5 Top Hole-in-the-wall Restaurants in Chicago
The 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago are in a city that is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, and these popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago are a testament to that fact. Here is why they are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago for you to discover.
1. Al’s Beef
Address: 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Al’s Beef, included as one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a popular Italian beef sandwich restaurant that has been serving customers since 1938. The interior of the restaurant is small, with a few tables and a counter for ordering. The walls are decorated with photos of Chicago sports teams, making for a casual and comfortable atmosphere.
The signature dish at Al’s Beef is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked in a seasoned broth and served on a crispy Italian roll. The sandwich can be ordered with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor. The combination of the tender beef, crispy bread, and savory broth make for a delicious and filling meal.
What makes Al’s Beef unique is its commitment to quality and tradition. The beef is cooked in-house daily, and the recipe for the seasoned broth has been passed down through generations. The restaurant has a loyal following among locals who appreciate its authenticity and consistency.
The service at Al’s Beef is fast and efficient, with friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu. Customers order at the counter, and their food is prepared quickly and brought to their table.
Main Menu Items:
1. Italian Beef Sandwich – Thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked in a seasoned broth and served on a crispy Italian roll. The sandwich can be ordered with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor.
2. Polish Sausage – A grilled Polish sausage served on a soft roll with grilled onions, mustard, and sport peppers.
3. Italian Sausage Sandwich – A grilled Italian sausage served on a soft roll with grilled onions, mustard, and sport peppers.
4. Combo Sandwich – A combination of Italian beef and sausage served on a crispy Italian roll with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor.
5. Pepper and Egg Sandwich – Scrambled eggs cooked with sweet peppers and served on a soft roll. This sandwich is a popular breakfast option at Al’s Beef.
Al’s Beef is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone looking to try the best Italian beef sandwich in town. The commitment to quality and tradition, combined with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, make for an excellent dining experience. They rank amid the 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago for good reasons.
2. Fat Rice
Address: 2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Fat Rice, while among the popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a restaurant that specializes in Macanese cuisine, a blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavors. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and intimate, with a mix of communal and individual seating. The decor features colorful tiles and artwork that reflect the restaurant’s Macanese inspiration.
The signature dish at Fat Rice is the Arroz Gordo, which translates to “fat rice” in Portuguese. The dish is a generous serving of jasmine rice that has been cooked with a flavorful mix of ingredients, including Chinese sausage, salted duck, prawns, chicken thighs, clams, and pork. The dish is served family-style and is meant to be shared among a group.
What makes Fat Rice unique is its commitment to showcasing Macanese cuisine, a lesser-known cuisine that blends Chinese and Portuguese flavors. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients and cooking techniques to create dishes that are both familiar and unique.
The service at Fat Rice is attentive and friendly, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and answer questions about the menu. Dishes are served in a timely manner, and the restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Main Menu Items:
1. Arroz Gordo – A generous serving of jasmine rice that has been cooked with a flavorful mix of ingredients, including Chinese sausage, salted duck, prawns, chicken thighs, clams, and pork. The dish is served family-style and is meant to be shared among a group.
2. Fat Noodles – Thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with vegetables, mushrooms, and your choice of protein, such as beef, pork, or tofu.
3. Pork Belly Buns – Steamed buns filled with tender and savory braised pork belly, topped with pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts.
4. Minchi – A Macanese dish of ground pork, diced potatoes, and onions, seasoned with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, and topped with a fried egg. Served with rice.
5. Serradura – A traditional Macanese dessert made with layers of whipped cream and crumbled Marie biscuits, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
In summary, Fat Rice is a unique and delicious restaurant in Chicago that showcases the flavors of Macanese cuisine. The Arroz Gordo is a must-try dish, and the other menu items are equally flavorful and satisfying. The cozy and intimate atmosphere, combined with attentive service, make for an excellent dining experience. They deserve to be ranked among the 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
3. Lao Sze Chuan
Address: 2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Lao Sze Chuan, another of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown in Chicago. The interior of the restaurant is spacious and decorated with traditional Chinese artwork and lanterns. The restaurant specializes in Szechuan cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors.
The signature dish at Lao Sze Chuan is the Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken, which is a spicy and crispy chicken dish served with dried chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns. The dish is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food.
What makes Lao Sze Chuan unique is its commitment to authenticity in its Szechuan cuisine. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients and cooking techniques to create dishes that are both flavorful and authentic.
