2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
"Drink local!" is the rallying cry at this brewpub in Logan Square. Josh Deth, who also co-owns Wicker Park vegetarian spot Handlebar, has 14 taps pouring Revolution brews and other local craft beers. The menu features beer-friendly pub fare, including pizzas from a big hearth-style oven on the dining room floor. Other small- and large-plate options abound, including cheese trays, mussels brewed in house-made ale and vegetarian options like the Tofu Chili dog. The 100-plus-year-old building underwent a massive rehab to include a pressed tin ceiling in the main dining room, exposed brick and original timber, weathered maple floors and one critical new addition shiny fermentation tanks. A second-floor loft will eventually be built out to host private events, tentatively scheduled for the end of March 2011.READ MORE
8822 S. Commercial Ave., South Chicago
This family-owned and operated pizzeria has been a staple in the South Chicago neighborhood since 1955. Known for serving up "south side"-style pizza with homemade sauce and sausage, broasted chicken, Italian beef sandwiches, pastas, ribs, seafood and more, Capri's (which opened a second location in 2011, a dine-in restaurant in Schererville, Indiana) offers a wide range of menu items for carry out, delivery and catering.READ MORE
5759 N. Broadway, Edgewater
This Edgewater joint is one of those everything-under-the-sun fast food that serves a range of not-very-good-for-you delights like deep-fried seafood, hot dogs and barbecue. Pizza is sold by the slice and by the whole pie, with standard meat and veggie toppings available. Salads, sandwiches, burgers and chicken round out the menu, which also includes pastas, sold as individual entrees and—get this—by the bucket. Said buckets, filled with spaghetti or mostaccioli and meatballs or sausage, feed three to four people and come with garlic bread and (hey, why not?) cole slaw. READ MORE
1003 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
This family-owned spot has been serving pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches since 1959. The tiny eatery has limited seating; carryout or delivery is a best bet.READ MORE
