3030 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Walk into this Logan Square spot and experience Central European country charm. Exposed wooden beams and wood paneled and painted walls surround the comfortably placed booths, tables and the front bar. To get to the restaurant's booths and tables, you must walk through the bar area. Each booth has a wicker light fixture above it. The Starapolska is clean and comfortable and the waitstaff is pleasant. According to the former owner, 'The Staropolska has the best soups, especially the best 'flaczki' (tripe soup) in Jackowo.'' And 'Jackowo' is what the Polish Americans and Poles of Chicago call this area. Jackowo is a Polish derivative of the name of the major Catholic church in the neighborhood. One can easily experience a bit of Poland here. If you have time after eating, stop by the Staropolska Delicatessen next door. Plenty of Old World smoked sausage smells and displays to make you want to take something home for a later meal. Try the 'kabanosy' sausage right off the hook or let it dry for a beef jerky taste. 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
