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Eva’s Cafe
Miss those coffee shops that don’t keep you in line for half an hour and let you enjoy yourself without all kinds of 
commotion? Eva’s Café, located in Old Town, is the place to be when you want to get away from the other hustle-and-bustle coffee shops.
“A lot of customers come to Eva’s because we offer a quiet and slow environment, which is often hard to find in other places,” says Victoria, Eva’s manager and daughter of the owner. “People come here to study or get work done, and Eva’s offers them a place to do just that, as well as enjoy a lot of what we have to offer on our menu.”
Not only does Eva’s serve some of the best coffees and lattes, but they back them up with fresh, delicious sandwiches and pastries (the turkey pesto sandwich is a personal favorite). With a gentle, warm brick décor and a fireplace to cozy up next to on cold days, Eva’s is sure to cure any stress-induced blues and satisfy those hungry bellies.
Eva’s Café is located at 1447 N. Sedgwick.
— Brian Thalhammer
Lito’s Empanadas
I haven’t run across many places that sell empanadas, so when I’m in the mood for plump, deep-fried treats, I always head to Lito’s. This little place has 11 types of Colombian empanadas generously stuffed with fillings ranging from your basic beef or chicken to Nutella and banana. They’re the size of your fist, yet each empanada will run you only about $2.50. If you want a quick snack, just grab one, or if you’re ravenous, I recommend three.
Another thing I love about Lito’s is that they deliver, or you can place your order online and pick it up in the shop. Opting for pick-up is a good idea because seating is pretty limited. These pastry crescents travel really well, so expect your meal to still be steaming when you bite into it at home.
Lito’s Empanadas in Lincoln Park is located at 2566 N. Clark. www.LitosEmpanadas.com
— Amanda Parker
Nini’s Cafe
If you find yourself hanging around West Town this summer and need a snack, be sure to check out the quaint Nini’s Deli, where you can find some of the more exciting food creations happening within Chicago’s small-restaurant scene.
Combining a unique fusion of Cuban and Lebanese cuisine, the Riesco family takes pride in their cultural traditions while offering up some delicious dishes that will send your taste buds in every direction.
Of course Nini’s famous classic Cuban sandwich is a reliable favorite, but the Riescos also serve up sandwiches with a twist — including a vegetarian falafel and a breakfast sandwich with an entire omelet stuffed inside.
Nini’s is located at 543 N. Noble in West Town. www.NinisDeli.com
— Harrison Schaefer