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Discover Chicago’s Tranquil North Park Neighborhood: Urban Trails, Colleges, Etc.

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Discover Chicago’s Tranquil North Park Neighborhood: Urban Trails, Colleges, Etc.

Published July 5, 2023
Last updated June 3, 2024

There’s something about Chicago’s Far North Side that I absolutely love. All of the neighborhoods that form the city’s northern boundary are captivating places to visit. They’re far enough away from the Loop that they’re almost suburban, but not quite. Each major street up here has its own distinct character, so exploring them is a lot of fun!

One of my favorite largely overlooked neighborhoods in Chicago is North Park. At first glance, this area may seem quiet and nondescript. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a rich history influenced by Nordic heritage. North Park is also home to two universities as well as some top-ranked high schools, so the neighborhood serves as a hub for scholars.

This community area is not directly served by any CTA or Metra trains, which is partly why it feels hidden in plain sight. However, North Park is surrounded by other interesting neighborhoods and suburbs: Lincolnwood to the north, West Ridge and Lincoln Square to the east, Albany Park to the south, and Forest Glen to the west. You may have to take a bus to get here, but it’s worth the effort!

This blog post will be broken down into the following topics. To skip down to anything that interests you, click or tap the corresponding link below!

Basic Information About North Park
- North Park University
- Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)
Parks to Visit in North Park
Enticing Food & Drink Options in North Park

Basic Information About North Park

As you can see from a map of the area, North Park is a large neighborhood with a lot of public green space. Historically, this part of Chicago was a popular destination for immigrants from the Nordics (Sweden in particular). There are still signs of this heritage, including The Sweden Shop and Tre Kronor Restaurant (both on Foster Avenue).

These days, North Park is a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the wide variety of international restaurants that can be found here. It’s a small but vibrant food scene with lots of amazing options!

The heart of North Park is the intersection of West Foster Avenue and North Kimball Avenue. The neighborhood’s two college campuses are both within walking distance of here: North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University.

North Park University

Location: 3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: https://www.northpark.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/npuchicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npuchicago/

This Christian university has a student body of about 3,000. Sources online indicate that the neighborhood was named after this school, not the other way around. (I’ve always wondered if North Park was named for being directly north of Albany Park, but nothing online seems to verify that.)

The thing that stood out to me while I was exploring North Park U is how green the campus is. It’s also pretty small, nestled between Foster Ave and the North Branch Chicago River. The architecture here is a beautiful mix of traditional styles and a few modern halls. As far as I can tell, you don’t have to be a student at NPU to walk around the grounds.

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

Location: 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: https://www.neiu.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEIUlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neiulife/

I have to admit, Northeastern (as it’s often called in Chicago, not to be confused with Northeastern University in Boston) is not as picturesque as neighboring North Park University. With that said, the campus is still pretty green, and a few of the halls have noteworthy architecture. NEIU has about 6,000 students, and there is a big focus on education and teacher training.

Parks to Visit in North Park

One of the best things about this community area is the fact that a huge percentage of it is made up of nature reserves. You will never be more than a few blocks away from a park while you’re exploring this part of Chicago! Below are some prominent ones.

North Park Village Nature Center & Peterson Park

North Park Village Nature Center

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/North-Park-Village-Nature-Center/

This is perhaps North Park’s premier outdoorsy attraction. It has a small trail loop that traverses woodlands, wetlands, prairie, and savanna. The path has no change in elevation, so it’s a pretty easy hike.

North Park Village Nature Center is fenced in, and the main entrance is on Ardmore Avenue via Pulaski Road. I think you can also enter via Peterson Park (directly to the east), but I’m not sure. Although maps indicate that there’s an entrance on West Peterson Avenue, you may encounter a locked gate if you try to enter or exit this way.

This area is densely wooded, so it’s easy to forget that you’re still surrounded by residential blocks while walking the trails. However, the pathways are clearly defined and well-trodden. All in all, North Park Village Nature Center is a nice little retreat that feels a world apart from Chicago’s busy streets.

Peterson Park

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/Peterson-Park/

Located right next to the Nature Center, Peterson Park is a standard city park. There’s a walking path here that you can access via Peterson Avenue and Central Park Avenue. You’ll also find various sports areas, a playground, and a field house.

North Park Village

If you look at a map of North Park, you’ll notice that there’s something odd about the area directly south of the Nature Center. It’s not developed into an urban grid system. Instead, a few roads seem to meander in random directions. This isn’t really a park, but there is a bit of history here that’s worth learning about.

While walking around North Park Village, I couldn’t tell what the area was for. Certain buildings have religious undertones. Others look like hospitals and medical facilities. Still others have a kind of collegiate vibe. Wide open lawns separate all of these structures. Was this a former campus of either NEIU or North Park? That was my initial guess, but I wasn’t correct.

It turns out that North Park Village used to be the city’s Tuberculosis Sanitarium. It operated from 1915 to 1974, and it basically served as a quarantine facility for people suffering from TB. Back when it was founded, the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium was located at the edge of the city, which means it’s older than everything else further west.

According to one source, people believed that the best remedy for TB was sunlight and fresh air (before drug treatments were developed). This explains why there are so many lawns and so much space between the buildings here. These days, the former TB Sanitarium is known as North Park Village. It’s been converted into multiple retirement communities, a Chicago Park District field house, a gymnastics center, and the two parks mentioned above.

LaBagh Woods & Gompers Park

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://fpdcc.com/places/locations/labagh-woods/

The large natural area of LaBagh Woods is managed by Forest Preserves of Cook County as opposed to Chicago Park District. It forms North Park’s western edge, and is easily accessible from the surrounding communities of North Mayfair and Forest Glen.

The North Branch Chicago River runs directly through here, so much of the trail system runs alongside the water. I’ll be honest: it’s not an extremely stunning view, but it’s still a nice place to go for a stroll.

La Bagh woods has two main trails: one that leads towards Forest Glen Avenue (the North Branch Trail) and one that goes all the way to Lincolnwood Town Center (the Weber Spur Trail). To be honest, I don’t love how isolated certain sections of the Weber Spur Trail are. In many places, the pathway is surrounded by thick vegetation, despite running parallel to residential streets. It’s pretty, but I’d exercise caution if you choose to hike or jog here.

Field Park

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/Eugene-Field-Park/

If you’re looking for a quiet, under-the-radar park in the neighborhood, this might be it. It’s small, split into two different sections by the North Branch Chicago River. The portion of Field Park to the north of the river is basically a tiny little segment of trail surrounded by a grove of flowers that’s been allowed to grow wild. There’s also a wetland area that seems more like a bog than a pond that you can get up close to.

Enticing Food & Drink Options in North Park

Almost every neighborhood in Chicago I’ve explored has a thriving food scene, and that’s definitely true of North Park! Restaurants are a little spread out, but many of the places mentioned below are within a few blocks of North Park University.

Vietnamese Cuisine & Phở

I was surprised to learn that North Park is a hub for Vietnamese cuisine! Read on to see where you can get phở and other authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Phở Năm Lúa

Address: 6261 N McCormick Blvd, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.pho5lua.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pho5lua/

I have always spoken very highly of this cozy little spot with an artsy dining room. It is my favorite phở spot this far north, and is probably in my top two all throughout Chicago. (I’ve written a separate blog post about Chicago’s best phở joints, so be sure to check that out if you’re as obsessed with this noodle soup as I am!)

Everything I’ve eaten at Phở Năm Lúa has always been phenomenal. I’ve had the combo phở a number of times and it is always very fragrant with generous cuts of high-quality meat. Their gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) are also really tasty. I recommend visiting Phở Năm Lúa outside of peak hours. That’s because their dining room seems to fill up every day for lunch and dinner!

Hoanh Long Vietnamese & Chinese Cuisine

Address: 6148 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.hoanhlongrestaurant.com/

I enjoyed trying the phở at Hoanh Long, although I did find that their bowl size was a little small. Despite this, the broth, noodles, and spring roll I had here were all pretty good. I need to go back and try one or two of their Chinese dishes.

Saigon Phở

Address: 3222 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://chicagopho.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saigon-PHO/100057608732710/

The first time I saw this restaurant’s name, I was immediately drawn to it. That’s because I actually lived in Saigon in 2019! I can only assume that the owners of this restaurant come from that amazing city. The best thing about the phở here is the broth. It is consistently rich and complex. The meat portions and quantity have been a little hit-or-miss, but I still find myself going back to this place every so often.

Pho Le 777

Address: 6257 N McCormick Blvd, Chicago, IL 60659
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pho777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phole777/

Did you know that Pho Le 777, Phở Năm Lúa, and Hoanh Long are all clustered at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and McCormick Boulevard? I’m not sure why, but this little commercial area is great for phở lovers! The thing that stood out to me about the bowl of soup here is that it had really good oxtail. Some restaurants don’t offer it, and some charge extra for it. As you can see, the portion size here is also pretty big.

Viet Fusion

Address: 3236 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monanchoichicago

Viet Fusion is North Park’s newest Vietnamese restaurant, and I absolutely love it! They’ve got a stylish, modern dining room and an eye-catching storefront. When I went, I ordered bún thịt nướng (a rice noodle dish with veggies, pork, a fried egg roll, and a clear savory sauce). I also got an order of spring rolls. Both dishes tasted exceptionally fresh, and I assume they were made to order. The quality of the meat was excellent, and I’d say all of the flavors were very authentic. I can’t wait to go back to try the phở here!

Additional Asian Restaurants

In addition to all of the Vietnamese restaurants featured above, North Park has quite a few other places to get delicious Asian cuisine. Check them out below!

Midori Japanese Restaurant

Address: 3310 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriJapaneseRestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midorijapanesesushi/

This place made an excellent first impression on me with their beautifully designed dining room. They have shoji doors and windows, private rooms with tatami mats, and a sushi bar that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a meal in Japan.

For my first visit, I decided to try their beef sukiyaki. It was a large bowl filled with tofu, meat, mushrooms, onions, cabbage, and clear noodles. All of those ingredients were stewed in a slightly sweet and savory broth. Before that dish came, I enjoyed a small salad with ginger dressing and a cup of miso soup. The main dish also came out with rice and fresh veggie sides. Needless to say, it was quite a feast!

When I went to Midori, I was surprised by how many regulars were there. The staff seemed to know many of the customers personally, and it’s easy to see why people keep going back. The service at Midori is truly top notch, and their menu is pretty comprehensive. I’m looking forward to trying their sushi next time!

Faiza Chicago

Address: 3315 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faiza.chicago/

Have you ever had Uyghur food before? It’s a Central Asian cuisine that I absolutely love! I was overjoyed to find a new Uyghur restaurant on Bryn Mawr, so I had to try it. The service was friendly, the food came out quickly, and the dining room is beautifully decorated!

I ordered a classic Uyghur dish called boso lagman (thick noodles with beef shown above) as well as a meat samosa (shown below). Both were delicious, although I have to admit I preferred the fried noodles over the samosa. Boso lagman is a flavorful and hearty recipe that includes green beans and red peppers. Faiza served it with red chili paste on the side. I added all of it to my plate, which gave the noodles a little bit of a zingy aftertaste.

Cozy Brunch Places

North Park is not a brunch destination per se, but there are a few places to try if you happen to be in the neighborhood early in the day.

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club

Address: 3348 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.brynmawrbreakfastclub.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bryn-Mawr-Breakfast-Club/100063689944426/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brynmawrbreakfastclub/

This breakfast and brunch place has a kind of rustic farm theme going on. The atmosphere is great, and they always seem to be busy (even on weekdays). I’ve tried the bagel and lox plate, which is a colorful and healthy plate. Their fried potatoes are also excellent!

Tre Kronor Restaurant

Address: 3258 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: http://swedishbistro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreKronorRestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trekronorresto/

Not only is this restaurant an amazing place to get breakfast or lunch, but it’s also an ode to North Park’s Swedish roots! The establishment’s name means “Three Crowns” in Swedish, referencing the national symbol. Tre Kronor has a beautiful, cozy dining room that feels like a forest, adorned with hand-painted murals.

I wanted to try something new when I went, so I ordered their Stockholm Omelette. Tucked inside was falukorv sausage and Havarti cheese. I had never had falukorv before this, and it was such a treat! The meal was also served with a choice of toast, and I couldn’t pass up the Swedish limpa. It’s a variety of rye that really complimented the omelette and potatoes.

Other Great Restaurants to Try

Sissy's Sandwich

Address: 3224 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: https://sissyssandwich.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sissys-Sandwich/100076073096911/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sissyssandwich/

This relatively new sandwich joint is a must-try if you’re in North Park! It’s conveniently located right across the street from North Park University’s main entrance. They offer standard breakfast choices as well as sandwiches with Latin flair. I tried their steak and plantain sandwich, which blew me away!

The steak was cut into thin strips, and the plantain was cooked perfectly. It was just crispy enough without being hard to bite. The meal was also served with fresh seasoned fries, as well as green and orange salsas. It was a pretty heavy and filling lunch, but it was so satisfying! The prices here were also very competitive. I’m jealous of NPU students who are just a minute or two away from this awesome diner!

Charcoal Delights

Address: 3139 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: http://www.charcoaldelights.com/

Charcoal Delights is North Park’s very own Chicago-style fast food establishment. They have burgers, fries, Chicago hot dogs, gyros, and other classic quick dishes. So far, I’ve only tried their double cheese burger with fries. The burger was extremely cheesy, and I have to agree with the owners: I think having it charbroiled makes a difference!

Enjoy Your Visit to North Park!

I hope this blog post inspires you to set aside a day or two to go explore North Park! It’s not a touristy part of Chicago by any means, but it definitely has its charm. There’s also a surprising amount of history here, not to mention local religious and cultural traditions.

If you’re visiting Chicago for the first or second time, North Park isn’t a neighborhood I’d say you absolutely have to see. But if you’re either a local resident or a traveler who’s been to Chicago many times, I highly recommend exploring the little “village” at the intersection of Foster and Kimball at least.

Have you been to North Park before? Are there any amazing restaurants here that I missed? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out some of my other Chicago 360 neighborhood guides!

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This post was published on July 5, 2023
This post was updated on June 3, 2024

Hi, I’m Kevin! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and my life revolves around traveling! Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips over the past seven years. Since I started blogging, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil, and the US. I just moved to Australia and plan to be here a full year. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Discover Chicago’s Tranquil North Park Neighborhood: Urban Trails, Colleges, Etc. appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Get To Know Edgewater, Chicago: A Colorful Lakefront Neighborhood

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Get To Know Edgewater, Chicago: A Colorful Lakefront Neighborhood

Published May 18, 2023
Last updated September 17, 2024

Chicago’s most stunning attribute is without a doubt the city’s waterfront. The urban coastline here is absolutely gorgeous! It offers phenomenal views of historic skyscrapers, and you’ll find ample green space right next to Lake Michigan. The Windy City has over a dozen officially designated “community areas” directly on the water. If you’re looking to visit one on the North Side, I highly recommend Edgewater!

Edgewater has everything you could want in a lakefront neighborhood: beautiful beaches, urban amenities, great food and drink options, and easy access to public transportation. This blog post will provide a detailed look at this colorful part of Chicago!

Layout of Edgewater
Noteworthy Attractions
Restaurants to Try

Layout of Edgewater

The City of Chicago’s official borders for Edgewater are shown below. Lake Michigan lies to the east. Uptown is directly south. Head west from Edgewater and you’ll enter Lincoln Square. The neighborhood of West Ridge is northwest of Edgewater, and Rogers Park is directly north.

