where to eat on Argyle

[turkob]

I keep hearing about all the Vietnamese food at Argyle, so I've decided to check it out for myself.

Any recommendations on where to go? I know Pho is a Vietnamese specialty, is there anything else I should try while I'm up there?

Is this is a fun area to walk around in, or do people usually just go for the food then take off?

[lakeview773]

Tiang Gieng (sp?) was good but it recently burned down (nearly to the ground). Get take out or eat in and FLEE! There are roaches creeping from every alley in this "neighborHOOD". They used to have one of those "blue lights" blinking until recently. I have no problem visiting very good restaurants in Detroit. Pathetic, this Chicago place.

[Eaterlover]

I just tried Pho Viet, a few doors down from Tank and I had their Bun with Duck and Bamboo shoots. Savory broth and duck made it an excellent substitute (even though I was craving pho).

[robster craws]

I used to live around the corner from Argyle so we would eat there about once or twice a week. Since moving to Rogers Park, we don't get there quite as much, perhaps every couple of weeks or so. It's definitely an interesting area to walk around--lots of SE Asian grocery stores, jewelry stores, etc.

My two favorites:

Tien Giang
1104 W Argyle

We've been going there since they were around the corner and named "Monaco". I especially like the "salty pork", marinated beef cubes in wine sauce, pancake, beef stew and sesame shrimp. Bright & airy dining room, efficient & friendly service.

New Saigon
5000 N Broadway (@ Argyle)

The spring rolls are awesome, and I also enjoy the banh hoi. My partner loves the pho and chicken with lemongrass. We both think that the egg rolls & iced coffee are the best on Argyle. It's a divey little place but Tony and his wife are really great people. And the prices are rock-bottom, hence the "Cheap Eats" neon sign in the window!

[jbw]

You might want to give Sabai-Dee a try. Neither Vietnamese nor on Argyle but very close to both (It's Laotian and a couple of blocks north on Broadway). It has a very welcoming atmosphere, and altho some of the food's on a steam table, all the items I've had at night have been freshly made. I'm currently working my way through the menu, but I would definitely recommend the vegetable cakes (chive dumplings with a heavy does of garlic), the homemade sausage (chunky and a little funky if you're used to European sausage), and some excellently flavored curries, that emphasize noodles and broth. They are here:

Sabai-Dee
5359 N Broadway, Unit A
773-506-0880

[Vanessy]

Here a good place to eat, a new restaurant name Pho Xua, (don't mix up Pho Xe Lua across the street). Pho Xua is nice a place, I went there on Mother Day, the food was really good. Pho is a popular one in Vietnamese recipes, but I didn't have pho, 'cause every Vietnamese restaurant has about the samething in the bowl. I had some grill betel leave beef for starter, and mango chicken for entree, they were delicious !!!

[foodiecait]

While Chicago is not known for the best pho, decent ones are the following:

Cafe Hoang (they also have good spicy beef broth noodle dish, Bun Bo Hue and good salads: lotus root salad, Goi ga (chicken))
1010 W Argyle St
Chicago, IL, 60640
[phone]

Hai Yen (their lotus salad and 7 course beef here is fabulous)
1055 W Argyle Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
[phone]

other places to check out:

Ba Le (for Vietnamese sandwiches)
5018 N Broadway Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
[phone]

Chiu Quon Bakery (chinese bakery)
1127 W Argyle St
Chicago, IL, 60640
[phone]

Sun Wah (for bbq pork, roast pork)
1134 W Argyle Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
[phone]

[dinein]

I live on Argyle and some of the places... I haven't a clue as to the names... but I'll try.

Benny's Grill
1005 W. Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640
OK, this place is just an interesting slice of humanity and Judy does thrown down a mean fried egg and bacon!

Thai Binh
1113 W. Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640

This is SERIOUSLY... ONE OF THE BEST in the neighborhood! Thai Binh is pretty much a Vietnamese place. Lovely family who treat you so well. The food here is outstanding. Everyone and ALL on this Chicago Board should check this place out. BYOB and worth bringing something very tasty with you.

Pho 777
Very good stuff

La Patisserie P
1052-52 W. Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640
Fantastic mix of French/ Vienesse/ Chinese pastry. Peter Yuen is Chicago's Nationally Ranked Pastry king. Really good stuff, from traditional steamer buns to some of the loveliest croissants you will ever have.

Thai Pastry & Restaurant
Unit E
4925 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Some of the better Thai Food in Chicago, hands down.

If you are a foodie, this is a fun area to walk around and check out the tea/ herbalist shops. The grocery stores can be great. And, you can almost walk into a place on this street and it's going to be solid.

[Vanessy]

here a good place to eat, a new restaurant name Pho Xua, (don't mix up Pho Xe Lua across the street). Pho Xua is nice a place, I went there on Mother Day, the food was really good!!!

[degeneral]

we've been to Tank and to 777, and we like the pho at both. as an alternative, check out Hai Yen, which is just a few doors down. 1055 W Argyle St. the food there is pretty good, and the interior is a bit nicer and cozier than the others.

as far as what to do, you could check out Fat Cat, i think they have pool tables and stuff. there's also the Annoyance Theater for live improve. stop by Agami for some martinis. Green Mill is always a good time, too.

