10 Of The Best Places To Eat When You're Hungover
By Anthony Todd in Food on Mar 16, 2017 6:41PM
By Jennifer Olvera
We’ve all been there—the night got late, the drinks were free-flowing and that last one put you over the edge. Now, you’re hurting and on the hunt for something to abate the pain. We feel you, so it seemed like a good time to share some of our favorite post-drinking restoratives all-but-made to cure overindulgence. From greasy burgers to rib-sticking dumplings and tummy-soothing soups, consider this your hangover’s best friend.
via Fatso's Last Stand
When it’s hard to drag yourself out of a self-inflicted fog, head to ketchup and mustard-colored Fatso’s Last Stand for a no-fuss double char-dog and fries. This no-frills Ukrainian Village haunt features plenty of outdoor seating so you can breathe in some fresh air, as well as options like fried shrimp, smashburgers and a thick-cut, griddled salami sandwich that are up to the task.
Fatso’s Last Stand is at 2258 W. Chicago Ave.
Don Pedro Carnitas
While it won’t score high marks for its fluorescent-lit, bare-bones décor or its small, accident-waiting-to-happen parking lot, Don Pedro Carnitas more than makes up for its setting with a near-perfect, by-the-pound rendition of its namesake as well as juicy, sloppy beef barbacoa. Snake your way between the dual lines up front and snag a rickety table, where you can quickly prep tacos from the platter of meat put before you, topping them with pico de gallo and a spurt of lime.
Don Pedro Carnitas is at 1113 W. 18th St.
via Ruby's Facebook
Ruby’s Fast Food
Hit the cash station before heading to Ruby’s Fast Food, a counter-serve Filipino fave with a cafeteria-style, steam-table approach called turo-turo (point point). Although temptations abound, you’d be wise to settle on the zingy chicken adobo, deep-fried lechon kawali and slightly sweet spaghetti stippled with hot dogs. Or the fried rice. Or the shatteringly crispy pata. Or the tapsilog. You get the idea.
Ruby’s Fast Food is at 3740 W. Montrose Ave.
Johnnie’s Beef
Day in and day out, locals shuffle through the line at Johnnie’s Beef for one good reason: a perfect, destination-worthy rendition of the Chicago-style classic. Do yourself (and your aching head) a favor and make it a beef and sausage combo, juicy, topped with sweet and hot peppers — plus a hydrating cup of lemon Italian ice. Just be sure to have your order ready since indecision at this legendary stand is met with indignation at best.
Johnnie’s Beef is at 7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park.
Longman and Eagle
Hip, inviting and farm-to-table in approach, Longman & Eagle delivers comfort in the form of a pseudo-classic two eggs up platter. Only here, eggs come with house-made maple-glazed Spam, crispy potatoes and an ice-cold PBR. Pork belly Benedict, sunny-side duck hash and fried chicken and waffles are among the alternatives. Adding to the appeal, a handful of rooms upstairs are built for those who need to sleep it off.
Longman & Eagle is at 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.
Mabenka
Although it looks just like any old diner, this decades-old suburban gem is anything but ordinary thanks to an expertly executed lineup of hearty-as-a-lead-weight Polish and Lithuanian fare. Whether you order a plate of pierogi, saucy golabki or potato-stuffed cepelinai, you’ll be on the mend in no time. Not your cup of proverbial tea? You’ll find skillets and blintzes, crepes and apple pancakes, too.
Mabenka is at 7844 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank.
Strings Ramen. Photo via Facebook.
When you’re feeling under the weather, a bowl of piping-hot ramen is just the fix you need. At this wood-trimmed spot, you’ll be amply rewarded when you choose from the likes of shoyu, shio, miso, tonkotsu and—if you dare—tongue-singeing hell-style broths, all of which feature house-made noodles.
Strings Ramen is at 2141 S. Archer Ave.
For a throwback, laid-back experience and after effects-abating Tex-Mex eats, head to Dove’s Luncheonette in Wicker Park, where light rock emanates from the juke and chicken fried chicken, pozole rojo and burnt ends hash cures what ails you. After you scoop up the last bite, go on and order a slice of Hoosier Mama horchata pie.
Dove’s Luncheonette is at 1545 N. Damen Ave.
Photo via Q-Tine
When you want something more interesting than greasy spoon-type fare, make your way to Memphis-meets-Montreal Q-Tine for poutine. The Logan Square hybrid serves a dozen varieties topped with the likes of bacon, pulled pork and smoked pork belly. For a south of the border twist, try the version with skirt steak, peppers, onions, queso fresco, gravy and cilantro atop sweet potato fries.
Q-Tine is at 2339 N. Milwaukee Ave.
With locations in Little Italy, River North and suburban Western Springs, Davanti Enoteca turns out classy, modern Tuscan plates meant to share but good enough to hoard. Start with the honeycomb and ricotta or egg, fontina and asparagus truffle toast, moving on to the Pecorino and pepper-rich cacio e pepe or excellent prosciutto-veal meatballs on a bed of sprightly braised greens. You'll feel better in no time.
Davanti Enoteca is at 1359 W. Taylor St., 30 E. Hubbard St. and 800 Hillgrove Ave., #100, in Western Springs.