RESTAURANTS
$ (2 reports) Southern/Soul Food | Breakfast, lunch, dinner: Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Saturday | Closed Tuesday
Boo’s Soul Food Cafe8414 S. Ashland | 773-298-9997
“Eat your heart out!” proclaims the menu board at this tiny, whimsically named cafe in Heart of Chicago, and it’s no joke: the portions threaten to spill over the edge of the plates. But it’s hard to be anything other than a hearty eater here—the food is pretty damn good. Right around the corner from the Pink Line stop at Damen, Cafe Aorta is so far best-known in the neighborhood for its weekend brunch, but lunch and dinner offerings are worth a visit too. The Cajun hummus platter, listed as an appetizer and big enough for a meal, is an unusual combo: a zesty mound of hummus the color of cayenne pepper flanked with warmed pita wedges and a large helping of sauteed veggies. Sizable sandwiches include the Malibu, which is actually a retooled Monte Cristo; the slabs of tender turkey and ham between slices of eggy Hawaiian bread will have you reaching for your knife and fork. The turkey meat loaf, paired with a creamy dill sauce, is also tops. But best of all are the sides: the pungent sage-seasoned cornbread dressing, unapologetically garlicky mashed potatoes, and pleasantly spicy mac ‘n’ cheese were all wonderful. Among the desserts, the crushed red velvet cake is a moist slice of heaven. —Rob Christopher
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$$ (1 report) Barbecue/Ribs, Southern/Soul Food | Lunch, dinner: seven days | Reservations accepted for large groups only | BYO
$$ (1 report) Southern/Soul Food, Mexican/Southwestern, Cajun | Breakfast: Saturday-sunday; Lunch, dinner: seven days | Reservations accepted for large groups only
Daley’s Restaurant809 E. 63rd | 773-643-6670
