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photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Bienmesabe
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Bienmesabe is a casual BYOB Venezuelan restaurant in Ravenswood specializing in arepas. The value move here is to order arepas as your entree—we prefer the After Party (roasted pork, gouda cheese, and avocado slices). The pabellon (shredded flank steak over sweet plantains and rice) is also a standout, and the Bienmesabe Sampler is a heavy but tasty appetizer to share. Head to this spot if you’re already in the area with a bottle of wine and a gluten-free friend.