Specialized Groceries in Chicago
Chicago has a lot of nice stores that carry specialized groceries. In addition, it might be useful to know that some neighborhoods are more specialized in one ethnic food than another. For instance, if you are looking for Asiatic food, it is strongly advised to go to Chinatown (http://www.chicagochinatown.org); Italian food is, obviously, found in Little Italy for Polish specialities (such as amazing sausages) head to Bucktown on Milwaukee Avenue. Find Swedish food, restaurant and shops to Andersonville and German beers and food at Lincoln Square.
Bari
This store is an Italian delimarket where you can buy meat, italian sausages or eat sandwiches. Just next door, there is D’amatos Bakery where you will be able to buy fresh Italian and French bread as well as italian cookies.
Caputos http://caputomarkets.com/
All Angelo Caputo’s store are located oustside Chicago but this is a good place to find nice fresh produce and italian specialty food. You can now shop online and be delivered or pick up in stores.
For more information about italian food in Chicago, we advise you to check http://www.littleitalychicago.com/ and more particularly the section about wine and food.
Chicago French Market http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/
This new European-inspired indoor market opened in December 2009 located in Chicago’s West Loop specializes in fresh and high quality products from local farmers and artisans. There you will be able to buy meat, produces, breads, cheese, pastries and much more, all of high quality. Some vendors also sell prepared food, and you can take your breakfast, lunch or have dinner right on the spot.
Joong Boo Market http://www.joongboomarket.com/index.php
Joong Boo Market is a ethnic food and Korean grocery. You will find there everything to cook asiatic food. It is located in the Avondale neigborhood. There is a L station stop (Belmont, Blue Line) not too far for those not having a car. For the lucky ones, there is a parking lot. The price are very interesting and you can even take your lunch or take out (no delivery, unfortunately). They also sell cookware, containers, electronics, etc. …
Another nice place to buy produces and groceries for Asiatic food is of course the Chicago Chinatown. For more information about Chinese groceries, please check the following link: http://www.chicagochinatown.org/
Pastoral http://www.pastoralartisan.com/
Pastoral is a cheese shop in the European tradition. In their two locations (Lakeview, Loop and a third shop coming soon), you will find, in addition to cheeses, fresh breads, charcuterie, olives, wine and sweets. They specialized in domestic (Wisconsin Cheeses) and international cheeses (England, France, Italy, Greece and much more). The baguettes and peasant breads are freshly baked and sold every day whereas other breads such as Onion Walnut Boule or Olive Bread, among others, are sold on specific days. The price level is high. They also organize classes about cheese and wine.
The Lakeview store is open from Monday to Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. The Loop store is open from Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Paulina Market https://www.paulinameatmarket.com/
Paulina Market is much more than a butcher’s shop. But meat and especially sausages are the main products of this little supermarket. There you will find beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry, deli items, hams, Swedish items and homemade sausages. Paulina Market was founded in 1949 when this part of Lincoln Avenue was known as Germantown. The founder started with homemade sausages and smoked meats, items that are still famous at Paulina Market. There you will find everything to make a sauerkraut, a traditional German dish. They can ship meat. The price level is high. Closed on Sundays, Paulina Market is open from Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, on Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 5 am.
World Market http://www.worldmarket.com/home/index.jsp
World Market is more of a decoration and furniture shop than a specialty grocery but they have a very interesting food and drinks section. There you will find Italian, French, German, Asian, and Spanish products. It is a good place to buy some international treats (swiss chocolates, French truffes) as well as extra virgin olive oil. The price level is average. There are three world market stores in the city of Chicago: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and South Gate Market.
