Eating California & Augusta in Humboldt Park Food corner
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5 6 W AUGUSTA BLVD 4
If you haven’t checked out the California and Augusta intersection lately, clear your schedule, pull on your loosest-fitting jeans and prepare to embark on one of Chicago’s most epic food crawls. Over the past year, a pie and soda shop, coffee bar, two restaurants and a refreshed California Clipper joined stalwart Rootstock, turning the area into one of the most delicious neighborhoods in the city.
Start with breakfast and ease into cocktail hour at Brendan Sodikoff’s ’70s-style coffee bar, which features Doughnut Vault treats and espresso, Rare Tea Cellar teas, and spiked steamed milk drinks and cigars. 2806 W Augusta Blvd (773-384-2547,
ccferns.com)
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Sodikoff took over the ’30s-era cocktail bar last year, and it’s still wonderfully low-key with live music, a jukebox and glowing red lights— but now with better drinks. Try the elegant gin and raspberry Clover Club. 1002 N California Ave (773- 384-2547,
californiaclipper.com)
2 California Clipper C.C. Ferns
Haywood Tavern
C.C. Ferns
The spinning stools lend a retro feel, but the flavors here aren’t stuck in time—think house-made sodas like a floral lavender grape and pies like blueberry-rose or key- lime-hibiscus. 1000 N California Ave (872-829-2793,
spinningj.com)
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With a long bar, beautiful moulded ceiling and low lighting,
4 Haywood Tavern
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
Haywood Tavern feels like a place to relax after a long day at work. The excellent food, including gnocchi, roast chicken and a burger, is just another reason to want to hang out there. 2759 W Augusta Blvd (773-661-1084,
haywoodtavern.com)
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar The cozy wine and beer haven has anchored the intersection since 2009 with an impressive-
5 Chef’s table Rick Bayless
With several acclaimed Mexican restaurants, including Frontera Grill (445 N Clark St; 312-661- 1434,
rickbayless.com) and brewpub Cruz Blanca (900 W Randolph St) coming next spring, Rick Bayless is one of Chicago’s busiest chefs. (And did we mention his TV show?) Here’s where he eats and drinks in his downtime.
CARNITAS DON PEDRO Bayless says he hits the Pilsen
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TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO December 2015–February 2016
spot for “real-deal” carnitas. “They are just so amazingly, unapologetically juicy and crispy,” he says. “Wrap the carnitas in a fresh tortilla, spoon a little salsa on there, and you can see why I get so excited.” 1113 W 18th St (312-829-4757)
MARGIE’S CANDIES He loves the longtime Chicago haunt for its homemade ice cream. It’s “just so quaint and
charming,” he says. 1960 N Western (773-384-1035,
margiesfinecandies.com)
RAMEN-SAN
Bayless kicks back at the River North ramen joint and recently took a group of visiting Mexican chefs and bartenders for ramen and sake bombs—“a truly great way to unwind.” 59 W Hubbard St (312- 377-9950,
ramensan.com). —Maggie Hennessy
yet-approachable booze selection and daily-changing small plates like pastas and charcuterie from chef Jeff Eichem. 954 N California Ave (773-292-1616,
rootstockbar.com)
The newest—and at press, unnamed—spot in the intersection is an all-day café from chef Mike Simmons (Rootstock, Lula Cafe) and partners. While daytime offerings skew toward American diner fare, the dinner vibe is more of a wine bar. Bonus: Grab snacks and booze from the deli case and cooler to take home. 1001 N California Ave
6 COMING SOON!
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
N CALIFORNIA AVE
Eating
PHOTOGRAPHS: TOP, TOP RIGHT: JACLYN RIVAS; BOTTOM RIGHT: ANDREW NAWROCKI; BOTTOM LEFT: PAUL ELLEDGE
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