The Chicago culinary scene continues to flourish, showcasing an array of mouthwatering pop-ups that combine casual dining with exceptional flavors.
Chubby Boys, previously famous for their stellar breakfast sandwiches at Drip Collective in the West Loop, has made a successful transition to the smashburger game, operating now out of Split Milk in Logan Square. The standout here is The Chubby Smash, a burger that’s a true flavor explosion, featuring a delightful mix of sauces, cheese, and crispy onions, delivering a perfect balance of saltiness, tang, sweetness, and spice. Patrons can also enjoy half-off draft beers during happy hour or try seasonal cocktails like the Erykah Baiju for a refreshing complement.
In McKinley Park, Marz Brewing isn’t just about the fantastic beers; it also hosts Taco Sublime, where the taco offerings are worth a visit. With perfectly cooked proteins including steak and shrimp, every taco comes enveloped in a crispy layer of fried cheese—a delightful addition that elevates the taco experience. For those not in the taco mood, the burritos and burgers are also highly praised.
Meanwhile, in Avondale, Patty Please operates from the compact kitchen at Small Bar. This pop-up, also stemming from the Taco Sublime team, elevates the burger experience with griddled smash patties that boast a crispy exterior while retaining a moist center. Their signature burger, The Pleaser, served at an affordable $8, features a tangy sauce and sweet grilled onions, perfect to pair with garlicky cheese curds or a frozen banana daiquiri—great budget-friendly options.
Across town, Buttermilk’s fried chicken pop-up at Little Victories in Wicker Park has gained repute for its variety of golden fried offerings. From chunky tenders to nacho-cheese-loaded fries and colossal chicken sandwiches, the chef’s TikTok-viral Caesar wrap has garnered a fan base, but be prepared for potential lines at peak times.
Cash’s Kitchen delivers no-nonsense cheeseburgers on Sundays and Mondays at The Long Room in Lakeview. Known for their simplicity, the burgers are mouthwateringly good, featuring salty smash patties and the classic combination of lettuce, tomato, and onion, topped with special sauce and toasted buns. Guests can enjoy them on the cozy back patio while sipping a refreshing cocktail.
Moving to Logan Square, Motorshucker stands out with its inventive shellfish offerings at Easy Does It. The menu features a rotating selection of raw and smoked oysters, crab rolls, and platters—each dish well worth the visit.
In Pilsen, Monochrome Brewing is not only recognized for its craft beers but also for its pop-up, Heffer BBQ. Operating on weekends, Heffer BBQ presents a menu rich in barbecue favorites such as brisket sandwiches and juicy smoked burgers, coupled with standout sides like deviled egg potato salad and creamy esquites, making it a perfect weekend stop.
For something unique, Smash Jibarito located in Desert Hawk in Wicker Park answers the question of what a burger combined with a jibarito would taste like. Their burger patties, pressed between two fried plantains, provide a deliciously sweet twist, particularly with their Estilo Animal, topped with animal sauce, sweet pickles, and American cheese, perfectly paired with a ranch water highball.
Five Squared, a Detroit-style pizza pop-up that has transitioned from virtual to a permanent location in Lincoln Park, also pops up at Off Color Brewing and Midwest Brewing Thursdays through Saturdays. Their menu frequently includes classic toppings like pepperoni, alongside innovative creations like pistachio cream and Italian sausage, ensuring that pizza lovers have plenty of delicious options.
Umamicue has carved out its niche with Vietnamese-Chinese-inspired BBQ at Hexe Coffee’s patio, available every Thursday night during summer. Featuring brisket and crispy pork belly along with weekly specialties, their menu is a must-try, especially with their smoked blue crab rangoons and nuoc cham-infused potato salad that often accompany the BBQ.
Finally, Funeral Potatoes brings a Midwestern touch to Moonflower in Portage Park, serving beloved state fair and potluck staples. Their award-winning corndogs stand out with ideal batter and hot dog ratios, alongside rotating deviled egg flavors and their signature potato casserole, combined with Moonflower’s frozen Fernet and Coke for a delightful experience.
Raza’s, now operating within Whiner Beer Co. in Pilsen, completes the pop-up roundup with Sicilian-style pizzas, available whole or by the slice. With a light, airy crust and toppings like pepperoni with jalapeños and hot honey or Italian beef with roasted peppers, their pizzas are both satisfying and exciting.
As the culinary landscape continues to grow, these pop-ups exemplify the creativity and passion driving Chicago’s food scene.
image source from：theinfatuation
