Every Tuesday, WTTW News staffers highlight their favorite things in Chicago. This week, it’s investigative reporter Jared Rutecki on area grocery stores. Jared Rutecki: In an era of grocery delivery apps, I still walk the aisles — not out of necessity, but because I love it. Chicago is packed with great markets, but these five specialty stores stand out (I will also miss so many classics, so apologies in advance). H Mart The first local location, a Super H Mart, opened about 20 years ago in Niles. Once centered on Korean goods, the chain now spans Asia. Stock up on kimchi, instant ramen and standout produce — especially mushrooms. Snacks and drinks create some truly mind-blowing possibilities. Don’t miss the housemade tofu or the in-store restaurants serving noodles, dumplings and Korean corn dogs. Locations in Chicago, Niles and Naperville. Montrose Deli and Market A Northwest Side staple for more than 30 years with additional suburban outposts in Niles and Roselle, Montrose offers a panoply of Polish and other Eastern European fare. There are fresh and frozen pierogi with every imaginable filling. Check out the virtual Polish buffet at the hot bar. The cooler is stocked with butter on top of more butter. Multiple locations. Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market Caputo’s is an Italian culinary wonderland launched in 1958, and has about 10 suburban locations. Think buckets of ricotta, giardiniera, housemade sausage and dreamy cannoli. Caputo’s makes sauces, mozzarella, burrata and dishes that taste like they came straight from nonna’s kitchen. Multiple locations. Patel Brothers Founded in West Ridge in 1974, now nationwide, the aisles here overflow with produce, spices and packaged goods from across the Indian subcontinent. Try the fresh gulab jamun, naan, paratha and the endless varieties of lentils. The frozen aisle is vast. The deli counter is also worth a stop, offering samosas and puffs filled with options including chili paneer, priced around $1 each. Locations in West Ridge and Niles. Carnicerias Guanajuato With four West and Northwest side locations, it’s the classic Chicago model: groceries up front with a taqueria in back. There is a large deli counter at this corner grocery store with a variety of Mexican pantry staples. Stock up on baked goods, corn husks, peppers and perfect avocados, then grab a burrito and horchata for about $13 at the efficient counter. Multiple locations.
