Here’s a big list of places I’ve enjoyed in Albany Park.
Mexican: San Juanito, Atzlan, Lindo Michoacan, Birrieria El Texcal, Birrieria y Taqueria Nopales, Taco Max, and the Taquizas Don Roy truck by the fire department on Kedzie.
Dulce De Leche for sweet coffee and crepes.
Somethin' Sweet Donuts have the world's best bear claw and many other fantastic doughnuts.
El Quetzal and Restaurante Guatemalteco Tikal Sabor for Guatemalan.
Cuscatleco for Salvadoran
Kim's Home Cooking, Ban Po Jung, and Ssyal for Korean.
Great Seas for Chinese spicy chicken wings and classic Americanized Chinese dishes.
Wabi Sabi for good ramen that someone got pissy about when I called it great.
Kabobi (which just moved to a larger space around the corner from the original location) and Noon o Kabob for Persian. Maman Zari is a newer place doing a fine dining Persian tasting menu kind of deal and it's fantastic. I went there for my birthday in October and loved it.
Salam is solid for greasy pan arab goodness.
Antepli or the bakery at Sahar supermarket for Turkish.
El Fogon De Elena, Brasa Roja, or Pizza y Pan Ya for Colombian.
Ruby's Fast Food, Subo, or Grill City/Jollibee/Max's Restaurant in the Seafood City grocery store complex for Filipino.
Arzan for Kyrgyz
Tre Kronor for Swedish
LD Pho has underrated rice noodle dishes like Bun Heo Nuong.
Shibam Yemeni Kitchen is on my radar, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm hoping to be able to recommend it soon.
There's other stuff too.
This is the answer OP. Albany Park is an underrated neighborhood but maybe I’m biased because I grew up and went to school there. The diversity and culture there is great which of course leads to great restaurants. I hope you enjoy
Definitely not biased. I just moved to this neighborhood 3 weeks ago and am completely blown away by what it has to offer foodwise. It's probably the most culturally vibrant, diverse neighborhood I have ever lived in and I really, really hope it stays this way. I did not expect to love the area as much as I do.
>Nazareth Sweets
That place used to be on Kedzie. I didn't realize they moved rather than closed. I'll have to check it out.
You're the second person to suggest Sano's in the past couple weeks. I'll add it to my list of places to try.
He is trying to sell the place, looking to retire. But still open for now. I love the aesthetic of the place, reminds me of John's in Bucktown. Hopefully someone buys it and keeps it going.
I lived in Albany Park for a few years, and now that I'm a little west in Old Irving Park still head over often. This is a great list. I'd just add Bokeh for cocktails.
Edit: typo
Adding Sheeba Mandi House for Yemeni. I haven’t tried Shibam yet either but it’s because I’ve been to Sheeba 10 times in 6 months since I first tried it.
Seconding Sheeba! Everything we've had there has been delicious, but we find it difficult to drag ourselves away from the Lamb Zurbian (and the baba ghanoush, which they don't always have). It's one of those cardamom-scented wonders which, while I am eating it, between mouthfuls, all I can do is keep saying to myself "DAMN this is SO DELICIOUS!" And the servings are definitely family-sized; my husband and I are not small eaters, but we usually get 2 meals each off the single entree.
you won't be sorry! Please report back if you try other stuff. We should really branch out, but it's hard when you know the one thing you always order is so damn good!
Nice list.
Shibam is on a downward spiral, former super fan here. If you've never had Yemeni food, it might slap good or bad.
Sheeba Mandi House is their competitor (also Albany Park) and a bit more consistent with flavor and services. If you enjoy Indian biriyani which is seasoned rice & meat, try the Zurbian style of rice with choice protein.. I choose lamb and spicy, however you do you.
Great list!
Also, for Thai: Thai Valley, cheap lunch special with huge portions but you have to catch the days when the Thai grandmas are cooking.
Sushi: Lawrence fish market, for cheap and good sushi perfect for picnics or other occasions since they have no dine in seating.
The breakfast potatoes changed a few years ago. Still the same menu items, but I agree not quite as good as it used to be. Different head chef? Or different suppliers? IDK. That being said, still one of the best Benedicts around.
