“I like Lalo’s signature chicken/pasta appetizer soup. I wish a meal size would be offered. I think they have caldo de pollo which might be the same chicken soup. Also, the shrimp soup would “wake the dead,” as they say. Be sure to squeeze in the lemon, or lime as we say, that is served with both soups. I will let you in on another secret I learned from my years down there: Don’t drink Corona with your shrimp soup; ask for “Cerveza Sol.” P.S.: My wife likes the Tomato Basil Soup featured at “Fridays.”
-Brent Borgerson, Oak Park
“Black bean soup at Maya Del Sol (really spicy and different). I also recall Poor Phil’s having a really good clam chowder (or maybe it was lobster bisque, I can’t remember, it’s been a while).”
-Marty Stempniak, WJ staff
“1) King & I Thai Restaurant’s tom yum seafood always has good flavor and you can actually find the seafood (mussels, shrimp, crab and squid). 2) Al’s chicken noodle is very consistently good. 3) George’s split pea is nice and thick with big croutons on top. 4) Dino’s chicken noodle has big chunks of chicken and a lot of pepper. It is one of our favorites here at work. If they have that, we usually order from them; if not, we may opt for somewhere else because all we really wanted was the soup. 5) Lalo’s chicken soup, with big chunks of potato, carrots & chicken. I wish they would deliver so I could have it more often.”
-Ruth Schaeffer (lives in Chicago, works for the Village of Oak Park)
“Favourite soup: Muligatawny. Where: Winberie’s. Why? I can pronounce Muligatawny properly. It is hearty and healthy; no cream. Mild spices conjure India. Whole wheat bread, with every soup, is exceptional. Value: none better in the neighborhood. Exceptional service.”
-Ken Hundert, Oak Park
“Lalo’s has great chicken soup that they serve with the meal and it is a nice twist on the traditional homemade chicken soup.”
-Candice Danielson, WJ staff
“Panera. I really like the broccoli cheddar soup.”
-Mark Dwyer, Oak Park
“The Pasta Shoppe has a pretty tasty chicken and vegetable. It’s more reddish than yellowish, and has a good mix of veggies. You also get yummy crusty bread with it.”
-Beth Vogelsberg, WJ staff
“The tomato basil at Trader Joe’s or the butternut squash soup at TJ’s, couldn’t be better. Trader Joe’s soups (in the box) are grrrreat!”
-Jackie Schulz, Forest Park
“I love the cream of mushroom soup at Nola’s Cup. It’s a really great consistency and is seasoned perfectly. It’s a real treat.”
-Missy Laurell, WJ staff