The service at Lao Sze Chuan is friendly and efficient, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and answer questions about the menu. Dishes are served promptly, and the restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Main Menu Items:
1. Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken – Spicy and crispy chicken dish served with dried chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns.
2. Mapo Tofu – A classic Szechuan dish of soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy chili bean sauce with minced pork.
3. Kung Pao Chicken – Sautéed diced chicken with peanuts, scallions, and dried chili peppers in a spicy sauce.
4. Szechuan Fish – Fried whole fish served with a spicy Szechuan sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns.
5. Hot Pot – A traditional Chinese dish that is meant to be shared. A simmering pot of broth is placed in the middle of the table, and diners cook their own meat, vegetables, and noodles in the pot. Lao Sze Chuan offers several variations of hot pot, including spicy Szechuan hot pot and mild seafood hot pot.
In summary, Lao Sze Chuan is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone who loves bold and spicy flavors. The Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken is a standout dish, but the other menu items are equally delicious. The service is friendly and efficient, and the restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere. They have earned the rank of the 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
4. Smoque BBQ
Address: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Smoque BBQ, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a casual, counter-serve restaurant that specializes in barbecue. The interior has a rustic and cozy feel with wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and dim lighting.
Smoque BBQ’s signature dish is the Texas-style brisket, which is smoked for up to 14 hours over oak and applewood. The result is a tender and flavorful brisket with a blackened crust that is served sliced or chopped.
One unique aspect of Smoque BBQ is that they make all of their sides from scratch, including their coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. They also have a unique self-serve sauce station where customers can choose from a variety of house-made sauces to complement their meal.
The service at Smoque BBQ is friendly and efficient. Customers place their order at the counter and then take a seat while their food is prepared. The restaurant is known for its quick turnaround time, and customers are often impressed by how quickly their food is ready.
Main Menu Items:
1. Texas-style Brisket – Smoked for up to 14 hours over oak and applewood, this tender and flavorful brisket is served sliced or chopped with a blackened crust.
2. Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and piled high on a bun with a side of house-made BBQ sauce.
3. Burnt Ends – A customer favorite, these flavorful and tender pieces of brisket are caramelized on the outside and served with a side of bread and pickles.
4. Smoque Sampler Platter – Perfect for sharing, this platter includes a sampling of all the restaurant’s signature meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, served with your choice of sides.
5. Mac and Cheese – One of the many scratch-made sides at Smoque BBQ, this mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly.
Smoque BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago known for its Texas-style brisket, scratch-made sides, and self-serve sauce station. The cozy interior and friendly service make for a great dining experience, and customers rave about the quality of the food. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
5. Au Cheval
Address: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Au Cheval, while amid the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a classic American diner-style restaurant that is known for its burgers and upscale takes on comfort food. The interior of the restaurant is dark and cozy, with a retro feel and lots of wood and leather accents.
The restaurant is most famous for its cheeseburger, which is made with two beef patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and house-made pickles, all served on a toasted bun. The burger is so popular that it has been named the best burger in America by multiple publications.
One unique aspect of Au Cheval is its bar program, which features an extensive list of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits. Additionally, the restaurant offers a range of other dishes, from foie gras and scrambled eggs to fried chicken and waffles.
The service at Au Cheval is known for being friendly and attentive, despite the restaurant’s busy atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations for both food and drink.
Main Menu Items:
1. Double Cheeseburger – Two beef patties, melted American cheese, Dijonnaise, and house-made pickles on a toasted bun.
2. Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-marinated chicken breast, spicy mayo, shredded lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.
3. Foie Gras and Scrambled Eggs – Seared foie gras served with scrambled eggs and toasted brioche.
4. Grilled Cheese – Wisconsin cheddar, Dijonnaise, and pickles on sourdough bread.
5. Pancakes – Buttermilk pancakes served with butter and syrup.
Au Cheval is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago, particularly for anyone who loves burgers and comfort food. With its friendly service, extensive bar program, and cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the restaurant has become so popular. They can definitely be counted among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
Each of the 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago offers a unique dining experience and signature dishes that have earned them a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. From classic Italian beef sandwiches at Al’s Beef to the creative Macanese-inspired cuisine at Fat Rice, these top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, offer a taste of Chicago’s culinary diversity. This is why they are the best restaurants in Chicago for you to discover. So, whether you are a foodie looking for a unique dining experience or just someone who appreciates a good meal, these 5 top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago are definitely worth a visit.
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