If you're like us, you always think of Ravenswood as that cute neighborhood we'll one day buy a house in when we can afford it. It's the best way to stay in the city in a semi-affordable way and even have a backyard. But Ravenswood also has great food. In fact, Ravenswood has some of our favorite restaurants, and that's not even considering Lincoln Square proper, which we'll save for its own guide.
These are the best restaurants in Ravenswood.
1
Spacca Napoli
1769 W Sunnyside Ave
8.5
MAP
If you're new to The Infatuation Chicago, then we'll tell you that Spacca Napoli is our favorite pizza in town. We can't get enough of the thin curst, Neapolitan-style pies. If you've heard us say this many times before, we don't apologize for saying it again. You can never have too much good pizza.
2
Glenn's Diner & Seafood House
1820 W Montrose Ave
8.1
MAP
You might know Glenn's as "that cereal place where you can get a bowl of Apple Jacks and a cold bowl of milk." But Glenn's is so much more than that. It's a great casual seafood restaurant (get their crab legs) that also has a lot of good typical diner items, like spaghetti and meatballs. If all of this sounds weird to you - welcome to Glenn's.
3
Aroy Thai
4656 N. Damen Ave.
MAP
A lot of people claim to have the best neighborhood Thai spot. But most of the time that's just because people are lazy and only eat at the closest Thai restaurant to their apartment. But if Aroy Thai is that spot for you, then you're in luck. It's actually really good, and it's one of the few casual Thai places worth dining-in at.
4
Gather
4539 N Lincoln Ave
MAP
Gather is a very useful American bistro. You can go any time of day, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and you can go for any occasion, whether with your friends, on a date, or even with your parents. If it's nice out, sit in their courtyard, and if you're there for brunch, order a sticky bun.
5
Goosefoot
2656 W. Lawrence Ave.
MAP
Goosefoot is as much an art exhibit as it is a restaurant. That's because the multi-course tasting menu is both beautiful and tastes great, which you should expect at a meal that costs around $220 per person. The price may be steep, but the food is really good if you like an experience, and at least it's BYOB.
Photo: Facebook/Goosefoot
6
Bistro Campagne
4518 N Lincoln Ave
MAP
Bistro Campange is a classic French bistro. If you're looking for a cute, kind of romantic place to indulge in French wine and food, then this is the spot. The patio is beautiful, and the classic French dishes are always good. Order the escargot.
7
Cho Sun OK
4200 N Lincoln Ave
7.9
MAP
If you're in the mood for Korean BBQ, the answer is for sure Cho Sun OK. The food is great, but Cho Sun OK is also an excellent place to hang. Everything about it feels right, and it's exactly the local neighborhood experience you want for a Korean BBQ meal. It's also BYOB, so that'll feel right too.
Photo: Facebook/Cho Sun OK
8
The Bad Apple
4300 N Lincoln Ave
MAP
Looking for a local spot to grab a burger and a beer? If your locale is Ravenswood, then the answer is The Bad Apple. You could keep things simple with their regular Bad Apple Burger, but try something more bad*ss like a Chupacabra with goat chile or a Grizzly Adams topped with braised short rib and jalapeño. No matter what, there's an excellent selection of beer on tap to wash it all down.
Photo: Facebook/The Bad Apple
9
Mythos Greek Taverna
2030 W. Montrose Ave.
MAP
Unlike some of the generic Greek restaurants in Greektown, Mythos Taverna actually has some personality and character, and it's actually good. It's a family-run place serving all of the traditional Greek classics, and it's a comfortable little place to sit and hang. Mythos is small, but it's also BYOB, so pop in for an easy bite and a drink at any time.
Photo: Facebook/Mythos Greek Tavern
10
Taqueria El Asadero
2213 W. Montrose Ave.
MAP
The tiny neighborhood spot for tacos and burritos. Simple as that. Try the al pastor taco and don't miss out on the fresh, crispy chips.
11
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
4947 N Damen Ave
MAP
Good news - Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits opened up a second location in Ravenswood. Great news - the food is the same. This location is bigger and has more of a coffee shop feel than the original, minus the great outdoor area. The more Bang Bangs in the city, the better.
12
Baker Miller
4610 N Western Ave
8.2
MAP
Here's a little backstory: the owners of Baker Miller used to be part-owners of Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, until they left to start their own spot. The new Bang Bang is awfully close to Baker Miller, and both places do the same style of food. We're hoping competition brings out the absolute best in both, because we're going to be the real winners all the delicious biscuits, pie, and other baked goods.
13
Fountainhead
1970 W Montrose Ave
MAP
The food at Fountainhead won't overly impress you, but the casual rooftop and beer list will. Those two things alone makes Fountainhead worth knowing in this area, and you can at least get some solid wings or a burger.
Photo: Facebook/Fountainhead
14
Budacki's Drive-In
4739 N Damen Ave
MAP
Every neighborhood has their favorite hot dog stand, and Budacki's is that spot in Ravenswood. With so many great hot dog stands in Chicago you don't necessarily need to go out of your way to eat here, but you know the drill if you're nearby and need something quick.
15
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
4609 N Lincoln Ave
8.1
MAP
We love Luella's because it feels like Southern cooking in a friends house. And that makes sense, because the small operation is a family affair. The service is nice and casual, but they aren't afraid to give you some sass in the way friends talk to one another. It's what makes Luella's as a whole great, that along with the fried chicken and brisket mac & cheese.