Hello friends! I'm back with my next installment of Libraries and Lunches in Chicago! As I mentioned in my first post, part of my job involves visiting branches of the Chicago Public Library system, so I've decided to share the places around Chicago I'm stopping to eat near each library. What's more fun than libraries and good food?
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Visiting: Edgebrook & Jefferson Park
Lunch: Super Dawg
We couldn't be that close to a Super Dawg and not give it a try. It was my first time, and I'm a big fan. The hot dog was delicious (I eat mine plain, I know it's weird), and the fries were outstanding. I went back before we left and got a chocolate milkshake to go.
Edgebrook is a really great location that cares so much about its local community. They have puzzles going all the time and you can even check some out from the circulation desk! They also run a book sale once a year partnering with their local community.
Jefferson Park library has a really unique layout, and I had to capture the most adorable bike racks I've seen (it spells out "READ BOOKS" and every letter is a bike rack!).
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Visiting: Beverly & Brainerd
Lunch: Sander's BBQ
Sander's BBQ was high on my wishlist when I came up with this plan. We went shortly after they made the New York Times Best Restaurant list. I got the brisket sandwich and haven't enjoyed brisket so much since visiting Texas. It was soft, flavorful, and you end up drooling over watching them cut off slices to make sandwiches while you wait in line to order.
Beverly and Brainard branches are both really invested in their neighborhoods. Brainard holds knit and crochet workshops lead by Kamaca from Miss Purl's, a local entrepreneur. Beverly has really beautiful murals around their ceilings made by local artists. It also houses the South District offices for CPL. Both locations are really beautiful and spacious.
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Visiting: Sulzer Regional, Edgewater & Northtown
Lunch: Boonie's
I've been hearing about Boonie's for a while now, and I'm so glad we were able to go. The silog entrees all looks delicious. I went with the pork belly (Tocilog) and my coworker got the shrimp version. The garlic rice was so delicious, I honestly could've eaten that all day. The dishes were great and it was a really satisfying lunch. The staff was also tremendous and friendly and helpful as we were navigating the Filipino menu for the first time.
This day we visited three different CPL Branches: Sulzer, Northtown and Edgewater.
Sulzer is one of three Regional libraries in Chicago. They are a huge hub on the north side, and are known for having really amazing programming. They run 8 storytimes throughout the week for various ages. They have a large teens room where students can work on 3D models, create stickers using the cricut, play video games, or learn about tending for a pond of koi fish and some lizards.
Northtown is one of CPL's libraries that partners with Chicago Housing Authority, and they have a newly built space below CHA senior housing. This space had beautiful glass windows and even a tree and garden in the middle of the lobby. There's lots of single workstations and a great teen room as well as an engaging children's area.
Edgewater Branch recently had a new mural added to the front of the building, which you can easily see from the street. They have two floors (with an elevator) and their circulation staff is really helpful.
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Visiting: Clearing, Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights
Lunch: Bree Thai
Bree Thai was a place we sort of stumbled upon after recommendation from some library workers at Archer Heights. It was a small dining room but some of the best Pad Thai I've had in a long time. Service was friendly and clean and they were lovely.
Clearing Branch is home to one of our lead members of the Games Committee at CPL and they have any and every board game you could think of, and even more you never knew existed.
Garfield Ridge Branch has a flag disposal box run by a local community member, so if you ever need to dispose of a flag they can help you.
Archer Heights had great recommendations for local restaurants and the staff there knew all the best places to eat.
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Visiting: Douglass, Manning
Lunch: Moon's
Moon's was amazing. We sat at the counter for lunch but all the breakfast food smelled so amazing I had to add some fried potatoes onto my steak sandwich. So delicious and such a great spot.
Douglass is another of our more historic buildings, named for abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass.
Manning is also in a really unique building and is named after Mabel Manning, the "mayor" of the Near West side, and has a really special display of some of her items inside.
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That's all for now. I hope you all enjoy!!
by Joynorma
Dining and Cooking