The 18 Best Places to (Grocery) Shop in Chicago
Spring’s around the corner, even if it doesn’t always feel that way in chilly, icy Chicago, and we’re excited for the return of…produce. That’s right, we’re preparing to put away our crock pots, and embrace fresh salads, fruits other than apples (although who doesn’t like a good honeycrisp?) and—we’ll admit it, although it doesn’t fit into the same section of the food pyramid—ice cream. We’ve rounded up our favorite shops around the city to buy fresh spring ingredients. We’re always open to more tasty food, though, so as always, tell us your favorite places in the comments!
various locations
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1558 North Elston Ave.
Our office is divided over whether Pete’s or Stanley’s carries the best produce in Chicago. Better try both, just in case.
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| Gepperth’s Meat Market. |
1964 North Halsted St.
As one Yelp reviewer put it, “The first and last place to go for meat.”
4750 North Lincoln Ave.
OK, we misled you a bit with Gepperth’s. Gene’s has you covered for all your deli needs.
2014 West Wabansia Ave.
Olivia’s is a quaint neighborhood shop run by native Chicagoans. It’s a tad expensive for your everyday shopping needs, but perfect for when you need to pick up a fancy cheese or charcuterie before heading to a party.
1233 North Wells St.
This organic specialty store boasts a tasty salad spread and an Intelligentsia coffee bar, for when you’re in the mood to pick up a few groceries and eat dinner out, all in one spot.
1512 North Wells St.
After Plum Market, just head a few blocks north to The Spice House, which smells just as heavenly as you would imagine.
1405 Irving Park Rd.
Spencer’s has you covered for all of your high tea needs—from clotted cream to HP Sauce.
1127 West Argyle St.
Two words: custard buns.
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| Eataly’s Nutella bar. |
43 East Ohio St.
We could talk about the cheese selection, the pizza, the espresso, but we’ll just focus on the fact that Mario Batali’s Eataly has given Chicago a Nutella bar.
901 West Randolph St.
A fourth-generation family-owned Italian grocery with olive oil that is to-die-for.
2643 North Milwaukee Ave.
Don’t let the name throw you off. This Logan Square grocery sells a selection of products from across Europe.
2036 West Division St.
Local products and a great deli counter in the back—what’s not to love?
2117 South China Pl.
This Chinatown staple has a great selection of dried fruits, nuts, sea creatures and enough candies to satisfy even the sweetest of teeth.
Various locations, Gold Coast
Chicago’s first “authentic Italian deli” is part deli, part grocery and all bliss.
1402 West Grand Ave.
Green Grocer offers greens—and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
100 East Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL
Technically, this takes you outside of Chicago city limits. But as Chicago’s largest Japanese supermarket, it is well worth the trek.
3810 West Lawrence Ave.
The second location for Cremeria La Ordeña, this one was recently dubbed the “mole capital of Chicago” by Chicago Reader.
