GROW WITH SARAH GRACE

Attention all upcoming and current freshmen at Loyola Chicago University (or anyone looking for things to do in Chicago). I am currently a senior at the university and have lived on the Lake Shore campus for two years. Although I currently live downtown, I still visit the Lake Shore campus to see some of my favorite places. Here is a list of 11 must-try places in Rogers Park.

1. Ann Sathers 

1147 W. Granville Ave.

Found off the Granville Red Line stop, this breakfast place is a classic. It offers an amazing menu full of many different options like benedicts, wraps, omelets and pancakes to name a few. You’re bound to find something you like. The staff is extra welcoming and their cinnamon rolls are the best ones around town! (Insider tip: Order the cinnamon roll “to-go” because they are huge and you will be filled up from the meal.) My mom likes to call this place “Ann Slathers” because of the mouth-watering cinnamon rolls. 

2. Lickity Split

6056 N. Broadway Ave.

An ice cream place you can find at the corner of Glenlake and Broadway. It’s a short walk from campus and worth every second. Their custard is to die for. They always offer chocolate and vanilla custard and have a special flavor they change occasionally. You can add whatever toppings you want from over 30 choices from Butterfingers to mint Oreos. If you want it, they have it. In addition to delicious custard, they offer pastries and coffee from local places and retro candy from your childhood. 

3. Bulldog Ale House

6606 N. Sheridan Rd.

Bulldog Ale House is a restaurant found north of campus next to Chipotle. They offer a wide variety of food options. You can get tacos, burgers, pizza, wings, or sandwiches. They also allow you to choose what kind of fry you would like and to fry lovers, this is important. If you prefer a waffle fry, they have it but if you want curly fries, they can do that also. You can meet some friends for dinner and actually sit down and enjoy company or you can order it to go and enjoy it in your own place. They also offer Postmates, Grubhub and all those services.

4. Gino’s North

1111 W. Granville Ave. 

As the website says, this is “Chicago’s Best Kept Secret”! Found across the street from the Lake Shore Flaco’s Taco, Gino’s North satisfies your Italian cravings. The restaurant offers thin-crust pizza, pasta and sandwiches. If you want to pair your meal with wine or beer, you won’t be disappointed. They offer a wide variety of nearly 10 wines, both red and white and over 15 beers from domestic to imported. Their hours are important to note. The bar is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. while the kitchen is open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

5. Flaco’s Tacos

1116 W. Granville Ave.

This taco shop can be found directly underneath the Granville Red Line stop but can also be found near the Water Tower Loyola Chicago Campus. This delicious restaurant is worth every cent. You can find all of your Mexican cuisine cravings from burritos to bowls to tacos to quesadillas. Flaco’s Taco has it all. (Insider tip: If you’re going with a group, you should each order your own meal and then split a nacho. You get a taste of two dishes without filling up too fast.) They have a total of four locations: Edgewater, Water Tower, Printers Row and Glenview.

6. Pete’s Pizza and Bakehouse

1100 W. Granville Ave.

If you aren’t sure if you want Italian or American cuisine, Pete’s Pizza and Bakehouse is for you. You can have their award-winning pizza or some ribs. Pete’s offers a wide variety of food and you’re going to love it all. This restaurant started its journey in the 1950s on Belmont and Western Avenue and has been a local favorite ever since. Luckily, they have since then opened a location closer to Lake Shore Campus. The corner restaurant offers carryout and delivery, as well. 

7. Nori Sushi at Edgewater

1235 W. Devon Ave.

After offering an American, Mexican, and Italian place to eat, I have to offer a sushi place! Found behind the Starbucks on the corner of Broadway and Devon, this sushi place is another favorite of many. They offer great options for vegetarians with a “Veggie Bento Box” and their “Summer Rolls” are amazing. Don’t worry, though, they have plenty of meat options, as well. Their bento boxes are known to be rather tasty and offer leftovers the next day as you get filled up fast. In addition to all this, they also have noodles, maki, sushi, rice bowls and soups. This place will definitely fulfill your sushi cravings.

8. Green Element Resale

6241 N. Broadway Ave.

For a great shopping experience, Green Element Resale is a thrift store that offers a unique variety of not only clothes but also furniture, glassware, paintings, books, and so many other things. You can find this gem between McDonald’s and Aldis and can’t miss it as the store often displays furniture outside of its shop to attract customers. Once inside, you’ll find so many great finds for affordable prices. I have found some of my best thrift store finds here including a leather jacket and trench coat. (Insider tip: Don’t forget to walk through the back and really look. It might look like all of it is big furniture you don’t need but you could find some hidden gems back there.)

9. Armadillo’s Pillow Inc.

6753 N. Sheridan Rd.

Found just two blocks down from Bulldog Ale Bakehouse, this bookstore is an amazing little cubbyhole to hide away in and find your next favorite book. With walls full of books and cushioned chairs scattered throughout the store, this bookstore gives off an electric vibe throughout the store. You have to find a book you like as the store is organized in sections like mythology or philosophy. Although the appearance of books stacked on the floor because there is no more room on the shelves might be overwhelming, the staff is always willing to help you. Every book-lover needs to check this place out as soon as possible.

10. Passionate Nail & Tan

6429 N. Sheridan Rd.

This nail salon is located just a few storefronts down from the main Lake Shore campus Spirit Shop. The technicians here offer such a great service at an affordable price for Loyola students. You can get a pedicure to cure your writer’s block for that 10-page paper you put off until the last second. You can get a manicure to give yourself a mini “glow-up” before you go out this weekend or you can treat yourself to a tan to heal that seasonal depression you have during the cold winter months of Chicago weather. Whatever it is you might need, this nail salon will help you. They do pretty cool nail art, as well, but can keep it simple if that’s what you like. 

11. Rollin’ n Bowlin’

Damen Student Center- Loyola Chicago University

This is the only place on this list that is located directly on the campus but is my personal favorite so it had to be included. Located in the Damen Student Center, this smoothie bowl place offers amazing healthy food options and is always busy. Since it’s located on campus, it accepts Rambler Bucks but can also take any other type of payment. This small business has locations on a variety of campuses and offers smoothie bowls, smoothies and toasts. The staff is very kind and accommodates the personalizations of your bowl, smoothie, or toast.

Although I have spent a majority of my years at Loyola Chicago at Lake Shore, I currently live closer to the Water Tower campus so I guess we’ll need a Water Tower list soon so stay tuned!