Austin H.

Sultan's Market

Best falafel in the city is correct. the full-on sandwich is a wonderful cheap, quick, veg-friendly meal that is just messy enough to fit in well with the rest of Chicago cuisine. The food is whipped up by the affable and impressively speedy staff, you're in and out with time to spare before your lunch break is done. it's nice to know that wicker park's cheap eats can still maintain a little quality without losing their real estate.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Hot Doug's Inc.

Oh yeah, here. They've also been known to do pheasant, kangaroo, and, for the more herbivorous types, the best veggie dog in the city (so all my veg friends say). Doug is the Willy Wonka of Chicago cuisine, happily, if sarcastically, peddling his delights personally to all who brave the line out the door at this Avondale landmark. The duck fat fries are tremendous, the standard-issue dogs (chicago-style, andouille, thuringer, etc.) are all top gear, and they carry green river, which is great if you're not afraid of it (although I am). the point is, go here, start a conversation, and don't fear the red and yellow-painted walls. it's the cheapest gourmet meal you'll get in the city.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Vosges

the only reason i'm not dropping 5 stars on these folks is because, for some odd reason, they hawk unrelated and unremarkable t-shirts and other bits of apparel in the middle of the store. otherwise, the best experimental gourmet chocolate in the city is here. they always have samples out too, in case your sweet tooth can't handle the anticipation (mine can't). the ice cream is magnificent, too, although i would imagine that a double dip cone or a shake would necessitate a quad-bypass and an insulin shot. try the hot chocolate, too, after you've bought your mother a gift pack of bars for her birthday, like she requested.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Fred Mangan Guitars

I was the first custom build job Fred did after he opened this teeny, unassuming shop near Western. I was wowed by the guitars made from a clock, a satellite dish, and church organ pipes. Then, I tried out a more conventional sort of instrument he had hanging from the wall, it was seriously the best-sounding guitar I'd ever played. He then proceeded to put together the axe of my dreams from vintage parts he had in different nooks and crannies of the shop.

As a musician, he shares the passion of his customers as he does custom repairs and guitars for them, blasting Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine, or any other guitar-heavy rock he's feeling that day. He's a blast to talk with, and a master of his craft. Very decent prices, too.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Metropolis Coffee Co

So the first thing you notice when you walk in is that there's a rather large area behind the counter where you place your order. That's not because the barista need room to run. It's because there are bags and bags of fresh-roasted beans there. I've been known to go miles out of my way to get a cup at this place. There's lots of people I know that do the same thing, so you get a nice mix of Loyola students and other folks that come here strictly for the brew. Delicious, and it'll keep you awake for your travels back south.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Art Of Pizza Inc

Among the big purveyors of the deep dish in Chicago, some prefer a heavier crust (like Gino's), some like saltier pizza (Giordano's), while others want a fire-singed crust (do they still use that at Uno's? I have no idea.) The point is, everyone has a pizza joint they like, and another they hate. No one hates this place.

Sure, it shares a strip-mall with a laundromat and I nearly got hit on my bike by someone jetting out of their parking lot going onto Ashland. It's a busy area, but this place is the shining oasis in the middle of a retail desert in west Lakeview. The decor leaves a bit to be desired, but that's not what you're hear for. The pizza itself has a slightly buttery crust with a deliciously seasoned sauce that's just chunky enough. The amount of cheese is decent without making you feel like there's a brick of dairy in your small intestine after two slices. For toppings, there's slightly spicy sausage and veggies that are sliced to the perfect consistency. Somehow, these dudes have managed to make a pizza that unites, not divides us. And for this deed, they get the 5 stars.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!