Uptown (Chicago) Archives - Caffeinated Excursions https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/tag/uptown-chicago/ Blog of a Traveling Coffee Addict Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:04:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://i0.wp.com/caffeinatedexcursions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/wp-1555570621336.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Uptown (Chicago) Archives - Caffeinated Excursions https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/tag/uptown-chicago/ 32 32 141833777 Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Uptown Community https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/exploring-chicagos-vibrant-uptown-community/ https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/exploring-chicagos-vibrant-uptown-community/#respond Mon, 13 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/?p=20907 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...

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Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Uptown Community

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.

The Uptown Theatre, which unfortunately has been closed to the public since 1981. Plans to restore it remain up in the air as of spring 2022.

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

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.

A section of North Clark Street in Uptown, 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.

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!

Share This Post With Fellow Travelers!

This post was published on June 13, 2022

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!

Upcoming Trips

  1. Bangkok (Sept)
  2. Istanbul (Sept)

Support the Blog!

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

]]> https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/exploring-chicagos-vibrant-uptown-community/feed/ 0 20907 Why You Should Check Out “Asia On Argyle,” Chicago’s Little Vietnam https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/why-you-should-check-out-asia-on-argyle-chicagos-little-vietnam/ https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/why-you-should-check-out-asia-on-argyle-chicagos-little-vietnam/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000 https://caffeinatedexcursions.com/?p=17861 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. You should definitely check out some of the restaurants, cafes, and street art in this area...

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

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?

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!

Share This Post With Fellow Travelers!
Asia on Argyle, also known as the West Argyle Street Historic District, is one of Chicago's most interesting neighborhoods! Home to a large Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, and East Asian community, Argyle is an excellent place to find authentic and delicious cuisine. You won't want to miss the area's street art, either! To learn more, check out this blog post or pin it for later! Asia on Argyle, also known as the West Argyle Street Historic District, is one of Chicago's most interesting neighborhoods! Home to a large Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, and East Asian community, Argyle is an excellent place to find authentic and delicious cuisine. You won't want to miss the area's street art, either! To learn more, check out this blog post or pin it for later!

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!

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!

Upcoming Trips

  1. Bangkok (Sept)
  2. Istanbul (Sept)

Support the Blog!

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

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