Simi's - Chicago

Nigerian cuisine is always fascinating, and the food at Simi's felt particularly authentic. I was especially impressed that the pounded yam was made from scratch. Overall, it was an excellent meal.

The ambiance is fantastic, and the crowd is wonderful.

The location on Google Maps is incorrect; the restaurant is called Smilin Jim's and it's located on Western Ave. It's a neighborhood bar where friends and anyone else can come together and enjoy some jamming. It's just plain fun, and they also have a pool table available.

The food here feels truly authentic, so it's best to come with an open mind. We tried the goat, beef, and fish alongside the jollof rice, which was delicious. My child especially enjoyed the mashed cassava bread, which has a texture similar to mashed potatoes, paired with the spicy spinach. The moi moi bean cake was unlike anything I've tasted before—definitely unique. They serve bottled water, so if you can, bring a reusable water bottle.

Delicious food, but the prices are a bit off. The hours are even more confusing.