This blog post will provide information about all of Edgewater except for Andersonville, a little urban corridor that comprises the southwest quadrant of the community area. Andersonville is an award-winning neighborhood that feels pretty distinct from the rest of Edgewater. It was historically a Swedish enclave and is now one of Chicago’s premier LGBTQ hangout spots. Andersonville is such a cool little “village” that I’m writing a separate blog post all about it [coming soon]!

The Actual Edge of the Water in Edgewater

As you probably guessed, Edgewater’s focal point is its eastern shoreline. The beaches here are public, with north-to-south pedestrian paths that run parallel to the lake. Edgewater’s most prominent beaches are Kathy Osterman Beach and Foster Beach. A few smaller parks can be found further north along Sheridan Road.

Broadway

Like Sheridan Road, North Broadway runs parallel to Lake Michigan. However, it’s a few blocks further inland. This is Edgewater’s main commercial strip. Many of the restaurants mentioned later on in this blog post can be found on this busy street!

Walk north on Broadway and you’ll cross over into Rogers Park near Loyola University. Taking Broadway south will bring you to Uptown. Rogers Park and Uptown are two additional lakeside neighborhoods that are worth checking out!

Clark Street

Clark Street is Edgewater’s other main north-to-south artery, even further inland than Broadway. Head due west at any point on Broadway, and after walking for about ten or fifteen minutes, you’ll find yourself on Clark. The half-mile zone between these two streets is almost entirely residential.

In the northern half of Edgewater, Clark Street is somewhat commercial, but it’s not as inviting to pedestrians as Broadway is. In the southern half of Edgewater, Clark Street becomes the center of Andersonville. This is a lively and upbeat area with so many dining options. Be sure to check out my Andersonville blog post to learn all about it [coming soon]!

Devon Avenue

Devon Avenue serves as the boundary between Edgewater and Rogers Park. It’s a thriving, busy street thanks to its proximity to Loyola University. Here you’ll find restaurants, cafes, bars, grocery stores, houses of worship, yoga studios, and more. It’s one of my favorite places to take a stroll in Edgewater (along with Broadway and the beach)!

Major East-to-West Streets and CTA Stops

Edgewater is served by multiple train stops along the CTA Red Line. From north to south, they are: Granville, Thorndale, Bryn Mawr, and Berwyn (currently closed, projected to reopen by 2025). Getting to Edgewater from other parts of Chicago is generally convenient and affordable.

Granville, Thorndale, and Bryn Mawr are all interesting east-to-west streets that have little commercial centers surrounding their CTA stops. Bryn Mawr is especially pretty, with lots of historic architecture and easy access to the lake.

Noteworthy Attractions

Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/osterman-beach

Chicago’s most popular LGBTQ beach is right here in Edgewater. During the summer months, beachgoers congregate towards the southern end of this expansive stretch of sand. In spring and fall, you may have this beach all to yourself, even on a relatively sunny and warm day. It’s a great place to go for a walk as long as it’s not raining or freezing cold!

At the south end of Hollywood Beach is a concrete pier you can walk down. The Hollywood Beach Pierhead Light is located at its far end, and this is one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. That’s because its base is painted with the rainbow flag! This vibrant splash of color is visible from far away and is a symbol of Edgewater’s inclusive community.

Further south of Kathy Osterman Beach is a series of trails that all lead to Foster Beach. In between the two, it’s not sandy, but there are terraced stone and concrete steps that lead down to the water. The paved paths, grassy areas, and waterfront here are all so serene. This might be my favorite little corner of Edgewater!

Foster Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/foster-beach

In addition to Hollywood Beach, Foster Beach is Edgewater’s other popular lakefront area. The vibe is a little different, with Foster Beach being more popular among families. Volleyball nets are set up here in the summer, so there’s typically a lot of athletes who come to use those facilities.

Foster Beach does offer nice views, but I have to be honest and say I think Hollywood Beach is a little more picturesque. Maybe I’m imagining things, but I feel like the water by Hollywood is always a little bluer and clearer than the water by Foster.

Edgewater Historical Society & Museum

Address: 5358 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.edgewaterhistory.org/ehs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgewaterhistory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgewaterhistory/

Even though this museum is technically in Andersonville, I’ve included it in this post because it focuses on all of Edgewater. Entrance is free, but the museum is only open for a few hours on Saturdays and Sundays (check their website and/or social media to verify).

When I visited, I was asked if I wanted to watch a short introduction video. After that, I checked out the exhibits, which are housed in one large room. They’re organized pretty logically, and my favorite part is their old photos of Broadway. That street used to look very different!

Restaurants to Try

Edgewater is a diverse community, and this is reflected in the area’s truly global culinary scene! From hole-in-the-wall places to high-end dining, Edgewater has food options for every budget. No matter what cuisine you’re craving, you’ll almost certainly be able to find it somewhere along Broadway.

East Asian Cuisine

Kohoku-ku Ramen
こうほくくラーメン

Address: 1136 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://www.kohoku-kuramen.com/%E3%82%B7%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B4-chicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kohokuku.chicago/

This ramen restaurant is a relative newcomer to Edgewater. It appears that they originally started with one location in New York City and recently opened their second store right here in Chicago. The décor inside the dining room is absolutely on point! It’ll make you feel like you’re actually in Japan.

I tried the spicy tonkotsu ramen here, which came with a delicious chili oil broth and extremely tender chashu pork. I also ordered a takoyaki appetizer (not pictured here), which was equally tasty. I need to go back and try some of their other ramen offerings!

Indie Cafe

Address: 5951 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: http://www.indiecafe.us/testimonials.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiecafeindiesushi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecafechicago/

Indie Cafe is a chic restaurant that’s making a name for itself on Broadway. During the high season, their outdoor patio gets pretty crowded. This place offers an extensive menu of sushi and Thai fusion. They also serve cocktails and other pan-Asian rice and noodle dishes.

While their Thai dishes are good, I’d say the real highlight here is their creative, colorful sushi rolls. I mean that literally: they come out with visually stunning ingredients and sauces drizzled on top! In addition to being very Instagrammable, all the rolls I’ve tried here taste amazing! As a foodie, I am always a little wary of sushi-Thai fusion, but rest assured that Indie Cafe has figured out how to do a great job with it!

Yatai Asian Street Food

Address: 6230 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

This unassuming little restaurant doesn’t have the most prominent storefront on Broadway. You might miss it if you’re not keeping your eyes open for places to eat. Despite that, I really liked the lunch I ate here! Their prices are pretty competitive, so I think many of their plates are designed to be shared or mixed and matched.

Yatai Asian Street Food offers a large menu of sushi, noodles, ramen, and other mostly Japanese plates. They also serve some Thai and Chinese dishes. I got their karaage don rice bowl with a Mexican sushi roll on the side. Both tasted great, and I loved that the Mexican roll was genuinely spicy. It ended up being a pretty big meal for about $20 before tax and tip.

En Lai Asian Grill

Address: 6044 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://enlaiasiangrilltogo.com/

If you’re looking for classic Chinese comfort food, En Lai Asian Grill has you covered! I stopped in one day to try their Mongolian beef lunch special plus an egg roll appetizer. The lunch special wasn’t huge, but it was decently priced. The egg roll was actually the highlight of the meal! It was just hot enough to eat without burning your mouth. The outside was crispy, the filling was delicious, and the sweet and sour dipping sauce was tangy and satisfying.

Ethiopian Cuisine

Did you know that Edgewater and neighboring Uptown are both local hubs for Ethiopian food? It’s one of my favorite things about the Far North Side’s dining scene! Edgewater has at least four Ethiopian restaurants to try. Check them out below!

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant

Address: 5844 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://axumethiopianrestaurant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axumethiopianrestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axumethiopianchicago/

Of all the Ethiopian places I’ve tried in Chicago, Axum probably does the best job in terms of plate presentation. Their meat and veggie combos are a kaleidoscope of colors! With so many tasty ingredients, stews, and sauces, the variety simply can’t be beat. Axum might be a little more expensive than other Ethiopian restaurants, but it is worth it for the portion size and top-notch dining experience!

Ethiopian Diamond

Address: 6120 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://www.ethiopiandiamondrestaurants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethiopiandiamondchicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethiopiandiamond/

This large restaurant can accommodate quite a few dine-in customers, and it seems to be the most popular Ethiopian restaurant on Broadway within Edgewater. When I went with a friend, we shared two different meat entrees that came with veggie sides. It all came out on one giant tray. Although everything tasted great, we were unsure which meat was which since both were mixed with veggies. I would go back again, but I wish our server had told us what everything was on our tray!

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

Address: 6324 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://awashethiopianrestaurant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Awash-Ethiopian-Restaurant-and-Bar/100063572199055/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awash_ethiopianrestaurant

Awash seems to be the most under-the-radar Ethiopian restaurant on Broadway. It’s right off the corner of Devon Avenue, but it’s kind of hidden in plain sight next to a Dunkin’ and a Popeyes. A friend and I went here for a late dinner one weeknight since they stay open until midnight most days. We had the place to ourselves, and ordered a few glasses of wine to sip on while we waited for the food.

The meat combo we ordered wasn’t exceptionally pretty, nor did it contain a massive variety of ingredients. It included kay wat (spicy beef stew), doro wat (spicy chicken stew) with egg, lentils, collard greens, and salad. Despite this, I really savored every bite of this meal! They did a great job with the beef and chicken stews, which were so fragrant and full of spice. This was definitely an instance of a meal not being the most picturesque, but tasting exquisite!

Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

Address: 5352 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.tesfacuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tesfaethiopiancuisine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tesfaethiopiancuisine/

Tesfa is a local institution that all foodies in Chicago should visit! It was the first Ethiopian restaurant I tried after moving to Chicago in 2021, back when they were still located in Uptown. They’ve since moved into a new storefront in Edgewater that is bright and modern.

For dinner, a friend and I split one of their meat combo platters, which came with two meat options and three veggies. We got the beef stew (siga wot) and chicken stew (doro wot) for our meats. For the veggie sides, we ordered collard greens, cabbage, and lentils. The salad must’ve been included automatically, and of course, the platter came with lots of injera!

I’m glad we ordered a wide variety at Tesfa because every portion we got was delicious! Both the chicken and beef were incredibly flavorful. If I had to choose, I’d say the beef was my favorite of those two. In terms of veggies, the collard greens and cabbage were both on point.

Mexican Cuisine

Más Allá del Sol

Address: 5848 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://www.masalladelsolchi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masalladelsolchi

I would consider this restaurant to serve elevated or upscale Mexican cuisine. It’s a little more expensive than other Mexican restaurants nearby, but I was pretty impressed with the food I had here. The main dish I ordered here was a lamb shank, which was incredibly tender and easy to eat! It reminded me of osso bucco and was served in a tomato-chipotle sauce.

I also enjoyed a margarita here and a dessert of “nieve frita,” which was basically vanilla ice cream with corn flakes, strawberry, kiwi, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle. Más Allá del Sol is a place where going all out with the desserts, drinks, and appetizers is worth it!

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Little Vietnam Restaurant

Address: 1132 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://orderlittlevietnam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleVietnam

It makes me happy that Edgewater has its very own phở restaurant, despite the relative proximity to all of the Vietnamese restaurants and cafes that are part of Asia on Argyle (Chicago’s “Little Saigon” in Uptown). It’s a hop and a skip from the Bryn Mawr CTA station, so this eatery is easy to get to.

Phở is basically my favorite food, so I wrote up a detailed review of Little Vietnam Restaurant on my separate “Best Phở Restaurants In Chicago” blog post. Be sure to check that out to see what I thought about this restaurant’s version of this iconic Vietnamese noodle soup!

Jin Thai

Address: 5458 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: http://www.jinthaicuisine.com/

Jin Thai is a prominent restaurant on the southern side of Edgewater, just across the street from the beautiful Saint Ita Catholic Church. It’s got a casual atmosphere, but their menu feels slightly more refined than your average Thai restaurant.

At first, I was tempted to get pad thai here. But when I saw that they had ginger duck listed under their specialties, I couldn’t resist. It took a little while to come out, but I was fine with that. I was pleasantly surprised by how green the plate was with so much bok choi and cilantro. I poured the white rice over meat and veggies, then let it soak in the sweet ginger soy sauce on the bottom of the plate. It was an incredibly balanced meal, and the duck was cooked to perfection.

The ginger duck plate also came with a choice of tom yum soup or salad, so I went with the former. It was delicious and spicy, and it held me over until the main plate came out. Jin Thai also makes a refreshing Thai iced coffee.

Ben's Noodles and Rice

Address: 1139 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: http://www.bensnoodlesandrice.com/

Like many of the restaurants located on Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ben’s Noodles and Rice has a very local vibe. It’s small, cozy, and comfortable. I wouldn’t call it no-frills, but I would say the dining room here isn’t done up with excessive decorations.

I ordered the “Pad Ped Catfish,” which was listed under their specials. It was a filling dish with lots of fried catfish pieces plus veggies in a slightly sweet, medium spice glaze, along with side of white rice. I don’t eat a lot of fish when I go to restaurants, but I’m glad I did here! The flavor of the catfish was pretty prominent, but it was interesting when combined with the spicy red sauce.

Other Restaurant Options in Edgewater

Regalia

Address: 5959 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://www.regalia5959.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regaliachicago/

Regalia is right next to Indie Cafe, and together they put the corner of Broadway and Thorndale on the map so to speak as a food destination. Regalia offers an innovative take on Italian food that still pays homage to its old-world roots. Every element of the dinner I had here was enjoyable, from the wine and cocktails to the soft, fluffy garlic bread that was brought to the table at the beginning of the meal. This bread was topped with herbs; it also came with a unique dip that tasted like hummus and olive oil.

For my main dish, I ordered the rigatoni ragu alla rustico. This pasta dish had wagyu beef short rib in it, which was succulent and juicy. A dollop of ricotta dolce on top tied everything together. After I mixed this cheese in, it added the perfect amount of creaminess to the dish. On top of all that, the portion size was pretty substantial, and it had a good amount of meat. Just like at Indie Cafe, Regalia’s patio out front is a beautiful place to sit on a warm summer evening!

Patio Beef

Address: 6022 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatioBeef/

Every neighborhood in the city has its own quirky, family-owned Chicago-style fast food joint. They often have funny or unusual names, and Patio Beef definitely fits the bill in that regard. I’ve tried the Chicago-style hot dogs burgers, Italian beef, and gyros here. I’d recommend trying their burger first, then branching out on subsequent visits.

The Little India

Address: 1109 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://littleindiatogo.com/

Tucked away next to the Bryn Mawr Red Line stop, The Little India restaurant is easy to overlook. It’s pretty small and quiet, but a friend and I who went to try it really enjoyed what we discovered! We shared two different meat combos (one chicken tikka and one kebab mix), which came with biryani rice, salad, and naan. The chicken tikka plate came with one portion that came in a creamy red tomato sauce, which was probably my favorite part of the meal.

Go Enjoy Edgewater!

Now that you’ve read this blog post, you’re ready to go explore Edgewater for yourself! It’s such a cool neighborhood with so many unique things packed in. During the summer, Hollywood Beach looks and feels like a slice of Miami. Broadway has a wide assortment of restaurants and bars, but it’s a more laid-back and affordable food scene than you’d find in the Loop, River North, Lakeview, or Wrigleyville.

Have you ever been to Chicago’s most colorful neighborhood on the North Side? Is there anything I missed that I should go check out and include in this post? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for visiting Caffeinated Excursions, and be sure to check out my other Chicago 360 neighborhood guides!

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This post was published on May 18, 2023
This post was updated on Sept 17, 2024

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Get To Know Edgewater, Chicago: A Colorful Lakefront Neighborhood appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

The Best Places To Eat In West Ridge And Little India, Chicago

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000

The Best Places To Eat In West Ridge & Little India, Chicago

Published March 7, 2023

Ever since I moved to Chicago in April of 2021, I’ve been exploring different neighborhoods throughout the city. West Ridge is one of the most intriguing. It’s ultra-diverse, and has an almost suburban vibe. This is also one of the least touristy parts of the North Side, perhaps because it’s not located directly on any of the CTA train lines. However, all of these factors culminate in one of Chicago’s most underrated food scenes!

