Grenouille, A few suggestions w/links to previous threads in Flyertalk:
Off the Red Line at the Argyle stop is Chicago’s version of Vietnam Town. Many many restaurants to choose from, here are a few of my faves:
Get some pho soup at Pho 777, there is a Pho 888 and 999 but I like 777 the best to date.
Sun Wah BBQ serves great BBQ duck dishes, delicious.
BALE for Bahn Mi Sandwiches:
http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdi...ML/000019.html
Under the Red Line at the Bryn Mawr stop is Hella’s for Gyros. Many places serve gyros in Chicago, but Hella’s uses high quality gyros meat which sets it apart from the many that do not.
About two blocks from the Bryn Mawr stop is a Mexican Taqueria called Uptown, corner of Bryn Mawr and Broadway. Uptown serves very good tacos, burritos and the like.
If you take the Red Line south to Chinatown, I would go to Phoenix Restaurant for Dim Sum, make sure you put someone who is not timid near the aisles to hail the dim sum carts to your table. It is great fun pointing and gesturing to the various foods.
A corned beef sandwich from Manny’s would be a great idea and is 5 blocks south of the Clinton stop on the Blue Line. Manny’s info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdi...ML/000042.html
All the above are very cheap yet serve very good food.
Please post your results, both good and bad!!!!