Now Serving

Robert's Pizza & Dough, Entente, Red Hot Ranch | Sat, October 31 at 4:30 pm on WTTW HD

Go 4 Food, Dos Ricco's, Tied House | Sat, November 7 at 4:30 pm on WTTW HD

Kitsune, Niche, La Chaparrita Grocery | Sat, November 14 at 4:30 pm on WTTW HD

Bacchanalia, Half Acre Taproom, Naoki Sushi | Sat, November 21 at 4:30 pm on WTTW HD

Chicago Restaurants

 

Sankyu

Simi's Restaurant

The Elephant Thai

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Tio Luis Tacos

Tio Luis Tacos offers a menu of traditional Mexican dishes, many from the region of Guadalajara Halisco. Known for their great steak tacos, the food is authentic and delicious. The atmosphere is warm, the service is delightful and the price is right! 

Estrella Negra

A family owned business, Estrella Negra offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes paired with a few surprises. Salsas are made fresh in house. The décor is wildly eclectic, featuring works from local artists, and the music creates a lively vibe. A wonderful BYOB restaurant.  

Jennivee's Bakery

Jennivee’s is a cozy, chic, late-night BYOB bakery in Lakeview. The LGBTQ-friendly establishment specializes in a wide range of desserts from around the globe.

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Blogs

Season 16, Episode 12: 5 Rabanitos, Boltwood, The Elephant Thai

Check, Please! host Catherine De Orio welcomes guest reviewers Annie Law, Claudia Perry, and Jose Macias who weigh in on Chicago area eateries 5 Rabanitos,

Cat’s Corner: Q & A with Alfonso Sotelo, Chef/Owner of 5 Rabanitos

Hi all! We’re nearing the end of the season and beginning to prepare for the next. If you’re interested in sitting at the table and sharing your favorite restaurant next season, here’s how you can apply! This week we take you to 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen; Boltwood in Evanston, and then we head to The Elephant Thai on Devon in Forest Glen. I spoke with Mexican restaurant 5 Rabanitos Chef/Owner Alfonso Sotelo with his translator Miguel Salgado about his first solo venture. Here’s what he had to say.

Farm to Table

Are you a locavore? If you know what this term means without having to look it up (and consider yourself to be one), chances are you’re a fan of the “farm to table” movement. In honor of a Check, Please! featured eatery in this category, Evanston’s Boltwood, here’s a closer look at the what, when, and why.

Chef with a glass of wine

Sit down at the table with David Manilow, creator of Check, Please!, as he explores the Chicago food and restaurant landscape with the unique personalities who have influenced it.

A chef in her restaurant

An original web series that profiles a diverse group of Chicago area restaurateurs, chefs, baristas, gin enthusiasts, and others. Meet the people who feed you.

Dishalicious show host in apron

Experience the culinary world — live and in-person — through the eyes of top Chicago chefs! Dishalicious is a fast-paced, live demonstration cooking show and event that’s fun and informative.

Discover the ways Chicago’s celebrity chefs unwind after they clock out of the kitchen. Get to know another side of these interesting personalities who — while known for their passion and work ethic in the kitchen — are fascinating and passionate people in their personal lives as well.