The heart of West Ridge (also known as West Rogers Park) is located on West Devon Avenue. Here you’ll find Chicago’s Little India! It’s an area that’s full of vibrant storefronts, restaurants, and cafes. On Devon, you can savor authentic cuisines from India, Pakistan, and Central Asia. All foodies should know about Little India, whether you’re visiting or local!

This blog post provides information on over a dozen awesome restaurants to try in this part of Chicago. It’s broken down by location, since West Ridge is surprisingly large. To skip down to any specific section or feature, click or tap the corresponding link below!

Restaurants in the North Part of West Ridge
Restaurants in Little India (Central West Ridge)
Restaurants in the South Part of West Ridge

Disclaimer For My Food Guides When patronizing restaurants, bars, and cafes for my food guide blog posts, I always pay full price. I never request discounts or free menu items in exchange for being featured here. As such, all opinions are completely my own!

Restaurants in the North Part of West Ridge

The north side of West Ridge is largely residential. However, some great restaurants can be found along the major boulevards, including North California Avenue, North Western Avenue, Touhy Avenue, and West Howard Street.

Kizin Creole Restaurant

Address: 2311 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://www.kizincreole.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kizincreolerestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizincreole/
https://www.instagram.com/chef_dandesir/

Haitian food is not super common in Chicago, so it’s pretty cool that delicious Creole cuisine can be found right on Howard. On my first visit to Kizin, I ordered their goat stew with rice and plantains. It was incredibly tasty! Goat stew and curry goat are popular throughout the Caribbean. Each island seasons goat meat a little differently, and trying it Haitian-style at Kizin was quite a treat!

El Garcia Restaurant

Address: 7515 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elgarciarestaurant1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elgarciarestaurant/

This Mexican restaurant is sort of tucked away on its own, across the street from the strip mall on the corner of Howard and Western. However, it is conveniently located right next to the north terminal for the 49B bus line. I was very impressed with the chile relleno and steak combo I ate here! Both the meat and the stuffed pepper were excellent, especially with a few grilled onions on top to give it all some extra spice.

The rice, beans, and salad that came with this dish were also delicious. That is definitely a factor I consider when choosing Mexican restaurants to feature on my food guides: whether their sides are tasty and fresh. All in all, this meal felt like a feast. Service was also quick and friendly!

Candlelite

Address: 7452 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://candlelitechicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandleliteCHI/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlelitechi/

Candlelite is one of the neighborhood’s long-standing institutions: according to their website, they’ve been serving tavern-style pizza since 1950! If you’re walking or driving along Western Avenue, this pizzeria’s flashy red sign will probably capture your attention. Their dining room feels like a modern sports bar with historic touches that hint at the restaurant’s long history.

Candlelite is known for their white pizzas, so I ordered a personal pan the first time I went. I am not generally a fan of pizza that doesn’t have a tomato sauce base, but the Candlelite White, which is topped with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and roasted garlic was still very good. I can’t wait to go back and try some of their other offerings!

Queen K's Kitchen

Address: 7210 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://www.queenkskitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Queen-Ks-Catering/100069050057273/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenks2021/

The first thing I noticed about this cozy soul food restaurant near the corner of California and Touhy was its stylish sign, which displays a great big picture of their food! This sign also mentions their specialty: Cajun catfish, so of course I had to try that!

The fish was quite good cut up into pieces, breaded, and fried. All of the sides were delicious too! The mac and cheese was creamy, and their collard greens were phenomenal. The meal also came with a refreshing side salad that had a sweet poppy seed dressing on it.

Bina's Place

Address: 2210 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/binasplace/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Binas-Place/100063773462646/

Head to Bina’s Place for some delicious Balkan food! This is one cuisine I’m not as familiar with, but I am hoping to change that this year! At Bina’s, I’ve tried their cevapi plate, which consists of almost a dozen small beef sausages served with red onion, cabbage, and an incredibly soft pita. I’ve also ordered their signature dish: burek, a savory pie with your choice of meat or cheese filling. I got one with spinach and feta, and it was surprisingly light.

In addition to dishes like cevapi and burek, Bina’s Place offers a wide variety of American classics, some with Balkan twists. These include burgers, pasta, and pizza. I need to go back to try these!

Zimi's Pizza And Grill

Address: 6954 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://zimispizza.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zimis-Pizza-Grill/100083195927814/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimispizzagrill/

Zimi’s is another excellent place to get Balkan food on the northern side of West Ridge. In fact, it’s only a short walk away from Bina’s Place. I couldn’t resist ordering their stuffed pleskavica, pictured below. This huge grilled meat patty is made of 100% beef. If you get it stuffed, the pleskavica is folded over with a layer of melted provolone cheese in the middle! It’s a very filling dish that tastes amazing, especially with kojmok! This creamy spread sort of looks like butter, but kojmok tastes more like cream cheese. It pairs perfectly with the meat and the bread!

I was so impressed with the stuffed pleskavica at Zimi’s that I had to go back and try their pizza! According to their website, they serve New York-style, so it has a pretty thin and crispy crust. All of their flavors sound good, but the bresaola (dried cured beef) stood out to me. The thin strips of meat and mushrooms went well together. I’m sure I’ll be back soon to try even more of their menu!

Siam Pasta

Address: 7416 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Website: https://www.siampastathai.com/

The first thing I noticed about Siam Pasta is its eye-catching wood-themed exterior. It kind of makes the restaurant look like a cozy cabin. If you visit for dinner, you’ll also be greeted by their distinctive neon sign in the window. Inside, beautiful gold decorations on the walls will make you feel like you’re actually in Thailand.

Since I’ve become a Chicago restaurant enthusiast over the last few years, I feel like I have a lot of experience trying different renditions of Pad Thai. And I have to say, I really like this iconic dish at Siam Pasta. The ingredients are fresh, and the portion size is generous. Their thin noodles and sauce have the right texture and taste; the flavors are balanced, and it’s not too sweet or salty. The appetizer I tried here, their “Treasure Bag” dumplings, were also crispy and delicious!

Restaurants in Little India (Central West Ridge)

Little India runs east to west along West Devon Avenue. It’s a great place to start exploring the area’s dining scene, as there are dozens of options within walking distance to choose from!

Nepal House

Address: 2601 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://thenepalhouse.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nepalhouse.devon.5

If you’ve never tried Nepali food before, Devon Avenue is a great place to get it! At Nepal House, you can try curry or rice dishes. Pictured here is their goat curry, a meal that is full of spice. I want to go back and try their momo, which are traditional dumplings from Nepal.

Kabab King Grill

Address: 2305 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://kabab-king-grill.business.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kababkinggrilldevon/

This highly-rated Indian restaurant on Devon is worth trying if you love a meat combo platter. I split their Kabab King Combo with a friend and found that it was an ideal amount of food for two people. At first, we were surprised that the meal only came with naan and no rice, but the bread ended up being pretty filling. The tandoori chicken and chicken tikka are delicious here, and this combo includes both! We also saw lots of people ordering biryani at Kabab King Grill, so I’ll probably order that the next time I’m here!

Ali's Nihari & BBQ

Address: 2548 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://alinihari.com/

I had never heard of nihari before trying it at this restaurant, but it was delicious here! This piping hot soup is served with a huge piece of beef that is incredibly tender. The broth itself is fairly viscous and opaque, perfect for dipping naan. The nihari is served with fresh jalapeño and ginger which can be added to give the dish even more spice and flavor.

Café Alif

Address: 2245 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafealif/

One of the awesome things about Chicago’s food scene is that it features multiple places around town to get Central Asian food. Café Alif specializes in Uyghur cuisine, and is likely one of only a handful of Uyghur restaurants in the US.

I was first introduced to Uyghur food while studying abroad in Shanghai almost a decade ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. It features lots of lamb, thick noodles, beautiful flatbreads, and veggies such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes. At Café Alif, I’ve tried guru lagman, a thick noodle dish served with beef and veggies in a red soup. I poured the soup over the noodles and enjoyed everything together! They also serve a different style of lagman where the noodles, meat, and veggies are all grilled like a stir fry.

Safari Somali Cuisine

Address: 6319 N Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

This restaurant is sort of off on its own, away from the main stretch of Little India on Devon. However, Safari is worth walking over to if you’re looking for an amazing meal! I had never had Somali food before trying it here, but I’m already a huge fan. I ordered the goat, which came with rice, cooked veggies, a fresh salad, and beans. It was a very filling plate, full of spice and flavor! The goat was also really tender.

This colorful dish was served with a small cup of hot sauce, which really added some zing to the meat and rice. I tried to spread it out over everything, and it was still pretty spicy. I’m also planning to return to Safari to try their beef or chicken. Furthermore, a common staple in Somali cuisine is spaghetti! I’d love to substitute the rice for noodles next time to see how it is. I bet it’ll be amazing!

Restaurants in the South Part of West Ridge

The southern third of West Ridge is a gateway to a bunch of other cool neighborhoods and suburbs, including Lincolnwood to the northwest, North Park to the west, Lincoln Square to the south, and Andersonville to the east. Restaurants here are clustered on North Lincoln Avenue and West Peterson Avenue.

Wolfy's

Address: 2734 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.wolfyshotdogs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WolfysChicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfyshotdogschicago/

Wolfy’s is hard to miss, with its massive sign in the shape of a hot dog on a skewer out front. This is West Ridge’s most prominent “Chicago-style” local fast food joint. They serve Chicago dogs, burgers, fries, beef sandwiches, gyros, and other popular menu items.

I think Wolfy’s hot dogs are good with everything on them, and their burgers are even better. They are pretty juicy and filling! If you’re really hungry, consider getting one of each!

Milo's Pita

Address: 5731 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.milospita.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Milos-Pita/100063785356464/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milos_pita/
https://www.instagram.com/milos_pita_westridge/

Milo’s Pita is aptly named, because their pita really is delicious! It’s fairly thin, but always served warm and fresh with white and red dipping sauces. Milo’s Pita offers tasty and affordable lunch combos. I’ve had their vegetable and meat over rice lunch plates. Both are filling yet refreshing!

BryAnna's Restaurant

Address: 5695 N Lincoln Ave Apt 2, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://www.bryannasrestaurant.com/
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/bryannasrestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryannasrestaurant/

Central American food is always such a treat, and BryAnna’s is a great place to get it! They specifically offer Guatemalan and Salvadorian dishes, and I’ve loved everything I’ve tried here. Their combination plates are a great way to try many different offerings at once, or you can order a traditional dish such as their pollo amarillo: chicken and veggies served in a tasty yellow-orange sauce.

Afghan Bamyan Kabob

Address: 5701 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

This restaurant is located near the corner of California and Lincoln (along with Milo’s Pita and BryAnna’s). I absolutely love their lunch specials, which come with your choice of kabob, rice, a small salad, and two delicious dipping sauces. The meat here is perfectly seasoned, and it’s a lot of food for a pretty good price.

I’ve also tried Afghan Bamyan Kabob’s mantu ground beef dumplings, which are phenomenal. They’re prepared with a red tomato sauce and a garlic yogurt sauce, as well as split peas and cilantro on top. This plate is bursting with flavor, but it’s not overly heavy.

R-Haan Thai

Address: 5848 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Website: https://r-haanthai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhaanthaichicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhaan.thai/

R-Haan Thai has a tiny dining room with only a few tables, but it’s a restaurant I keep going back to again and again! I’ve tried their fried rice, Pad Thai, moo ping (pork skewers) with sticky rice, curry, and more. Everything is really satisfying at R-Haan, and their Pad Thai is cooked to perfection. Prices here are pretty competitive, so be sure to check them out!

Go Try One of These Amazing Restaurants!

West Ridge is a largely residential area, about a mile inland from Lake Michigan on Chicago’s north side. The restaurants featured in this guide are geographically spread out, but they come together to form one of the most impressive international food scenes not only in Chicago, but arguably in the whole country.

Have you tried any of the places mentioned in this food guide? Is there one I missed that you think should be included? Leave a comment below and let me know! I am always open to expanding this post if I find something new worth sharing! Thanks for reading and bon appétit!

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This post was published on Mar 7, 2023

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post The Best Places To Eat In West Ridge And Little India, Chicago appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Restaurants In Rogers Park: An Unexpected Food Mecca On Chicago’s North Side

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Restaurants In Rogers Park: An Unexpected Food Mecca On Chicago’s North Side

Published October 21, 2022
Last updated September 14, 2024

Have you ever been up to Chicago’s northernmost neighborhood? It’s called Rogers Park, and it’s a low-key, quirky part of town. One of the best things about Rogers Park is its incredible food scene! Even though this isn’t a touristy area, restaurants here represent a wide range of authentic international cuisines.

This guide features over a dozen different restaurants to try throughout Rogers Park. To skip down to any particular place or type of cuisine, click or tap the corresponding link below!

Mexican Cuisine
Other Latin & Central American Cuisine
African Cuisine
- Badou Senegalese Cuisine
- Denden Eritrean Restaurant
Asian Cuisine
Other Great Options

Mexican Cuisine

Rogers Park’s most prominent cuisine is Mexican. There are so many authentic options in the neighborhood, and many of them are clustered on Clark Street. Learn more below!

Taquería Restaurant Cd. Hidalgo

Address: 7104 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: http://www.hidalgotogo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaqueriaCdHidalgo/

This is one of my favorite Mexican places on Clark Street. The chiles rellenos combo plate is excellent. It features perfectly soft yet flaky batter on the outside of the peppers, which are smothered in a tomato sauce. The service is quick and friendly, and the food is very satisfying at Taquería Ciudad Hidalgo!

El Pulpo Loco

Address: 6619 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://el-pulpo-loco-restaurant.business.site/

I normally don’t go for seafood whenever I’m at a Mexican restaurant. It tends to be more expensive than other menu items and is sometimes less filling. But at El Pulpo Loco (“The Crazy Octopus”), I couldn’t resist one of their seafood platters. And I must say, the camarones a la veracruzana really impressed me!

Not only was the shrimp served in a tomato-based sauce with green olives, but the dish also came with coleslaw, fresh crispy fries, rice, and salad. It was quite a feast! I saw other customers who had ordered fish, and I was intrigued. I’ll have to order that next time I’m at El Pulpo Loco!

Taquería El Charro

Address: 6661 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charrotacos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taqueriaelcharro1/

El Charro is another great place to get authentic Mexican food. I’ve tried their house special pictured below: carne asada with nopales, a type of edible cactus (the green pieces are mostly hiding under that generous portion of beef). Their salsas are genuinely spicy, and the food I got was perfect with fresh, warm tortillas.

Akay Tacos

Address: 7360 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AKAY-TACOS/61561150195336/

One of the newest Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood is Akay Tacos. It looks like they’ve already made a name for themselves since they opened up shop, because I always see a busy dining room here whenever I walk by.

I really enjoyed the “Enchiladas Akay” I had here, which came with a shredded chicken filling, plus two chicken drumsticks on the side. The enchiladas in green sauce were cheesy and delicious, and I was surprised the chicken on the bone wasn’t fried or grilled. Instead, it was served with a tomato and pepper stew. I really liked it, and it made the meal feel authentically Mexican.

