Baby, it’s cold outside. Wait—make that warm. And rainy. And before you know it, it’ll be cold again. Face it, winter in Chicago is brutal. It’s no wonder most of us just want to stay inside and hibernate—and, of course, eat. Lucky for you, this season brings a slew of new delivery options, from old faves and up-and-coming spots, to keep you sated through the darkest days of winter. Just hunker down and let ’em come to you.
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Thalia Spice
Workweek lunches are a scramble—by the time you agree on a spot and hustle there in time to avoid the lunch rush, the hour’s almost up. Next time, order from Thalia Spice, the rare spot that offers dinner and lunch delivery. Billed as "Asian fusion," the cuisine really covers the map. Choose specialties such as Thai riverboat noodles ($8), Malaysian roti canai ($4) and spicy Indian chicken makhani (butter chicken, $9). Not jetlagged yet? There’s also sushi. In keeping with the workweek theme, try the Fat Boss roll ($14), with scallop, shrimp, avocado, scallion and spicy mayo.
The basics: Delivery fee $2. Minimum order $15. Online ordering available: thaliaspice.com
Delivery area: Roosevelt Road to Wrightwood Avenue and Western Avenue to Lake Shore Drive
Piece Out
Love Piece’s pies but can’t stomach waiting an hour or more for a table on a busy night? Now you can get a piece of the action without leaving the house. The Wicker Park pizzeria and brewpub’s new takeout hub, Piece Out, offers carryout and delivery, and the menu’s only slightly more limited menu than the restaurant’s—same pies (roughly $11 to $17, plus toppings), apps and dessert, but no sandwiches. The only downside is that there’s no beer delivery. Our advice: Stockpile a growler or two of beer (available for carryout) so you’ve got one hand for your next order.
The basics: Delivery fee $3; $15 for special deliveries to the Loop (minimum $100 order).
Delivery area: Grand to Fullerton Avenues and Western Avenue to Halsted Street
Chant
Hyde Park’s latest dining destination, from the owners behind longtime fave Noodles Etc., features contemporary and traditional Asian fare. Dishes range from pumpkin-coconut soup ($5) to crispy fried mussels with Sriracha hot sauce ($6). Delivery won’t be available until early February, but until then you can get your South Side pan-Asian fix from Noodles Etc. The Vietnamese vermicelli noodles ($5.25), served in a garlicky broth with chicken or beef, area popular winter warmer here.
The basics: TBA (Noodles Etc. has a $2.50 delivery fee.)
Delivery area: TBA (Noodles’ is East 47th to East 62nd Streets and South Lake Shore Drive to Cottage Grove Avenue.)
Honky Tonk Barbeque
Since Willie Wagner brought his "traveling BBQ party" to rest in a Pilsen storefront this fall, everyone’s been talking about his smoky, Memphis-style ’cue. Order a rack of hickory-smoked baby back ribs ($17) or a beef brisket sandwich ($8) for delivery, and cap it off with a slice of sweet potato pie ($2.75).
The basics: Delivery fee $3. Wagner says there’s no minimum order but politely suggests ordering dinner for two—though his wife, Beth (who’s handling delivery these early days), recently drove across town to deliver a single pulled pork sandwich.
Delivery area: Roosevelt to Cermak Roads and Ashland to Michigan Avenues
Heidi Moore is a Metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com
Updated April 2, 2009
