Carless in Chicago? Orange Line Wonders

Today's rail touring takes us to the wonderful restaurants and food shopping along the Southwest Side's Orange Line.

Midway (4600 W/5900 S)

For the rare Midway station traveler who isn't airport bound, consider a pierogi pilgrimage to Bobak's Sausage Company (5275 S. Archer).

Pulaski (4000 W/5100 S)

Stuff yourself like a cabbage at Szala's Restaurant (5214 S. Archer), making a visit before or afterwards for book browsing at Ex Libris Polish Book Gallery (5040 S. Archer).

Western (2400 W/4900 S)

You'd never guess from this semi-industrial neighborhood that you are just blocks away from amazing small-batch cheese. The Great American Cheese Collection (4727 S. Talman), a cheese distributor serving restaurants and gourmet shops, opens its warehouse to the public every alternate Saturday morning, and often features guest businesses selling other artisanal food as well.

35th/Archer (2200 W/3500 S)

This is your stop for two Southwest Side classics: Huck Finn Donuts (3414 S. Archer), whose menu extends far beyond fried dough, and Lindy's Chili and Gertie's Ice Cream (3685 S. Archer), for all combinations of delicious homemade chili and ice cream treats.

These are just a fraction of the suggestions offered readers of Jason Rothstein's Carless in Chicago (CTA Chapter), available from your local library, Amazon.com (now available for Kindle), and bookstores near you.

Next up: Brown Line.