We asked April Francis of Dose Market for her favorite Chicago restaurants, and she graciously hooked us up with her picks. If you’re unfamiliar with Dose, it’s basically a modern day version of an ancient spice market, except there’s more to be found than just cinnamon and rugs, and we’re pretty sure you cannot buy a camel there.
April and her team are dedicated to showcasing designers, chefs, makers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and artists to the Chicagoland area and beyond. Essentially, April seeks far and wide to find exceptional people creating exceptional things. She then brings it all together in a central pop-up marketplace of sorts where consumers can come check everything out. And since part of the Dose Market philosophy revolves around great food, you better believe April knows her restaurants.
Keep an eye out for upcoming Doses dates this May and June, and check out April’ls Friday Fives below. Also, hit her up on Twitter at @aprilfrancis to invite yourself over for chilaquiles.
April’s “Perfect For” Picks
Brunch
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate (1747 N. Damen Ave.) – “I’ve known this resto a long time and savor it as THE go-to for brunch in Chicago. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Mindy’s standard breakfast, her specials are SO of the moment, and my perennial favorite, the cinnamon sugar donuts served with homemade raspberry preserves… is there a more perfect a.m. treat? Let me tell you, there isn’t.”
Cheap Eats + Dining Solo + Best Burger Ever + Action At The Bar
Scofflaw (3201 W. Armitage Ave.) – “Scooping up the win in four categories, I just wish I lived closer to Scofflaw. Everything is cheap and everything is delicious. And the burger? F*CK. Not to mention the exceptional, always changing cocktail menu. Sitting at this bar solo is in a class of its own in terms of being entertained. Love.
First/Early in the Game Dates
La Sirena Clandestina (954 W. Fulton Market) – “Delicious anytime and every time, but for first dates, La Sirena Clandestina is The One. The menu is perfection (if you don’t get hungry looking at Brigitte Bardot’s bum, male or female, GTFO), the seating is entirely intimate everywhere in the room, and the staff is SO on point. Chef Proprietor John Manion is all win. Did I mention the food? It’s gorgeous. I give thanks for this place everyday.”
Outdoor/Patio Situation
Parson’s Chicken and Fish (2952 W. Armitage Ave.) – “Now with stadium seating! Hitting on all cylinders (Negroni slushies, fried chicken sandwich, puppies on leashes, etc), thank G-d this place exists. Such a sweet, ever-expanding patio spot! So many faces. So much freestyle entertainment. So entirely, ferociously rad.”
Serious Take-Out Operation
Hub 51 (51 W. Hubbard St.) – “The Lettuce Entertain You brothers created Hub 51 to satisfy everyone’s most serious cravings and they deliver in a major way: nachos + sushi + carrot cake sounds like a disaster, but they put the delish in EVERY dish. And goodness, do they know how to pack things to go. Put this menu in front of a couch of hangry people and everyone will be totally stoked.”
Late Night Eats
“Chilaquiles at my place. Call me!”
April’s Twitter People
@shamblanderson
@riotfest
@dosemarket
@newyorker
@hamburger