[citywayne]

Hai Yen is good. They had a very good catfish casserole there.

[andigirl]

I'm actually not sure the name of it but it is easy to find, although it looks really bizarre, they have the best noodle soups. It is the place on the north side of the street with the ducks hanging in the window. For like 5.50 you get this huge bowl of soup with sliced duck or whatever you want and chicken and lots of noodles. You'll be amazed and not diappointed.

[starrytear]

I used to LOVE Tank when it was a small little homey place down Argyle... ever since business boomed and they expanded, food isn't made as well as before. My mom plus 10 friends went to Tank a couple weeks ago, a couple of them even ordered takeout for their families. When they asked for take-home containers for their leftovers, the Tank staff said, "If you promise not to get separate bills, I'll give you the containers.. otherwise, I'm charging you for these containers." ridiculous.

My favorite Vietnamese place in Chicagoland area is Tay Do.. HUGE menu, best flavor.. LOVE their beef spring rolls (with fish sauce)... mmm!

Tay Do
1232 Bloomingdale Rd. Glendale Heights, IL 60139

[andigirl]

I agree, Tank isn't what it was when it first opened, I was there a couple of weeks ago with some co-workers, one was even Vietnamese, staff was kind of rude and only spoke to the Vietnamese guy at our table. The seafood soup was incredible, though.

[aelph]

Sun Wah

[citywayne]

There is another place (forgot the name) down the street (same side, going towards the lake) that has ducks and chickens hanging. They do an amazing suckling pig (if you can get it, not available all the time).

I do prefer Sun Wah for their noodle and dumpling soups.

[aelph]

I'm blanking right now too, but it's a Vietnamese joint(whereas Sun Wah is Chinese) they also offer banh mi.

[citywayne]

Nah, I think it is Chinese... standard cantonese noodle menu.
But if they have banh mi, then they are catering to the Vietnamese crowd too then. Didn't notice Pho or bun on the menu, but I haven't been there for a while.

[aelph]

Still blanking on the name...but it's definitely Vietnamese-named...the place on Sheridan cattycorner to the residence hotel/halfway house.

[deesher]

Hon Kee
1064 W Argyle St
Chicago, Il 60640
773-878-6650
9am - 9pm
Closed Tuesday

This is the other BBQ place on Argyle. I really like the goi ga (chicken salad) at Cafe Hoang at 1010 W. Argyle. I also like the banh xao (crispy pancake), although I have them hold the pork as it is usually not to my taste. The spicy lemon beef salad is also a winner, as are the "roll your own" grilled beef rolls from the traditional Vietnamese portion of the menu. The place is very plain and byob.

I also like the Bo La Lot and Seven courses of beef served at Hai Yen at 1055 W. Argyle.

[aelph]

I finally looked it up: Vinh Phat
4940 N. Sheridan Rd.

seems pretty Vietnamese to me

[citywayne]

That's the one Hon kee. See if you can get the suckling roast pig.

[aelph]

So...you're saying they're the same restaurant with two different names, Vinh Phat and Hon Kee, and two different addresses(one on Sheridan and one on Argyle just around the corner)?

[deesher]

They are not the same restaurant.

[aelph]

I know...citywayne appears to be insisting they are. Unless I'm completely misreading his comments.

[citywayne]

No it's Hon Kee and it's on Argyle on the north side of the street. It's about 3 blocks east of Broadway.
I can't attest for Vinh Phat.
Sorry for the confusion.

[aelph]

There wasn't any confusion on my part :)

When I originally wrote I was blanking on the place's name I was thinking of Vinh Phat.

[citywayne]

Go to 777. IMO Tank's soup stock is too sweet.

[Chargenda]

why does everyone like tank noodle so much, probably my least favorite that I have been to on argyle.

[aelph]

No...it's not the best, but it's very accessible, has an easily-reached location(sure can't miss it), and huge menu.

[YoYoPedro]

How about another suggestion instead?

[Chargenda]

sorry, that was rude of me. I really like Tien Giang on Argyle after having been to maybe half the others on the strip, that's my fav.

[mai_world]

I have to recommend Tank Noodle also. You should give anything they have clay pot style a try or the Vietnamese "Crepe"; there.

Unless you need to hit up a Vietnamese grocery store or a one of those chinese bakeries there isn't much hanging around to do.

[Eaterlover]

Are you talking about the crepe stuffed with bean sprouts? I had this the last time I went to Tank and it was really bland. The crepe was excellent, but the filling bean sprouts were unseasoned--is this normal?

[mai_world]

Well this is how you are supposed to eat them. crepe, bean spourts, wrapped in the lettuce and mint, basil and dipped into the fish sauce. Personally I've never eaten the dish at tank noodle. I only eat it when my mom makes it for me.

[swsidejim]

Tank Noodle for Vietnamese it is on the corner of Argyle, and Broadway

Tank Noodle
4953 N. Broadway
Chicago

For my favorite chinese food in the city, where they have their duck, and pork products hanging in the front window I go to Sun Wah BBQ

Sun Wah BBQ
1134 W. Argyle
Chicago

It is a neat area to walk around weather permitting, with asian shops mixed in with the restaurants.