Aigre Doux230 W. Kinzie | 312-329-9400
$$$$South American, Italian | Dinner: Sunday, Tuesday-Saturday | Sunday brunch | Closed Monday | Open late: Thursday-Saturday till 11
The Bluebird1749 N. Damen | 773-486-2473
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$American, Ice Cream | Breakfast: Sunday, Tuesday-Saturday; Lunch: seven days; Dinner: Tuesday-Friday | Reservations not accepted | Cash only | BYO
It’s a long way from Malaika Marion’s first Chicago job at Planet Hollywood to her “soup, sandwich, and shake shack” on the western fringe of Logan Square. Most recently a manager at Lula Cafe, Marion’s lived in the neighborhood for years and when she saw the teeny Armitage storefront she knew the time was right to break out on her own. She’s turned the space into a sunny, six-table destination for hearty down-home standards like a gooey grilled peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich and beefarific chili laced with head-clearing handfuls of cumin and chile (a vegan version is also available). The daunting Reuben—a popular choice based on an unscientific peek at the other tables—comes piled with thick folds of corned beef topped with the traditional Thousand Island dressing and melted Swiss, plus grilled onions. There’s also rich mac ‘n’ cheese, meatball subs, Goose Island root beer floats, and daily soup, sandwich, and dessert specials. —Martha Bayne
$$Pizza | Dinner: Sunday, Tuesday-Saturday | Closed Monday | Open late: Friday & Saturday till 11 | Reservations not accepted | BYO
Gloria’s Cafe3300 W. Fullerton | 773-342-1050
