Eat Like a Local: Best Brunch, Tacos, & Healthy Food in Chicago

Eat Like a Local: Best Brunch, Tacos, & Healthy Food in Chicago

One city that cannot be overlooked for its fabulous fare is Chicago. I chatted with food blogger Kristin, aka the @nom_stop, and she showed us that not only are the eats in the Windy City f'n delicious but they can also be nutritious.

Named in the 1980’s for its affluent inhabitants, the Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago is filled with foodie finds fit for a king or queen. If, of course, your royal highness is up for a kickass cup of Joe, a grass-fed burger, or a full tray of tacos.

For the Brunch Queen: 3 Arts Club Café, located inside Restoration Hardware. Here, the overworked and under caffeinated (who isn’t these days?) gather for almond milk lattes and brunch fare. The posh dining room alone is a reason to visit; filled with RH’s beautiful furnishings, it is beyond Instagram-worthy.

Since they don’t take reservations, you are bound to encounter a bit of a wait, which comes as no problem when there are four floors of home décor waiting to be explored.

The Nom Stop - Best Brunch in Chicago at 3 Arts Club Cafe Illinois

The Nom Stop Over Worked Under Caffeinated T-shirt by Pyknic Best Latte in Chicago

By the second floor, I was mentally packing a suitcase and plotting my move into the place - amazing.

Best Brunch in Chicago Illinois at the Restoration Hardware 3 Arts Club Cafe

For the Taco King: Velvet Taco. This casual, counter-service taco joint is a must if you’re in the neighborhood. Everything is made from scratch, including the tortillas, which is a major deal breaker for a taco lover like myself.

Best Tacos in Chicago are made from scratch at Velvet Taco

Among my favorites was #8, a shredded pork taco with pineapple, avocado crema, and pickled onion on a purple corn tortilla, as well as #11, the grilled flank steak taco with mushroom and white queso. Game. Over.

Pyknic Hope they Serve Tacos in Hell Shirt pairs nicely with tacos

The Nom Stop outside her favorite taco joint, Velvet Taco, in Chicago, IL

For Your Healthy Highness: LYFE Kitchen. With a menu featuring baked fries, “unfried” chicken, and plenty of vegan options, LYFE has the whole “healthy but tastes good” vibe down pat. I opted for the grass-fed farmhouse burger on a gluten-free bun that did not disappoint.

Grass Fed Burger at Lyfe Kitchen Gold Coast IL Chicago

And while everything on the menu is delicious, the garlic parmesan sweet potato fries absolutely stole my heart. I now live by the motto contained in the name: Love Your Food Everyday. Let’s just say that the Gold Coast left my heart and my stomach full of nothing but love.

Nomaste Pyknic Nom Shirt paired up with a Lyfe Kitchen Burger

Follow along with me as I continue to eat my way through the city in search of the best noms! Too see more restaurant recs right now, head to:  http://www.thenomstop.com/lincoln-park-food-cng-part-1/

Get the Overworked Under Caffeinated Tee by Pyknic : HERE.

Get the Hope they Serve Tacos in Hell Tee by Pyknic : HERE.

Get the Nomaste Tee by Pyknic : HERE.

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