Taste of Chicago

Waco Brothers
“Much of America is deprived of good Mexican food, so as a ‘street foodie’ I miss the carne asada taco at La Pasadita (1140 N Ashland Ave, 773-278-2130). I don’t know what they do to the skirt steak (and probably wouldn’t want to know) but it is otherworldly! I have been a devotee for about 18 years, and of the three, I prefer the one furthest south on the west side of the street.” —Dean Schlabowske

Pelican
“I’m a big fan of Papajin (1551 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-384-9600). Their pot stickers and sushi are awesome.” —Larry Herweg

“My taste buds ache for Metropolis Coffee (1039 W Granville Ave, 773-764-0400) when we are on the road. They are easily on par with the best coffeehouses in Seattle and even Italy.” —Trevor de Brauw

“I trek up the street to Handlebar (2311 W North Ave, 773-384-9546), where I know any beer on tap is likely to be limited and tasty, afternoon shots are sometimes free, and where they manage to make vegan food actually seem tasty and enticing. From seitan ravioli to the latest Three Floyds and Lagunitas on tap, Handlebar is definitely where many an afternoon has had me say, ‘Shouldn’t I go home? I’m supposed to have just had breakfast and I can’t even walk straight.’ ”—Laurent Schroeder-Lebec

The Eternals
“When I get home from tour I go to Mr. Pollo (3000 W Belmont Ave, 773-509-1208), half a block away from my house. South American rotisserie chicken with sweet plantains, black beans and rice! I mix everything up in a bowl with their amazing salsa, and in our apartment we call it the chicken bowl. On a bad day their chicken is great, and on a good day it is the best chicken I have ever tasted.” —Damon Locks

The Jai Alai Savant
“Feed (2803 W Chicago Ave, 773-489-4600)! That place is the shit! When I get home from tour, it’s usually the first place I go. They even have my photo up on the wall along with Elvis and a bunch of fancy chicken portraits. The local Thai chain Penny’s Noodle Shop (1542 N Damen Ave, 773-394-0100) is also a much-missed Chicago staple when I’m on the road. And on the dessert tip, I’m a huge fan of Margie’s Candies (1960 N Western Ave, 773-384-1035) for an old-fashioned soda-shop vibe.” —Ralph Darden, a.k.a. DJ Major Taylor

Kid Sister
“I miss the salmon salad and maduros [sweet plantains] at La Fonda (5350 N Broadway St, 773-271-3935) and having drinks with my friends at The Long Room (1612 W Irving Park Rd, 773-665-4500), my neighborhood spot. Try their Cointreau margaritas on the patio in the summer…mmm, yummy!”

The Ike Reilly Assassination
“I like to get a margarita and a Red Stripe at the Matchbox. The bartenders are fucking pros. Then I’ll work my way east to the hotel bars on Michigan Avenue, the Four Seasons, the Park Hyatt, the Drake, the Allerton’s Tip Top Tap. I like to look at the businesspeople while they get fucked up. It doesn’t happen to me. For food, I like the Half Shell (676 W Diversey Pkwy, 773-549-1773), and I’ve had many festive meals at Club Lucky (1824 W Wabansia Ave, 773-227-2300) with my band and with my family…it reminds me of sex or at least pregnancy. Hell, it’s called Club Lucky.”—Ike Reilly

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
“Pick Me Up Café (3408 N Clark St, 773-248-6613) is the Choir’s version of the Seinfeld diner—we’re always there. The menu is a delicious blend of healthy and junk food, and most is vegan or vegetarian-friendly. Also, Burger Baron (1381 W Grand Ave, 312-733-3285) has the best veggie burger. It’s greasy but has actual green things like peas and lima beans inside..” —Mary Ralph

“Huey’s (1507 W Balmoral Ave, 773-293-4800) is a great little hot-dog joint that does awesome veggie dogs and burgers (on a separate part of the grill, I might add!), and has a free foosball table. I also always miss Giordano’s (135 E Lake St, 312-616-1200) pizza when we’re on the road. And don’t give me that Gino’s crap!” —Elia

The Cool Kids
“I’m on the road now, and I can’t wait to get home and go to Innjoy (2051 W Division St, 773-394-2066). I’m gonna smash a plate of Jamaican jerk wings.” —Chuck Inglish

“Yeah. I’m with that—Innjoy and a huge plate of Jamaican jerk wings.” —Mikey Rocks

Indian
“When we tour, I miss the Dr. K’s Cure-all at Amitabul (6207 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-774-0276) and having a beer at Four Moon Tavern (1847 W Roscoe St, 773-929-6666).”—Dylan O’Toole

“I miss eating at the Half Shell and getting drinks at Danny’s Tavern (1951 W Dickens Ave, 773-489-6457).” —Ron DeFries

“The first thing I eat when I get back home is the Spartan Chicken Wrap at Greek Corner (958 N Damen Ave, 773-252-8010).”—Bill Bumgardner

The M’s
“Topolobampo (445 N Clark St, 312-661-1434) is my favorite restaurant, and I’ve been going to The Green Eye (2403 W Homer St, 773-227-8851) for years. It’s cheapish, staggering distance from my house and kitty-corner from Lazo’s Tacos (2009 N Western Ave, 773-486-3303).”—Josh Chicoine