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Photograph: Grace AllenCC Ferns

Food crawl through California and Augusta in Humboldt Park

Chicago's best food new corner is Humboldt Park's California and Augusta, with pie, burgers and more

Amy Cavanaugh
Written by
Amy Cavanaugh
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if you haven’t checked out the California and Augusta intersection in Humboldt Park lately, clear your schedule, pull on your loosest-fitting jeans and prepare to embark on one of Chicago’s most epic food crawls. Over the past year, a new dessert spot (with some of the best pies in the city), a revamped cocktail bar, a coffee shop and two restaurants joined stalwart Rootstock, turning the area into one of the most delicious neighborhoods in the city. 

  • Restaurants
  • Coffee shops
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 1 of 4

Start with breakfast and ease into cocktail hour at Brendan Sodikoff’s ’70s-style coffee bar, which features Doughnut Vault treats and espresso, Rare Tea Cellar teas, and spiked steamed milk drinks and cigars. 

  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 1 of 4

Sodikoff took over the ’30s-era cocktail bar last year, and it’s still wonderfully low-key with live music, a jukebox and glowing red lights—but now with better drinks. Try the elegant gin and raspberry Clover Club. 

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  • Bars
  • Gastropubs
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 2 of 4

With a long bar, beautiful moulded ceiling and low lighting, Haywood Tavern feels like a place to relax after a long day at work. The excellent food, including gnocchi, roast chicken and a burger, is just another reason to want to hang out there. 

  • Bars
  • Gastropubs
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 2 of 4

The cozy wine and beer haven has anchored the intersection since 2009 with an impressive-yet-approachable booze selection and daily-changing small plates like pastas and charcuterie from chef Jeff Eichem.  

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