Kopi A Travelers Cafe
Comfortable and inviting space, they have great vegetarian fare and their kitchen sink cookie is one of the best cookies I have ever eaten. There is also a store at the back of the cafe where you can pick up worldly curiousities.
Mc M INC
It is no wonder that many of the biggest galleries and museums go to them. I have been going to this shop for over ten years and I have never been disappointed with their work. Because of the superior craftmanship and top notch materials you can expect the prices to reflect that. So I only take things there that I expect will be in my life and on my walls for a lifetime.
Village Creamery
The great place about the Village Creamery is state right in the name, their ice cream is particularly creamy and rich. They have unusual flavors like avocado, cheese, and taro root. These sound like they shouldn't work but they do. Worth a try when you want to beat the heat with a sweet treat!
Panozzo's Italian Market
This small market is a real boon to the South Loop where I work. Everything at their deli counter is made with the finest ingredients and their dry goods and frozen sections are filled with imported italian treats, oils, spices, sauces and pasta. Very friendly. Every time I come in here I end up trying something new only to love it as well.
Goode & Fresh Pizza Bakery
Don't be confused this is Pizza Bakery to most people that go there. They have an excellent stuffed pizza, great hot sandwiches that travel well on the way home. Been consistently good for years - a treat for our family fun nights at home.
Timeless Toys Ltd
and some of the new. A good selection of wooden toys and toys designed to stimulate a child's imagination. Is a bit overpriced but the store atmosphere beats the heck out of hitting the chaos that is typically the toy department at a big box chain.
Lucky Platter
Great breakfast spot (also great for lunch and dinner but I mostly seem to go there for breakfast). Flaky scones, well seasoned sweet potato fries. Big portions of food and eclectic art adorning every square inch of the place.
Gingerman Tavern
The Gingerman is a bit oddly shaped - it is a triangle shape due to the intersection and the bar is bisected into two distinct rooms. One has a couple of pool tables and a bar I have never seen open and the other room has a bar and maybe half dozen tables. It is right next to the Metro so it is a great place to meet up before a concert or afterwards to recount the show. Jukebox is diverse and the bartenders are first rate.
Turquoise Cafe Restaurant
Turquoise Cafe is a turkish restaurant with excellent service, very reasonable prices and delicious food. I have been there at least a half dozen times in the last year and everything I have tried has been worth sharing with my meal partners. The waitstaff is very professional and courteous - their demeanor and attention to detail make me feel like I am someplace special.
Sanders Restaurant Inc
Sanders offers nothing fancy--it is a standard Greek diner, but the staff is friendly and they do accomodate special requests. It is close to the expressway as well, so it is easy to access.