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.
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													Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
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They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
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The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
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There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
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While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
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BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
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Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.
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116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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