Two blocks east and one block west of the Argyle red line in Chicago, El stop provides a rich cultural experience. Since the late '70s, Vietnamese families have found community on and around Argyle street and have passed businesses down through generations since.
There are businesses that have been operating through the years and businesses that have recently opened, and all have benefited from the development of the Argyle street cooperative.
In 2016 the community challenged the traditional Chicago streetscape and revamped Argyle, transforming it into a shared street. Construction crews did away with the curbs, took away concrete and hand-laid brick to create a street that encourages harmony between pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. The shared concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provides a space for the summer "Argyle Night Market" where vendors and bands turn the street into a party. The summer block party runs during the months of July and August but one of the most lively days on the street in the winter is the Chinese New Year.
When visiting, wander into the Viet Hoa Oriental Grocery Store, First sip Cafe, La Patisserie Bakery and Be La Sandwich Shop. As you stroll, you will also be able to enjoy several local art murals on the surrounding buildings, all focused on community.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
From sweet egg custard buns to savory BBQ pork buns — to classic plates of noodles and soups, Sweet Cafe has all of your Chinese food favorites.
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To conclude your meal I recommend Kanom tuay - Thai coconut milk custard that is surprisingly warm and absolutely incredible.
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Tostini’s specialities are “tostini” sandwiches with different filling options such as veggie, chicken or köfte meatballs wrapped in pita bread.
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Their chocolate croissant is flakey while still being chewy and buttery without being heavy. Verzenay also has a selection of macarons, quiches and more.
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The first distinguishing feature of their Margherita pizzas is the tomato sauce — which tastes just like the blended tomatoes picked from a farm in Italy!
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We ordered a hotpot of spicy broth, thick glass noodles, sesame balls, sweet glutenous rice balls, dumplings and I was very satisfied with the experience!
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The park was once an abandoned rail yard named after Ping Tom, a civic leader who advocated for a park in Chinatown before he died in 1995.
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Just a short bus ride or walk from West of Chinatown, you'll find a range of Asian groceries within a 80,000-foot, three-story interior of 88 Marketplace.
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Orozco began making quesabirria tacos using his aunt’s recipe from Mexico and is now serving them to the Chicago community with enormous success.
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Chicago's Pilsen community is known for its plethora of Mexican eateries. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in freshly made churros at Don Churro.
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I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
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"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
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114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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