LTH,
Driving down Lincoln Ave this morning I got a coffee craving just as I passed Mekato's, a Colombian bakery with a wide assortment of breads, sweets and a few prepared items. There are stools set up along a counter and a comfortable table in the window. I'm partial to their arepa, empanadas and coffee.
Just a few doors South is Bulgarian Deli, which I had been meaning to visit since I saw the sign go up a month or two ago. Bulgarian Deli is a relatively small store front with a selection of pickles, jams, ajvar etc. There's also fresh Cevapcici, cured sausage, meats and Bulgarian feta. I tried Pastarma, which is (I think) dry cured veal and also Kaizer Pastarama, which is the same with pepper. The Pastarama reminded me of Armenian basturma in appearance, taste and texture, which I very much enjoy.
The very cordial counter person, Diana, informed me on weekends the hot case, which was empty, is filled with prepared items including stuffed lamb. The same people who own Bulgarian Deli also own The Cafe, which I take it is Bulgarian as well.
This is an interesting little section of Lincoln Ave. In a half-block there is a Taqueria, whose name I forget, a Columbian restaurant, Columbian bakery and Bulgarian deli.
Enjoy,
Gary
Bulgarian Deli
5415 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
773-728-5651
Mekato's Colombian Bakery
5423 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
773-784-5181
Pueblito Viejo
5429 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL
The Cafe
5115 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
773-275-5025