Rocky's Tacos "Super Tortas Futboleras"

Address: 7043 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://www.rockystacoschicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rockys-Tacos-Supertortas-Futboleras/100063752225087/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockys_tacos_futboleras_/

Even though I am obsessed with Mexican food, I haven’t really eaten a lot of tortas. I had to get one at Rocky’s (I’ll try their tacos next time). Upon ordering, I learned that the “super torta futbolera” only references their large size sandwich, and that they have a ton of different flavors to choose from. I requested the “selección mayor” off the Cuban tortas portion of the menu, which included breaded pork steak, pork leg, sausage, chipotle, ham and cheese. It also had lettuce and avocado.

I got the regular size torta, and it was pretty filling thanks to all those ingredients. Some of the meat in the torta was marinated in a spicy red sauce (probably the Chipotle), and you could add more red or green salsa if you wanted to. In terms of texture, this sandwich was perfect! The avocado went well with the meat, and it helped balance out the spice. If this torta had cheese, that flavor wasn’t very prominent. Regardless, each bite was a burst of flavor. The prices are pretty reasonable, too!

Taqueria Hernandez

Address: 6983 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taqueria-Hernandez/116178398405792

This taco restaurant on the corner of Clark and Lunt may look like a hole-in-the-wall. If anything, that’s all the more reason to try it! Their tacos were so good that I had to get an extra one after ordering their taco dinner combo. They charge a little extra for cheese, but it is absolutely worth it, and the overall meal isn’t too expensive.

I’ve tried their steak and lengua tacos, and both are excellent. Even their rice and beans, which come topped with Mexican cheese, are really good!

Other Latin & Central American Cuisine

In addition to excellent Mexican food, Rogers Park is also home to cuisine from Central and South America. See which countries are represented below!

Taste of Peru

Address: 6545 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://tasteofperu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOPChicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofperu.chicago/

My first real exposure to Peruvian food was during my 2018 trip to Lima, and I’ve loved it ever since! It is complex and subtle. I also appreciate that it draws influence from the many groups of people who’ve immigrated to Peru over the centuries, including from China and Japan. Taste of Peru on Clark Street is the real deal! On my first visit, I had their lomo saltado, a steak stir fry with onions, tomatoes, and potatoes mixed in, plus white rice on the side. It’s a great meal to try if you’re having a hard time choosing a dish from their extensive menu!

On my second visit, I branched out. This time, I tried their tallarín verde con bistec apanado (spaghetti with green pesto sauce and a breaded ribeye steak) and arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice). Tallarín verde is incredibly rich and creamy, so I recommend this for all pasta lovers.

Main plates at Taste of Peru are very filling (I definitely brought home leftovers from my second visit). With that said, a traditional Peruvian appetizer to try is yuca. It’s a boiled, starchy root vegetable (also called cassava). It’s got a subtle flavor and a soft texture, which distinguishes it from potatoes. I think it’s supposed to be decently healthy, too!

Las Delicias

Address: 7027 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://www.lasdeliciasrestchicago.com/

Pupusas are a delicious, savory treat from El Salvador. I’m glad that Rogers Park now has a restaurant that specializes in them! Las Delicias on Clark Street is actually the second location of this restaurant; the first one is on Montrose Avenue by Albany Park and Irving Park.

At Las Delicias, I ordered the pupusa dinner. It comes with three of these flatbreads. You can mix and match fillings, so I got a pupusa de camarón, a chipilín y queso, and a pollo y queso. Chipilín is an herb, which went well with melted cheese. Of the three pupusas that I tried, the camarón was probably my favorite. They have about a dozen different flavors to choose from, and you can also order the pupusas individually.

Redz Belizean Restaurant

Address: 7605 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60626
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redzbze/

Have you ever had Belizean cuisine? My first time trying it was during my 2018 trip to Corozal in the country’s north. Despite sharing a border with Mexico and Guatemala, Belize offers rich cuisine that shares more in common with that of the Caribbean islands than those Latin American countries.

Pictured here are two dinner plates from Redz: oxtail (above) and fried red snapper (below). Both entrees were phenomenal, especially because of the rice and beans and plantains. Oxtail is a little tough to eat because of all the bones, but it is one of my all-time favorite Caribbean specialties. Redz Belizean Restaurant does an excellent job preparing it!

African Cuisine

Rogers Park is home to a large African community. As such, the area is home to some excellent African dining options you won’t want to miss!

Badou Senegalese Cuisine

Address: 1947 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://badousenegalesecuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badousenegalesecuisine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badou_cuisine/

I don’t think I had ever tried Senegalese cuisine before going to Badou, and this was a great place to get acquainted with it. Senegal is a country on Africa’s Atlantic coast, so typical cuisine features a lot of seafood.

With that in mind, I couldn’t resist their “thiebou djen jolof” (sometimes spelled Thieboudienne). This is labeled on the menu as the national dish of Senegal, and it’s basically fish with veggies and a side of jolof rice. The fish was satisfying but the jolof rice was really the highlight of the meal. It has a tomato flavor to it, and the grains of rice are smaller than what I’m used to. It’s also not very sticky, but it can still hold its shape. The entire plate was rich in flavors and textures, and I highly recommend trying this lovely little spot on Howard Street!

Denden Eritrean Restaurant

Address: 6635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenDenRestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dendenrestaurant/

Like Senegalese, Eritrean food was another new culinary experience for me, and I absolutely loved it! The meals at Denden were set up similarly to Ethiopian meals I’ve had, with an injera base on a large metal plate. I ordered their spicy lamb, which came with some veggie-based sides. Everything was so good! Denden really feels like a local secret hiding in plain sight.

Asian Cuisine

In all honesty, Rogers Park doesn’t have as many Asian dining options as other parts of Chicago. Despite that, Rogers Park’s Asian restaurants showcase cuisines from countries like Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining

Update Summer 2024 Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining is temporarily closed until September 18, 2024.

Address: 6580 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://khmai-fine-dining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monabellacatering
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmai_fine_dining

This beautiful Cambodian restaurant really puts Rogers Park on the map in terms of its culinary offerings. If you have never had Cambodian food, you’ll be in for quite the experience at Khmai. Pictured below is their Kuy Teav Kok, egg noodles tossed in garlic oil topped with ground pork, meatballs, shrimp, crispy garlic, and cilantro. This was served alongside a delicious savory broth. It was listed as one serving but could’ve fed two people.

The Kuy Teav Kok had a full range of flavors and textures, with perfect hints of sweet and spicy aftertastes, and just enough garlic to pull everything together without being overpowering. The cilantro went very well with the ground pork, and the broth was just as interesting and complex as the rest of the meal. The staff are really helpful as well, and mentioned that the noodles and the soup could be eaten separately or together. I tried both ways, and the food was amazing regardless.

This feast took a little while to come out, but when I saw how intricate the meal was, I completely understood why. It was well worth the wait! Just know that this is a place where you’ll want to really savor your food and give yourself time to enjoy the meal.

It seems like Khmai has been noticed by lots of prominent people in Chicago’s food sphere, and the restaurant has quickly gained recognition as one of the city’s most popular new places. As such, it appears that they have moved towards requiring reservations (this was not the case when I went back in August 2022). They also post updates including rotating menus on their Instagram, so that’s the first place to check for up-to-date info.

Asian Station

Address: 1343 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://asianstationchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theasianstation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianstation_at_morse_redline/

This pan-Asian restaurant is conveniently located right next to the Morse Red Line stop. They used to be take-out only, but have since expanded to offer dine-in seating. I’ve only tried the pad thai so far, but I loved that it was made with an original slightly spicy sauce. The beef in the dish was also very tender!

On Asian Station’s pan-Asian menu, sushi is a prominent feature. I will have to get that next time I’m here! Many of their rolls have fun names that pay homage to Rogers Park, the Red Line, Morse Avenue, and other local landmarks. It’s a nice touch!

Cafe Nova

Address: 6431 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://thecafenova.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecafenova/

Cafe Nova’s website indicates that they serve Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. I’d say I’m familiar with the former, but not so much the latter. I ordered a chicken curry plate with a side of naan. The plate came with a green chicken curry, dhal (lentil) curry, and carrots. Everything at Cafe Nova was excellent, including the two curries! The green curry had a ton of spice and complexity to it, and the chicken pieces were super tender.

Eggs with Benefits

Address: 6441 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://eggswithbenefitschi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eggs_with_benefits_chi/

Eggs with Benefits is a casual Korean restaurant that serves breakfast-style dishes all day. The menu also includes some Japanese options, like the tonkatsu curry rice bowl pictured below. It included scrambled egg, which was an original, “brunchy” touch to this otherwise traditional dish.

The two main sections of the menu here are egg bowls over rice and egg sandwiches. I still need to try one of those sandwiches, and I’ll add a review of it on this post as soon as I do!

Other Great Options

Beyond Mexican, African, and Asian restaurants, Rogers Park is home to lots of other unique places to grab a meal. The last section of this post features a variety of other delectable options.

Burger Bite

Address: 1500 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://burgerbite.dine.online/locations/821551?fulfillment=pickup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8burgerbite/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8burgerbite/

This little diner with only a few tables is interesting because it’s located inside of a Shell gas station convenience store on Rogers Park’s south edge. I get it, gas station food doesn’t always have the best reputation. But don’t judge a book by its cover! The burgers, shakes, and fries at Burger Bite are all top notch. This place has even had articles written about it for its unique location and the fact that locals seem to love their take on American classics.

Drippin' Bites

Address: 6808 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://www.drippinbites.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drippinbites/

Rogers Park’s newest burger joint is certainly making waves! The name really captures what this restaurant is all about; they don’t shy away from serving messy burgers that do, in fact, drip. Their two signature offerings seem to be a smash burger and a “Drippin’ Burger.” I went with the latter as a double. The Drippin’ Burger had American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, Drippin’ Sauce, and sweet chili sauce on a brioche bun.

The Drippin’ double was pretty neatly stacked when it was served. Nonetheless, the burger required two hands to hold and inevitably slid around a bit. With so many ingredients, the Drippin’ Burger offered a bunch of overlapping flavors and textures in each bite. Of all the ingredients on that long list, I think the pickles stood out the most. While the other sauces and grilled onions sort of blended together flavor-wise, the pickles were pretty distinct.

The fries here are also freshly sliced in house, so they have some potato skin left on the edges. Prices here are a little high, but I applaud them for their bold and innovative concept. Burger aficionados should check out Drippin’ Bites!

Anto Pizza Chicago

Address: 1547 W Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://antopizza.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antopizzachicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antopizzachicago/

You’ll find this cute little pizza and pasta place right off of the Jarvis Red Line stop (walk west for about thirty seconds or a minute). They have all the bases covered: thin crust Napolitan pizza, thick crust Roman pizza, and a variety of pastas, which they serve in an iconic cone. Pictured below is their Italian sausage and pepper thick crust pie, which I thought was really good! It was filling but still had a crispy bottom side, and it wasn’t overwhelmingly heavy.

Honeybear Cafe

Address: 7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Website: https://honeybearrp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehoneybearcafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehoneybearcafe/

This brunch restaurant is undoubtedly one of the busiest restaurants in Rogers Park. Weekends are always packed, which speaks to how much the community loves Honeybear Cafe! I always prefer dining out during non-peak times, so I have taken advantage of the occasional weekday morning off to eat here when it’s not as busy.

I think one reason Honeybear Cafe is so popular is that they do a great job with both the sweet and savory sides of brunch. Pictured below is their Lulu Louisiana skillet with seasonal pumpkin French toast. As you might imagine, it was a very filling breakfast and a great way to start the day. I appreciated that the skillet included Andouille sausage and a lot of melted cheese.

Bon Appétit in Rogers Park!

Chicago’s far north side is one of my favorite parts of the city, in no small part because of its stunning international food scene. Incredible flavors from around the world are always within walking distance no matter where you are in Rogers Park!

Have you been to any of the places on this list? Are there any restaurants you think I should include? Leave a comment below and let me know! I will definitely update this post if I find any more restaurants nearby that really stand out. Thanks for reading!

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This post was published on Oct 21, 2022
This post was updated on Sept 14, 2024

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Restaurants In Rogers Park: An Unexpected Food Mecca On Chicago’s North Side appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

An Explorer’s Guide To Rogers Park, Chicago’s Eccentric Far North Side

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 17:00:00 +0000

An Explorer’s Guide To Rogers Park, Chicago’s Eccentric Far North Side

Published October 15, 2022

One of Chicago’s most overlooked and underrated neighborhoods is Rogers Park! It’s as far north as you can go while remaining within city limits. As such, this isn’t a place where you’ll run into lots of tourists. However, Rogers Park has a lot to offer, including its own distinct, off-beat vibe.

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Rogers Park offers a stunning stretch of coastline that is never overrun by beachgoers. It’s also home to one of Chicago’s prettiest university campuses. What’s more, Rogers Park has a prolific international culinary scene that hasn’t yet fully been discovered! This blog post includes everything you know to start exploring this unique community. To skip down to any of the sections below, click or tap the corresponding link.

Layout of Rogers Park
Loyola University
The Lakefront in Rogers Park
North Clark Street
North Sheridan Road
Morse CTA Station
Jarvis Square
Safety Tips

Layout of Rogers Park

As one of Chicago’s 77 community areas, the borders of Rogers Park are explicitly defined by the city. It’s about 11 miles north of the Loop (downtown Chicago). Neighboring areas include Edgewater to the south and West Ridge to the west. Directly east of Rogers Park is Lake Michigan. If you travel north from here, you’ll enter the suburb of Evanston.

Getting to Rogers Park from the Loop is easy: you can either take the CTA Red or Purple Lines. There is also a Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) station here, but I’ve only used Metra once or twice. Four different CTA stops serve Rogers Park: Loyola, Morse, Jarvis, and Howard. This means you’re never far from a train station!

Rogers Park has three main north-to-south streets: Sheridan next to the lake; Clark, which runs down the middle of the neighborhood, and Ridge on its western side. Major east-to-west streets include Devon, Pratt, Touhy, and Howard.

Loyola University Chicago

One of Chicago’s most beautiful universities is situated right on the southeast corner of Rogers Park. Loyola is a Jesuit Catholic private university, but its lakefront campus is open to the public.

Loyola’s academic buildings, chapel, and waterfront pedestrian path are all incredibly pretty. The school showcases a variety of architectural styles, including art deco motifs. I find Loyola to be very peaceful and relaxing. It’s a great first stop on a visit to Rogers Park!

The Lakefront

One of the best things about Rogers Park is its gorgeous shoreline along Lake Michigan. The neighborhood is far enough away from downtown Chicago that the beaches here are never packed. A significant portion of the waterfront is public land, so it’s accessible for all to enjoy.

The largest and (in my opinion) best beach in the area is Loyola Beach, just a few blocks north of the university with the same name. It’s a long and wide stretch of sand that offers distant views of Evanston to the north and downtown Chicago to the south.

Adjacent to the beach further inland is Loyola Park. This large green space has multiple access points along North Sheridan Road. It also has all the amenities you might expect: sports fields and basketball courts, a little snack stall, a few trails, a playground, and restrooms open seasonally.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Loyola Beach is a massive art installation here called “Artists of the Wall.” It’s a massive mural running the length of the pedestrian path on the south end of the beach. It also functions as a long bench.

According to the Chicago Parks Foundation, over a hundred different artists are represented at Artists of the Wall. It is apparently updated yearly as part of a summer festival, so the work stays not only contemporary and relevant, but is also in very good condition despite natural weathering.

There are a handful of smaller beach parks further north of here (e.g. Jarvis Beach, Fargo Beach, and Howard Beach). I’ll be honest: I don’t think any of them are as impressive as Loyola. However, the nice thing about these smaller beaches is that they rarely if ever have more than a few visitors at any given time, even on nice days.

North Clark Street

Clark Street is actually one of Chicago’s most prominent and important roadways that runs north-to-south. It begins south of the Loop near Chinatown and turns into Chicago Avenue once it hits the border with Evanston.

