For many of us, good food doesn’t come naturally—and quite frankly, a lot of you have no taste when it comes to restaurant picks. (Seriously, stop taking your boo to Olive Garden.) We’re no strangers to relying on Chicago’s food scene for lunch or dinner, and for those of you lacking the skills to grill, it’s probably a good idea to order some delivery once in awhile if able.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite local stops below—each one is currently offering delivery and/or pickup, and is a certified good decision per the Riot Fest staff. Just make sure you tip extra!
FRY THE COOP1529 W. Chicago Ave
By Dan Wade (Art Director)
Someday you may find yourself quarantined in your home and craving some Nashville-style hot chicken. That day was yesterday for me, and thankfully Fry the Coop delivered a couple of their hot fried chicken sandwiches with slaw, pickles, and brioche buns to my house. There are six levels of heat you can get, ranging from “Country” to “Lil’ Insanity,” but toilet paper is hard to come by these days, so I just go for “Medium.” Be sure to thank and tip your drivers extra!
JOEY G’S MAC & CHEESE2351 W. Augusta Blvd
By Monique Doron (Graphic Designer)
Do you want a delicious one-meal food coma? Welcome to Joey G’s. I love this place even during non-quarantine time. I go back and forth between the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese and the Classic. Even their small, single-serving size will give you leftovers, which is perfect because you and I both know you weren’t planning on cooking the next day anyway. And if mac & cheese isn’t your thing (which, what’s wrong with you?) they have burgers and paninis as well.
Please enjoy the included quarantine photo of me.
COBRA LOUNGE235 N. Ashland Ave
By Riot Fest Twitter Person
They’re only delivering All Rise Brewing Co. beer and alcohol, but honestly, nothing matters anymore. I’m having a liquid lunch. Don’t judge me.
BRAZILIAN BOWL3204 N Broadway St. / 3200 W Lawrence Ave.
By Bailey Davis (Managing Editor)
Do you see this face? This is the face of a guy who has absolutely no culinary skills whatsoever. So when it comes to happier days and palatable food, my desert island takeout pick is Brazilian Bowl. They’ve got everything from classic favorites like the Brazilian Burger (topped with a slice of ham and an egg) to more unique options like the Steak & Mango Salad. Even if you’re looking for a lighter meal, the selection of smoothies and acai bowls is enough to keep you coming back—but for now, you can order delivery from either their Lakeview or Albany Park location. Take it from me: it’s the only meal I’ve eaten in two weeks that made me feel better afterwards.
SABROSO! MEXICAN GRILL 624 N Ashland Ave.
By Jen Moers (Office Manager)
You really can’t go wrong with ANY item on the menu from this family-owned, made-from-scratch restaurant—a neighborhood favorite of mine for years. I always get the Chili Verde (under Family Specialties, and hoo boy is it ever special) with the Peruano beans (must have). They have a killer breakfast burrito, fantastic tamales, and even their chips and salsa are amazing because 1) the chips are homemade and perfect and 2) it comes with three varieties of super flavorful salsas. And when we’re finally able to sit down in the restaurant again (single tear), be prepared for that real deal hospitality (think: Abuela), and don’t forget to splurge on some fresh, homemade Sabroso Bunelos Holes, AKA donut holes, with their sweet espresso dipping sauce. Ugh, my mouth is watering.
THE BEACON TAP1374 Lee St.
By Luba Vasilik (Office Director)
While hibernating in the suburbs, I’ve recently reconnected with my favorite local bar/restaurant, just a block from my parent’s home.
Beacon Tap is a one-stop-shop for all of your stay-at-home needs: food, booze, and toilet paper (a complimentary roll of TP is provided with every order). With the bar portion being closed indefinitely (and my Malört Club membership put on hold), this is the perfect opportunity to further explore the food menu. While the weekly taco special and the Loaded Mac-and-Cheese Pizza deserve an honorable mention, the Trash Can Nachos continue to lure me back in with fresh ingredients, big portions, a mountain of cheese, brisket, veggies, and jalapenos. It’s meant to be shared with a table of friends, or my personal preference of eating home alone while binge-watching The Real Housewives marathon. To complete your order, you can take home a Bloody Mary or Mimosa drink kit for your very own couch party of one (and a half, woof woof!).
PAULA & MONICA’S PIZZERIA1518 W. Chicago Ave #1
By Hannah Tittle (Street Team Manager)
Pizza is my comfort food, always. After trying hundreds of pizza places, I finally found the one. Paula & Monica’s is just the perfect amount of sauce and cheese and literally never disappoints. I was really worried that it wouldn’t be open during this time and I cried tears of joy when I found out it was. I have probably already ordered about 4 times. Even Pickle (pictured) very much enjoys it.
JET’S PIZZAMultiple Locations
By Buck Foley (Talent Buyer)
Not only is Jet’s Pizza delicious and highly customizable, but it’s also 900 feet from my house, which is about how much I’ll gain when we’re allowed to go about life as usual again. (Pictured: Me eating leftover Jet’s Pizza.)
CHICAGO BAGEL AUTHORITY955 W. Belmont Ave
By Jake Biniszkiewicz (Talent Buyer)
Really, the only food I’ve consumed that I didn’t make at home since this all started has been Chicago Bagel Authority. I happened to be nearby their Belmont location last week and decided to take the opportunity to grab a bite from the outside world.
The experience was great, and it was clear that the restaurant has taken serious measures to help keep its customers safe. You can order completely online in advance for pickup or delivery. I picked up, and here are some of the precautions I noticed that they had in place:
• The front door was already open (the weather was fair that day), so there was no contact getting inside.
• Upon entry, and again at the register, they had hand sanitizer and glove stations set up for patrons’ use
• Tables were placed next to the counter to create a barrier enforcing distancing between the patrons and staff/food prep area
• The beverage cooler had a note asking patrons to ask for assistance to access instead of self-serving
• They have a separate window with access to the sidewalk outside for delivery drivers to pick up orders
Clearly, CBA is aware of their part in keeping its patrons safe and have taken many precautions to ensure sanitary practices. The food was great and I would definitely recommend!
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