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The Real Park Ridge

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Home›Featured-Blogs›The Local Angle›Recommendations›Local recommendations include Aztec Dave’s, O&A Landscaping, Kaufman’s Deli, North Shore Motorworks and more

Local recommendations include Aztec Dave’s, O&A Landscaping, Kaufman’s Deli, North Shore Motorworks and more

By Trent Modglin
August 8, 2022
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I’ve seen a lot of requests for taco trucks online, and just wanted to give a shout out to Aztec Dave’s. We used them last May for a retirement party with about 80 guests. The owner was great to communicate with, and the food was delicious. Super easy!

— Amy Allen

I know I’m not telling anybody any surprises here, but the guys from Park Ridge Pickups are absolutely amazing. They just did a job in about half an hour that would have taken me days of walking boxes upstairs into my car and multiple trips to storage. I’m sure at the other side, where they will unload and stack stuff into my storage locker, it will be just as quick. How did we all survive before Kyle had this amazing idea?

— Cathy Caruso

Thank you for helping me find electrician Gianni Marinelli (312-208-3947). He got back to me quickly and was able to fit me into his schedule in a couple days. He changed some switches for me and advised me where I should have GFCI switches where none currently exist. He does not pressure you to change something that doesn’t need to be changed. In other words, I felt he was being very honest with me. I will be having him back to change a front-door light fixture once I find one I like, and will definitely refer him to my friends!

— Pat Janas

We tried Angry Egg in Norridge for dinner, and it was absolutely amazing! The best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever eaten! Dora and her daughter are the owners and they are adorable and super nice. Try this little gem and you won’t be disappointed.

— Suzanne S.

I highly recommend Marlene Kenney at Accessory Diva Designs in Des Plaines for any alterations. She hemmed two jumpsuits, a dress and a pair of pants for me all within a very timely manner. She came to my house and dropped them off too! Marlene made sure the hems were perfect and took back two items to make an adjustment. Just a great service!

— Kelly Neary Hinds

Kaufman’s Bagel and Delicatessen on Dempster is probably best known for their deli, but the bagels are pretty spectacular. The sandwiches on their dark rye bagels are great.

— Cathie D.

FreeGeek Chicago responsibly recycles and refurbishes computers and computer-related hardware in any condition. Donations are accepted on Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. only.

— T.K.

Brendan Balow Handyman Services came over to do work at our home, and we had a laundry list of things that was not easy. Brendan was a joy to work with. He is neat, cleans up after himself and went an extra mile to make whatever he did last. For example, I asked him to fix a dining room chair, and after he did that, he checked and tightened the bolts on the rest of the chairs. I highly recommend Brendan Balow.

— D. Sullivan

We worked with Studio Talo architects out of Evanston for an addition to our mid-century home. We were really happy with how it turned out and appreciated the way they honored the original era of our home while updating it for our lifestyle and preferences.

— Sarah McCarty

Leider Greenhouses and Garden Center is worth the drive (to Buffalo Grove). I just bought two large indoor tree plants and plan on going back to get an outdoor one. They take really nice care of the plants — no broken leaves/flowers.

— Krista M.

The Shawarma Inn on Devon in Park Ridge is a true hidden gem for those in the mood for tasty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. They offer everything from kabobs and shawarma wraps to lamb shank, falafel and even egg creations for breakfast. Super friendly too, whether dining in, picking up or having it delivered.

— Debbie Podmore

Myself, my husband and my daughter have been having our cars serviced at North Shore Motor Works on Milwaukee/Harlem for years after experiencing questionable repairs or costs at other local establishments. Very honest, thorough and helpful.

—  Sheri L.

John Folan from J.A. Folan Plumbing is wonderful! Lives local and redid the plumbing in our bathroom. We’ve called him for other issues, and he’s quick to respond. (847) 627-9707

— Ellen Anderson

We had Ozzie Martinez and O&A Landscaping (224-267-5296) do a number of things for our properties — everything from aeration to spring cleanup and larger landscaping projects we’ve put off for years. And they’re great, affordable and accommodating.

— Sheri D.

MP Cheer — great (cheerleading) program, athletes, coaches and board. My daughter has been in the program for five years and loves it!

— Patti S.

 

TagsAccessory Diva DesignsAngry EggAztec Dave'sBrendan Balow HandymanFreeGeek ChicagoJ.A. Folan PlumbingKaufman's Bagel and DelicatessenLeider Greenhouse and Garden CenterMP CheerNorth Shore Motor WorksO&A LandscapingPark Ridge PickupsPark Ridge recommendationsShawarma Inn Park RidgeStudio TaloThe Real Park Ridge
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The Real Chicago — an eye-catching, family friendly entertainment magazine for active locals and tourists — originally launched in 2006. It now has a sister publication: The Real Park Ridge. Proud to be servicing our new home in Park Ridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Rosemont, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and NW Chicago.

