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

Middlebrow

Natural wine meets fresh bread

I am always stunned by Middlebrow's appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

PIZZ'AMICI

Tavern-style pizza

Tavern-style pizza takes the crown at PIZZ'AMICI — thin, crispy crust, cozy vibes, and big local love since they moved from apartment to restaurant in 2024.

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

Vito + Nick's

Breaking Chicago pizza stereotypes

Vito & Nick's doesn't make typical Chicago pizza: it's the thin crust that reigns supreme here. I drive out of my way to get there, but it's worth it.

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

Reggies Chicago

Bar with music and shuttles

Reggies Chicago is a grunge bar, concert venue, and shuttle hub with great eats, Sox game packages, a beach bar and unique events like a pancake art show.

Bars

Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

The 606

Quiet nature path

The 606 (aka the Bloomingdale Trail) in Chicago is a repurposed walking trail on a disused piece of L train track. In my opinion, it's a piece of art.

Step into Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Oak Park — an inspiring tour through the birthplace of the Prairie Style, just off Chicago’s Green Line.

Art & culture