Local Foods

A brand-new addition to Chicago’s grocery store scene, this airy space—a bright spot on a rather cheerless stretch of Elston—endeavors to supply shoppers with family-farmed produce and other goods from sources within the Midwest. As such, the fruits and vegetables are highly seasonal, which can be something of an adjustment for shoppers accustomed to the everything-all-the-time model of typical American mega-grocers. But rest assured, there’s plenty to build a meal around—not least, the interesting cuts, charcuterie and beautiful sausages from whole animal-focused Butcher & Larder, an erstwhile Noble Square standby that upped stakes to become an anchor here. You’ll also find items like freshly milled oatmeal and flour from the grain gurus at Baker Miller, pungent cheeses from producers like Tulip Tree Creamery and breads from Evanston’s excellent Hewn. If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, pull up a stool at Stock—the onsite café—for pasties, soups and rotating blue plate specials like pork belly on grits.