A Full Guide to The Best Grocers in Chicago
Where Chicago Shops for the best ingredients
Chicago is a town full of foodies, and that is made evident not just in our great restaurant scene, but also in the quality and diversity of our grocery stores and specialty food markets. One of the many beauties of living in this city is the ease in which we can swing by various local markets for a few specific ingredients. I encourage every Chicagoan to take full advantage of the access we have to great produce, meat, seafood, and ethnic grocers, and I hope this guide helps you do the same.
Best Overall Grocery Stores in Chicago:
Best Full-Service Grocery Chains:
Jewel-Osco
Jewel-Osco is the staple grocery chain of the Chicago-land area. Mostly referred to as Jewel, this chain is by no means “fancy.” While you may struggle to find higher end brands and local or specialty options, you will likely be able to check off most items on your grocery list here. And you can pick up your prescription while you shop. This is the staple, middle of the road (for both price and quality) Chicago grocer.
Trader Joe’s
If you are in need of a quick meal or do not particularly enjoy cooking, Trader Joe’s is your place. You will not find a proper meat counter or deli at Trader Joe’s, and if you are looking for abundant produce or specific ingredients, you may struggle here. However, Trader Joe’s excels at offering great pre made and pre packaged meals, making it a great option for those of us who are too busy or less inclined to cook.
Fresh Thyme Market
Fresh Thyme is a large Midwestern grocery chain that is very well stocked with local products. At Fresh Thyme, you will find a great selection of fresh produce and grocery staples, as well as exciting local options ranging from Chicago-made crackers, jerky, coffee, and so much more. Fresh Thyme’s meat and seafood counters tend to be slightly limited if you are looking for a specialty item, but for day-to-day cooking you will be able to find everything you need.
Pete’s Fresh Market
Pete’s is a well loved grocer with about 20 locations across the city and suburbs. This chain is known for having great quality produce and meats, and an overall extensive selection of items. Pete’s is an excellent option for home chefs who are willing to pay for higher quality items without completely blowing their budget.
Best specialty Grocery Stores in Chicago:
Best Asian Grocery Stores in Chicago:
Chicago has a vast and diverse offering of Asian cuisines and grocers.
Joong Boo
88 Marketplace
88 Marketplace is often hailed as one of the best overall grocery stores in the city, and it is certainly one of if not the best Chinese market in Chicago. 88 Marketplace is so aptly named, because it is not a grocery store or a market, it is a PLACE with many markets. More like a food mall. 88 Marketplace has many great restaurants and places to snag food, and you could spend hours wandering the endless aisles of dried spices, packages noodles, fresh produce, and live seafood.
Best Butcher Shops in Chicago:
Chicago home cooks are blessed with an abundance of high quality butchers and meat counters. Find locally sourced steaks, house-made sausages, imported rare finds, and much more from these expert Chicago butchers.
Publican Quality Meats
(Fulton Market)
Head Butcher Rob Levitt was behind Chicago’s first local whole-animal butcher shop and prioritizes sustainability in his practice. At PQM, Rob and team focus on local sourcing, working with the likes of Slagel Family Farms. Publican offers house-made sausages, in-house dry aging, monthly butcher box subscriptions with chefs notes, as well as custom orders for special requests and events.
Peoria Packing Butcher Shop
(Fulton Market)
Compared to some of the other butchers on the list, Peoria Packing may not have the same charming interior design or frills, but please do not let this deter you. The focus here is great meat freshly butchered, offered at hard-to-beat prices. Their Chicago based pork processing center means you are getting products that were likely butchered same day at wholesale prices. Be sure to check out their rotating daily specials for the best value, and inquire ahead of time for any special requests.
Best Italian Grocery Stores in Chicago:
Italian roots run deep in Chicago, so there is no shortage of authentic, quality Italian markets all across the city. Find the freshest Italian ingredients, from imported cheeses and olive oils to house made pasta, mozzarella, and specialty pastries.
Ferrara Bakery
(Little Italy)
In busienss since 1908, this local Italian bakery has been cranking out authentic Italian specialty cookies, cakes, and pastries for over 100 years, so it’s safe to say they know what they are doing.
Bari Foods
(West Town)
At Bari, you can find an assortment of high quality imported Italian cheeses, cured meats and prosciutto, plus plenty of great domestic options and homemade sausages. Aside from their stellar butchery, you can also snag homemade giardiniera and pasta sauces from the deli, and be sure to check out their selection of imported tomatoes, coffee, oils, and vinegars.
Best Bakeries for Fresh Bread in Chicago:
Most home cooks agree that having fresh, high quality bread on hand is a simple non-negotiable. Find the best local bakeries you can swing by and grab a fresh artisanal baguette or sourdough loaf.
La Fournette
(Old Town)
Bringing a taste of France to Chicago, La Fournette is known for its award winning baguettes, beer bread, and naturally leavened miche (French sourdough). The World Baking Champions and owners of La Fournette perfectly merry time-honored French baking techniques with high quality local and seasonal ingredients.
Aya Pastry
(West Town)
Aya Pastry brings precision and creativity to Chicago’s bread scene. Aya offers a variety of classic loaves, but a unique standout is the soft pillowy shokupan, aka milk bread. Aya conveniently also has a drive through window, so you can order or pickup preorders without getting out of your car!