Must eat places in Avondale (Chicago, Vienna: live, shop, moving)

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by Just1Fan

Well, you know Cubans (they do know their food). But, this spot is only a 15 minute walk from the OP, so it's probably worth a try. Thanks for your post.

i agree, and it's good food. I was just throwing some other stuff out there too.

[isaac2004]

Thanks for all the great options, here is what I have has

Mr. Pollo - very very good chicken and pretty damn cheap
Kuma Corner - good chicken burger, really rude people though.
Taqueria traspazada - pretty good authentic Mexican, super nice and good price

I plan on hitting all of of the offerings here.. And very very exciting

[ToriaT]

Smoque for bbq.

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by isaac2004

Thanks for all the great options, here is what I have has

Mr. Pollo - very very good chicken and pretty damn cheap
Kuma Corner - good chicken burger, really rude people though.
Taqueria traspazada - pretty good authentic Mexican, super nice and good price

I plan on hitting all of of the offerings here.. And very very exciting

If you go to Orbit Room try their Rumchata very good!

[Drover]

Little Bucharest is a nice little Romanian bistro. Technically in Irving Park but close enough. I also like the little BYOB patio out in front of El Potosi just up the street from Little Bucharest. The food itself is nothing spectacular but there's something homey about their little outdoor dining area. Settle in with a couple of friends and a six-pack of Carta Blanca.

I was intrigued by Nelly's Saloon (another Romanian joint) around the corner from Kuma's. But the minute I walked in I was greeted by reeking cigarette smoke and glares from the three guys in there that gave me a sense that I wasn't welcome. So I turned around and walked out. Maybe you'll get a different vibe from the place than I did if you give it a whirl.

Another place to hit up that's technically in Irving Park but right on the Irving Park/Avondale line is Mirabell. One of the last old-school German joints in the city and still one of the best.

[long101]

Originally Posted by Chicagoist123

The Best:
Square - Very good food and I prefer over Kuma's. A lot more variety in their food. Place that merits almost a weekly visit for me. Decent place for nightlife too.
!

I'd be surprised if we hadnt crossed paths there before. Burger rivals Kumas and beer list is typically exceptional

[Drover]

They must have come a long way since the couple times I checked 'em out; I think they had just opened then and maybe they hadn't found their stride yet. The impression i got is that it was just a gussied-up corner bar that was mostly riding on Kuma's coattails and taking in the spillover of people who didn't feel like waiting in line for an hour.

[long101]

Originally Posted by Drover

They must have come a long way since the couple times I checked 'em out; I think they had just opened then and maybe they hadn't found their stride yet. The impression i got is that it was just a gussied-up corner bar that was mostly riding on Kuma's coattails and taking in the spillover of people who didn't feel like waiting in line for an hour.

Well personally, I'm a fan of the simple corner bar with a few tables. They have become slightly busier, but you still get a ton of folks who stop in for a drink or two and walk back across the street. The burger is among the best that you dont have to wait an hour for, great chips, sweet potatoe fries, and bbq sauce

[marothisu]

Something I forgot to mention about Joong Boo - if you are a fan of sushi..sashimi, then go there on Wednesdays. They have a huge platter of fresh sashimi for like $25. Pretty sure it's like 40+ pieces of fish. Amazing deal (and it's $35 normally which is still a great deal).

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by long101

I'd be surprised if we hadnt crossed paths there before. Burger rivals Kumas and beer list is typically exceptional

Yeah their burgers do rival Kuma's. Only thing is Square only has a few types of burgers while Kuma's has dozens. Anyway, their other food is pretty good too, especially their sweet potato fries with bbq sauce. Delicious!

We probably have crossed paths. I will frequent it usually after work on Fridays to grab something quick to eat, for Sunday brunch or if I have someone in town visiting and want's to go to Kuma's, we do our crazy wait at Square.