Best Trendy Restaurants in Belmont Cragin (60639)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: June 2026
Our Top Pick
Tacotlan
A birria-and-taco specialist with big-flavor signatures and multiple formats.
Notable Picks
#1
Tacotlan
8.4
A modern taqueria built around bold, griddled tacos and birria-forward specialties, with a menu that rewards ordering in their signature lanes instead of spreading wide. The best results come from one birria format plus one classic meat taco, then let the salsas do the finishing work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos with consomé, Carne asada tacos, Birria ramen
What Makes it Special: A birria-and-taco specialist with big-flavor signatures and multiple formats.
#2
Hermosa
8.1
A small, chef-driven room where the burger is a supporting player on a more creative, sandwich-forward menu. Treat it like a curated order—pick one main (burger or fried chicken sandwich), add fries, and let the flavors stay cohesive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single Bacon Cheeseburger, Cambodian Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fries
What Makes it Special: A compact spot blending burger/sandwich comfort with chef-y execution.
#3
Rica Arepa
8.1
A Venezuelan arepa shop that hits the trendy sweet spot: colorful plates, patio energy, and a menu that rewards shareable ordering. The arepas land best when you treat them like the main event—stuffed, savory, and built for mixing sauces. It’s a reliable “bring friends” pick that still works for a quick solo run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pabellón arepa, Tequeños, Yuca frita
What Makes it Special: Venezuelan arepas and shareables with patio-friendly energy.
8.0
A bright, design-forward neighborhood café that feels modern without being precious—lots of seating, strong latte program, and the kind of steady foot traffic that signals a real local staple. It’s best for coffee dates, laptop sessions, and quick pastry-and-espresso resets. Trendy energy, practical execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Latte (seasonal specials when available), Espresso drinks, Empanadas
What Makes it Special: On-site roasting with a modern, sit-and-stay café setup.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A small-format neighborhood café/market hybrid that feels new-school for the area—coffee first, then quick bites that pair well with a grab-and-go rhythm. The setting is simple, but the “local stop” energy is real, especially if you’re nearby and want something fresh without a full sit-down. A strong non-obvious pick for trendy-by-neighborhood standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Iced latte, Torta, Empanadas
What Makes it Special: A café-meets-market stop built for quick neighborhood routines.
7.7
A cute, newer-feeling boba stop that leans into sweet, photo-friendly drinks and a simple dessert-run rhythm. It’s not trying to be a full restaurant—more of a trend-forward neighborhood treat counter where the best experience is ordering one signature milk tea and getting out while it’s cold and balanced. Solid for after-school and post-dinner cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Horchata milk tea with boba, Brown sugar milk tea, Thai tea
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood boba counter with a cozy, photo-friendly setup.
7.6
A lively Mexican bar-and-grill option in 60639 that plays well for groups who want a louder room, comfort plates, and drinks without leaving the neighborhood. It’s strongest when you order classic grilled-and-sauced staples and keep the table moving with shareable starters. More “weeknight hang” than destination dining, but it fills a trendy-by-energy niche locally.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Fajitas, Margaritas
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood Mexican bar-and-grill with a lively room and drink focus.