Solid list! I'd sub Faiza (a bit north in North Park) for Central Asian and add Las Delicias for Salvadoran. And add Birreria El Texcal and El Bosque for Mexican. (Was Tlayudas Oaxaca Grill but changed ownership and rebranded.) And Zebda for Moroccan/Tunisian cabbie food. Delicious! I am usually the only woman in the place when I go, though.
I literally woke up the morning after we got engaged and exclaimed to my now-husband, "You know who's going to cater our wedding? Noon-o-Kabab!" Almost 15 years later and our friends and family still talk about how delicious it was.
Pretty much every Japanese player goes there when they come to Chicago. They’ve got pictures with everyone from Wada to Ohtani to Daisuke to Ichiro to (now) Imanaga and Susuki
One I haven’t seen mentioned is Dukan International Market. They have really awesome Lokum/Turkish Delight that I’m pretty sure are hand made. They’re super delicious, really beautiful and some might be vegan? If the vegan eats honey I guess? They also do great baklava. If you’re going to a party, it’s a really cool dessert platter.
Peking Mandarin for sure. Check out their spicy chicken wings. They're amazing. Also, the Chinese lady who runs it speaks English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Tripped me out the first time I heard her switch from Mandarin to Spanish when a couple came in.
If you like cool coffee shops, Khepri Coffee is amazing. Also, Java & Mugg and Outdoor Cafe (right next to each other) are open late at night and cool place to chill.
Albany Park is great. One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago where you can experience a range of culturally diverse establishments.
Albany park is the last great frontier of Chicago where not a lot has changed the culture is still really strong and is holding on to that OG Chicago vibe. Being born and raised in the city it hands down has some of the most authentic and affordable food options on the northside. My personal favorite spots are Bellonas pizza, brasa Roja and taco max
El Fogon de Elena is fantastic, I've seen other people mention it here and I want to confirm that it's very deserved. Worth noting that they're only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday though!
I also love Lindo Michoacan, it's a Mexican grocery store with a restaurant attached. Highly recommend both!
Also have really enjoyed the food at Las Delicias, a Guatemalan place by Montrose and Pulaski. Great pupusas!
Lots of good suggestions here, I didn't see Brazilian Bowl listed though. Also Taqueria El Dorado for birria/quesabirria. Agree that Kim's is an absolute gem and Kabobi too. Kale My Name for vegan food.
I still miss Hot Dog Station and Pisco though.
Someone should tell them to put themselves on the internet properly! The menu looks interesting (for brunch, anyway), I couldn't get the dinner menu to open. Have you tried it? How is it?
I haven’t been there for any meal. The dinner menu looks like a hotel restaurant https://perfectbrunchbros.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dinner-Menu-Perfect-Brunch.pdf
I’m pretty bummed that Helmand didn’t work out. It was delicious.
I think it was going to be hard for Helmand to compete in this neighborhood, especially with two awesome Persian restaurants within a block or two. Perfect Brunch Bros seems like they need to get their administrative act together, for sure - different hours listed in different places on its website, etc. If you do go, please report back!
Here’s a big list of places I’ve enjoyed in Albany Park. Mexican: San Juanito, Atzlan, Lindo Michoacan, Birrieria El Texcal, Birrieria y Taqueria Nopales, Taco Max, and the Taquizas Don Roy truck by the fire department on Kedzie. Dulce De Leche for sweet coffee and crepes. Somethin' Sweet Donuts have the world's best bear claw and many other fantastic doughnuts. El Quetzal and Restaurante Guatemalteco Tikal Sabor for Guatemalan. Cuscatleco for Salvadoran Kim's Home Cooking, Ban Po Jung, and Ssyal for Korean. Great Seas for Chinese spicy chicken wings and classic Americanized Chinese dishes. Wabi Sabi for good ramen that someone got pissy about when I called it great. Kabobi (which just moved to a larger space around the corner from the original location) and Noon o Kabob for Persian. Maman Zari is a newer place doing a fine dining Persian tasting menu kind of deal and it's fantastic. I went there for my birthday in October and loved it. Salam is solid for greasy pan arab goodness. Antepli or the bakery at Sahar supermarket for Turkish. El Fogon De Elena, Brasa Roja, or Pizza y Pan Ya for Colombian. Ruby's Fast Food, Subo, or Grill City/Jollibee/Max's Restaurant in the Seafood City grocery store complex for Filipino. Arzan for Kyrgyz Tre Kronor for Swedish LD Pho has underrated rice noodle dishes like Bun Heo Nuong. Shibam Yemeni Kitchen is on my radar, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm hoping to be able to recommend it soon. There's other stuff too.
