My Top Ten BYOB Restaurants in Chicago

By Jess

A co-worker recently requested a run-down on some great BYOB’s in Chicago, so I’m offering up my top 10. This is merely meant as a quick snap-shot, so you can anticipate fuller reviews of each of these establishments in the future.

1.Sun Wah – 5039 N. Broadway

Although this list is for the most part in no particular order, Sun Wah is absolutely my favorite. They specialize in serving Peking duck table-side in multiple courses. Additionally, while the Peking duck service serves 4 people, the entire duck is only $32, not per-person! While Sun Wah has a great selection of cheap beers you are always welcome to bring your own wine.

Table-Side Peking Duck Service

2.Great Lake Pizza - 1477 W Balmoral Avenue

Recently sited in GQ as the best pizza in the country, this tiny little restaurant (only a few tables inside) specializes in neopolitan style pizza. They don’t take reservations, but I promise you, the über fresh pizza at Great Lake is worth the wait. 

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Mona Cheese & Fresh Herb Pizza

3.Habana Libre – 1440 W Chicago Avenue

Nestled in the heart of West Town, Habana Libre offers delicious Cuban fare and décor that makes you feel like you’re not in the wintery throws of Chicago. May I suggest a Chicago original, the jibarito or the Cuban style friend chicken?

The Jibarito

 4.Butterfly – 1156 W Grand Avenue or  1421 W Chicago Avenue

Butterfly has the perfect balance of cheap yet pretty tasty sushi. There are actually two locations, both in West Town, with the exact same bright orange walls, dark leather booths, and low lighting. A fun place for a girl’s night out so you can eat light and not break the bank either. Oh, and more often than not you get a complimentary piece of cheesecake!

California Roll

5.Feed – 2803 West Chicago Avenue

Most often we take advantage of Feed’s take-out options, but it is also a terrific little BYOB spot. For just $15 dollars two people can split a whole chicken and share three sides from a variety of offerings! Stop in and experience the hipster version of a quaint down-on-the-farm type of meal.

Chicken Dinner w/Sides

 6.Marrakech – 1413 N Ashland

I dream of the melt-in-your-mouth lamb at Marrakech, but never fear, veggies lovers, because their couscous based dishes are also quite decadent. This Moroccan inspired restaurant also doubles as a trinket shop, so buy yourself a lamp while you wait for your briwat roles (don’t be afraid of the powdered sugar on top of these savory meat puffs!)

Briwat Rolls

7.Tac Quick – 3930 N Sheridan

Now that I think about it, Tac Quick may tie Sun Wah for my favorite in the city. While they do offer  ‘traditional’ Thai dishes (i.e. pad thai), I highly encourage you to be adventurous and ask for the ‘other’ menu. These authentic Thai meals are full of flavor, and sometimes have quite the kick. This is a great place to go with tons people so you can try many dishes. You really do have to try the preserved egg – I promise it’s not rotten! I also must insist that you take advantage of being in close proximity to dive bar extraordinaire, Wrigleyville North (this is not your average Wrigleyville bar…)

Stir Fried Chicken with Fried Basic and Preserved Egg

8.Sweets & Savories – 1534 W Fullerton

Sweets & Savories is a casual French restaurant that constantly smells like glorious truffles.  This is a perfect date spot as it is nice and quiet, and has a fairly romantic feel about it. If just smelling truffles isn’t enough for you, then definitely try the Sweets & Savories Burger which includes American Kobe beef, foie gras pate, and truffle mayonnaise, oh boy!

Kobe Burger w/Foie Gras

9.Nuevo Leon – 1515 W 18^th St

With their extensive menu of traditional and Americanized Mexican fare, Nuevo Leon has something for everyone in your group. Also, there are constantly several officers of the law dining there – are sure sign that you’re getting a good deal for delicious food. It’s also a wonderful winter joint because they kick you off with complimentary hot soup or pork and beans dish with house-made flour tortillas!

Tacos De Sabinas in Homemade Flour Tortillas

 10.Birrieria Zaragoza – 4852 S Pulaski

Never have I felt so loved and welcome at a restaurant, while at the same time being fed some of the most flavorful and humble dishes. Birrieria Zaragoza is family owned and operated by a husband and wife team, John and Norma, who make sure every visit is better than your last. Their very limited menu (although I don’t think I could handle them having anything more) is focused on their specialty of birrieria (John was trained by a birrieria master in Mexico for 5 years before opening up his own place) – a roasted goat stew served in a mouth watering tomato consomme, as well as quesadillas with homemade tortillas. Head on over and become part of the family.

Large Plate of Birreria

-Jess