In Rogers Park, Clark Street serves as the neighborhood’s main commercial center. Businesses line both sides of this bustling avenue along its entire length. Many (but not all) of the best restaurants in Rogers Park are clustered on Clark.

If you’d like to learn more about Rogers Park’s burgeoning food scene, use the image link below to read my restaurant guide!

North Sheridan Road

This busy street functions as the main access point to the many public beaches in Rogers Park. Turn east at any point along Sheridan, and Lake Michigan will only be a few hundred feet away. Given its proximity to the waterfront, homes and apartments along Sheridan tend to be a little more luxurious than in other parts of Rogers Park.

Down by Loyola University, Sheridan is home to a small college town with a few local eateries, bars, and entertainment venues. However, Loyola is relatively small compared to some other universities in the Chicago area (such as Northwestern in Evanston or UIC in the Near West Side). As such, students hangout spots are limited to the few blocks surrounding the college campus.

Morse CTA Station

A little “village” that surrounds the Morse CTA Red Line Station is one of Rogers Park’s hidden gems. The area is home to a few trendy bars and theaters, but they’re all pretty low-key. If you’re looking to intermingle with Rogers Park locals, this is where you’ll want to go!

Morse is also the focal point of Rogers Park’s incredible art scene. That’s because the “Mile of Murals” is located right off of the CTA Station. Much like Artists of the Wall at Loyola Beach, the Mile of Murals is a community project that is constantly being updated. It features long stretches of painted concrete wall that run parallel to the train tracks along North Glenwood Avenue.

The art scene in Rogers Park is not limited to the Mile of Murals, however. In fact, almost every underpass in the neighborhood is painted in some way or another. Some public art displays are in better condition than others, but all of the work is inspiring and incredibly unique. Most of it has a local flare, too!

Jarvis Square

One CTA stop north of Morse is Jarvis. The little cluster of businesses here known as Jarvis Square feels even more local than the village at Morse. Jarvis Square is basically a bar, a café, and a few restaurants. I’ve tried the coffee shop and found it to be good, but a little expensive.

Is Rogers Park Safe?

I would say this part of Chicago is relatively safe, although it can sometimes feel sketchier than other parts of the North Side. Apart from the commercial areas featured in this post, Rogers Park is mostly residential. The neighborhood is best explored during the day (there isn’t a ton of nightlife here anyways). Take standard precautions as you would in any large city.

Visitors should remain alert on Rogers Park’s northern end. If you want to be extra cautious, avoid the area north of Rogers Avenue and east of Clark Street. There aren’t as many restaurants or attractions up that way, so it’s not like you’d miss out on much. In particular, the stretch of West Howard Street between the lake and Clark Street can be dicey. The same goes for the little section of Rogers Park north of Howard.

In terms of CTA stations, I would recommend visitors get off and on at Loyola, Morse, or Jarvis. Howard Station is fine for transferring to the Yellow and Purple Lines, but the immediate vicinity of that station can be iffy. Furthermore, since Howard is the terminal station for the Red Line, it can be confusing in ways that other CTA stations are not.

What Makes Rogers Park Unique?

Rogers Park was recently nominated as one of the best places to live in the US. Any ranking like that is obviously open for debate, but I do believe the neighborhood is one-of-a-kind. It stands out among Chicago’s many awesome community areas to explore!

Anyone who loves international food, art, and multiculturalism will find Rogers Park worth visiting. It’s a quirky part of town, where things simultaneously seem like they’re flourishing and struggling. Ostentatious mansions and low-income housing can be found on the same block. Bustling cafes are often right next to empty, dusty storefronts. All of these contradictions are what give Rogers Park its own unique identity. You can tell this is a place where people come together from all walks of life.

Have you ever spent time in Rogers Park? Did this blog post inspire you to go check it out? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks for reading, and if you found this post helpful for exploring Chicago, be sure to check out some of my other Chicago neighborhood guides!

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This post was published on Oct 15, 2022

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post An Explorer’s Guide To Rogers Park, Chicago’s Eccentric Far North Side appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Uptown Community

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Uptown Community

Published June 13, 2022

Are you interested in exploring a part of Chicago that’s rich in history and culture? If you are, consider a visit to Uptown! Almost a century ago, this community area on the city’s north side was one of the most lavish and influential entertainment districts in the country. Uptown’s grandeur is still on display, but it’s a more laid-back and accessible part of the city today.

Uptown is far enough away from the Loop (downtown Chicago) that it has its own unique vibe. However, it still feels like an urban center and is easy to get to on the CTA Red Line. The district is home to some of Chicago’s most extravagant music venues that had their heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. As such, the performing and visual arts are an integral part of Uptown.

Architecture enthusiasts will also enjoy Uptown’s art deco and gothic styles from that same era. Given that this is where Chicago’s wealthy and famous would go for a night on the town, the area has a distinctive “former glory” vibe to it. Some people might describe it as “run-down,” but I think Uptown maintains its historical roots and is still a dynamic community today.

To skip down to any part of this blog post, use one of the links below!

Five Parts of Uptown
Points of Interest
Uptown’s Diverse Food Scene

Five Parts of Uptown

1. Lawrence & Broadway
(Heart of Uptown)

The very center of Uptown is the intersection of West Lawrence Avenue and North Broadway. Many of the most iconic music venues are located here. In addition, there are lots of amazing places to eat within a block or two.

2. Asia on Argyle
(Uptown's North Side)

One of the coolest parts of Uptown is Asia on Argyle, a small but vibrant couple of blocks known for its Southeast Asian heritage. The CTA Argyle stop provides direct access to West Argyle Street, where you’ll find some of Chicago’s best Vietnamese and Thai cuisine.

Asia on Argyle was actually one of the first neighborhoods I explored in depth as part of my Chicago 360 blog series. If you’d like to learn more about this specific part of Uptown (including restaurant options), check out my separate blog post!

3. Wilson CTA Red Line Stop

A few blocks south of West Lawrence Avenue, you’ll find the Wilson CTA Red Line stop. This area has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and shopping, especially along North Broadway. You’ll also find much of Uptown’s most prominent street art on display near Wilson.

4. Clark & Ashland
(Western Edge of Uptown)

On the western side of Uptown, North Ashland Avenue and North Clark Street run parallel to each other. Clark is more commercialized, and Ashland is more residential. If you travel north on either road, you’ll move from Uptown into Andersonville, another lively part of Chicago.

5. Buena Park
(Uptown's Southernmost Neighborhood)

This quiet, lakefront area has fewer attractions for visitors than other parts of Uptown. However, there are still some interesting bars and restaurants on North Broadway, which cuts diagonally through it. In Buena Park, you can find some historic homes and apartments, especially on West Hutchinson Street.

Points of Interest

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://greenmilljazz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenmillcocktaillounge

This bar and jazz lounge is one of Uptown’s most amazing historical relics. It first opened in 1907 under a different name, and was both a speakeasy and a common hangout spot for famous mobsters such as Al Capone and Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn. Apparently, the bar is famous for its trapdoor and the network of tunnels underneath it, which at one time ran all the way to the other side of Broadway.

Today, the Green Mill is a lively bar that hosts jazz performances almost every night. The venue is cash only, and there may be a cover charge depending on the group. Visiting Green Mill is a lot of fun. Lots of people dress up because it really feels like a fancy night out, although the bar doesn’t have a dress code. The interior is also stunningly preserved. Old-fashioned nautical motifs and large painted murals on the walls make the Green Mill feel like it’s straight out of the 1920s.

Other Cool Uptown Bars

Given Uptown’s history as an entertainment district, it’s no surprise that there are many cool bars to check out here. Below are some other ideas beyond the Green Mill.

Fat Cat

Address: 4840 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.fatcatbar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatCatBarChicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatcatchicago/

This popular bar and brunch spot offers lots of interesting sweet cocktail recipes. I’ve only been here for happy hour, but I need to go back to try some of their food items and their famous Bloody Mary!

The Reservoir

Address: 844 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Website: https://www.reservoirchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Reservoir/100040056895412/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereservoirchicago/

Like Fat Cat, The Reservoir seems to pay homage to Uptown’s history. The interior is a tasteful mix of older fixtures and more sleek, modern designs. I’ve also only been here for happy hour, but I like their classic and espresso martinis!

Street Art on North Clifton Avenue

Uptown is full of public art, but a lot of it is clustered on North Clifton Avenue. This short side street features dozens of different artists’ work. Although there isn’t much traffic on Clifton, you should remain alert for cars coming through here while admiring the various displays.

Montrose Beach

As we’ve already seen, Uptown’s defining features are its architecture and thriving arts scene. But this neighborhood really has a bit of everything, including a beautiful public lakefront on its eastern edge.

Here you’ll find wide open fields, walking trails, skyline views, concession stands, and more. It would probably take an entire afternoon to fully explore Uptown’s shoreline on a nice day.

The largest sandy beach in Uptown is Montrose Beach, which draws huge crowds in the summertime. The northern end serves as an off-leash dog park, while the south end is roped off as a nature preserve.

One unique attraction on this stretch of coastline is the Montrose Harbor Beacon. This eye-catching concrete pathway juts out into the lake and forms a hook shape. There are two structures that look like they might be old radio towers here. This path is open to the public, and walking to the very end of it takes a surprisingly long time! It offers unobstructed views of the Loop to the south and Edgewater to the north.

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Not far from Montrose Beach, there is a wooded park where you’ll see lots of people with massive camera lenses and binoculars. They tend to keep their eyes on the tops of the trees, and groups speak in hushed tones. They’re all hoping to get clear views and photos of the beautiful birds in the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary!

I’m no expert, but lots of colorful species seem to inhabit this nature preserve. I love that cardinals are pretty common here, although it may take some time to actually spot one.

Uptown's Diverse Food Scene

If you’ve browsed any other posts on Caffeinated Excursions, then you know that food is an integral part of my blog. Luckily, Uptown has a vibrant food scene that you won’t want to miss! The cuisines of Asia, Ethiopia, and Mexico are among the area’s specialties.

Asian Cuisine

Many of Uptown’s best Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian restaurants are clustered around Asia on Argyle. I’ve written about this community in a separate blog post, so be sure to check that out for some delicious options! Be sure to also check out my Chicago Phở Guide, which features lots of restaurants in Uptown!

Ethiopian Dining

Some of Chicago’s most prominent and highly-rated Ethiopian restaurants can be found on Broadway. If Ethiopian food is something you’d like to try for the first time or become more familiar with, Uptown is the place to do just that!

Demera Restaurant

Address: 4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://demerachicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemeraEthiopian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demerachicago/

I love this casual restaurant with friendly service and amazing food! I’ve eaten their yebeg wot (spicy lamb), doro wot (spicy chicken), and kitfo (steak tartare). Ethiopian food really has a full-bodied flavor complete with lots of spices and strong aromas. Demera is the perfect place to try some of these amazing flavors!

If you’d like to pair some drink options with Demera’s delicious food, they also offer some intriguing specialty cocktails. I had the pleasure of trying their Ethiopian hot toddy, house-made tej (honey wine), and a chocolate espresso martini as part of a Chicago Restaurant Week tasting menu. All three drinks were amazing, and the other cocktails on their menu sound equally delectable!

Selam Ethiopian Kitchen

Address: 4543 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.selamkitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selamkitchen/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/selamkitchen/

This is another great place to have an unforgettable feast! Selam specializes in organic food, and I highly recommend trying one of their combos: they offer a meat sampler (pictured below) and a vegetable sampler.

The meat sampler includes lamb, chicken, beef in a rosemary and jalapeño sauce, strips of steak, your choice of a veggie side, and a small serving of a crumbly, mild cheese. Everything was great, but the green sauce on the beef was especially unique. Their chicken, which included a whole leg and hard boiled eggs along with a delicious brown sauce, was probably my favorite part of the platter.

What is that spongy-looking bread on the bottom of the plates?
CLICK OR TAP TO EXPAND

Many Ethiopian dishes are served atop injera: a soft, spongy, slightly sour bread that’s used to fill the base of the large metal platters the food is served on. You’ll often get two or three additional pieces of injera rolled up in a basket on the side.

Injera is integral to Ethiopian cuisine because everything is traditionally eaten by hand. This might sound difficult seeing as veggies, meats, and stews with ample sauce are common. I like to rip small pieces of the injera and use them to pick up the food on the plate. Plus, it tastes great!

Occasionally, Ethiopian restaurants will provide silverware unprompted (e.g. at Demera, where the yebeg wot is more of a soup than a sauce if you order it individually). However, many will not. I would invite everyone to try Ethiopian food by hand! It’s definitely part of what makes this dining experience so special.

Recommended Mexican Restaurants

Uptown is a great place to get Mexican food! Below are a few noteworthy places to eat that all have their own special vibe.

Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant

Address: 4806 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.fiestamexicanachicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiestamexicanauptown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiestamexicanauptown/

Fiesta is a colorful, cozy restaurant that serves delicious Mexican food and margaritas at reasonable prices. I suggest ordering one of their combo plates, especially if you’re really hungry!

Kie-Gol-Lanee

Address: 5004 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://kiegol.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiegolchicago
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kiegolchicago/

I really love that this Mexican restaurant specializes in food from Oaxaca! According to their website, their name is a phonetic spelling of their hometown in Oaxaca (Santa María Quiegolani). Kie-Gol-Lanee feels a little more upscale than some of the other places on this list, but that’s part of what makes this dining experience unique!

Oaxaca is a state in Southern Mexico that is known for its regional cuisine. It is pretty distinctive from other types of Mexican food. At Kie-Gol-Lanee, I’ve tried a few house cocktails, plus their guisado de conejo: stewed rabbit in a yellow mole sauce with veggies and salad. The sauce it came in was phenomenal, and the meat itself was very tender. If you’re interested in trying Oaxacan food in Chicago, this is the perfect place to do it!

Carmela's Taqueria

Address: 1206 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

This small taco shop sort of feels like a hole in the wall, but that’s never a bad thing in my book! I tried three of their tacos when I went: al pastor, lengua, and cachete beef. All of them were very tasty and authentic!

Other Delicious Uptown Eats

Lucy's

Address: 4570 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://hangry.io/lucys-uptown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyschicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyschicago/

If you’re craving a mouth-watering spicy fried chicken, Lucy’s is the place to go! Their sandwiches are massive, with giant pieces of juicy chicken that are twice as big as the bun. I’ve tried some of the sides at Lucy’s, including fries and mac-and-cheese, but I’d recommend going with their deep fried pickles! These crispy spears are just as tasty as the fried chicken!

Ragadan

Address: 4409 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://ragadan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ragadanrestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragadanrestaurant/

Ragadan is a relative newcomer that has been making waves in Chicago’s culinary world. It’s really added some flair to this stretch of Broadway that connects the Wilson CTA Station to Buena Park. According to their website, Ragadan serves falafel and American classics that are infused with Jordanian spices and flavors.

I’ve tried their burgers, hummus plate, and two of their amazing milkshakes. I would highly recommend all of these! I still need to try one of their famous sandwiches, which have captured the attention of amateur food bloggers and big name critics alike!

Go Explore Uptown for Yourself!

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t seen or done everything Uptown has to offer. With that said, I hope this blog post provides a sense of what makes this neighborhood so special. Its arts and architecture, multiculturalism, and culinary scene make it one of Chicago’s finest areas to explore!

Have you been to Uptown before? Are there any attractions or restaurants here that I didn’t mention? Leave a comment below and let me know! Be sure to also check out my other Chicago 360 posts to learn more about local communities throughout the Windy City!

