Alexandra Medina (aka @chicagomunchies on Instagram) is a talented Instagrammer that I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this year. Not only is she in love with Chicago, she is in love with eating around Chicago, just like the ladies of Fab Food Chicago! Of course, knowing this, we simply had to collaborate.
Alexandra is a Chicago resident who has been Instagramming about food for the past year. When she isn’t religiously reading menus and looking up new restaurants, she works in sales and marketing for Entertainment Cruises. One day, she hopes to be a marketing consultant for restaurants.
Alexandra loves BYOB restaurants and so do we! We are ecstatic she shared her favorites with us. Here are her Top 5 recommendations…
5. Rickshaw Republic
Rickshaw Republic is categorized as ‘Indonesian Street Food’. This casual spot sits in the heart of Lincoln Park. They have many à la carte options, but the best bang for your buck is the “Rice Table”. For $35, you can get eight dishes that include a wide variety of different kinds of specialties on their menu. Kick up the heat on some of their dishes by asking for extra Samal Oma, which is their house chili sauce. Although Rickshaw Republic doesn’t serve alcohol, they offer a lot of non-alcholic Indonesian drinks.
FAB TIP: One bottle of wine per 2 people, one six pack per 2 people. No corking fee. No hard liquor.
{Location}
Rickshaw Republic
Lincoln Park || 2312 N Lincoln Ave Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 697-4750
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
4. Tango Sur
Tango Sur is an Argentian steakhouse in the Southport Corridor. Since Argentian food is a Latin food that accentuates spiciness, you really taste all the flavors in the cuisines. The restaurant is mostly meat-heavy, but there are many vegetarian options. But the kicker here is the portion sizes. They really make sure you have more than enough to eat and every bite of meat is cooked perfectly.
The El Filet, comes with TWO filets, a hearty portion of their special potatoes and spinach! When ordering appetizers, don’t miss out on their provoletas and empanadas…they are must-haves! Keep in mind food bloggers, this place is REALLY dark. They do open at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. on Sundays if you’re looking to get ‘the shot’.
Brb dyingA photo posted by hixtine (@hixtine) on
FAB TIP: Bring a couple bottles of wine and a six pack, because there isn’t much of a limit on the BYO, except it is wine/beer only; no corking fee.
{Location}
Tango Sur
Lakeview || 3763 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 477-5466
{Price Range}
$$$ ($36-$65)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
3. Crisp
Crisp is a fast and casual Korean-fusion restaurant. They serve a wide variety of burritos, bowls, and kimchi dishes. The main attraction, though, is their FRIED CHICKEN. You can get the buddha bowls, which are their versions of a bibimbap bowl, or Korean burritos. The chicken comes in either half or whole, or my favorite, the tenders. They also coat them in different types of sauces. Make sure to try the Seoul sassy!
FAB TIP: Only beer and wine are allowed for BYO.
{Location}
Crisp
Lakeview || 2940 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 697-7610
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
2. Wasabi
I think Wasabi offers the best ramen in the city! Wasabi is a small Japanese-owned restaurant in Bucktown. This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, but their delicious food is well worth the wait. Make sure you have all the people you are dining with when you arrive. They only seat complete parties. I can honestly say everything I have tried has been good, so buckle up to get multiple items to share. Must-haves: any of the sushi rolls, pork belly buns (seriously YOU have to get these), and the tonkotsu ramen.
Pork Belly Buns from Wasabi // Photo: @chicagomunchies
FAB TIP: One bottle of wine or sake per two people; one six pack per 2 people; no corking fee.
{Location}
Wasabi
Bucktown || 2115 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 227-8180
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}
1. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe
With three locations, you can find 90 miles cuban cafe in Lincolnwood, Logan Square, and Roscoe Village. Roscoe Village is the original spot, but if you want the best 90 Miles experience, go to the Logan Square location on Armitage. This location also serves brunch on the weekends. This restaurant is known for their loud and colorful atomosphere as well as their authentic Cuban eats.
A must-have here are their empanadas. They offer a variety of different kinds, but none are a bad option. This is definitely a go-to starter. For the best first time experience, I would recommend their board for two. It is not on the menu so make sure to ask your waitress about it. It comes with their famous pork dish, the Puerco Rozitado, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Also included are the Pollo ala Plancha, Ropa Vieja, Camarones al Ajillo, Bistec de Palomill, and Fricase de Pollo (also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives). Plus, their famous plantains and rice!
If you can’t pick one, part II. This butcher’s block featured a healthy taste of the menu. #cuba #cuban #cubanfood #90milescubancafeA photo posted by Alex Jewell (@bestfoodalex) on
FAB TIP: On Tuesdays they have live flamingo dancers. A free for all on the BYO, you can bring whatever you like but there is a two-hour seating limit. They provide pitchers of sangria or mojito mix, so bring your wine or rum to enjoy. No corking fee.
{Location}
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
Logan Square || 2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 227-2822
Lincolnwood || 3333 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 698-9531
Roscoe Village || 3101 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 248-2822
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 5 Fabs}
So much fun! Look at all the restaurants you can bring drinks to. Have you been to any of Alexandra’s Top 5’s? Let us know in the comments.
You can find Alexandra on Instagram. Click the link and make sure to give her a follow for even more fabulous recommendations.
Are you passionate about food and taking photos of food? Let’s collaborate. Email us at info@fabfoodchicago.com.
Until the next venture!
With love,
Van
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
