bearDROPPINGS

La Pasadita
1141 N Ashland Ave, Chicago

There are three of these taco joints within one block, but this is the first one I went to nearly 20 years ago. They also own Las Palapitas on Milwaukee, but that’s another story. They serve great barbacoa or slow cooked beef, carne asada and chile rellenos, but get there early as they run out. You have to ask for things like cheese and sour cream so don’t freak out.

Have a cup of frosty horchata with your meal. They are open late, but unfortunately not 24 hours.

Bear & Gina Biciunas-Santoski

I started going to Healthy Foods in 1980 when I was a student @ IIT.  I loved the Kugelis and saurkraut soup to mention a few. My mom loved the buckwheat pancakes and the roast duck dinner.  Over the years I went less and less as I moved further  away, but made a pilgrimage every year.

Gina decided to retire and closed the business in December 2009.  I asked another patron to take this picture of us during my last visit the day before they closed forever.  I ran into Gina at Bake For Me on Halsted about two weeks ago and she had a tan & looked great.  Thanks Gina for all the fantastic meals.

Kevin’s Hamburger Heaven
554 West Pershing, Chicago
Open 24 hours

This unpretentious counter grill is a hidden gem.  They make hamburgers with fresh beef and milkshakes made with milk and ice cream.  Nothing fancy or expensive and they also serve breakfast all day long.  I love going there for the steak and eggs which is reasonably priced. They have a breakfast special for $1.79 that includes 2 eggs, hash browns or grits, and toast.  You have to prepay after 9 PM if that is any indication about the location.

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