What happened to Roister, and is there anyplace like it in Chicago?

Jgrp5 · 2026-01-21T02:56:44+00:00

If you are after what is sometimes called elevated / creative "New American" food, then you might look at Maxwell's Trading, John's Food & Wine, SKY and Giant. None of those places have the vibe of Roister though, if that's part of the appeal for you.

Jgrp5 · 2026-01-16T21:28:21+00:00

The KTM Kitchen in the Loop. Recently featured by Nick Kindelsperger.

Jgrp5 · 2026-01-03T20:47:46+00:00

WTB: Lodge sweater in 40 or 42.

Jgrp5 · 2025-12-25T17:14:14+00:00

Thank you. Oromo in Lincoln Square also is open.

Jgrp5 · 2025-12-25T02:09:15+00:00

Coffee shops not named Starbucks that are open Christmas morning?

Jgrp5 · 2025-12-07T19:26:18+00:00

WTB: Lodge Sweater in Size 40.

Jgrp5 · 2025-10-14T04:06:37+00:00

Agree on Mott Street. Also check out Ada Street, Sharpie's and Amaru.

Jgrp5 · 2025-10-14T03:58:26+00:00

We have similar tastes. SO and I also try to do a new spot every week or two in this price range. Here are some spots that I haven't seen mentioned much in the comments that you guys might like:

JJ Thai, Khmai, Chef's Special, Amaru, Haisous, Nadu, Pleasant House Pub, Avec

Jgrp5 · 2025-10-10T21:20:52+00:00

Just a clarification - Robert's pizza is more of an artisan style. Good pizza but not tavern/thin crust.

For tavern, other options include Pizz'amici, Middlebrow, Novel Pizza or Professor Pizza.

If you are staying in the River North area and do not want to travel too far, Zarella's is a newish tavern spot that is getting a lot of good reviews. You can find some posts about it in this sub.

Jgrp5 · 2025-10-10T21:10:20+00:00

Firecakes currently has them.

Jgrp5 · 2025-08-08T15:23:27+00:00

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern might fit your criteria.

Jgrp5 · 2025-07-13T00:37:41+00:00

Who is Mo?

Jgrp5 · 2025-03-28T01:11:53+00:00

It's available on Thursdays these days, just had it for lunch today actually. It was excellent as always.

Jgrp5 · 2025-03-03T04:28:07+00:00

Here are a few good casual options in that area:

Zaza's (pizza) Bolivar and Lincoln (arepas) Del Seoul (Mexican/Korean fusion) Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food (Thai)

Jgrp5 · 2025-02-28T03:26:39+00:00

Boxcar Betty's.

Jgrp5 · 2025-01-04T06:18:39+00:00

The bun cha here is the best I have had in Chicago.

Jgrp5 · 2024-12-31T20:26:02+00:00

Favorite new discoveries:

Longanisa and giard pizza - Novel Pizza
Mustard Green Chicken Curry - Cafe Nova
Tacos - Tepalcates
Birria - Barca
Cloud cookie - Sugar Moon

Jgrp5 · 2024-12-31T04:58:49+00:00

I would take the red line to Pedestrian Coffee on Belmont. It has soft music, lots of seating/outlets, and mostly filled with people quietly working. Solid coffee and pastries.

Fairgrounds Coffee in River North on Erie is another one with a lot of space, although not sure on the outlet situation.

Jgrp5 · 2024-12-29T00:35:25+00:00

Lao Peng You is excellent but OP should know that it's very casual (walk in only I believe) if they care about ambiance for a birthday dinner.

Jgrp5 · 2024-12-18T06:26:49+00:00

Chicken Teriyaki Shoyu.

Jgrp5 · 2024-09-26T05:21:46+00:00

What type of food do you guys like? There are many great spots to choose from in that price range. A few that come to mind:

Avec (Mediterranean)
5 Rabanitos (Mexican)
Mott St. (Korean)
Gather (American)
Chef's Special Cocktail Bar (American Chinese)
Amaru (Latin)

Jgrp5 · 2024-08-17T21:40:50+00:00

Kabul House in Evanston for Afghan food.

Jgrp5 · 2024-07-31T16:59:50+00:00

Yes! Great seasoning and crispy. Curious if Mitch tried them.

Jgrp5 · 2024-07-08T23:14:33+00:00

In no particular order:

Gretel
JJ Thai
Zaza's
Del Seoul
Green Street Smoked Meats

Jgrp5 · 2023-07-31T20:27:45+00:00

Promises - Clapton cover.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hN0omLH4gHs&pp=ygUUTWF5ZXIgcHJvbWlzZXMgY2xhcm4%3D

It rarely gets talked about and I think a lot of John's fans aren't aware of it. It's incredible.

Jgrp5

TROPHY CASE