Best restaurant on Lawrence between Kedzie and Western

Have a friend coming in who is well traveled. Is a Vietnam vet and has taken trains all over the world, spending time at spots along the way. I know there are a lot of restaurants on Lawrence. If you could pick one place as your first choice, what would it be? BYOB is preferred.

I know its in a whole other league, but Goosefoot is not out of the question and would be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Thanks!

I really enjoyed my dinner at Goosefoot a few years ago.

My other go-to places around there are Nhu Lan and Paprika (Indian BYOB, though I've always gotten carryout/delivery). I know Isla Pilipina is a board favorite. But there's a lot of places around there, many newish, and so I'm curious to hear others' suggestions.

Paprika
2547 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Isla Pilipina
2501 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Han Bat for one thing and one thing only: sollangtang (beef broth with noodles) and perfect kimchi on the side. Add salt, scallions, rice, kimchi to taste. It's an excellent rendition - simple, soothing and satisfying. (Ok they also serve a "spicy beef soup with vegetables", which is pretty good, but the former item is the ticket.) Sparse setting and proprietor can be grouchy. That said, if your guest has an appreciation for Korean comfort food this spot is not to be missed.

Han Bat Restaurant 2723 W Lawrence Ave.
Check for opening hours. Closes 8-9pm.

Rainbow Thai is just a couple doors North of Lawrence on Western

Hi,

Best or best at what it does:

Great Seas
3253 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
greatsearestaurant.com

When you find yourself surrounded by tables ordering the wings and not much else, you know you walked into a shrine.

When I am visiting a town and ask for suggestions, I almost always get the place people bring their guests. When I ask them for a place they would want to head to first after being away for a long time, I might get a Great Seas type place. At least for me, I want to visit that place that says welcome back in my giddy food adventurer style.

Regards,
Cathy2

JoelF wrote:Rainbow Thai is just a couple doors North of Lawrence on Western

As is Elizabeth Restaurant. Tre Kronor is about a half block west of your boundary on Lawrence, BYOB, as is Rainbow.

G Wiv wrote:

JoelF wrote:Rainbow Thai is just a couple doors North of Lawrence on Western

As is Elizabeth Restaurant. Tre Kronor is about a half block west of your boundary on Lawrence, BYOB, as is Rainbow.

It's on Foster. But certainly close by. If we're expanding parameters, Noon O Kebab is just off Lawrence at Kedzie.

G Wiv wrote:Tre Kronor is about a half block west of your boundary on Lawrence

Tre Kronor is a couple half blocks west of Kedzie, but it's on Foster, a half mile north. Hopefully that isn't a dealbreaker if he wants Swedish/Scandinavian food, since it's not an easy cuisine to come by. Rainbow, with informed ordering, would be my choice, FWIW.

Thanks for all these great ideas!

Any thoughts on LC Pho, Chicago Pho, Sandunga, Sushi Tokoro, Kimberli Sushi, Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen, Pupuseria & Restaurant "El Cuscatleco", or Oaza Restaurant? I'm probably missing something...

I'm intrigued by Tre Kronor for dinner but that may be too far.

cleanplateclub wrote:Any thoughts on ... Chicago Pho

Tiffany, chef of New Asia notoriety, is still the force behind the restaurant, but you can never be sure they'll be open on a given day and time.

spinynorman99 wrote:It's on Foster. But certainly close by. If we're expanding parameters, Noon O Kebab is just off Lawrence at Kedzie.

Ah, yeah, right. I live kind of close to Tre Kronor, been there many (many) times. And still, every time we go, I ask my wife Lawrence or Foster. Noon O Kebab, sure, Kabobi, half block South of Lawrence on Kedzie might be a better choice.

burton wrote:Han Bat for one thing and one thing only: sollangtang (beef broth with noodles) and perfect kimchi on the side. Add salt, scallions, rice, kimchi to taste. It's an excellent rendition - simple, soothing and satisfying. (Ok they also serve a "spicy beef soup with vegetables", which is pretty good, but the former item is the ticket.) Sparse setting and proprietor can be grouchy.

Han Bat is a favorite, but as Burton mentions, really only offers one dish. Far as the auntie owner being "grouchy" that is somewhat of an understatement. I've been there lots, both pre and post close, and typically sit in the same seat, same table.

Last time there, late morning on a weekday in a not very busy restaurant, I sat and was immediately yelled at from across the room to move. I made a weak effort to stay put, thought I was going to get bopped on the noggin. Moved, inured additional wrath waiting 5-minutes for my friend to show up before ordering, then lightly abused for taking a second to catch up before ordering.

My buddy is a musician/actor and charming as can be when the mood strikes. I thought it was working until she snatched the scallions from his hand mid-use while growling too-much.

Her shtick is actually kind of cute, funny, charming, and I dearly love the seolleongtang .

Nhu Lan Bakery and Huraches Dona Chio

I'm a big fan of Sweet Pepper (2604 W. Lawrence) although I'm not sure I would characterize it as a destination meal. It's very simple: Venezuelan arepas in a Chipotle format (or you can choose salad or bowl... But why go to an arepas place and not get an arepa?). Choose your protein, your toppings, and your sauces.

I know I should branch out, but I always get barbacoa or chicken/plantains and goulda/and red pepper and garlic aioli. It might be one of the most filling sandwiches in the city, and on a cold winter day not much can beat it.

What a cool reminder about all of the wonderful restaurants in a 1 mileish stretch.

Good luck on deciding!

I can second both of these recommendations...

Isla Pilipina Restaurant
2501 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago
(Filipino)

Nhu Lan Bakery
2612 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago
(Bánh Mì)

Both are right up there for the best in their respective strengths.

Looks like we'll head to Isla Pilipina unless we hear something about Himalayan Sherpa that changes our minds.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice!

cleanplateclub wrote:Looks like we'll head to Isla Pilipina unless we hear something about Himalayan Sherpa that changes our minds.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice!

Don’t forget to stop at the liquor store next door for some Filipino beer. Isla is BYO.

You won't go wrong with IP. We've had quite good luck there through the years. Grilled whole fish was a sure winner (Inahaw Bangus).

cleanplateclub wrote:Looks like we'll head to Isla Pilipina unless we hear something about Himalayan Sherpa that changes our minds.

You've probably already seen this but in case you haven't, Sula had lots of nice things to say about Himalayan Sherpa back in August of 2019.

=R=

Isla Pilipina is such a winner in my book. It wins points for having the most friendly and attentive service (save Goosefoot) on this stretch of Lawrence, along with hip music and art. Huge portions at very reasonable (though semi-recently increased) prices. I have about 8 or 9 go-to items there which is more than most places I hit regularly.

The only downsides are somewhat awkward/inadequate restrooms, potentially long waits at peak times, and a kitchen that closes fairly early each evening (I've often seen them stop taking orders by 8:30ish). There's also draftiness this time of year; sitting near the door in winter isn't recommended. But none of those issues usually stops me from going.

I miss the days of cheap, decent, 24/7 Korean fare on that stretch of road, many years ago. Back when many Korean immigrant men drove cabs and worked hard into the night, driving or in other occupations, and needed a taste of home.

For my post-punk friends and I, nothing beat a huge bowl of bibimbap and a load of binchon for around five bucks, after a night of debauchery at the clubs.

Thanks one and all. We went to Isla Pilipina. The pork belly appetizer was a huge hit. Sweet sausage and calamari also good. We were pretty full by the time the adobo rice came. Took the rice home and have enjoyed it today.

Really great prices for the portions. Great service. Great vibe. thanks!