Where to Find the Best Filipino Food in Chicago

April is Filipino Food Month, a cuisine that has been having a moment in Chicago. Ravenswood resident Mike Lazaro grew up eating Filipino food at home and at family parties in Chicagoland. Making his way through the city’s Filipino food scene, Lazaro shares some of his favorite spots. And Hey Chicago added a few of our favs, too.

Kasama

The award-winning fine dining spot in Ukrainian Village is well worth the wait: Tourists and locals alike are willing to wait hours for pastries and book the restaurant’s 13-course dinner menu 45 days in advance.

Boonie’s

This North Center brick-and-mortar spot is another popular Filipino spot with its affordable rotating small plates. Chicagoans first got to know Boonie’s when it was a food stall at Revival Food Hall downtown.

Uncle Mike’s Place

Another Ukrainian Village eatery worth a visit? Uncle Mike’s has been feeding Chicagoans Filipino breakfasts for more than 30 years. Only open during the day, the restaurant feels like you’re having brunch at home.

Seafood City Supermarket

Head to North Mayfair to shop at the Filipino American grocery store chain, and enjoy the cafeteria! There is a Jollibee, fast food spot, inside.

Pig & Fire

Known for lechon pork belly, Pig & Fire offers a rotating pop-up menu for pickup at the Hatchery in Garfield Park.

Alulu Brewery

The Pilsen pub serves Filipino American fare. Monday nights are half off lumpia while you shoot darts!

Sunda

Want to go somewhere a little fancy? Diners can enjoy Filipino food year-round at the River North and Fulton Market spots including lumpia, adobo pork belly, and a Kamayan feast.

Bayan Ko

Will Bayan Ko be the next Filipino-inspired restaurant in Chicago to pop off? Lazaro thinks so: The Filipino Cuban fusion spot in Ravenswood started serving a five-course tasting menu this year and is set to open a diner this month.

Mano Modern Cafe

Wash down a fried Spam breakfast slider with an ube latte at this new all-day cafe in West Town. Plus, there might be more Manos in the future — the owners want the cafe to become a national chain.

Jennivee’s Bakery

The Lakeview bakery includes Filipino flavors in its desserts — serving ube-flavored cookies and buko pandan cake slices.