Argyle Street Chicago

Chicago's only shared street

Claire from Chicago

""Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market..."

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.

Art & culture

Restaurants

Shopping

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Chicago Spotter Claire

About me Chicago is my chosen home! I moved here from St. Louis in 2003 and decided to stay. Chicago is the place I have developed my career and discovered my passions. As a social worker I have worked hard to establish a consistent self- care routine. Exploring and indulging in all the city has to offer is a major piece of my sanity! I love finding myself on a Saturday afternoon on an impromptu bar crawl with my friends and then wake up on Sundays to train by the lake for triathlons. Why Chicago I live in Uptown, a neighborhood that is known for diversity and 4am ba...

About this spot

West Argyle Street 1100

USD

no-price

Social

Nov 13, 2025

Our Chicago City Guide

Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

Luft Balloons

Decorating Chicago with balloons

Luft Balloons in Chicago isn't just a balloon shop – it's a female-operated & owned business that makes balloon sculptures specifically for marches...

Shopping

Sophie

Amado

Nov 24, 2025

Lincoln Tap Room

Dive with great drink specials

Lincoln Tap Room offers unmatched drink specials, retro vibes, and Steelers pride in a cozy, no-frills space on lively Lincoln Avenue.

Bars

Sophie

Amado

Nov 21, 2025

The Catcade

Cat cafe+arcade

The arcade-themed Catcade in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood has been a crucial stop for all cat lovers since 2017 — play games, cuddle cats, adopt!

Coffee & tea

Relaxing

Sophie

Amado

Nov 21, 2025

La Creperie

Chicago's staple French restaurant

I've been going to La Creperie on Clark since I was a kid and it has never disappointed me — don’t miss the dreamy back patio and cozy French classics.

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 20, 2025

TARY Coffee House

Kazakh specialty cafe

There are many unique food options to try on their menu like Bylamyk porridge with raspberry jam, Baursak (fried dough bites) or Truffle Mushroom Soup.

Coffee & tea