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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Armour Square

Unique eats

You want a meal that offers something you cannot find anywhere else.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Mabu Generation image 1
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Asian restaurant

Neon signs and bright open space create a clean, modern design with a lively, chill vibe. The atmosphere feels unique and welcoming, suited for small groups and families. Music plays loud and upbeat, adding to the energetic setting.

Food features authentic Taiwanese cuisine with dishes that bring familiarity to Taiwanese visitors. Presentation is beautiful and the flavors are consistently delicious and tasty.

Dishes arrive on sizzling hot plates and mini woks, creating a distinctive dining experience. The atmosphere feels fun and inviting, with lively design and a chill vibe.

People are saying

"The desserts here are ridiculously fun and photogenic."

"I found the food options here to be insane and delicious."

"The presentation here is unique, like artistic pieces."

Good to know

1

Ordering food and drinks is done easily through a QR code.

2

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant offers a wide variety of Taiwanese street food and snacks.

02
UMe Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Bubble tea store with colorful pink decor and bunny-themed walls creates a cozy and fun atmosphere. Surprise plushie cups and a miniature Chicago Bean photo spot add unique interactive elements. The vibe suits casual visits and special occasions alike.

Food includes delicious teas and a few tasty fried items. Service and food quality stay consistently amazing.

Drinks feature unique flavors like mega fruit tea and mochi milk brown sugar boba. Presentation includes cute packaging and the space has an aesthetically pleasing decor.

People are saying

"The tea shop is so cute with its pink decor and adorable stuffies."

"The boba tea here has such unique and delicious flavors."

"The drinks and food here are super cute and tasty."

Good to know

1

Starting May 15, customers could visit any of the three Chicago stores to try the new drinks.

2

They were celebrating AAPI Month with new drinks and exclusive gifts.

3

There was no bathroom at UMe Tea.

03
Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant with traditional Chinese decor and built-in oil and broth pots at each table creates an authentic ambiance. The space feels cozy yet spacious, accommodating larger groups without crowding. A customizable sauce bar and complimentary appetizers add to the thoughtful setup.

Food features fresh ingredients and a suitable soup base that serves quickly. The menu offers regional Chinese cuisine beyond typical Americanized versions.

Divided pot offers two distinct broths: red mala with Sichuan peppercorns and a lighter clear broth with deep flavor. Food features unique plating that stands out visually.

People are saying

"This authentic Sichuan hot pot tastes just like it does in China."

"This Sichuan hot pot food is the closest to the real thing."

"The divided pot offers a unique Sichuan experience with two distinct broths."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak hours, but reservations are not required.

2

Prices can be high, with some meals costing around $200.

3

The menu features a diverse selection, including various broths and meats.

04
Strings Ramen Shop image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant with an open kitchen visible from seating area creates a moody, cozy atmosphere. Space feels tight and intimate, often crowded, with a homey vibe and friendly staff. Music adds to the relaxed setting, making it feel like an authentic late-night Asian snack spot.

Food here is consistently excellent with generous portions and spicy bowls that stand out. The dishes come with good flavors and solid quality every time.

Ramen here stands out with rich umami broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The Hell Ramen Level 2 offers a distinctive spicy flavor unlike typical ramen. Seating also feels unique and comfortable.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich and delicious."

"The food here has a rich, deeply flavorful broth."

"The ramen here is uniquely spicy with a rich, flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

The spicy challenge allows participants to eat for free if completed in time with minimal water.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

3

They automatically add gratuity to bills for small groups.

05
TE'AMO Boba & Dessert. - Chinatown image 1

Small space combines ordering and seating, creating a cozy but sometimes crowded setting. Bright, cute decor with aesthetic design and unique drink packaging sets a welcoming vibe. Music mixes English, Spanish, and Kpop, adding lively energy to the atmosphere.

Unique food items and a great variety of drinks and food options stand out here. The food tastes extremely refreshing and consistently comes across as good and delicious.

Drinks come in unique containers, including quality glass jars for coconut jelly. The menu offers distinctive flavors and creative packaging that stand out visually and taste-wise.

People are saying

"You have to try the mochi donuts; they're amazing."

"The food here is really tasty and refreshing."

"I found the drinks here to be pretty unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

The shop does not have a bathroom available for customers.

2

They offer a variety of vegan and dairy-free options for drinks.

3

Parking is limited; consider using public transport or rideshare.

06
Legend Tasty House image 1
Ice cream shop

Medium-sized ice cream shop with rolled ice cream prepared in front of customers creates an engaging experience. The atmosphere is bustling and family-friendly, often crowded with limited seating. Decor is modern and cozy, supporting a lively vibe where many enjoy sweet treats together.

Food arrives quickly, usually within 5 minutes, with great presentation. Dishes are tasty and sweet, offering an extraordinary flavor.

