Dove's Luncheonette

"This beloved “Mex Tex” all-day diner in Wicker Park from One Off Hospitality Group leans in on Southern-inspired Mexican food, with specialties like a norteño-style brisket taco on a house-made flour tortilla, masa pancakes with mole-infused maple syrup, and tlayudas topped with brown butter sweet potatoes. To drink, try a boozy watermelon agua fresca, a Mexican bottled Coke or Jarritos, a selection of coffee and tea beverages, as well as fresh-squeezed juices." - Sam Nelson

"This neighborhood diner blends Southern comfort with Mexican flavors — and it draws a crowd. You might have to wait a bit for a counter seat or table, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, you might still find yourself sharing it with a few new friends. The breakfast menu features a taco norteño, a clear nod to northern Mexico: smoky brisket glazed with guajillo, avocado sauce, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a house-made flour tortilla so thick it resembles a pita. Portions are very generous — come hungry or be ready to share." - Brenda Storch

"This Tex-Mex diner from One Off Hospitality (Publican, Big Star) is a popular standby for Wicker Park residents who harbor a hankering for breakfast and brunch indulgences like burnt ends hash and chicken fried chicken." - Ashok Selvam

"Dove’s is run by the same people who own The Publican, and the morning menu here has the quality you’d expect from them. The space looks like an old-school diner, and it’s a good spot to visit by yourself—expect to eat at the counter while sitting on a spinny stool. You can get burnt ends hash with brisket, poblanos, and Texas toast, or other Tex-Mex dishes like a giant tlayuda. Or a giant plate of chicken fried chicken, if that’s your thing." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"When it comes to Dove’s in Wicker Park, the “FF” part of SCRPRTCUWFF is particularly important—most of the first-come, first-served seating at this Mexican and Southern diner is counter space. So unless you want to play a game of side-by-side telephone, or you somehow snag the only table in the triangular space, showing up with three people at most is ideal. That way you can still catch up while eating fried chicken smothered in chorizo gravy or slices of massive vegetarian tlayudas. Though Dove’s is typically a breakfast and lunch spot, they also have a Dove’s After Dark dinner service on Monday, Friday, and Saturday, which has a rotating menu of dishes like steak fajitas or shrimp with chipotle-mezcal salsa." - adrian kane, john ringor