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This post was published on June 13, 2022

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Uptown Community appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Bridgeport, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Bridgeport, Chicago:
A Neighborhood Guide

Bridgeport, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide

Published November 24, 2021

Chicago’s historic Bridgeport neighborhood isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot. The streets here are mostly quiet and residential. But don’t let that stop you from checking out this area! Anyone who ventures over is bound to discover a vibrant, multicultural community and one of Chicago’s most interesting culinary scenes.

Where is Bridgeport? The short answer is that it’s directly southwest of the Loop (downtown Chicago). To be more specific, the neighborhood is bounded by the Chicago River on the north, Bubbly Creek on the west, West Pershing Road on the south, and South Stewart Avenue on the east.

Bridgeport is a diverse part of Chicago that borders both Chinatown and Pilsen (an area known for its Latino heritage). This multiculturalism is reflected in Bridgeport’s wide array of culinary specialties, so this post will start off by featuring some of my favorite places to eat there. After that, I’ll mention some interesting coffee shops, and finally share some other noteworthy landmarks. To skip down to a note on safety, click or tap here.

Bridgeport's Underrated Food Scene

Many of Chicago’s 77 community areas are known for their own unique culinary specialties. And while that may be somewhat true of Bridgeport, I think this area’s dining options have flown under the radar of most Chicagoans. Here you’re going to find lots of excellent Chinese, Italian, and Mexican restaurants, plus other enticing choices!

Chinese Cuisine

In terms of its restaurants, Bridgeport can almost be thought of as an extension of Chinatown. In fact, Bridgeport has a distinctly northern Chinese food scene, which involves a large variety of dumplings and hearty meat dishes. Here are a couple that I’ve tried.

Northern Taste
北方風味

Address: 3409 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.northerntasteil.com/

This northern Chinese restaurant serves a variety of dishes. After looking at their menu, I couldn’t resist trying a plate of their lamb dumplings. They were delicious and filling, especially with garlic and vinegar dipping sauces. This kind of dumpling isn’t very bready, but there were large portions of meat inside each one!

Potsticker House
北國飯店

Address: 3139 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.edspotstickerhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potstickerhouse/

Potsticker House is one of Bridgeport’s most interesting Chinese restaurants since they explicitly specialize in dumplings (and their Chinese name makes clear that they serve northern-style dumplings).

I ordered a serving of “dālián huǒshāo” (褡褳火燒), something I’ve never tried before. Apparently, it’s a type of dumpling uncommon enough that its Wikipedia page has no English translation! On their menu, they’re called “house special long dumplings,” and I thought they were pretty good! They had a meat filling and had a relatively crispy outer skin.

Northern City
大東北餐館

Address: 742 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://northerncity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northerncitychicago

At this Chinese restaurant in the center of Bridgeport, I enjoyed a plate of fried rice and lamb dumplings. Both were good, but the dumplings were more generic than the ones at Northern Taste or Potsticker House.

Four Seasons Dumpling Chinese Restaurant
四季餃子館

Address: 3205 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.chicagonoodles.com/

This dumpling house is hard to miss with its eye-catching orange storefront on South Halsted Street. At Four Seasons, choose between fried or boiled dumplings filled with a variety of meat and veggie options. Their menu also has lots of other classic Chinese dishes.

The boiled dumplings at Four Seasons are similar to the ones at Northern City, but I have to admit I thought they were better here. I ordered a plate of lamb and dill dumplings, and the slight sourness from the dill perfectly complemented the lamb. With vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil to dip them in, these dumplings offer a deliciously full range of flavor!

Min's Noodle House
漁家重慶小麵

Address: 3235 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.chicagonoodles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minsnoodlehouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minsnoodlehouse/

Min’s Noodle House specializes in Chongqing-style dishes, which means they’re spicy! Try their signature Chungking Noodles with your choice of protein in a spicy soup, and if you’re really hungry, you won’t want to miss their delicious deep-fried baozi.

Mexican Food

Mexico Steak House

Address: 2983 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.chicagomexicosteakhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mexico-Steakhouse-120953154584664/

This restaurant may be a little out of the way on Bridgeport’s northwestern edge, but the food here is phenomenal! They specialize in carne asada, which you can order in a variety of styles. Pictured here is their tender and juicy tampiqueña steak topped with melted cheese. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food and friendly service for reasonable prices, go check this place out!

Antique Taco Bridgeport

Address: 1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Website: http://www.antiquetaco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiquetaco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiquetaco/

This cozy little place serves gourmet tacos and delicious margaritas! Choose from a variety of options including al pastor chicken, pork carnitas, and crispy fish. The three I tried the first time I went were all so good and fresh!

Italian Options

Gio's Cafe and Deli

Address: 2724 S Lowe Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.gioscafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gioscafedeli/

Gio’s is located on a quiet, residential street corner, but it’s such a cool hidden gem of a restaurant! Inside, you’ll find beautiful murals painted on the dining room walls, plus an entire grocery section where you can buy Italian deli items, pasta, and other ingredients to take home.

When I went for lunch one day, I ordered their eggplant parmesan sandwich with peppers, and it was so good! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their pasta dishes!

Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery
(Freddies on 31st)

Address: 701 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://freddieson31st.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreddiesOn31st/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddieson31st/

It seems like Freddies is a Bridgeport institution, and I can totally understand why! It’s a casual place, but has a distinctly Chicago vibe. Their Italian beef sandwich (pictured below with mozzarella, hot peppers, and gravy) is a feast on bread. I love how flavorful the meat is without being overly salty. The side of gravy was more like a little cup of soup than the kind of gravy you’d put on mashed potatoes, but it was a perfect dipping sauce for this massive sandwich.

Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli
(Soluri & Sons)

Address: 3142 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://nonna-soluris-italian-deli.business.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Soluri-Sons-Italian-Deli/100067181149297/

Nonna Soluri’s is a cozy little deli that serves pizza, pasta, Italian ice, and sandwiches. I tried their spicy Italian cold cut with mayo and spicy giardiniera. It came out really quickly and was spicy, but not ridiculously so. If you’re looking for a casual and fresh meal on Moran Street, be sure to check this place out!

Other Restaurants To Try

Taipei Cafe
小台北

Address: 2609 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.taipeicafeil.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taipeicafechicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipei_cafe_chicago/

This is the only Taiwanese restaurant I’m aware of in Chicago, which makes it a pretty unique spot! If you go, definitely try their bubble tea with your meal. I was curious about their bento box lunch sets, and the chicken and veggies were all really good. They also serve good fries if you’re really hungry!

GREEK PRIME Kitchen & Bar

Address: 901 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Website: https://greekprime.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greekprimechicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greekprime_chicago/

If it’s Greek food you crave, this bar and grill is where you need to go! Greek Prime makes an excellent gyro combo with pita bread, crispy fries, a salad, and tzatziki sauce. They also have desserts on display in front that I really want to try next time I’m there!

Where to Get Coffee in Bridgeport

Not only does Bridgeport have a vibrant food scene, but it’s also home to some cool coffee shops. Check out one of the following places if you need a caffeinated beverage!

Jackalope Coffee & Tea House

Address: 755 W 32nd St, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.jackalopecoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackalopeCoffeeTeaHouse
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jackalopecoffee/

Jackalope Coffee is a fun and colorful coffee shop that has ample indoor seating space. If you’ve been wandering around Bridgeport on foot and need to take a rest, head to Jackalope for a latte or a pastry.

Bridgeport Coffeehouse

Address: 3101 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://bridgeportcoffee.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeportCoffee/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bridgeportcoffee/

I love the vibe of this coffee shop that makes smooth and delicious lattes. Like Jackalope Coffee & Tea House, Bridgeport Coffeehouse also has lots of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s honestly my go-to for coffee whenever I’m in the neighborhood!

Bad Owl Coffee Roasters

Address: 3315 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.badowlcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badowlcoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badowlcoffee/

Bad Owl Coffee Roasters is located on South Morgan Street, one of Bridgeport’s most interesting side streets. Its big windows and striking logo captured my attention, so I had to go in and try it! Based on how busy it is, Bad Owl seems to be a local favorite that offers a variety of food options and unique latte creations.

The Stockyard Coffeehouse

Address: 558 W 37th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Website: https://www.stockyardcoffeehouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stockyardcoffeehouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stockyardcoffeehouse

The Stockyard Coffeehouse may be a little out of the way, but coffee lovers should definitely venture down this way to try it! They have a full drink menu of interesting flavored lattes, including options like rose and pistachio.

Things to Do in Bridgeport

Now that we’ve thoroughly covered Bridgeport’s food and coffee options, let’s finally take a look at some other attractions in the neighborhood.

Bridgeport Art Center & Chicago Maritime Museum

Address: 1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Bridgeport Art Center website: https://bridgeportart.com/
Chicago Maritime Museum website: https://www.chicagomaritimemuseum.org/
Ticket price (Nov. 2021): $10 per adult to enter the museum, other parts of the building are free to enter

The Bridgeport Art Center is an interesting albeit odd art collective on the banks of Bubbly Creek. I say it’s odd because even though they have art on display both inside and out, the building was pretty empty when I went to visit.

It seems as though this large industrial building is mainly studio space for artists to work and sell their creations. However, it felt weird to be wandering around inside with so few other people there. Perhaps it’s busier on the weekends, but I wouldn’t exactly call this a museum or art gallery even though things are on display.

In the basement of the building, you can find the Chicago Maritime Museum. This small collection of boating artifacts is a great place to learn about the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and all of the boating and shipping activity that made Chicago what it is today.

The museum also has lots of information about the SS Eastland, a passenger ship that capsized in 1915 on the Chicago River, killing almost a thousand people. It’s not exactly a lighthearted topic, but it is an important part of Chicago history that I wasn’t aware of before visiting this museum.

Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park

Address: 2700 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Bridgeport’s largest park offers a few short trails and a fishing pond. But my favorite part of Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park is its great view of the Chicago skyline! Since Bridgeport is southwest of the Loop, you’ll get to see the skyline from a vantage point that most tourists don’t. The park is also on a hill, which makes the view even better.

Churches

Bridgeport has lots of pretty churches dispersed throughout its residential streets. Travelers who enjoy architecture will want to keep an eye out for them as they explore the neighborhood.

In particular, the St. Mary of Perpetual Help Catholic Church is probably the most stunning church in Bridgeport. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be open to visitors during the day the way cathedrals sometimes are in Europe or Latin America. I’m sure the interior is just as stunning as its teal dome and ornate spires.

Safety

First things first: I’ve always felt safe in Bridgeport, although I do exercise normal precautions in the area (as I do in all parts of Chicago). With that said, I’ve mostly explored during daylight hours.

However, you need to be aware that the area surrounding Guaranteed Rate Field can be exceptionally quiet when there’s not a baseball game happening. As such, I don’t recommend hanging around there.

In particular, Wentworth Gardens (directly south of Guaranteed Rate Field) didn’t feel safe to me. Unfortunately, reporting online seems to confirm that this is an area you don’t want to wander into.

Transportation

If you plan to take the CTA Red Line to or from Bridgeport, use the Sox-35th Station and walk directly along West 35th Street. There’s no reason to walk around to the south side of the stadium, which runs adjacent to Wentworth Gardens.

In general, there is more foot traffic if you use the CTA Orange Line (Halsted Station) to get to Bridgeport, and I prefer this to taking the Red Line train.

Now You're Ready To Go Check Out Bridgeport!

If you’re the kind of traveler (or Chicago local) who enjoys exploring off the beaten path, Bridgeport is a great option! It’s conveniently located, and there are lots of interesting things to discover, both food-related and not.

Even though I’ve been to Bridgeport a dozen times or more to research for this post, I’m still not done exploring the neighborhood. With that in mind, I’ll be updating this post if I find anything noteworthy! Have you been to Bridgeport before? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading!

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This post was published on Nov 24, 2021

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Bridgeport, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

The Best Phở Restaurants In Chicago, Illinois

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The Best Phở Restaurants
In Chicago, IL

Published August 23, 2021

I’ve spent the past few months on a mission to find the best places to get a bowl of phở in Chicago! This popular noodle and soup dish from Vietnam is one of my all-time favorite foods, and there are so many places to get it throughout the city. This blog post is for all the foodies out there who are craving some phở in the Windy City!

Many of the restaurants on this list can be found on or around the intersection of West Argyle Street and North Broadway, which serves as Chicago’s Little Saigon. There are also a couple in Chinatown, and a few more are scattered throughout some other neighborhoods. Click or tap any of the links below to jump down to that section of the list!

Keep in mind that this list is not ranked in order! In fact, some of the most unique restaurants are down at the bottom!

Phở Restaurants On & Near Argyle
Phở Restaurants in Chinatown
- Phở Cafe • 越南粉
- The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
Phở Restaurants in Other Neighborhoods

How I Made This List

To write this blog post, I tried as many phở places as I could in Chicago! At every restaurant, I ordered a fresh spring roll (gỏi cuốn) followed by a combo bowl (phở đặc biệt), which typically comes with raw sliced steak, beef tripe, brisket, tendons, and Vietnamese meatballs. I did this so I could standardize the dining experience and try as many ingredients as possible in one meal!

Phở Restaurants On & Near Argyle

Miss Saigon Restaurant

Address: 1129 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.misssaigonchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Misssaigonchicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_saigon_chicago/

This restaurant on Argyle offers friendly service and a casual dining environment. They add their own creative touches to classic Vietnamese fare, which makes every meal here a treat!

In terms of the menu, the gỏi cuốn at Miss Saigon is pretty standard. For a more interesting alternative, try their “Saigon roll” (not pictured here), which contains a crispy fried center. Miss Saigon doesn’t offer a standard phở đặc biệt, but they do have a “Pho Saigon.” This bowl of soup has a variety of meats including short ribs, something you won’t be able to find anywhere else!

Phở 777

Address: 1065 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.pho777chicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pho777chi/

A block or two down Argyle from Miss Saigon is Phở 777. This cozy little place serves a deliciously satisfying phở đặc biệt, although their menu has other excellent options such as an authentic bún chả Hà Nội.

The bowl size at Phở 777 isn’t huge, but they do offer generous portions of meat. Their broth consistently has a full and complex flavor reminiscent of fish sauce with a peppery aftertaste. Their spring rolls are equally good, with crisp lettuce and a lot of mint.

Phở 888

Address: 1137 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

If I’m being honest, Phở 888 is probably my go-to place on Argyle. It’s a small restaurant that serves large bowls of phở with generous amounts of tender meat. Their broth has more of a peppery taste, which I love. Their spring rolls are big too, and they taste very fresh.

Nhà Hàng Vietnam Restaurant

Address: 1032 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

This restaurant on the corner of Argyle and Kenmore has a colorful, eye-catching storefront. Go inside and find a table in their equally colorful dining room, or grab a table on their outdoor patio when the weather is nice.

Nhà Hàng Vietnam offers two sizes of combo phở, and their broth has a really unique flavor that isn’t really peppery. In my experience, they don’t serve as much meat as some of the other places on my list. As such, this might be a good place to go if you don’t like super meat-heavy phở.

Nha Trang Vietnamese Restaurant

Address: 1104 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

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Phở Restaurants in Chinatown

Phở Cafe • 越南粉

Address: 232 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: http://www.phocafechicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phocafechicago/

If you’re in Chinatown and craving hot noodle soup, this is a good place to try. Phở Cafe’s prices are pretty reasonable and the atmosphere is casual. Their phở đặc biệt is served in a pretty big bowl, and it comes with a lot of meat!

I think their broth has a strong, complex flavor to it, perhaps from the oxtail. It’s peppery and not too acidic, so a squirt of lime really compliments the soup. The shrimp gỏi cuốn here are a little small, but always super fresh! I would bet that they’re hand-rolled to order.

