Hungry in Chicago

These last couple of weeks have been so busy and fun for me. My parents came all the way from Montana to visit me in Chicago. We had a blast...cubs games, theatre, boat rides, professional shopping, and EATING...so much EATING! I had an absolute blast showing them my favorite chicago spots and also sharing with them the restaurants that I love so much. Since I can't take everyone to these delicious food heavens, I am taking this opportunity to share a short list of my absolute faves. If I ever move from Chicago, I will be desperately craving the food from these places.
1)Uncle Julios Hacienda
http://www.unclejulios.com/
mmmmm....sooooo good. Endless baskets of chips and salsa, the most succulent chicken, and delicate, homemade tortillas. I want a margarita! Of course, my sweet tooth doesn't allow me to leave Julio's without an order of their melt-in-your-mouth sopapillas. Served warm with honey for dipping...AMAZING!
2)Pequods Pizza
http://www.pequodspizza.com/
Everyone in Chicago loves deep dish. Really, though, what's not to love? At this hole-in-the wall pizzeria, the crust is carmelized beautifully with golden, buttery, cheese. I find most pizzas in Chicago to be filled with way too much cheese, but at Pequods, the crust is a bit thicker on the bottom, and the pan pizza is filled with tantalizingly tangy sauce, the perfect amount of cheese, and an abundant amount of whatever toppings you choose. Usually I find about 20 pieces of pepperoni on an entire pizza...not at Pequods! There are about 20 pieces per slice! MMMM...so meaty! (I love you Joel McHale!). Another reason why I love this place? There is a guy who is always there greeting people and hanging out. I don't know if he is the manager, the owner, or just some random dude, but he is really friendly and makes you feel at home. I call him Pequod.
3) Hackney's
http://www.hackneysprintersrow.net/
I could really eat a cheeseburger everyday for just about every meal. I love burgers. A big, juicy, flavorful patty on a warm soft bun. Yum. I fantasize about this sort of thing (luckily, my boyfriend shares the same passion for the cheeseburger as I do, so this is not weird...really...is it?) Anyway, at Hackney's, not only is the burger delectable and delicious, their french fried onions are equally addicting. I advise ordering a full brick of these crispy onion strings and whatever you don't finish, throw 'em on your burger and behold a meal so indulgent and filling, you will wake up still smiling the next morning.

I never have to worry about a lack of good restaurants in Chicago...speaking of which...isn't it lunchtime? I'm hungry.