Categories: Restaurants
At The Table: Ethnic Enclaves
Author: Jody Robbins
Chicago is a multi-ethnic city with 77 distinct communities offering an array of dining choices. With such a rich variety, odds are you will find it here. These neighborhoods are a good place to get started.
Little Italy
Located just southwest of the Loop near the U.I.C. Circle Campus, Little Italy's Taylor St. offers dining options from several regions of Italy.
Dining Favorites
Tuscany features Northern Italian specialties like gourmet pizza baked in a wood-burning oven, house-made pastas and wood-fired meats. The Rosebud offers real-Chicago Italian with options like the house-made square noodles in marinara, and the bone-in chicken Vesuvio with garlic white wine sauce, roasted potatoes and peas. Francesca's on Taylor is a sophisticated trattoria that offers a daily-changing menu with choices like thin-crust pizza, grilled fish and pasta. Tufano's Vernon Park Tap offers classic Italian fare with such choices as spaghetti, mostaccioli and tortellini topped with Grandma's Special Gravy (slang for sauce).
Chinatown
There are nearly 60 restaurants packed in this lively area located just south of the Loop, on both Wentworth Avenue and also in Chinatown Square on Archer Avenue.
Dining Favorites
Try Lao Sze Chuan (Old Szechuan) for the authentic specialties like kung pao chicken, boiled beef in spicy Szechuan sauce and twice-cooked pork. Or head to The Phoenix Restaurant for great views of the skyline from the second floor, and a broad menu with choices like Mongolian chicken, crispy orange beef, and shrimp with black bean sauce. One of the most authentic spots in Chinatown is the Dragon Court, where you get to choose your live lobster, crab, or grouper from the front window tanks; your waiter will happily deliver your pick to the kitchen for steaming or braising. Noodle fans should head to the pan-Asian Joy Yee Noodle Shop for options like Vietnamese vermicelli, Thai curry rice noodles, and black mushroom chow mein.
Argyle Street
Located in the diverse Uptown northside neighborhood, Argyle Street is another Asian hub with Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Laotian restaurants.
Dining Favorites
Pho 888 features huge bowls of Vietnamese Pho (broth-based noodle soup) plus menu choices like pan-fried egg noodles, stir fries and rice dishes. At Thai Pastry and Restaurant try the hot and sour soup with mushrooms, the green or red curry dishes with coconut milk, or the stir-fried pad Thai. The front windows of Sun Wah Bar-B-Q entice passersby with whole barbecued ducks, chickens and ribs hanging in the front window. The Peking-style spareribs have a delicious sweet glaze, or go for the savory pepper in the black bean version. A giant smiling Buddha welcomes you at Nhu Hoa Cafe, a Vietnamese and Laotian eatery with specialties like the sizzling roast quail with black mushrooms and broccoli, or deep-fried sea bass with lemon grass.
Greektown
Opaa! Almost every Greek restaurant on the two-block stretch of Halsted Street between Adams and Van Buren streets just west of the Loop serves saganaki, a dish of mild cheese flamed tableside while the waiters shout Opaa! Local restaurateurs claim this dish was invented right here in Chicago.
Dining Favorites
Head to Greek Islands and try the daily specials, with choices like Greek-spiced, oven-roasted lamb or the baked orange roughy with tomato sauce, fresh vegetables and herbs. The Parthenon, the oldest restaurant in the area, has a massive menu with such choices as roast suckling pig, rotisserie-roasted chicken and moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, meat sauce, Béchamel and Greek cheese. Pegasus offers choices like Grecian-style broiled chicken, and dolmades, which are ground beef, lamb and rice-stuffed grape leaves. Roditys offers daily specials in addition to the regular menu and features a combination plate that includes moussaka, pastitsio (baked macaroni with seasoned ground beef and lamb), dolmades and a roasted leg of lamb.
Little India
Devon Avenue is located near Loyola University and is one of the most multi-ethnic areas in the Midwest, with a large concentration of Indian and Pakistani restaurants.