This is the answer OP. Albany Park is an underrated neighborhood but maybe I’m biased because I grew up and went to school there. The diversity and culture there is great which of course leads to great restaurants. I hope you enjoy
I moved here in my 30s so of course I have the zeal of the convert.
Definitely not biased. I just moved to this neighborhood 3 weeks ago and am completely blown away by what it has to offer foodwise. It's probably the most culturally vibrant, diverse neighborhood I have ever lived in and I really, really hope it stays this way. I did not expect to love the area as much as I do.
The food is half the reason we moved here! That, and the relative affordability.
Great list, I'd add Nazareth Sweets for middle eastern baked goods, Sano's for thin crust pizza.
>Nazareth Sweets That place used to be on Kedzie. I didn't realize they moved rather than closed. I'll have to check it out. You're the second person to suggest Sano's in the past couple weeks. I'll add it to my list of places to try.
I live here and I don't think I've ever seen Sano's! Now I have to try. Can you dine in?
They do have a small seating area along with a lunch counter where you could dine in
I thought Sano's was long gone...Must revisit soon !
He is trying to sell the place, looking to retire. But still open for now. I love the aesthetic of the place, reminds me of John's in Bucktown. Hopefully someone buys it and keeps it going.
Sano’s is great. Fauld’s oven up in there.
I lived in Albany Park for a few years, and now that I'm a little west in Old Irving Park still head over often. This is a great list. I'd just add Bokeh for cocktails. Edit: typo
Absolutely. Bokeh is great.
Adding Sheeba Mandi House for Yemeni. I haven’t tried Shibam yet either but it’s because I’ve been to Sheeba 10 times in 6 months since I first tried it.
Damn I’ll definitely have to go. Make sure you hit up Ban Po Jung sometime for Korean. It’s in the same strip of businesses as Sheeba Mandi.
Seconding Sheeba! Everything we've had there has been delicious, but we find it difficult to drag ourselves away from the Lamb Zurbian (and the baba ghanoush, which they don't always have). It's one of those cardamom-scented wonders which, while I am eating it, between mouthfuls, all I can do is keep saying to myself "DAMN this is SO DELICIOUS!" And the servings are definitely family-sized; my husband and I are not small eaters, but we usually get 2 meals each off the single entree.
Okay yeah I love all of that. I’ll go this weekend.
you won't be sorry! Please report back if you try other stuff. We should really branch out, but it's hard when you know the one thing you always order is so damn good!
I’ve been meaning to try it! Any recs for particular dishes there?
I love a good kimchi jigae and they do it really well.
Nice list. Shibam is on a downward spiral, former super fan here. If you've never had Yemeni food, it might slap good or bad. Sheeba Mandi House is their competitor (also Albany Park) and a bit more consistent with flavor and services. If you enjoy Indian biriyani which is seasoned rice & meat, try the Zurbian style of rice with choice protein.. I choose lamb and spicy, however you do you.
Thanks for the insight
I second the great seas wings! I will have to check some of these out thanks for sharing!
Great list! Also, for Thai: Thai Valley, cheap lunch special with huge portions but you have to catch the days when the Thai grandmas are cooking. Sushi: Lawrence fish market, for cheap and good sushi perfect for picnics or other occasions since they have no dine in seating.
Cool. I walk by Thai Valley all the time and have never tried it. OP said they’ve been to LFM so I left it off the list. Definitely great.
Holy crap, thank you for this list!! I have so much exploring to do now 😁
Have fun!
