Since I moved to the Little Village neighborhood, I’ve discovered new food gems! Here is a list of my favorite restaurants in both Pilsen and Little Village. No particular order of course!

Los Comales - 1550 W. 18th St.

Price range: $

My favorite place to go after a late night out dancing or just a regular Sunday afternoon. Los Comales was founded by Camerino Gonzalez in 1973. Initially, the delicious taco joint that has served my drunken rambunctious friends after a party, started out as a small taco stand style restaurant in Little Village. By the 80s, it expanded in Pilsen, then by the 90s, multiple locations opened throughout Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs. Although they have multiple locations, my favorite is in Pilsen!

Favorite dish: Steak taco dinner with avocado and a cold sprite:)

Cafe Jumping Bean - 1439 W. 18th St.

“L” Cafecito Jumping Bean 2010 S Damen Ave.

Price range: $

One of my favorite things to do after a long day, is take a walk down 18th and grab coffee with one of my best friends. Cafe Jumping Bean was founded by Elezar Delgado in 1994. Not only is it a cafe, but a communal space that allows artists to exhibit, present or sell their work. It’s more than just a coffee shop, but a staple in the Pilsen community that dedicates its time to providing a warm experience for both employees and customers.

Here’s a cute pic of me on one of our walks enjoying an iced latte!

Favorite dish: Screaming bean with a toasted butter croissant.

The Jibarito Stop - 1646 W. 18th St.

Price range: $$

Did you know the Jibarito was created in Chicago by a Chicagoan? An old boss found out I never had a Jibarito. As a result, she ordered some for our lunch and I was smitten. This dish is very popular in Humboldt Park, but owners Cely Rodriguez and Moriama Fuentes have blessed the Pilsen area with this popular Puerto Rican treasure. Opened in 2015, The Jibarito Shop was originally a food truck that expanded due to city restrictions and expenses.

Favorite dish: Steak Jibarito with arroz con graduales & sweet plantains

Frida’s Room - 1454 W. 18th St.

Price range: $

A friend and I trickled in here one day on a bustling Sunday. The room was busy and filled. Frida’s Room is a family owned Mexican and American brunch spot. In 2015, Angel Diaz opened the restaurant as an ode to his family’s everyday traditional Mexican cooking. Initially, it featured mostly Mexican recipes, but the menu eventually expanded, including American dishes. You can find a combination of Mexican and American foods on the menu. Unfortunately, I had a standard American breakfast that was absolutely delicious. However, my friend at enfrijoladas con huevos with steak and loved it! They also serve cucumber water and it is to die for!

Favorite dish: Eggs any style with bacon, pancakes, and hash browns.

5 Rabanitos - 1758 W. 18th St.

Price range: $$

My best friend introduced me to this place after a day exploring the city. I don’t remember what we did before, but I definitely recall the meal afterwards. I am basic and of course ordered steak tacos like I usually do. However, they were so yummy, I advise anyone reading this to try all the other things on the menu. 5 Rabanitos is a Mexican restaurant created by chef Alonso Sotelo. The name is inspired by his family and a beautiful story. During his childhood, Sotelo and 4 brothers sold radishes from house to house in the small town of Ixcapuzalco, Guerro. As a result, the townspeople called them the “5 radishes kids”

Favorite dish: Steak taco dinner with avocado

El Milagro - 3050 W. 26th St.

Price range: $$

I couldn’t write this list and not add the place that provided all the tortillas of my childhood! El Milagro was the only tortillas we ate growing up, and I was super excited when I realized I didn’t live too far. El Milagro is a small family owned company that started in 1950. Founder Raul Lopez, moved to the US in 1942 in hopes of starting a business. He found a job as a fulltime trackman on the Illinois Central Railroad. However, in his free time he made and distributed fresh tortillas in his community. And the rest is history!

Favorite dish: Of course their tortillas, but I love their chicken tacos from time to time

The Spoke and Bird - 1248 W. 18th St.

Price range: $

Whenever I’m going downtown, or anywhere that requires me to pass 18th on the pink line, I love to hop off and take a walk to The Spoke and Bird. My absolute favorite coffee shop in Pilsen. It is an employee and woman-owned bakehouse dedicated to providing delicious and healthy food at reasonable prices to the communities they serve. Between the friendly staff or the cold brew, I love this place!

Favorite dish: Cold brew vanilla latte w/ buttermilk biscuit and strawberry jam

What To Eat When You Landed Yourself in Pilsen