The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine

Address: 2336 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://thenoodleschicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenoodleschicago

Chinatown’s other prominent phở restaurant is called The Noodle. This restaurant serves a large number of Vietnamese and Thai dishes, and it always seems to get pretty busy for lunch. The most notable thing about The Noodle is their massive bowls and low prices. If any place on this list offers the most bang for your buck, it’s this one!

I have to say, their broth is on the lighter side in terms of flavor. If you don’t love super peppery, aromatic phở, you should definitely try The Noodle. Despite their low prices, they don’t compromise on the quality of their meat cuts. In addition to good food, their service has always been quick and friendly!

Phở Restaurants in Other Neighborhoods

Sunset Phở Caffe

Address: 2856 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: https://www.sunsetphocaffe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetphocaffe

Sunset Phở Caffe is one of the most unique restaurants in Lakeview East. Their front window advertises that they serve Vietnamese and Jugoslavian fusion, which should immediately pique the interest of any foodie!

Once you go inside, you’ll notice a distinctly medieval vibe, with stained glass windows and a sloping ceiling. There are also retro travel posters on display featuring destinations in Vietnam and the former Yugoslavia.

The menu here includes a number of classic Vietnamese dishes like bún thịt nướng plus a Jugoslavian section. Luckily, you can get an excellent fusion dish by ordering their ćevapčići fresh spring rolls as an appetizer! What is ćevapčići? Well, I didn’t know either before trying it here, but it’s basically a delicious style of sausage from the Balkans. It’s such a good substitute for the standard shrimp and pork that are usually rolled into Vietnamese gỏi cuốn along with lettuce, bean sprouts, and rice noodles!

In terms of phở, Sunset Caffe serves a broth with a light flavor that doesn’t need a ton of hoisin sauce or Sriracha. And last but not least, there’s a full bar here. Ask about their fruit-infused liquors or enjoy a Saigon Beer with your food!

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen

Address: 1358 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: https://www.sochikitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sochichicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sochichicago/

Of all the restaurants on this list, Sochi is probably the fanciest. It’s also noteworthy that they specialize in Saigonese food. Their dining room is open and modern, and they typically have a busy dinner rush.

The most unique thing about a meal at Sochi is that they use incredibly tender pork and steak in their gỏi cuốn and their phở. This is reflected in their prices, but it makes for an interesting Vietnamese dining experience. They also don’t have bottles of hoisin sauce or Sriracha on the table, which suggests that they want diners to enjoy their broth without an excess of either sauce.

This restaurant also serves the thickest noodles of any restaurant on this list, in true Saigon-style. If you’re interested in trying a unique, more upscale interpretation of phở, consider visiting Sochi!

Phodega

Address: 1547 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Website: https://www.phodega.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phodega
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phodega/

Phodega is an original concept for a phở restaurant located in Wicker Park. In addition to being a casual place to order a hot bowl of soup, it’s also a small convenience store specializing in Asian packaged foods and snacks.

The combo phở here has a light broth and high-quality meat. They don’t offer fresh spring rolls, but their fried shrimp spring rolls are a good alternative.

MK Noodle

Address: 3341 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: https://mknoodle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MK-Noodle-Pho-Restaurant-102312141999513
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mk.noodle/

MK Noodle is a restaurant that’s not too far from Sochi in Lakeview. They have casual, semi-self service: you place your order at an electronic station in the front of the restaurant and go up to get your food when your name is called.

MK Noodle is a little on the pricey side, but their phở and spring rolls are really good, and the portion sizes are large. The broth here isn’t super fragrant, but it is still very flavorful. Their soup includes a lot of white onions, good cuts of all the meats you typically find in a combo phở, and a lot of noodles. If you have a big appetite and don’t mind spending a few dollars more, MK Noodle is a great phở place to try!

Little Vietnam Restaurant

Address: 1132 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Website: https://orderlittlevietnam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleVietnam

I’m so glad I found this cozy little phở place in Edgewater! It’s technically within walking distance of Asia on Argyle, or you can get off at the Bryn Mawr CTA Red Line stop. The meal started off with a fresh shrimp spring roll that came with a notably delicious peanut dipping sauce.

Their take on phở was equally good. Their combo phở had a broth that had strong notes of onion and pepper, and the meat was all tender. I especially liked their meatballs. The service was quick and friendly and the restaurant itself was cute. If you’re further north than Argyle, be sure to check out Little Vietnam!

So... is this just a list of every phở place in Chicago?
Short answer: No!

Some phở restaurants I tried didn’t make the cut! Some simply didn’t serve a great bowl of noodle soup. A couple had decent broth, but served cheap cuts of gristly meat. A few had poor service and/or underwhelming food.

One restaurant in particular (which shall remain nameless) was found to be involved in a string of scandals, including but not limited to mistreating their workers. I would never knowingly recommend unethical businesses on my blog, which is why that popular phở joint is not listed here.

Go Enjoy Some phở!

Now you know where to go for the best phở and spring rolls in Chicago! If I find any other great Vietnamese restaurants that specialize in my favorite noodle soup, I’ll be sure to add them here!

Have you been to any places on my list? Are you going to try one? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks for checking out my Chicago phở guide!

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This post was published on Aug 23, 2021

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post The Best Phở Restaurants In Chicago, Illinois appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Restaurants in Chicago Chinatown: Dim Sum, Dumplings, Noodles, And More

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Restaurants in Chicago Chinatown: Dim Sum, Dumplings, Noodles,
And More

Published August 10, 2021

Chicago is truly a foodie’s paradise, with each neighborhood offering its own unique specialties. Many of these delightful dishes come from all over the world, and aren’t necessarily easy to find in other American cities. That’s especially true of Chicago’s Chinatown, which offers a stunning variety of foods that come from individual cities and provinces in China!

No matter how long or short your visit to Chicago is (or if you’re a local), you should visit Chinatown for an unforgettable dining experience! This post is organized first into regional cuisines first, then individual dishes. Skip down to the bottom for drinks and dessert suggestions, as well as other Asian dining options in the neighborhood!

Dim Sum
Other Cantonese Food
- MingHin Cuisine
- Ken Kee Restaurant
Sichuanese Food
- Lao Sze Chuan
- Chef Xiong – Taste of Szechuan
Xi’an Cuisine
- Xi’an Cuisine Restaurant
- Shan Shaan Taste
Hunan Cuisine
Noodle Dishes
Dumplings
- Hing Kee Restaurant
- Qing Xiang Yuan
Hotpot
Drinks and Desserts
- Legend Tasty House
Other Options in Chinatown

1. Dim Sum
點心

Restaurants that specialize in dim sum typically have huge menus with dozens of varieties of dumplings, pastries, and other small plates. This delicacy from Guangdong and Hong Kong is probably what I’d recommend if you only have time to eat one meal in Chinatown, which is why it’s at the top of my list!

Phoenix Restaurant
萬濠酒樓

Address: 2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.phoenixrestaurantchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix-Restaurant-Chinatown-103508408149724

This was the very first dim sum restaurant I tried in Chinatown. I love everything about it, from the golden, regal dining room to the fresh steamed siu mai and hā gáau (shrimp dumplings). They also make really delicious chicken feet for anyone who likes them as much as I do!

Triple Crown Restaurant
大三元酒家

Address: 2217 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.triplecrownchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triplecrownchi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplecrownchi/

With a second floor dining space that overlooks South Wentworth Avenue, Triple Crown is another great place to get as much dim sum as you can eat! Everything I’ve had there is full of flavor and the service is great.

Imperial Restaurant
彩蝶軒

Address: 2100 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.imperialchicago.com/

This dim sum hall can be found on the second floor of the Chinatown Square outdoor shopping mall near the north entrance. If you can, I would recommend going on a weekday. That’s because Imperial gets absolutely packed on weekends!

Since I eat dim sum so often, I decided to try a couple of new dishes at Imperial, including sponge cake and curry octopus. They were so good, as were some of my other favorites like chicken feet and ginger tripe.

2. Other Cantonese
粵菜

Keep in mind that Cantonese food is so much more than dim sum! In fact, all the places mentioned above also serve family-style plates (larger portions). But if you want to branch out a bit, consider these other great places below.

MingHin Cuisine
名軒芝加哥

Address: 2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.minghincuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minghinchicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minghinchicago/

MingHin has a dim sum menu, but I think they market themselves more broadly as a Cantonese restaurant. Their dumplings and pastries are good, and so are their rice and noodles. Cantonese food can absolutely be enjoyed by only one or two people, but if you can get a big group together to go eat in Chinatown, do it! It’s best when you can share lots of different dishes and try a bit of everything.

Ken Kee Restaurant
強記港式茶餐廳

Address: 2129 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.kenkee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenkeerestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenkee_restaurant/

This is such a cool restaurant that’s sure to capture the attention of anyone who walks by it in the Chinatown Square outdoor mall. That’s because it’s got a bunch of neon signs both inside and out! They offer a lot of different things, but their specialty is Hong Kong-style cart noodles in soup. There are about a half dozen combos that you can choose from, or you can build your own and choose the kinds of meats, veggies, and broth that you want to add.

3. Sichuanese Food
川菜

If you’re a lover of spicy food, you need to try one of the Sichuanese restaurants in Chinatown! Known for its use of red pepper, chili oil, garlic, and a type of numbing peppercorn, Sichuan-style food is basically the polar opposite of Cantonese cuisine, which is defined by lighter flavors.

Lao Sze Chuan
老四川

Address: 2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: http://laoszechuanchinatown.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaoSzeChuanChinatown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laoszechuan_dmv/

This local chain with multiple restaurants around Chicago is probably where I would recommend for anyone who wants to try Sichuanese for the first time. They have a large menu with the spicy dishes clearly marked as well as a section featuring their signature items.

I ordered their Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken, which their menu lists as their top seller. It was excellent, especially with a bowl of white rice to offset some of the spice! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their lamb dishes, and I’d also love to try one of their spicy frog delicacies!

Chef Xiong – Taste of Szechuan
入香随蜀

Address: 2143 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://chefxiong.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefxiong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefxiongchicago/

As far as I know, this Sichuanese restaurant is not a chain, but don’t let that stop you from visiting! It’s a cozy place with great service, and the food is amazing. I tried their beef noodle soup, and it was about as spicy as I could handle!

4. Xi'an Cuisine
西安菜

Xi’an is a city in China most famous for being home to the Terracotta Army. But a ton of delicious dishes also come from the city, which is the capital of Shaanxi Province in Central China. Dishes from Xi’an tend to incorporate lamb, spices like cumin, flatbreads, and noodles. They are full of flavor and can be spicy, but generally not as spicy as Sichuan peppers.

Xi'an Cuisine Restaurant
西安小吃

Address: 225 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.xiancuisinechicago.com/

This restaurant is one of my favorites in Chinatown. I highly recommend trying their delicious and flat biang biang noodles and lamb skewers. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider ordering one or two ròujiāmó (肉夾饃), a flatbread pouch with your choice of meat filling.

Shan Shaan Taste
山陝名吃

Address: Richland Center Chinatown Food Court (basement), 2002 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: http://places.singleplatform.com/shan-shaan-taste/menu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shan-Shaan-Taste-山陕名吃-Xian-Cuisine-100718495097190
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanshaantaste/

Head to the Richland Center Chinatown Food Court to find this small shop that serves Xi’an-style noodles and more. I went with their lamb noodle soup and will definitely be back for more in the coming months!

5. Hunan Cuisine
湘菜

Food from Hunan Province is not nearly as popular in the US as Cantonese or Sichuanese food, but that’s all the more reason foodies should try it! Hunan cooking uses a lot of onions and garlic, but it’s not as spicy and oily as Sichuan cuisine. Some common ingredients include pork, steamed fish, and green pepper.

Hunan Cuisine Restaurant
湘鄉香

Address: 2002 S Wentworth Ave Unit 100, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://hunancuisinechicago.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunancuisinechicago/

This is Chinatown’s most prominent Hunanese restaurant. I ordered their sautéed pork with green veggies and white rice, but their extensive menu had a lot of other tempting choices! The pork was juicy, and the peas, peppers, and onions made it both a healthy and filling meal.

6. Noodle Dishes

The last few sections have all featured various regional cuisines, but if you know exactly what you want to eat, check out these next sections for ideas! This one will feature a couple different noodle houses.

Slurp Slurp Noodles (Lanzhou-Style Ramen)
林記蘭州手拉麵

Address: 2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.slurpslurpnoodles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlurpSlurpNoodles/

The type of noodles that you’ll find here come from a city called Lanzhou in Northwest China’s Gansu Province. They have a couple different noodle and soup options, but I recommend trying the hand pulled noodles either in the house special bowl or the slurp slurp big bowl if you’re really hungry!

Even though the Chinese word lāmiàn is related to the Japanese word ramen (both mean pulled noodles), the Lanzhou-style soup is quite different from Japanese ramen. It’s definitely worth trying if you’ve never had it before. These bowls are also served with bok choy and a couple different cuts of beef and pork.

Daguan Noodle (Yunnan-Style Mǐxiàn)
大官米線

Address: 2230 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.daguannoodle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaguanNoodle

Mǐxiàn is a rice noodle served in a light and clear broth with your choice of toppings. This soup dish comes from Yunnan Province in Southwest China, and it’s one dish I was honestly surprised to find in Chinatown! My very first trip to China in 2008 was to Yunnan, so mǐxiàn is a special treat for me that reminds me those days. I highly recommend it!

Yummy Yummy Noodles
肥仔麵家

Address: 2334 S Wentworth Ave Unit 105, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.yummyyummynoodleschicago.com/

This restaurant definitely has a hole-in-the-wall vibe, but that’s all the more reason to check it out! The entrance is technically on West 23rd Place, so you won’t see the storefront along Wentworth Avenue.

If you order a noodle soup dish here (which you should), you’ll get your choice of five different types of noodles: thin egg noodles, wide egg noodles, thin rice noodles, wide rice noodles, or ramen. Pictured above is their thin egg noodles. You also get your choice of meat, and the BBQ cuts I had were so juicy and tender!

J's Snack House Potato Noodles
秋歌小廚姐弟倆土豆粉

Address: Richland Center Chinatown Food Court (basement), 2002 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://jssnackhouseil.com/

Have you ever had Chinese potato noodles (土豆粉) before? I don’t think I had, but they were delicious at J’s Snack House! They remind me a little bit of udon, but they’re much lighter and a bit chewier. If you order the House Special Potato Noodle Soup, you get your choice of broth. Their málà (麻辣) soup was amazingly spicy, but their milder soup bases sound equally good!

7. Dumplings

While dumplings are a major component of dim sum (a Southern Chinese cuisine), there are other varieties you can get in Chinatown, including Northern-style ones. Check out some of my favorites below!

Hing Kee Restaurant (Shanghai-Style Xiǎolóngbāo)
珍味佳

Address: 2140 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.hingkeechinatown.com/

Hing Kee serves a lot of different things, but their signature item is xiǎolóngbāo, or steamed soup dumplings. Originally from Shanghai and neighboring Jiangsu Province, xiǎolóngbāo require you to use chopsticks in one hand and a spoon in the other to prevent the soup from making a mess. Be careful too, because they can be piping hot!

The default filling for xiǎolóngbāo is pork, but Hing Kee also makes a delicious crab and pork option. They’re typically served in steamed baskets that contain eight, and one or two of those is enough for a meal depending on how hungry you are.

Qing Xiang Yuan
青香苑

Address: 2002 S Wentworth Ave #103, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://qxydumplings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qxydumplings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qxydumplings/

Qing Xiang Yuan is listed as a must-try on so many different Chicago food and restaurant guides, and I can confirm that it really is an excellent dumpling house. If you place one order, you can request a combination of two different flavors, which I suggest. They offer pork, beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and veggie fillings.