Unique flavors and a fun presentation stand out here. The ice cream is done in a unique way that is both delicious and visually appealing.

People are saying

"The rolled ice cream here is super tasty and fun to watch being made."

"The ice cream here is unique, with fun flavors and whimsical toppings."

"I thought the food tasted extraordinary and amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or use nearby lots.

3

You can customize your ice cream order at the kiosk upfront.

07
Dolo Restaurant and Bar image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern space blends traditional Chinese elements with modern elegance in a comfortable, refined atmosphere. Dim sum stands out as fresh and highly regarded, drawing a steady crowd without feeling crowded. The vibe balances lively energy with enough quiet for conversation, especially during midday.

Food arrives quickly with large dim sum portions. Chefs prepare delicious dishes that many find worth returning for.

Seafood congee features real crab, shrimp, and slivered ginger for a distinct taste. The menu includes unique dessert items and some dishes not found on standard dim sum menus.

People are saying

"I found the dim sum here to be extremely delicious."

"The seafood congee with real crab and shrimp is unique and tasty."

"I found the food here to be extremely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a 20% discount on drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a 30-minute wait for tables during peak dim sum hours on Sundays.

08
Nine Bar image 1
Cocktail bar

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a hidden entrance and vaporwave aesthetic creates a unique, intimate setting. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, driven by a live DJ booth and upbeat music. Comfortable seating invites guests to relax while enjoying creative, Asian-inspired cocktails.

Food features delicious cocktails and tasty options like crispy wontons. Quality matches well-known spots, offering a great chill vibe alongside the menu.

A hidden entrance through a restaurant leads to a speakeasy style lounge with a vaporwave theme behind the counter. Cocktails are balanced and unique, often featuring Chinese influences not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails were amazing and unique."

"The food here is outstanding and the drinks are good."

"The drinks here are unique, creative, and balanced."

Good to know

1

Getting there early is necessary to grab a seat at Nine Bar.

2

Parking at Chinatown Parking costs $2 for nearby businesses that validate.

3

Nine Bar does not validate parking.

09
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Food here is consistently delicious and excellent. It serves as a staple for those who appreciate reliable, tasty meals.

Hot wings have a very unique flavor that stands out. The breaded steak sandwich offers a distinct taste, and the french fries are also unique and delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"You have to try the breaded steak sandwich with mozzarella and giardiniera."

"The breaded steak sandwich is a unique, messy, but totally worth it experience."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

10
Kajiken Chicago image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese-style interior features wooden decor and warm lighting that create an inviting atmosphere. Music includes authentic Japanese selections enhancing the cultural vibe. Seating is intimate and creatively arranged, offering a spacious yet cozy dining experience.

Food here is bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. The dishes come with great quality and taste in an intimate setting.

Flavor profiles stand out as really unique in both dishes. The spot operates as a trendy and unique Japanese noodle bar with a menu full of unique culinary experiences.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The ramen here is a unique twist on traditional dishes."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

The average cost per person is around $20 for ramen and a shared side.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

11
Oriental Tea image 1
Chinese tea house

Small tea house with vibrant decor featuring cherry blossom branches and colorful walls creates a whimsical atmosphere. Space feels cozy but crowded, with seating for intimate or group hangouts. Offers traditional clothing to try on, adding a unique cultural touch to the experience.

Food features excellent quality and amazing drinks that match their appearance. Some novelty items are decent, complementing the overall very good offerings.

Unique decor sets the tone with a welcoming atmosphere. The durian latte stands out as a bold drink choice. An impressive selection of high-quality teas from China offers a distinct sensory journey.

People are saying

"I loved their fruit tea and bubble tea."

"It's a cozy spot with a beautiful, inviting interior."

"I found the food and drinks here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Seats are limited, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times during summer months.

3

Ordering is easy, and they accept cash payments.

12
Tiger Sugar image 1
Bubble tea store

Bubble tea and fried chicken share space in a compact shop with cute tiger decor and limited seating. The atmosphere mixes lively music with the strong smell of fried food, creating a unique sensory experience. Ordering involves multiple kiosks, which can cause confusion during busy times.

Great food quality stands out despite limited space. The menu includes boba tea and consistently delicious dishes that impress even on busy nights.

Rich, black milk tea stands out with its unique flavor. Small boba pearls add a different texture compared to other bubble tea spots.

People are saying

"The boba tea here has amazing quality and fresh boba."

"The chicken cutlets here are massive and delicious."

"The bubble tea here is so unique and rich."

Good to know

1

The ordering process involves three kiosks, which can cause confusion.

2

Seating is limited, accommodating only 4 to 8 people.

3

Parking is available right across the street.

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Armour Square, Chicago

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