When the temperatures dip and you’re in need of a comforting meal, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm bowl of soup.
If you’re near Ingersoll Avenue, you’re in luck — this vibrant neighborhood is home to some of the best soup spots around. From classic favorites to diverse flavors, here are the top 5 soups you absolutely must try.
1. Khao Poon at Lucky Lotus
2721 Ingersoll Ave
Why it’s amazing: Khao Poon is a traditional Lao coconut red curry soup simmered with kaffir, lemongrass, and galangal served with vermicelli rice noodles, mint, bean sprouts and lime. This soup has the perfect level of spice and the medley of aromatics are sure to clear your sinuses on cold winter days.
Pro Tip: This soup is seasonal, so you won’t always find it on the menu. Be sure to order it before it’s gone!
2. Hutch’s Jambalaya at Star Bar
2811 Ingersoll Ave
Why it’s amazing: Food critics debate if jambalaya is technically a soup, but we say it is! This hearty dish is made with chicken, shrimp and sausage – and of course rice! – in a rich garlic and tomato base. This dish has been a mainstay on Star Bar’s menu since the beginning.
Pro Tip: This jambalaya gets its name from Star Bar owner Mike “Hutch” Hutchison. It’s his own recipe!
3. Tomato Soup at The Cheese Bar
2925 Ingersoll Ave
Why it’s amazing: Everyone knows that nothing goes better with one of The Cheese Bar’s ooey-gooey, artisan grilled cheese sandwich selections than a cup of tomato soup. But let it be known that this roasted tomato soup with cream and a swirl of pesto can stand up on it’s own and pairs well with anything on the menu.
Pro Tip: This soup comes in three different sizes: Dipper (2 oz), Cup (4 oz) or Bowl (8 oz).
4. Chili at Palmer’s Deli & Market
2843 Ingersoll Avenue
Why it’s amazing: On any given day, Palmer’s has at least a handful of soups to choose from so it was hard to narrow down to a favorite. However, Palmer’s Chili (pictured above) is a classic that’s made-from-scratch and served daily. Ask for it to be topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and red onion.
Pro Tip: Any soup at Palmer’s can be ordered in a cup, bowl or … a bread bowl!
5. Pho at Sakari Sushi Lounge
2605 Ingersoll Avenue
Why it’s amazing: Start the week off right with “Pho King Monday” at Sakari. Order a bowl of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup in sizes Small, Medium or King. The best part is the build-your-own-pho bar where you can customize your soup’s flavor, spice level and toppings.
Pro Tip: You can add an oxtail to your pho for $4.50 while supplies last!