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There’s no question Chicago is the mecca for some of the best and most diverse food in the country. While you may be familiar with your Eddie V’s and Au Chevals, it’s our job to open you up to the best eats in the city that you otherwise may not have heard of. Turns out some of the yummiest spots this side of the Willis Tower are Latino owned, so get your stretchy pants on and get eatin’, and let us know in the comments below what your favorites are!

1. The Jibarito Stop

1630-1698 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Owners: Cely Rodriguez and Moraima Fuentes

With its roots in the food truck business, the Puerto Rican Faire here is pretty much second to none. It’s staple is the “Jibarito” which is a sandwich that consists of 2 fried pieces of flatten plantains, serving as the ‘bun’. The sandwich can be made from pork, chicken, veggies or the most popular, steak.

2. Black Dog Gelato

859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Owner: Jessica Oloroso

If you love cold treats, Black Dog should absolutely be on your summer bucket list. Oloroso has mastered the craft of artisanal gelato down to a science, churning out such flavors as rosemary Irish cream and goat cheese cashew caramel . But if you’re feeling less adventurous, you can still find traditional favorites like sea salt caramel and pistachio.

3. New Rebozo

1116 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Owner: Francisco Lopez and Chef Paco

Take it from the chef himself, if you’re coming to New Rebozo, you need to try the mole. In fact, to test out just how authentic a good Mexican restaurant is, try their mole. Chef Paco boasts his mole pablano is so good, “I have no doubt my Pueblan grandma would have approved.” Another signature dish that is a must-have are the cochinitia pibil tacos, a traditional pork dish from the Yucatan Peninsula.

4. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe

2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647.

Owner: Alberto Gonzalez

There is really no other restaurant in the city where you get a true feel for the Cuban culture quite like 90 Miles. The Gonzalez family traveled by boat, The Lady Mary,  from Cuba to the United States in 1980 and have poured their heritage and pride for country into this restaurant. Staples you just have to try are the croquetas and Cubano sandwich.

5. Las Carnitas Urupan

1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Owner: El Guero Carbajal

Holding the title of “Chicago’s Best Carnitas” for over 40 years, this is one of our favorites to make the list. El Guero has been using the same recipe as when he was a boy growing up in Uruapan, the birthplace of carnitas. Pop over during your lunch break for their $8.50 lunch deal of a 1/2 pound of carnitas, tortillas, beans, chicharron, taco de papa and drink.

6.La Diosa

2308 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

Owner: Laura Martinez

Martinez has done what some would call impossible, becoming a chef and opening up a restaurant, all while being blind. Martinez knew once she finished culinary school the next move was opening up her own place and sharing her talent and love of food with the world. La Diosa is Spanish for “the goddess”, which is exactly what we think Martinez is.

7. Amerikas

734 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301

Owner: Armando Gonzalez

The story behind Amerikas is one of pride for country. “It’s a country of immigrants, so we decided to create food like a melting pot”, owner and head chef Gonzalez says. Every dish, every ingredient, every drink has a purpose and a meaning for why it is incorporated on the menu. And with items like rucula and pulpo, hailing from Latin, Asian and European influence, there is something for every palate.

8.Ronero

738 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Owner: Nils Westlind

If you have a date and want to wow, Ronero is the place to go. Not only is the cocktail list fit for the likes of Fidel Castro and Sammy Davis Jr., the food menu features over 20 choices of Latin and Cuban inspired dishes sure to impress even the pickiest of food critics.

9. Flo

5232, 1434 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Owner: Leonard Sanchez

Growing tired of the same old brunch spots? Flo is sure to become one of your new favorites. While the majority of the weekend brunch menu consists of traditional southwestern faire such as portobello tacos and huevos rancheros, there are some unsung heroes like the Fruity Cocoa Pebbles french toast (pictured below). Rest assured no matter what you choose, your tastebuds will be happy.

10.Gigi’s Kitchen

1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Owner: Ashley Denise

Man cannot live on bread alone, but man can live on a slow-roasted chicken club or grilled steak burger probably for the rest of their life. Gigi’s Kitchen got its start by adopting Ashley’s grandmother’s scrumptious bread roll recipe and adding that to a delicious hamburger.