Day 9: BYOBs for Affordable, Cultural Holiday Get-Togethers

Jean Iversen, author of the third edition of BYOB Chicago brings us Day 9 of LCP's 12 Days of Xmas Chicago holiday suggestions.

BYOBs: Part of a Cultural Experience

BYOBs are an affordable, fun option for holiday get-togethers with friends and family (just think of how much you’ll save on that bottle of bubbly). Many of them are located in Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods. This holiday, enjoy not only the great BYOBs in these unique neighborhoods, but also the surrounding shops, sights, and culture.

Chinatown: Szechuan and Chinatown Square

A few steps from the Cermak/Chinatown stop on the Red Line is Double Li (228 W. Cermak, 312-842-7818), an excellent Szechuan BYOB (read: spicy). While noshing on an appetizer of steamed dumplings, plot your course through Chinatown Square, where you can shop for teas, sweets, herbs, and other curiosities.

Pilsen: Enchiladas and Art Walk

Established by the Gutierrez family in 1962, Nuevo Leon (1515 W. 18th St., 312-421-1517) is the anchor of 18th Street, a mecca of authentic Mexican food and art galleries. Stop by the 180-seat Northern Mexican BYOB for a rib eye with poblano peppers (bring your own batch of margaritas), then hit the Pilsen Art Walk on the second Friday of the month.

Andersonville: Swedes and Shopping

What would a trip to this Scandinavian neighborhood be without a stop at BYOB Ann Sather (5207 N. Clark, 773-271-6677)? After one of their signature, hockey puck–sized cinnamon rolls and a plate of Swedish pancakes and lingonberries, you’ll need to walk it off. The boutique shops along Clark Street offer ample opportunities to find books, clothing, house wares, gourmet goodies, and more.

Uptown: Asian Eats and Groceries

Most people who come to feast in this neighborhood, also dubbed Little Saigon, flock to Tank Noodle, another BYOB a few doors down. But I think hole-in-the-wall Pho 888 (1137 W. Argyle, 773-907-8838) serves up the best Vietnamese grub. After a hearty meal of spring rolls, pho (a beef broth-based cauldron of soup) and grilled pork sandwiches (served on freshly baked baguettes from nearby Ba Le), pick up some authentic Asian spices and groceries on Argyle—or go north on Broadway a few blocks to the Golden Pacific Market for an even larger selection.

West Rogers Park: Samosas and Saris

Indo-Pak (Indian-Pakistani) restaurants dominate this stretch of Devon; most are BYOB since most are Muslim-owned. Feast on lamb boti kebob and freshly made samosas at the famous Hema’s Kitchen (2439 W. Devon, 773-338-1627). Afterward, head out on fast-paced Devon, where you can get your eyebrows threaded, shop for Indian sweets, gaze at the beautiful fabric stores or just let the throng lead you somewhere new.