I have not been to Pasteur but the other high end Vietnamese places like Le Colonial and Le Lan ( review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415996 ) have not lived up to expected execution. Better IMO to simply eat cheap AND so good on Argyle Street on the northside. My fave Chinese BBQ spot in the city is there Hon Kee, review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308593 Silver Seafood is also up that way: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308625

StudentExplorer mentions Banh Mi (Viet sandwich), here is a place that I like (again near Argyle St): http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308534

Best Breakfasts thread: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308664

For some tapas places, many are mentioned here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=tapas

Best Sushi: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402204

Also make sure to try items unique to Chicago, such as Italian Beef (best debated here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308703 ), Chicago Style Hot Dogs (discussed here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334192 ). Hot Doug’s for unique sausage sandwiches: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308456

Also deep dish, being a person who chows pretty regularly on the stuff, Geno’s is not the best, Malnati’s used to be but currently Pizzeria Due’s at 619 North Wabash is executing an incredible deep dish. FYI, sausage is THE most common ingredient in the Chicagoland area, everywhere else it is pepperoni. Pizzeria Uno’s franchises stink, they are not even a shadow of how good the original Uno’s at 29 East Ohio or Due’s is.

BBQ in Chicago: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308690

Avec is one of my favorite restaurants as of now, review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363329

Chicago has a large selection of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican choices as well. I believe that Chicago has the third largest Hispanic population in the US.

Make sure you post in Community if you wish for some Chicago FT company; it has been awhile since the Chicago Crew has gathered to dine