The 100 top-rated comfort food & classics in Near West Side, Chicago, ranked by flavor score.
Shrimp and grits with bacon features perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce over flavorful cheese grits.
The Cajun shrimp and grits feature perfectly cooked shrimp and andouille sausage in a rich, creamy white wine sauce over cheesy grits.
Creamy and flavorful, the elote stands out as a must-try side that keeps diners coming back for more.
Slow-roasted bone marrow is rich and buttery, perfectly complemented by tangy marmalade and toasted bread, making it a must-try.
The Italian beef empanadas are praised for their flavorful filling and crispy crust, especially when paired with giardiniera aioli.
Loaded with pulled pork, cheese curds, fried egg, and rich gravy, the animal tots are a must-try favorite.
The shrimp and grits are praised for their incredible flavor, creamy texture, and generous portions that leave diners satisfied.
Mouthwatering corned beef is praised for its delicious flavor and generous portions, making it a favorite among many.
Corn cakes are soft and moist with sweet corn and peppers, perfectly complemented by a savory sauce.
Elote style corn stands out for its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and generous portion size, making it a must-try.
Warm cornbread served with honey butter delights with its moist texture and balanced sweet-savory flavor, complementing the smoky meats.
Bone marrow served with toast is praised for its rich, indulgent flavor and generous portions, making it a standout appetizer.
Sweet potato tots are praised for their crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor, often compared to fair food delights.
Fried catfish is frequently praised for its perfect seasoning and crispy batter, making it a standout comfort food choice.
Japanese sweet potatoes are loved for their unique, mellow flavor and perfect texture, often described as delicious and filling.
Jerk chicken birria impresses with its bold flavors, tender meat, and thick, rich consommé that enhances every bite.
Sweet potato tots with pesto mayo receive high praise for their delicious flavor and perfect pairing with various dishes.
Corned beef hash features generous chunks of real corned beef mixed with flavorful home fries, praised for its homemade taste.
Gnocchi is praised for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich mushroom stroganoff sauce, making it a standout dish.
Crispy battered fish with tender meat and golden fries, paired perfectly with fantastic tartare sauce and malt vinegar.
Smashed sweet potatoes with a plantain-style texture and jalapeño cilantro crema impress diners, often compared to dessert for their deliciousness.
Cheesy grits receive high praise for their creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor, making them a standout side dish.
Brisket hash is praised for its delicious flavor, tender brisket, and perfect pairing with fluffy biscuits and poached eggs.
Melt-in-your-mouth corn muffins are sweet and perfectly baked, earning rave reviews for their delicious flavor and texture.
Creamy cheese grits, praised for their perfect texture and flavor, complement a variety of hearty Southern breakfast dishes.
Beef tartare is praised for its tender texture, savory flavor, and generous portion, often complemented by crunchy bread.
Creamy cheese grits with a smooth texture receive high praise for their rich flavor, making them a breakfast favorite.
Crispy waffle fries topped with tender short rib, cheese, and kimchi create a deliciously satisfying shareable dish.
The tater tot casserole impresses with its creamy, cheesy texture and crispy onion topping, making it a favorite side dish.
Quesadillas featuring unique goat cheese are praised for their large portions and fresh ingredients, making them a favorite late-night option.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are praised for their sweet and spicy flavor, complemented by creamy ranch and pickles.
Salmon cakes are praised for their moist texture and flavorful lemon sauce, though some found them lacking in seasoning and authenticity.
Mashed potatoes are praised for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, though some found them overly greasy or salty.
The bacon bomb features a flavorful mix of beef and pork sausage wrapped in bacon, though some found it dry and portions lacking.
Frito pie features unique flavors with its Frito base and toppings, though some found it less impressive compared to other dishes.
Kung Pao cauliflower impresses with its crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and a slight kick from chili peppers.
Barbecued carrots are praised for their smoky flavor, perfect char, creamy herb dressing, and crunchy pecans.
Sweetbreads are praised for their flavor and preparation, though some found them unappealing or not to their taste.
Gnocchi features great flavors with mushrooms and a soft texture, though some found it overcooked or lacking pasta-like qualities.
Homemade pierogis receive praise for their flavor and texture, though some found other dishes lacking in seasoning or quality.
Catfish is flavorful and well-cooked, though some found it served warm rather than hot and noted long waits.
Black bean cakes are flavorful with good salsa and sides like cheesy grits, though some found them small or soggy.
Brats received praise for their delicious flavor and pairing with beer, though some found variations in quality and preparation disappointing.
Sausages are flavorful and well-paired with various toppings, but some found them overly salty or lacking in texture.
Crawfish cakes are flavorful with good seasoning and a nice texture, though some found the portion sizes small.
The Starving Student offers flavorful eggs, crispy bacon, and mini waffles, though some felt it left them still hungry.
Spicy chicken tinga is flavorful and tender, though some found it mild and lacking spice compared to expectations.
Harold's chicken is praised for its fresh, hot flavor and delicious mild sauce, making it a must-try.
Shrimp and grits feature well-cooked shrimp and creamy grits, yet some found the dish lacking flavor or creativity.
Noodle kugel features a light, sweet egg custard with noodles and raisins, though some found it dry or lacking moisture.
Crispy papas bravas are praised for their flavor and texture, though some found them overpriced or lacking spice.
Jalapeño cornbread has a comforting flavor and pairs well with BBQ, though some found it too spicy or unremarkable.
Brussels sprouts feature a light, citrusy dressing and receive praise for their flavor, though some found them overly salty.