The Region is a counter service spot in Roscoe Village with excellent (and ugly) burgers.

Paulette’s is a market in Thalia Hall that’s good for groceries and grab-and-go sandwiches.

Phodega is a small counter-service spot with great pho that also sells corner store essentials.

Taste of Lebanon is a small, cash-only Lebanese spot with excellent chicken shawarma and lentil soup.

Landbirds is a casual BYOB spot in Logan Square serving great Korean chicken wings.

Fulton Galley is a food hall in Fulton Market that also has a full bar.

Fabcakes is an all-day cafe in River North with specialty pastries and sandwiches.

BBQ King House is a small spot in Chinatown that focuses on delicious roasted meat. Get the Peking duck.

Strings is a casual walk-in spot for ramen in Lakeview.

Humboldt Haus is a sandwich shop attached to a liquor store.

Taco El Jalisciense is a small counter-service Mexican restaurant with great guacamole.

Lola’s is a hot dog stand that serves Detroit-style coney dogs.

La Michoacana is an ice cream and paleta shop in Pilsen.

Rakki is a Japanese soft serve shop in Wicker Park.

Shawn Michelle's is a great ice cream shop in Bronzeville.

Huaraches Dona Chio is an excellent cash-only Mexican spot in Edgewater.