A Family in the Northeast
東北人家

Address: Richland Center Chinatown Food Court (basement), 2002 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

This little stall can be found in the Richland Center Chinatown Food Court. They specialize in Northeast-style dumplings, which are filling and hearty. You can get an order of twelve for less than ten dollars (as of 2021), which is a price that can’t be beat!

8. Hot Pot
火鍋

Hot pot is a great option if you have a large group, especially since some places offer all you can eat deals. For those who’ve never had it before, hot pot is essentially a large vat of broth that’s heated directly on the dining table. Meat, veggies, and noodles are dipped into the boiling broth to cook and soak up flavor.

The flavor of the broth as well as the dipped items can vary depending on what regional style of hot pot you’re trying. Here are a couple places to consider!

Happy Lamb Hot Pot (Mongolian-Style)
快樂小羊

Address: 2342 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyLambHotPotChicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happylamb_hotpot_chicago/

Happy Lamb might be Chinatown’s most popular hot pot restaurant. It’s Mongolian-style, which our waiter explained is characterized by lighter broth flavor. (Even though half of our broth was spicy, it was fairly mild, at least to me.) We tried their lamb and beef, which was cut into really thin strips for quick cooking. Make sure to also check out their complimentary topping bar!

9. Desserts
甜點

Legend Tasty House
傳奇美食屋

Address: 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.legendtastyhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legendtastyhouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legend_tasty_house/

Rolled ice cream is Chicago Chinatown’s newest food trend, but as far as I know, Legend Tasty House was the original. They have lots of different flavors, and you can even watch them make it at the counter! This place also serves bubble tea, but I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.

10. Other Options in Chinatown

Phở
越南粉

There are a couple of good phở restaurants in Chinatown. To see my favorites, check out my Chicago Phở Guide!

Chinese Wraps from Monkey King Jianbing
大聖煎餅

Address: 2252 S Canal St, second floor Unit 228, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://monkeykingjianbing.com/

I’ll admit, this little store is in an odd location (on the second floor of Canal Plaza, a mostly vacant mall that is a little far from the heart of Chinatown). But if you’re willing to walk over and find it, Monkey King Jianbing is worth a try. Their main offering is jianbing, a type of flat rolled crepe-like breakfast wrap. But I actually went to try their shǒuzhuābǐng (手抓餅), another type of wrap that I used to order for breakfast as a study abroad student in Shanghai.

And let me tell you, the shǒuzhuābǐng from Monkey King was on point! It’s so good because the dough is both crispy and chewy after being cooked, and you can order a variety of fillings such as ham or a hot dog. They have just a little bit of cheese and lettuce, which come together to make the perfect combination for a fresh yet filling wrap. Give them a visit if you’re on Chinatown’s western edge!

Plant-Based Treats at Veggie House
聚緣齋

Address: 2109 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.veggiehouseusa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veggiehousechicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veggiehousechicago/

Veggie House is a really interesting restaurant located in the Chinatown Square outdoor mall. Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, go try them out! For an appetizer, I tried their four-color veggie dumplings, which were fine. But what I really loved here was their Mongolian soy beef. As far as plant-based meat substitutes go, this dish was really as good as the original! It was full of flavor and just the right amount of spice. Plus, it was really filling!

Japanese & Korean Food

Daifuku Ramen
大福ラーメン

Address: 2155 S China Pl #A, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.daifukuchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daifuku-Ramen-108590698391965

This new ramen place is my top recommendation for Japanese food in Chinatown. Their broth and noodles are on point, with just the right amount of spice and garlic. Their pork chashu was super tender and literally melted in my mouth! For good ramen, look no further than Daifuku.

Ahjoomah's Apron

Address: 218 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.ahjoomahchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahjoomah/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahjoomahsapron/

Ahjoomah’s Apron is Chinatown’s most prominent Korean restaurant, serving traditional dishes. If you go, prepare for a feast: Korean food is often served with many small plates of appetizers or side dishes known as banchan (반찬). At Ahjoomah’s, the banchan I had were a wide variety of pickled and fresh veggies. Their bibimbap is also great if you’re craving a filling rice dish with lots of protein.

What Do You Have a Taste For?

Well, there you have it: my food guide to Chicago Chinatown! What do you think? If this all seems overwhelming, head over to the neighborhood and check it out on foot before deciding. Keep in mind that this list isn’t even complete! There are still so many places I need to try, and I’ll be updating this post if I find any other restaurants worth sharing. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you try a place on the list!

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This post was published on Aug 10, 2021

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Why You Should Check Out “Asia On Argyle,” Chicago’s Little Vietnam

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Why You Should Check Out “Asia On Argyle,” Chicago’s Little Vietnam

Published July 30, 2021

This blog post was proudly created without the use of generative AI. It was 100% written and edited by a human, for humans. Enjoy, and thanks for your support!

One of my all-time favorite neighborhoods in Chicago is the West Argyle Street Historic District! Known for its Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, and East Asian heritage, Argyle is a prominent cultural destination on the city’s north side. If you’re going to be in Chicago, you should definitely check out some of the restaurants, cafes, and street art in this area!

Having lived in Vietnam for most of 2019, I love going up to Argyle as often as I can. It’s is a pretty small neighborhood, so the main thing for visitors to do is support local businesses and enjoy delicious, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. This post will highlight some of my top recommendations! To skip down to any particular section, click or tap the link below!

Where is Argyle?
Six Vietnamese Dishes to Try
Noteworthy Restaurants
Desserts, Drinks, & Pastries
- First Sip Cafe
- Chiu Quon Bakery
Street Art
Uptown Beyond Argyle

Where is Argyle?

Asia on Argyle is located in Chicago’s Uptown district. It’s right on the CTA Red Line, so it’s easy to get to from the Loop (downtown Chicago). Centered at the intersection of West Argyle Street and North Broadway, Little Saigon is a compact neighborhood that extends only a couple of blocks in each direction.

Six Vietnamese dishes to Try

If you’re visiting Chicago, the best thing to do on Argyle is eat! This section features six dishes to get your mouth watering, and most if not all of them should be easy to find at any Vietnamese eatery in the area.

1. Lots and Lots of Phở!

Argyle has by far the highest number of phở restaurants of any neighborhood in Chicago. In fact, there are so many options that I’ve written a separate post all about it! Be sure to check it out if that’s what you have a craving for!

2. Bún Thịt Nướng

This is a popular dish that is great for hot summer days. Like phở, bún thịt nướng is based on rice noodles, but it’s served cold with only a small serving of sauce on the side and no soup. It’s also usually topped with veggies, grilled meat, and an egg roll. The dish is an incredibly balanced and fresh meal with a full range of flavors.

This bowl of bún thịt nướng pictured above is from Phở 888 (location), one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in the area!

3. Cơm Đĩa (or Cơm Tấm)

Whether you see it on a menu as a rice plate (cơm đĩa) or broken rice (cơm tấm), any Vietnamese combo meal with rice as the base is bound to be delicious. Usually served with egg, meat, veggies, and a slightly sweet and sour sauce, cơm tấm is another refreshing meal that basically hits all the food groups.

The plate shown here was ordered at Miss Saigon Restaurant (location | website). With great service and an interesting interior, this place is worth trying, even if you’re in the mood for something other than rice!

4. Mì Quảng

I didn’t really discover mì quảng until my final few months of living in Saigon, and I’m so sad I didn’t find it earlier! It’s a delicacy from Central Vietnam, and since I haven’t had it that many times, I’ll let an expert explain exactly what it is:

"Mi Quang is rice noodles with an assortment of fresh vegetables and Vietnamese herbs, tossed together with a small amount of intensely flavored broth made from pork and/or chicken stock. The small amount of broth sets this noodle dish apart from the others. There is just enough broth in each serving to wet the noodles and bring everything together. There are many variations on what proteins and toppings that go into the dish but the signature items include slices of pork belly, whole shrimp, roasted peanuts and toasted sesame rice crackers."

Vicky Pham Culinary Blogger at vickypham.com (Click name for link)

Vicky goes on to explain that the noodles are dyed yellow using turmeric, and her blog includes a full recipe. Isn’t this bowl of mì quảng so pretty? It was as delicious as it looks, and I ordered it at Nhà Hàng Vietnam Restaurant (location).

5. Bánh Xèo

Does this dish look like a massive omelette to you? It does to me, but it’s actually not made of egg at all! Bánh xèo is a crispy pancake made using rice batter, folded over and filled with steamed bean sprouts, shrimp, and bits of pork.

It’s eaten together with a serving of leafy greens and a delicious dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter meal than a bowl of soup or noodles, try bánh xèo! You’ll often find it on the appetizer section of menus. The one pictured here was served at Pho Viet (location | website).

6. Bún Chả Hà Nội

Have you noticed how many different noodle dishes I’ve featured already? They’re definitely a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, but every dish has such a unique flavor. That’s true of bún chả, a specialty from Hanoi. It’s not as easy to find in the US as phở. However, it is such a treat and worth seeking out! Essentially, you dip the cold noodles and fresh veggies into the bowl of broth, which contains pork meatballs, carrots, and thinly sliced green papaya.

I’ve actually mentioned this dish a number of times in the blog already: once in my Saigon food guide, and once in my blog post about Hanoi. It has been a personal favorite of mine for years now! The beautifully plated bún chả shown above is from Phở 777 (location | website).

Noteworthy Restaurants

All of the dishes mentioned above can be found at multiple places on Argyle, but I also want to feature some individual restaurants. I’ve been pretty methodical about trying as many places as possible in the neighborhood. Below are some of my favorites! To skip down to the next section of this post about cafes, bakeries, and tea shops, click or tap here.

Furama Restaurant
富麗華酒樓

Address: 4936 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.furamachicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furamachicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furamachicago/

There’s something I find really endearing about this Chinese restaurant on Broadway! Some people might feel like the interior décor is a little dated, but I think it has such a cool retro vibe that gives the place a lot of character.

Furama is famous for dim sum, which is served all day. If you’d rather do a family-style meal, their menu also has a large selection of meat, rice, veggie, and noodle dishes to choose from.

Immm Rice & Beyond

Address: 4949 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://immmchicago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immmchicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immmchicago/

I love the concept of Immm, a restaurant specializing in Thai street food. Even if you’re craving pad thai or curry, Immm offers a chance to branch out and try a Thai dish or two that you’ve never had before.

Kuay tiew rua (boat noodles) is listed as the most popular dish on their menu, so of course I had to try it! The broth was fragrant, and it had just the right amount of spices.

Sun Wah BBQ

Address: 5039 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://sunwahbbq.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sun-Wah-Barbecue-Restaurant-120618204621446/

This is one of Chicago’s cornerstone Hong Kong style BBQ restaurants. They’re famous for their multi-course Beijing Duck Dinners, which I’d really like to try someday soon. However, they also offer your choice of BBQ meat over rice with veggies and soup for a good price. These are a great option if you’re looking for a quicker meal for one or two people.

Ba Le Sandwiches

Address: 5014 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.balesandwich.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balebanhmisandwiches/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ba_le_sandwich/

Have you ever had bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) before? Whether your answer is yes or no, you should visit Ba Le. This small deli on the main intersection of Argyle serves delicious and fresh sandwiches that are as good as the ones you can get from street vendors in Saigon!

Thai Pastry Restaurant

Address: 4925 N Broadway Unit E, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.thaipastry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thai-Pastry-Restaurant-115961455093904/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thai.pastry.restaurant/

Argyle’s other noteworthy Thai restaurant is only a short walk down the block from Immm. In addition to offering standard dishes like curry and fried rice, Thai Pastry has a lot of unique appetizers. Consider trying their kuchai, an order of flat chive dumplings served with a slightly sweet sauce.

As the name suggests, this restaurant also sells pastries, imported snacks, ice cream, and other things to take home with you after dinner. Be sure to check them out at the front counter!

Desserts, Drinks, & Pastries

Don’t forget to save room for dessert when you’re visiting Asia on Argyle! There are lots of great places to try if you’re looking for something sweet or caffeinated.

First Sip Cafe

Address: 1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: https://www.firstsip.cafe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstsipcafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstsipcafe/

This cozy coffee shop is one of my favorites in all of Chicago. The interior is so unique, with lots of potted plants by the front window and teacups hanging from the ceiling around the counter area.

First Sip Cafe also offers some amazing flavored lattes that you can get hot or iced. I really liked their pistachio mint and orange blossom lattes, and I can’t wait to try spicy mango and banana sundae. This should give you an idea of how creative their menu is!

Chiu Quon Bakery
超群茶餐廳

Address: 1127 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
Website: http://www.cqbakery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cqbakery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiuquonbakery/

You can buy steamed buns, cookies, moon cakes, and more at this bakery that also has a location in Chinatown. Located right next to the CTA train stop, Chiu Quon’s big sign with the bold red letters is likely to be one of the first things you see when you get to Argyle via the metro.

Street Art

In addition to eating and cafe hopping, the other main thing to do in Argyle is to admire the street art. There’s an overarching theme of celebrating the diversity and the many cultures that make up the neighborhood, which is expressed through a variety of artistic styles.

Uptown Beyond Argyle

Argyle may only span a couple blocks, but the district it’s located in is pretty large. Uptown is close to the lakefront and has a lot of interesting architecture! I’ve written a separate blog post about this part of Chicago, which you can check out using the image link below!

In addition to its beautiful buildings, Uptown has such a vibrant food scene that extends beyond Asian cuisine. For example, this part of town seems to be home to a number of Ethiopian restaurants. Check out my separate Uptown blog post to learn more about that!

Go Visit Argyle!

This little part of the city may not make it onto every visitor’s radar when they come to Chicago, but I’d guess that it’s one of America’s best destinations for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s also an area worth supporting, learning about, and experiencing for yourself!

Have you been to Argyle before? Do you have a favorite restaurant here? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading!

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This post was published on July 30, 2021

This blog post was proudly created without the use of generative AI. It was 100% written and edited by a human, for humans. Enjoy, and thanks for your support!

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The post Why You Should Check Out “Asia On Argyle,” Chicago’s Little Vietnam appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

360 City Guides Archives - Caffeinated Excursions

Discover Chicago’s Tranquil North Park Neighborhood: Urban Trails, Colleges, Etc.

Basic Information About North Park

North Park University

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

Parks to Visit in North Park

North Park Village Nature Center & Peterson Park

North Park Village Nature Center

Peterson Park

North Park Village

LaBagh Woods & Gompers Park

Field Park

Enticing Food & Drink Options in North Park

Vietnamese Cuisine & Phở

Phở Năm Lúa

Hoanh Long Vietnamese & Chinese Cuisine

Saigon Phở

Pho Le 777

Viet Fusion

Additional Asian Restaurants

Midori Japanese Restaurant

Faiza Chicago

Cozy Brunch Places

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club

Tre Kronor Restaurant

Other Great Restaurants to Try

Sissy's Sandwich

Charcoal Delights

Enjoy Your Visit to North Park!

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Get To Know Edgewater, Chicago: A Colorful Lakefront Neighborhood

Layout of Edgewater

The Actual Edge of the Water in Edgewater

Broadway

Clark Street

Devon Avenue

Major East-to-West Streets and CTA Stops

Noteworthy Attractions

Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach

Foster Beach

Edgewater Historical Society & Museum

Restaurants to Try

East Asian Cuisine

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Indie Cafe

Yatai Asian Street Food

En Lai Asian Grill

Ethiopian Cuisine

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant

Ethiopian Diamond

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

Mexican Cuisine

Más Allá del Sol

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Little Vietnam Restaurant

Jin Thai

Ben's Noodles and Rice

Other Restaurant Options in Edgewater

Regalia

Patio Beef

The Little India

Go Enjoy Edgewater!

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