Baby, it’s cold outside. Wait — make that warm. And rainy. And before you know it, it’ll be cold again. Face it, winter in Chicago is brutal. It’s no wonder most of us just want to stay inside and hibernate — and, of course, eat. Lucky for you, this season brings a slew of new delivery options, from old faves and up-and-coming spots, to keep you sated through the darkest days of winter. Just hunker down and let ’em come to you.
Thalia Spice
833 W. CHICAGO AVE. 312-226-6020
Workweek lunches are a scramble — by the time you agree on a spot and hustle there in time to avoid the lunch rush, the hour’s almost up. Next time, order from Thalia Spice, the rare spot that offers dinner and lunch delivery. Billed as “Asian fusion,” the cuisine really covers the map. Choose specialties such as Thai riverboat noodles ($8), Malaysian roti canai ($4) and spicy Indian chicken makhani (butter chicken, $9). Not jetlagged yet? There’s also sushi. In keeping with the workweek theme, try the Fat Boss roll ($14), with scallop, shrimp, avocado, scallion and spicy mayo.
The basics: Delivery fee $2. Minimum order $15. Online ordering available: thaliaspice.com
Delivery area: Roosevelt Road to Wrightwood Avenue and Western Avenue to Lake Shore Drive
La Brochette
1401 N. ASHLAND AVE. 773-276-5650
This new restaurant features a mostly Moroccan menu, with a few Lebanese, French and Italian options to round out the offerings. Popular delivery dishes include lemon confit chicken with cured olives and pita bread ($12.95), lamb couscous ($13.95) and filet mignon brochette a la Moroccan ($17.95), served with rice pilau and the veggie dish of the day, such as stuffed zucchini.
The basics: Delivery fee $2.50. Minimum order $20.
Delivery area: Anywhere within a two-mile radius — that means you, Bucktown, Wicker Park and Ukie Village.
Piece Out
1923 W. NORTH AVE. 773-772-4422
Love Piece’s pies but can’t stomach waiting an hour or more for a table on a busy night? Now you can get a piece of the action without leaving the house. The Wicker Park pizzeria and brewpub’s new takeout hub, Piece Out, offers carryout and delivery, and the menu’s only slightly more limited than the restaurant’s — same pies (roughly $11 to $17, plus toppings), apps and dessert, but no sandwiches. The only downside is that there’s no beer delivery. Our advice: Stockpile a growler or two of beer (available for carryout) so you’ve got one on hand for next time.
The basics: Delivery fee $3; $15 for special deliveries to the Loop (minimum $100 order).
Delivery area: Grand to Fullerton Avenues and Western Avenue to Halsted Street
Chant
1509 E. 53RD ST. 773-955-2200
Hyde Park’s latest dining destination, from the owners behind longtime fave Noodles Etc., features contemporary and traditional Asian fare. Dishes range from pumpkin-coconut soup ($5) to crispy fried mussels with Sriracha hot sauce ($6). Delivery won’t be available until early February, but until then you can get your South Side pan-Asian fix from Noodles Etc. (1333 E. 57th St. 773-947-8787). The Vietnamese vermicelli noodles ($5.25), served in a garlicky broth with chicken or beef, are a popular winter warmer here.
The basics: TBA (Noodles Etc. has a $2.50 delivery fee.)
Delivery area: TBA (Noodles’ is East 47th to East 62nd Streets and South Lake Shore Drive to Cottage Grove Avenue.)
Honky Tonk Barbeque
1213 W. 18TH ST. 312-226-7427
Since Willie Wagner brought his “traveling BBQ party” to rest in a Pilsen storefront this fall, everyone’s been talking about his smoky, Memphis-style ‘cue. Order a rack of hickory-smoked baby back ribs ($17) or a beef brisket sandwich ($8) for delivery, and cap it off with a slice of sweet potato pie ($2.75).
The basics: Delivery fee $3. Wagner says there’s no minimum order but politely suggests ordering dinner for two — though his wife, Beth (who’s handling delivery these early days), recently drove across town to deliver a single pulled pork sandwich.
Delivery area: Roosevelt to Cermak Roads and Ashland to Michigan Avenues
METROMIX DELIVERY FAVES BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Bucktown
SUSHI
Coast: 773-235-5775
* In the South Loop, try South Coast: 312-662-1700
Lincoln Square
THAI
Opart Thai House: 773-989-8517
Lakeview
PAN-ASIAN
Pingpong: 773-281-7575
Logan Square
BARBECUE
Fat Willy’s Rib Shack: 773-782-1800
Old Town
PIZZA
Edwardo’s Natural Pizza
Restaurant: 312-337-4490
Wicker Park
CHINESE
Papajin: 773-384-9600
* TO FIND DELIVERY OPTIONS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, CHECK METROMIX.COM ———-
METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
