Chicago’s Best Specialty Grocery Stores
Chicago is a city full of food, culture and interesting cuisine, so it’s no surprise that it boasts some fantastic grocery stores. Here are a few of Chicago’s best specialty grocery stores for the next time you need some culinary inspiration:
Joong Boo Market
3333 N Kimball Ave
Since 1992, Joong Boo has brought an extensive array of Asian-focused groceries and produce to Chicago. From a kimchi fridge to a houseware department, it’s easy to get lost in their aisles. They even have a small stand outside the store that sells dumplings for before or after your visit.
(photo above by @_hennywong)
Old World Market
5129 N Broadway #1
If you’re looking to spice up your cooking, Old World Market is Uptown’s go-to for African and Carribean fare. Stock up on spices, herbs, sauces, snacks, produce and meat. You can also grab an African meat pie (or two) while you’re there.
The Butcher & Larder
1427 W Willow St Ste 3
Inside Lincoln Park’s Local Foods is Chicago’s first sustainable, whole animal butcher shop, The Butcher & Larder. Their weekly offerings include homemade sausages and specialty cuts, not to mention their impressive larger cuts of meat. If you dream of trying a tomahawk steak at home, this is your shopping stop to make it happen.
La Casa Del Pueblo
1834 S Blue Island Ave
La Casa Del Pueblo is a small storefront serving the Pilsen community with a wide variety of produce, Mexican products, and plant-based specialty items. As an added bonus, their taqueria next door serves a spectacular spread of daily specials, including tamales, tacos and other authentic Mexican dishes.
Old Town Oil
1543 N Wells St
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a loved one, Old Town Oil is worth a visit. Their unique, infused oils and aged balsamic vinegars are curated from small batch producers around the world. Swapping out generic oils for their products is an easy way to immediately improve your own cooking skills.
Epic Spices
1725 W Chicago Ave
You can’t cook properly without the right seasonings, and West Town’s Epic Spices is the place to pick them up. This hidden gem is only open on weekends to shoppers, but you can find everything from whole peppercorns, to spice blends, to dried chiles.
Happy shopping, happy cooking, and — most importantly — happy eating!