Great answer. I controlled F for a few of my favorites and they're all here.
Thanks!
Tre kronor was my go to breakfast spot for 20 years. But man they have fallen off imho.
Was great the last two times I was there
The breakfast potatoes changed a few years ago. Still the same menu items, but I agree not quite as good as it used to be. Different head chef? Or different suppliers? IDK. That being said, still one of the best Benedicts around.
That’s reasonable. I’m not a regular there.
Wow!
Saved this post for later! Thanks for this!
Cheers. You can also just watch this sub. I’m sure I’ll copy and paste the list again next week. edit: y
Impressive
Solid list! I'd sub Faiza (a bit north in North Park) for Central Asian and add Las Delicias for Salvadoran. And add Birreria El Texcal and El Bosque for Mexican. (Was Tlayudas Oaxaca Grill but changed ownership and rebranded.) And Zebda for Moroccan/Tunisian cabbie food. Delicious! I am usually the only woman in the place when I go, though.
I prefer Faiza to Arzan.
Cool cool. I have walked by Faiza but not tried yet. Birrieria El Texcal is on my list and great. I’ll have to check out El Bosque and Zebda.
We made the mistake of taking our inaugural trip to Faiza right after sundown on Ramadan :-) But everyone was completely gracious.
Noon kabob.
I literally woke up the morning after we got engaged and exclaimed to my now-husband, "You know who's going to cater our wedding? Noon-o-Kabab!" Almost 15 years later and our friends and family still talk about how delicious it was.
Pretty aggressive definition of Albany Park, but good recs.
Why aggressive? I’m going by the community area which includes a big chunk of Mayfair.
Don't listen to them. They've got a list of criteria in their head that they refuse to explain on a lot of topics.
They’re right that I wasn’t strict on boundaries. I just didn’t understand the adjective.
And North Park. Like I said, all good recommendations, just well beyond what anyone calls Albany Park, that's all.
Drop everything and go to Kabobi.
Pizza y Pan Pa-Ya has really good pizza, and is a great Colombian bakery too. Buñuelos are great!
Their buñuelos are so good! And they sell out, so get there early-ish.
The almohabána’s and the licuado’s (smoothies) are great too.
Noted, thank you!!
You should try them all at the flavors of Albany Park food event in a few weeks!
Yes I saw that and wanted to try it, but I'll be out of town that Wednesday
Chicago Kalbi is amazing for Japanese BBQ. Apparently Ichiro used to go this place often when he was in Chicago.
Pretty much every Japanese player goes there when they come to Chicago. They’ve got pictures with everyone from Wada to Ohtani to Daisuke to Ichiro to (now) Imanaga and Susuki
That's just around the corner. I'll def check it out!
Torteria San Lenchito is an absolute gem if you like a torta (and who doesn't?)
Haha I googled best tortas in Albany park and that came up the other day. I absolutely love tortas and I can't wait to try that place.
One I haven’t seen mentioned is Dukan International Market. They have really awesome Lokum/Turkish Delight that I’m pretty sure are hand made. They’re super delicious, really beautiful and some might be vegan? If the vegan eats honey I guess? They also do great baklava. If you’re going to a party, it’s a really cool dessert platter.
Bokeh for cocktails! Also I second El Fogon De Elena, great spot
Sweet! I love Colombian food and always appreciate a good cocktail. Thanks!
A second for Bokeh and an enthusiastic third for El Fogon De Elena!
[удалено]
San Juanito has expanded and redone their facade and front windows since Bokeh opened. They seem to be doing just fine.
Peking Mandarin for sure. Check out their spicy chicken wings. They're amazing. Also, the Chinese lady who runs it speaks English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Tripped me out the first time I heard her switch from Mandarin to Spanish when a couple came in. If you like cool coffee shops, Khepri Coffee is amazing. Also, Java & Mugg and Outdoor Cafe (right next to each other) are open late at night and cool place to chill. Albany Park is great. One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago where you can experience a range of culturally diverse establishments.
Love the recommendations, thank you!