Dining Favorites
Arguably the most elegant dining room on the street, Tiffin, the Indian Kitchen, which has the most elegant dining room in the area, features choices like the chicken tikka (seasoned with a blend of masala, lemon juice and yogurt), and seasoned lamb chops; both are roasted in the clay tandoor oven. Hema's Kitchen signature dishes include the buna gosht, lamb sautéed with fresh peppers, onions, curry leaves and black pepper, and the sag murg, which is oven-baked chicken with spinach and spices. The large menu at the Indian Garden offers several tandoor offerings; or try the house specialty kadhai gosht, a mildly spiced dish of lamb cooked in an iron wok with tomatoes, onions and garlic. Udupi Palace is known for its aromatic vegetarian food, including utthapam, rice flour pancakes studded with such choices as tomatoes, onions and peas, several pullaos (rice pilafs) and dosas, which are stuffed South Indian-style crepes
Check out places of interest near At The Table: Ethnic Enclaves:
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Alhambra Palace Restaurant
1240 W. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60607
Everything from belly dancers to American cuisine tinged with Middle Eastern and Far Eastern accents, the scale of this restaurant reminds one of the actual Alhambra in Morcocco.
Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Chef/owner Grant Achatz's Alinea has quickly proven itself one of America's most unusual, provocative, challenging, and sought-after restaurants.
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60661
One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, Blackbird has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by Gourmet magazine. Contemporary American dining reaches its zenith here.
Bolat African Cuisine
3346 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Taste all of the flavors of Africa at Bolat African Cuisine. Dishes are stuffed with a diverse array of flavors in the meaty stews, rice dishes, and fish platters. Bolat welcomes home all visitors to the motherland of African cuisine.
Cotes du Rhone Bistro
5424 N. Broadway St.,
Chicago, IL 60640
A Chicago BYO restaurant for now, chef Brian Moulton serves classic French fare with his own personal touches at more-than-fair prices.
Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.
Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
Selecting only the best aquatic cuisine, Devon Seafood Grill features creative dishes from Chef Scott Barrow.
Elephant & Castle
160 E. Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw.
Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash,
Chicago, Illinois 60601
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw
Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.
Kohan Japanese Restaurant
730 W. Maxwell St.,
Chicago, IL 60607
Sushi and traditional Japanese dishes are offered in an authentic, but laid-back setting.
Pompei Pizza
2955 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Pompeii Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and desserts.
R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W,
Chicago, IL 60614
A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.
Ra Sushi
1139 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This outpost of Ra, a chain of contemporary, if somewhat commercial, sushi restaurants, is conveniently located along Steakhouse Row in the Viagara Triangle area of the Gold Coast--a lighter alternative to the heavier fare nearby.
Ra Sushi
310 Yorktown Center,
Lombard, IL 60148
Located in the new and fabulous Shops on Butterfield, this latest RA Sushi location has happy hour Monday through Friday 4-7.
Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.
Red Light
820 W. Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60607
A pan-Asian eatery with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.
RL
115 E. Chicago Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60611
All the sophistication of Ralph Lauren and his style-making career come into play at this Mag Mile restaurant. American fare is served and executed by the kitchen at a high level. Service is always on its game and the hanging-everywhere art collection is all over the place and featureds some of Lauren's personal collection.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.
Roditys
222 S. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60661
One of Chicago's long standing Greek restaurant, expect classics and old school service, as well.
Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.
RoSal's Cucina
1154 W. Taylor St.,
Chicago, IL 60607
This contemporary Southern Italian restaurant features dishes like broccoli and shells, chicken cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan and spinach lasagna.
Roy's
720 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This Hawaiian fusion spot has outposts all over the world. It serves American cuisine with a Hawaiian cultural viewpoint.
Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
This full-of-frills tea house has been giving visitors to Chicago a taste of Russian culinary luxury for years now; a great spot for a special meal or snack with that special someone.
Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; expect lighter choices, as well.
Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60614
This eatery serves contemporary Mexican fare in a colorful and cozy dining room, plus there's outdoor dining in the form of a covered sidewalk cafe in the summer months. Executive chef Priscilla Satkoff turns out some of the best Mexian and Latin food in Chicago while her husband, Vince, manages the wine list and an excellent tequila selection.
Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60606
Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria.
Santorini
800 W. Adams St,
Chicago, IL 60607
Known in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood for its focus on seafood, Santorini is casual, affordable and tasty. In Chicago, you have to try the saganaki, a.k.a. fried cheese at any Greek restaurant and get ready for a surprise.
Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.
Shochu
3313 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.
Shor
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive,
Chicago, IL 60616
This classic, Chicago-style grill operates out of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It's a perfect, convenient stop for those attending a convention or a performance at the Arie Crown Theater.
Tapas Las Ramblas
5101 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60640
This traditional Spanish tapas restaurant is perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Set in a casual neighborhood away from glitz and glam, feel free to stroll in wearing jeans and a T-shirt and enjoy culture that won't break your wallet.
Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Ave.,
Evanston, IL 60201
This is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Evanston that serves up authentic cuisine.
Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.
Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.
Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
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