Carless in Chicago? Red Line Treasures

Today we begin seven days of suggestions for Chicago must-know-it-alls culled from the pages of the CTA train chapter of Jason Rothstein's Carless in Chicago. For your holiday break and winter exploring, we offer you these Windy City treasures, all within a two-block walk from CTA subway or "L" stops.

Red Line...

Howard Station (7600 N/1700 W)

Visit the Romanian Kosher Sausage Company (7200 N. Clark) for top-notch salami and formidable cuts of brisket.

Argyle Station (5000 N/1200 W)

For the finest example of pho (the ubiquitous Vietnamese beef noodle soup) , have lunch at Pho 777 (1065 W. Argyle) today. Argyle Street, of course, is filled with all the runners-up, too.

Belmont Station (3200 N/1000 W)

If you need last-minute holiday gathering treats, you can't go wrong at Bittersweet Bakery (1114 W. Belmont), especially because it's a terrific lunch destination as well.

Fullerton Station (2400 N/1000 W)

In the category of "We didn't know either"...the DePaul University Art Museum (2350 N. Kenmore) is one of a handful of public-friendly buildings on the very walkable DePaul University campus.

69th Station (6900 S/1 W)

Also recommended by The Beat Cop's Guide to Chicago Eats authors Haynes & Garlington, Uncle John's BBQ (339 E. 69th) is a 3-block walk from the station.