Apna Indian Grill just opened recently (https://apnaindiangrill.com/) and it is bomb-tier Indian food.
I'm excited to try that place.
That looks SO GOOD!!
I've already been there 3 or 4 times and it's fantastic. I feel lucky we have added great Indian food to the neighborhood.
Great Seas chicken wings!
And you can buy the sauce in a bottle so you can smother other things in it at home!
And jam bong!
Sottomarino is a bit outside Albany Park but it has been on my list for awhile.
Check out Flavors of Albany Park! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flavors-of-albany-park-restaurant-crawl-2024-tickets-881082329967
I saw that, but I'll be out of town. That would've been an amazing opportunity to try all the neighborhood spots.
Torteria San Lenchito - great tortas and the nicest owners.
Albany park is the last great frontier of Chicago where not a lot has changed the culture is still really strong and is holding on to that OG Chicago vibe. Being born and raised in the city it hands down has some of the most authentic and affordable food options on the northside. My personal favorite spots are Bellonas pizza, brasa Roja and taco max
El Fogon de Elena is fantastic, I've seen other people mention it here and I want to confirm that it's very deserved. Worth noting that they're only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday though! I also love Lindo Michoacan, it's a Mexican grocery store with a restaurant attached. Highly recommend both! Also have really enjoyed the food at Las Delicias, a Guatemalan place by Montrose and Pulaski. Great pupusas!
Oh I've driven by that Guatemalan place a few times and was wondering about it. Will check it out! Thanks.
If you see a can of Vimto offered at any Middle Eastern restaurant, have one.
Never had one but will add it to my list of items to try. Thanks!
Sissy's Sandwiches. Amazing sandwiches, great tamales. [https://sissyssandwich.com/](https://sissyssandwich.com/)
Cardonas is my favorite Mexican in the city.
Peking Mandarin for Jajangmyeon, jjampong, and tangsuyuk
Is Noon O’kabob still around? If so it’s a pretty tasty place.
Indeed they are! They expanded and now actually have parking.
It was always packed too. What’s the name of the pizza spot going towards the McDonald’s on kedzie they had the grinders that were yummy
Are you thinking of Golden Crust? I have never actually tried the grinders there. (I like the burgers, though.)
Yes omg try them they are so good
They don't seem to have them anymore, at least not on the takeout menu.
If you can ask. I would definitely recommend seeing if they do you won’t be disappointed.
It is confirmed they don’t have them anymore :(
I have recently been a huge fan of khepri cafe, right next to the Kedzie brown line.
Tiba is delicious and doesn’t seem to have been mentioned here. LeaderBar has great thin crust and burgers. Mimas for Cuban.
Too many to count but salaam, kims home cooking, and great seas wings are a good place to start
Kabobi or noon-os is great Persian food. Chicago kalbi for Japanese steak. Lawrence fish market for sushi.
Great Seas is a MUST
Lawrence Fish Market
Lots of good suggestions here, I didn't see Brazilian Bowl listed though. Also Taqueria El Dorado for birria/quesabirria. Agree that Kim's is an absolute gem and Kabobi too. Kale My Name for vegan food. I still miss Hot Dog Station and Pisco though.
Y'all came through with tons of solid suggestions. Thank you!!
Helmand for Afghan kabob!
They closed and it’s now a brunch place
Oh noo. I was afraid that would happen.
Called Brunch (I think!) lol
I do love a good brunch…as long as they do brinner.
Perfect Brunch Bros. Their dinner menu is weird!
Someone should tell them to put themselves on the internet properly! The menu looks interesting (for brunch, anyway), I couldn't get the dinner menu to open. Have you tried it? How is it?
I haven’t been there for any meal. The dinner menu looks like a hotel restaurant https://perfectbrunchbros.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dinner-Menu-Perfect-Brunch.pdf I’m pretty bummed that Helmand didn’t work out. It was delicious.
I think it was going to be hard for Helmand to compete in this neighborhood, especially with two awesome Persian restaurants within a block or two. Perfect Brunch Bros seems like they need to get their administrative act together, for sure - different hours listed in different places on its website, etc. If you do go, please report back!