Unpretencious And Quiet

Ukrainian Village space that sits somewhere between coffee shop, retail store, and curated experience. Founded by Jean Cate and Julie Purpura, it stocks small-batch goods from independent makers in a 1950s industrial-inspired room where everything is exactly where it should be. Great place to find a gift for someone impossible to shop for. Coffee is solid. No seating, so plan accordingly.

Design-conscious coffee shop in Ukrainian Village curating small-batch specialty roasters including Four Letter Word. The space is bright and comfortable and works well as a laptop spot. The coffee execution is inconsistent and the breakfast sandwiches are forgettable. Allen's brown sugar and cardamom latte was the high point. A convenient stop in the neighborhood, not a reason to seek it out.

Dark Matter's punk-leaning all-day cafe with graffiti walls, pool tables, and a large back patio. More bar energy than coffee shop energy, which is either the reason to come or the reason to go somewhere else depending on what you're after. The coffee holds up either way.

The best Thai restaurant in Chicago is in Ukrainian Village and it tastes like Thailand. JJ's Street Food is small, loud with Thai pop, and not interested in pad thai tourism. The som tum is the real thing — salty, sweet, sour, funky, complex. The corn salad might be even better. The Guay Tiew Nam Sood Boran pork noodle soup is one of the best bowls in the city. No reservations, tables turn fast. One of the best Thai restaurants in the country.