La Casa Del Pueblo
Pilsen is seeing the first signs of the hipster tide—a hookah bar here, a watering hole there, a smattering of vintage shops down 18th Street. Nowhere is this more apparent and humorous than in neighborhood grocery store La Casa Del Pueblo. It’s Pilsen, so there’s chorizo, cactus and pig feet in addition to peanut butter and jelly. There’s also, weirdly and wonderfully, barbecue seitan, veggie chips, Horizon organic milk, Newman’s Own mints. A whole half-aisle devoted to tea. And let’s not leave out green curry paste, Japanese plum vinegar, and rice noodles. Strolling down Casa’s aisles might just lead to the most eclectic, inspired dinner ever.
1810 South Blue Island, (312)421-4640, lacasadelpueblo.com
Best of Chicago 2013