly and seats are scarce, so this is one reservation that’s best made in advance.

Out-of-towners searching for a taste of Chicago’s famed deep dish are in luck and can snag a hefty pie atLou Malnati’sLawndale shop. Diners who want to avoid the inevitable sleepies that come with a deep-dish pie can order a thin-crust pizza, along with pasta, salads, and sandwiches.

一個轉為敘述e Village institution,La Chaparritahumbly serves elite tacos stuffed with longaniza, lengua, tripa (ordered crispy), and more. Some critics have deemed it the best taqueria in the city and also praise itstepache, a fizzy, fermented pineapple drink.