Wow. I had no idea the southside had vegetarian options and I grew up down here! Thanks, everyone. I'm going to have to check out some of these places.

154 wrote:Calypso Cafe in Harper Court

2nded!!

Freddie's (31st and Union) also has a pretty darn good antipasto salad if you've had enough of the double sausage. Fresh mixed greens, salami, provolone, olives, perpperoncini, onions, tomatoes, cucumber. Good and not too artery clogging (like the rest of the fare at The Freedy...).

Real Italian can also be had at Gio's deli on 27th and Lowe. And Franco's on 31st and Princeton. Good pasta in a nice sitdown family kinda place. Sorta Mafia chic.

And go to the Lithuania Healthy Foods Restaurant on Halsted and 32nd. The real deal made and served up by real Lithuanians. Be sure to get the Kolduni (or however it's spelled). Little sasage dumplings that will send you straight to nirvana. Gotta be the best place in our neighborhood for breakfast...

Siam on 55th serves some damn good Thai. And I'll give hearty seconds to Soul Vegetarian East (utterly fantastic--plus, it's run by a cult!) and Ragin' Cajun.

BadComrade wrote:
Lawrence's Fisheries. I love the breaded shrimp, and I love that it's open 24/7

I went there for lunch today. 1/2 lb. fried shrimp dinner. So good.

Keep em coming.

I also reccomend Freddies, tho it's one of the few South Side places I've been to.

I also love this thread as I have had the same interest in South Side dining as Al but am as unfamiliar. Thanks for all the great tips!

Al's Beef on Taylor St. Best damn Italian Beef sandwich in the city. That's all you need to get from there.

BadComrade wrote:
Bruna's (across the street) is also really good (just ask Itchy Mcgoo)

The portabello mushroom at Bruna's is one of my favorite appetizers in the world. The tortellini is fantastic.

I'm coming in late on this. Good suggestions. I'll just comment on some.

Pizza (both kinds): Piezano's (47th 'n Rockwell, plus somewhere else)- The people are 1/2 retarded, but the Pizza is among my top 3 (which is saying a lot!).

Italian: Just about every place on that Oakley has good food. Bacchanalia is my favorite. Haven't had as good of a meal at Bruna's though. Bertucci's Corner in china town is great. It sports good baked clams (like your mom's), and a mob-like feel ca. 1983 after 10pm.

Middle Eastern: There used to be a lot of places on 63rd, west of Kedzi, but not so much anymore.

General:
Freddie’s on 31st -good Italian ice, ton of food
Steak 'n Egger - greasy spoon on Cermak

I didn't see the Skylark discussed, but it should be considered. Good steaks, burgers, brussels sprouts ...

Soul Queen

9031 Stoney Island Avenue

I've been frequenting this place since I was a kid. Excellent soul food buffet with reasonable prices: under $10. Staff is open, welcoming and very friendly. Take yr mom's there on Mother's Day.