http://chicago.citysearch.com/roundup/42955 As a former Chicagoan, I find it easy to balk at the chain dining options in my new city of Homewood. Yes, right off Interstate 294, the usual suspects—Applebee’s, Chili’s and Panda Express dominate Halsted Street, but don’t count out this South Side village for its “corporate” face. Downtown Homewood looks downright cozy. From old-school ice cream shops to tiny taps, here are some hidden spots residents love and appreciate. en Copyright 2008 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/46/53/42955r1.jpg http://chicago.citysearch.com/roundup/42955 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Yes, you are going to get your usual fare of Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Chicken Wings and Cheese Bread as your appetizers. Skip all those; because once you see the words "11 ounces of black angus beef" of their hand-packed burgers, you will barely have room for anything else. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/36663515/homewood_il/fifth_quarter_tap.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Open Mic Night is the best time to go out and try this bar. Go ahead and release your inner rock god, or make a fool of yourself with your band that misses the words to an Aerosmith song. The crowd will still love you. Maybe. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/35761355/homewood_il/lassen_s_sports_bar_grill.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles I have never heard of a place giving out free hot dogs on Sundays. Could it be to help patrons make up for their drunken tour Saturday night? Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3568993/homewood_il/ridgewood_liquor_store_tap.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles You might think "Why would I go to a typical bar with typical bar food?" Well, I figured you would want a place to get really drunk and not have to drive anywhere. The Metra Station is literally one-and-a-half blocks away. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3568996/homewood_il/tins_ceiling_cavern.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This place boasts a kid's party area called the Minor League Room, a Stadium Room for a grown-up get together; 76 HD-television sets; Pecan Honey-Glazed Chicken; and ostrich, kangaroo or wild boar mini burgers. Top that, Applebee's! Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/46295004/homewood_il/rookies_family_sports_pub_restaurant.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Giordano's was once my top pizza in Chicago. This place blows it to pieces with its thick crust pizzas. And their Hawaiian Pizza--made the right way, with barbecue sauce, ham and pineapple spilling out from under the cheese--satisfies my Friday night cravings. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3568663/homewood_il/aurelio_s_pizza.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This is what I call a down-home feeling. The owners greet customers at the door, the staff is friendly and patient, and they have fresh fruit served with every breakfast item. Can they just move into my house? Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/37354282/homewood_il/blueberry_hill_pancake_house.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Yes, it is named after the famed actor. Beyond the movie stills throughout the place, the aroma of meat is so tempting and the portions so massive, a vegetarian could be dared to have a small taste. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3568977/homewood_il/bogart_s_charhouse.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles You don't have to worry about having any high-calorie food items. Everything--the sweet biscuits, moo goo gai pan and the veggie lover's Buddhist Delight--are cooked using 100 percent vegetable oil. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/43565963/homewood_il/eat_rice.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles There aren't many Japanese restaurants past the Chicago border. But this place--with its spicy roll combo and date-enticing Sushi for Two entrees--gives Suburbanites their fix. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/42041129/homewood_il/little_tokyo_japanese_restaurant.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles There is something about homemade desserts that make me reminiscent of the lazy days of summer. While my summers are no longer lazy, this tiny family-owned shop still makes their items by hand. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3568970/homewood_il/mitchell_s_candies_ice_cream.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This is a combo of Asian flavors all rolled into one place. Not to mention a spin on other food such as their Crispy Chile Calamari, Asian Nachos (with wonton strips, black beans, cheese and peanut sauce) and crab cakes with a mesclun salad topped with pomegranate vinaigrette. Homewood, IL http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/36749331/homewood_il/bamboo_blue_restaurant.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:01:48 -0700