Editor's Favorites: Peter Behle
Updated: October 29, 2008
Favorite way to spend a weekend afternoon: Hanging out in the backyard, with ribs or a brisket on the BBQ and the Cubs or Sox on the radio. Favorite weekend getaway spots: New Buffalo and Union Pier in Michigan's "Harbor Country", Lake Geneva, Milwaukee. Favorite beer: I've got a few--Anchor Steam (San Francisco), Pacifico (Mazatlan, Mexico), Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Chico, Calif.), Sprecher Amber (Milwaukee). Favorite Chicago summer events: Taste of Chicago, Air & Water Show, NASCAR weekend at Joliet, St. Andrew's Greek Festival in July. Now, here are some of my favorite spots in Chicago, many near my West Ridge (far north side) neighborhood...
On this page:My Lincolnwood-Skokie-Niles Favorites, My Favorite Grocery Store, My Favorite Takeout Spots, My Favorite Neighborhood Hangouts, My Favorite Hidden Finds, My Favorite Downtown Lunch Spot, Where I Take Out-of-Town Guests, My Favorite Hotel, My Favorite Downtown Restaurants, My Favorite Annual Sports Event.
My Lincolnwood-Skokie-Niles Favorites
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L. Woods Pine Tap & Lodge
Read Reviews7110 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (map)
It's casual and comfortable enough to bring the kids, yet still classy. The burgers are sensational, but I love it that they have Sprecher beers on tap, served in a 23-ounce glass. Plus, the kids' menu is above and beyond the usual hum-drum fare.
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Barnaby's
Read Reviews7950 N Caldwell Ave, Niles, IL 60714 (map)
A pizza joint from the old days--dark, windowless and everyone sites on picnic-style benches. Pizza is thin-crust only, with no fancy-pants exotic toppings. Get a pitcher of beer, let the kids run loose and enjoy.
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Papa Chris'
Read Reviews6235 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)
The best souvlaki in Chicago. Period. Not grilled on a stick, like most places, the souvlaki here is sliced from the pork tenderloin, marinated and grilled to juicy perfection.
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Wholly Frijoles
Read Reviews3908 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (map)
In a Lincolnwood strip mall, this BYOB spot packs in the crowds for traditional Mexican meals--don't miss the tortilla soup.
My Favorite Grocery Store
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Lincolnwood Produce & Grocery
Read Reviews7175 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (map)
Fruits and vegetables here are an amazing bargain--it's not uncommon to find pineapples for 99 cents each or zucchini for 39 cents a pound. Get a pound of ground lamb and some feta if you're grilling at home and you'll have some amazing cheeseburgers.
My Favorite Takeout Spots
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Pita Inn
Read Reviews3910 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076 (map)
Everything here is fresh and healthy. Don't miss the shawarma, either chicken or beef, cut right from the spit. The lunch special is so cheap, it's silly.
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Hub's Restaurant
Read Reviews3727 W Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076 (map)
Terrific Greek food, cooked to order. Pork souvlaki takes a few extra minutes on the grill, but is well worth the wait.
My Favorite Neighborhood Hangouts
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Candlelite
Write a review7452 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645 (map)
Thin-crust pizzas here are 2-for-1 on Tuesdays--an unbeatable deal. Throw in some fried cheese curds as an appetizer and a cookie sundae for dessert to make the kids happy, while Dad enjoys a Guinness or two.
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Jesse's Mexican Grill
Read Reviews6950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645 (map)
Right around the corner from my house, this BYOB offers authentic Mexican dishes in a family atmosphere. Jesse is a former butcher, so it's a guarantee all the beef dishes are top-notch.
My Favorite Hidden Finds
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Alexandra Foods
Write a review3304 1/2 N Central Ave Ste 8, Chicago, IL 60634 (map)
Frozen pierogi, right from the factory, at bargain prices. 10 varieties--filled with everything from cheese to kraut. The more you buy, the cheaper the price.
My Favorite Downtown Lunch Spot
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All Spice Cafe (Northwestern Memorial Hospital)
Write a review251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)
Yes, I have a bizarre fascination with hospital cafeterias. But this one is massive, with tons of healthy choices. I always go for the soups--four are usually available at less than $3 for a large bowl.
Where I Take Out-of-Town Guests
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Wrigley Field
Read Reviews1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)
Before buying a house on the far north side, we rented near Irving Park and LSD--walking distance to Wrigley. As a Sox fan, I shouldn't say this, but it doesn't get better than watching a game at Wrigley Field.
My Favorite Hotel
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Peninsula Chicago
Read Reviews108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)
Yes, it's ridiculously expensive. But the one time I stayed there, my son and I found ourselves on the sun-deck, sitting next to the bikini-clad Jennifer Aniston. That doesn't happen at Red Roof Inn.
My Favorite Downtown Restaurants
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Harry Caray's Restaurant
Read Reviews33 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
I prefer eating in the bar--the house-made potato chips, boneless chicken Vesuvio and a couple of gin & tonics.
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Frontera Grill
Read Reviews445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
No reservations? The secret at Frontera Grill is to wander in and ask for a seat at the small bar by the kitchen.
My Favorite Annual Sports Event
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Chicagoland Speedway
Write a review500 Speedway Blvd, Joliet, IL 60433 (map)
I can't wait for the second weekend of July each year when NASCAR heads to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, try qualifying day and get a full day at the track for just $15.
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