“Instagram-worthy” is easily the adjective for food served up on Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row. If you ate on North Avenue every day for a week, none of your social media followers would believe this much variety, paired with consistent quality, is packed into such a few blocks. It’s the reason Elmwood Park has been a dining destination for decades. Free parking at 7420 W. North Ave. is a bonus too!
Massa Café Italiano, 7434 W. North Ave., #MassaCafe
Italy is a little closer than you think. Massa Cafe Italiano has been serving up authentic Italian fare since 1968. Close your eyes as you bite into their menu, sip a house-roasted coffee, or delight in specialty frozen desserts and you will swear you’ve been transported abroad. Try an affogato by– five flavor options all combine espresso, gelato and toppings to make you swoon.
New Star, 7444 W. North Ave., #newstarrestaurant
This mainstay of Restaurant Row was reinvented by Jinny Zhao. Nothing from a can is her watchword. When Zhao took over the restaurant she added pan-Asian flavors to the mix. Can’t decide whether to eat Thai, Chinese, sushi, hibachi grill or just drink tiki cocktails? You don’t have to choose, because all are on the menu at New Star.
Spizzico, 7446 W. North Ave., #spizzicopizzapasta
The traditional thin crust cheese pizza at Spizzico is the measure all other pizzas should be judged against. The ‘Spizzico Special’ pizza has been called a love triangle, topped with sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper. A full selection of Italian dishes fills out the menu. And delivery and catering are available too.
Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave., #inarisushi
Dine in or carry out, Inari is here to deliver sushi to your tastebuds. Lunch specials bring down the cost of your cravings and weekday specials give you permission to try something outside of your got-to order. Ramen and poke bowls remix the sushi menu into new delights. And a selection of entrees sure to please non-raw eaters.
Taco Town, 7446 W. North Ave. (enter on 75th Ave), #tacotownmexicangrill
There’s a new taco in town. They even serve up breakfast, a rarity in the arena of Mexican food locations. For later in the day, you choose your base (burrito, bowl, taco, tostada, etc.) then agonize over which filling – there are 17 options from chicken to tongue. Wash these treats down with horchata and agua de piña.
Alpine Food Shop, 7538 W. North Ave., #alpinefoodshop
Other sandwiches try to reach this height, but an Alpine is an experience unto itself. Made to order when you order – meats, cheeses and other ingredients rest in cracklingly fresh Italian filone (of course you could also choose rye or multigrain bread). As a bonus, you can pick up many Italian treasures while you get your meal: pastas, sauces, spreads, and cookies.
Johnnie’s Beef, 7500 W. North Ave., #johnniesbeef
World-renown for a reason! Have you ever seen the building without a line out the door. Me neither. The menu is short and to the point. Italian beef wet or dry. Italian peppers sweet or spicy. Fries with just the right amount of crisp. You can get a hot dog and a polish sausage here too. Don’t forget the Italian ice!
Gringo and Blondie, 7514 W. North Ave., #grindoandblondie
Mexican street food is their claim to fame. All the classics are waiting on the menu. Try a cemita on fresh sesame seed rolls with your choice of toppings and Oaxacan cheese. You can knock back mimosas and micheladas with brunch on the weekends featuring chilaquiles, Mexican French toast (cinnamon, caramel and pecans) among other delicacies.
Burger MOOvment, 7512 W. North Ave., #burgermoovment
Signature burgers for each season of the year (and a shake that coordinates) keeps the menu fresh at Burger MOOvment. All year round, you can choose what to slip between the buns: beef patties stacked 1, 2 or even 3 high; chicken breast – grilled or crispy; or black bean veggie burger. There are toppings galore and bite-sized options for the small fry.
Russell’s Barbecue, 1621 N. Thatcher Ave., #russellsbarbecueEP
Does the thought of BBQ sauce on your fingers in all its cinnamon-scented glory send you reeling back to a first date, an outing with grandparents or just the good old days? Since 1930 this temple of meats has been providing finger-licking good meals and is likely the oldest continually operating BBQ joint in the Chicago area.
Armand’s, 7650 W. North Ave., #armands.ep
Pizza is at the forefront, but don’t forget about signature items, like, stuffed artichokes, baked clams and antipasto salad. Over the years Armand’s has expanded to locations beyond Elmwood Park, but this location is home. Need to feed a troop, order a yard long pizza. Need to feed yourself? Stop in for a lunch deal – personal pan pizza special.
Jim & Pete’s, 7806 W. North Ave., #jimandpetes
Jim and Pete are no longer with us, rest their souls, but the quality of Italian food they envisioned serving when they opened in 1941 is still going strong. Owner Michael Bucchianeri says, “There’s simply too much tradition and history. Great people, great customers and friends that will keep Jim & Pete’s alive forever.”
Trattoria Peppino, 7440 W. North Ave., #trattoria_peppino
“Down-to-earth,” and “neighborhood favorite” are the words you want to hear when you are hankering for a big, satisfying plate of pasta. Pizzas don’t skimp on the toppings either. Study the cocktail and a wine list until you find just what you are looking for. Peppino has an extensive menu that perks up your interest yet feels comfortable and filling.