The Real Park Ridge is printed and distributed seasonally four times per year (December, March, June and September) to thousands of Park Ridge homes, as well as more than 150 area restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, spas, offices and hotels. Make sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and download our new digital app for the latest events, deals and feature articles.

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From our Park Ridge Insider section in the big sum From our Park Ridge Insider section in the big summer issue: 

What is your favorite restaurant in the area? 

@jkussymortgage : “I don’t necessarily have one favorite, as I go to different places for different experiences. Happy hour at @fireandwinege is a great deal, and the outdoor space is fantastic. The loaded nachos at @donjuanscantina are perfect to split, especially with one of their hand-shaken margaritas. And the salmon skin sushi rolls at @blufish_parkridge (not on the menu — you have to ask for it) is one of my favorites. Too many great choices to pick just one.”

Read the spotlight now at therealparkridge.com
Just a few of the many reasons to visit @thalaivas Just a few of the many reasons to visit @thalaivasindiankitchen 

Look for them in the Recommendations section of the current summer issue, and an expanded Good Eats feature coming out soon

Photos by Nikki Allen at @spiltcoffeestudio
Seriously… where won’t you find people reading The Seriously… where won’t you find people reading The Real Park Ridge?
Need advice on how to protect your skin when it's Need advice on how to protect your skin when it's this hot out? Check out the Q&A with @ajnovelli25 from @uptownmedspaparkridge that's available in our big summer issue

"Keep it simple and consistent: SPF every single day (rain or shine), reapply when you’re outdoors, and don’t rely on makeup with SPF as your only protection. Add a hat or physical coverage when you’re in direct sun. It’s underrated but incredibly effective."

Read the full Q&A, including her favorite skincare products and treatments, here: TheRealParkRidge.com
The ladies from @powherhouse__fitnessstudio here i The ladies from @powherhouse__fitnessstudio here in Park Ridge are again hosting free weekly fitness classes on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 12 in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark entertainment district.

These lively sessions include a rotating mix of low-impact workouts, strength and conditioning, agility and balance training, cardio kickboxing and more. 

Read more about it all here: https://therealparkridge.com/did-you-know-fun-helpful-info-from-local-businesses-like-ritas-italian-ice-home-comfort-and-powherhouse-fitness/
From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere... From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Park Ridge Insider @jkussymortgage on the loaded nachos and margaritas at @donjuanscantina … the filet risotto at @theharpandfiddle … relaxing a bit at @dimarkocoffee … a hidden gem for the best old-school Italian subs … and hitting the @desplainesparkdistrict Lake Park par-3 course with his son

Read it all now at TheRealParkRidge.com
Have you been to the new @animahausco Boutique (fr Have you been to the new @animahausco Boutique (from the owner of @renatasorganics ) in South Park yet? 

Expect thoughtfully chosen brands that support intentional living and everyday rituals like European lingerie and loungewear, artisan-crafted treasures, ceremonial wellness products and self-care essentials.

“Every item we carry is chosen with care, emphasizing quality over quantity, natural materials, conscious production and emotional intimacy,” Renata tells us.

Look for a feature article on this new addition to the Park Ridge fashion scene in the next issue of The Real Park Ridge.
"If this isn't the most relaxing spot in Park Ridg "If this isn't the most relaxing spot in Park Ridge, I don't know what is." — The wife, awaiting her 5-star massage and express facial at @renatasorganics on Devon Ave.
Because sometimes, it's just a deep dish kinda nig Because sometimes, it's just a deep dish kinda night at @easystreetpizza on Devon. Don't forget to check out their new summer menu specials like the Italian chopped salad, chicken caprese panini and BBQ ribs.
It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend... and i It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend... and if you're in the mood for a local craft brewery, check out the patio at @sketchbookbrew in Skoke, where we recently enjoyed their 2026 version of Freedomish called Respect Existence or Expect Resistance (fruited wheat ale with dragon fruit and Andean blackberries, blueberries and raspberries) and a stellar new double NEIPA called Phantasm of the Hopera.
USA soccer in the World Cup and half-price margari USA soccer in the World Cup and half-price margarita pitchers at @donjuanscantina sounds like a good combination tonight, doesn't it? Oh and don't forget a burrito suizo or shrimp fajitas.
Summer issue Q&A: Advice from Alexis Novelli at @u Summer issue Q&A: Advice from Alexis Novelli at @uptownmedspaparkridge on the best sun protection and skincare treatments for summer

“For long-term skin health, pair your SPF with preventive serums that support tone and texture, like antioxidants in the morning and retinoids at night. It’s really a combo of protection + repair that keeps skin healthy and even over time.”

Read the Q&A now at TheRealParkRidge.com
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