Chicago’s city grid map is full of surprises — follow along as we explore highlights from every neighborhood, from the food to the culture.

The seeds — or rather beans — for Hexe Coffee were planted because owner Parker Slade was tired of spending more money than he wanted to on hot beverages.
Villa Park native Joe Fontana will be opening his fourth Fry the Coop in West Town soon. The restaurants feature Fontana’s take on Nashville fried chicken.
Executive chef Rick Ohlemacher creates a seasonal menu that changes every six to eight weeks.
Many of Passerotto’s favorites like the ddukbokki lamb ragu — Korean rice cakes paired with a lamb neck ragu gravy — taste Korean and Italian simultaneously without being exclusively either.
B’Gabs — a nickname bestowed to Chef/Owner Gabrielle Darvassy by friends — not only caters to the dietary needs of vegans and vegetarians but to those who prefer their meals, strictly raw, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free or alkaline-based.
Word-of-mouth buzz about Landbirds gained momentum quickly through social media even though the restaurant lacked signage and advertising.
Little Village’s “second Magnificent Mile” on 26th Street is the highest grossing shopping and tax revenue hub in the city after Michigan Avenue.
The stretch of West Town’s Eckhart Park on Chicago Avenue — known for its longstanding fieldhouse — is now gaining popularity for its other hot spots.
The burger is among the most popular items at Mini Mott. The restaurant, an offshoot of Noble Square’s Mott St., opened in July.
New hot spots pop up with regularity in Logan Square, where restaurants like Fat Rice, Lula, Longman & Eagle and Giant have ended up on “best” lists.
Hyde Park prides itself on its culture, intellectual reputation and for being Barack Obama’s former hangout.
Many flock to La Catedral for its legendary cafe de olla — a Mexican coffee with cinnamon and brown sugar — and the 10 types of chilaquiles.
Like a coach, Erick Williams –– one of the most prominent African-American chefs in the city –– is always encouraging his staff to take it up a notch.
“We’re cooking my food that I’ve been wanting to make for a long time...and what our team likes and what inspires us,” said Chef/Owner Mark Steuer.
For this list, I’m concentrating on a portion known as East Village, from Ashland to Damen, where businesses have blossomed.
Behind Andersonville’s buzzworthy bakery and cafe, Lost Larson, is a brother and sister team.
Here are some of the lesser-known attractions in the eclectic North Side neighborhood.
Owner John Brand’s interest in home-brewing piqued nearly 15 years ago when his wife gifted him with a home-brewing kit and class.
The residents in the racially and economically diverse Beverly neighborhood are most proud of the public schools and overall community involvement.