Wing Hoe Restaurant

When I came to Chicago, the first thing I looked for was a New York style Chinese fast food restaurant. Wing Hoe is the closest to that that I have found.

Nothing experimental, just exactly what you want, and you probably don't even have to look at the menu. I order the Yu Shan shrimp and vegetables almost every time and it is the absolute best Chinese dish I have ever had. But I'm picky about my fried rice, and theirs is a little too smoky-tasting for me. Still very good, just not quite what I'm looking for.

If you are looking for a fast Chinese take-out on the north side, this is the place--the food is usually ready in under 10 minutes.

Chop Stix Bistro

If you like the food at the Chop Stix on 13th, but want to get away from the college kids, check this place out. The menu is the same, but of course the kitchens are different so their are a few differences in taste. Still the best Pan-Asian restaurant I have ever been to. The cafe is a bit hidden in the center of a circular shopping center, but the outdoor seating is worth the hard-to-find location.

Chop Stix Cafe

Chopstix has everything you could want when it comes to Asian dishes, from sushi to pad thai. This location is also fun to look at--a great view onto the neighboring lake, tons of over-the-top decor including koi...The menu has a full page of vegetarian options too. Everything is delicious and the servers are very friendly.

New Wok

The best reason to go to New Wok is for really fast, really hot and really tasty Chinese fast food. Don't go for the decor or the service, it's not exactly a restaurant. But they also deliver within 5 miles, which is most of Gville!

Pearl

If you go to the Pearl, please dance. The MJ-esque light-up dance floor surrounded by fake trees (just like at the ET ride!!) is the coolest idea I have ever seen at a club. The music is usually spot-on, a great mix of indie, 80s, a some ghetto stuff thrown in for the frat and sorority types that keep infiltrating. Sit out on the deck on a nice night and you get a decent view of downtown.

Bagels Unlimited

Hole in the wall little breakfast spot on University, but with a surprising selection. Definitely no stellar decor, but perfect for a bite between morning classes, or after a night at the bars.

Parkview Pet Supplies

Selection isn't great here. They do pretty well with the space that they have, but ultimately they didn't have what I was looking for and I was convinced by an employee to buy something they DID have. The food I bought made my pet sick, after I was reassured that it wouldn't. I can't say that I absolutely wouldn't recommend this store...but I was dissappointed that the employee steered me in the wrong direction. Very nice though!

Steamers

Great options for vegetarians and meat-eaters. Careful if you are sensitive to spicy foods though, cause these boys like it HOT! I always go with mild. Skip Pita Pit and walk half a block to these guys.

Layla San Marco

Layla's offers pretty much everything you might want for a night out (see title), but my experience wasn't perfect. Granted we got there kinda late (they're open until 2 on weekends), but my friends and I felt like we were being kicked out at 1:45! I enjoyed the (slightly broken) hookah--Layla's has a good selection of flavors. Great martini options. Good atmosphere. I'd give it another try, definitely.

T's Bar & Restaurant

T's has it all: really good food (I love the steak and potato salad), great drink specials, awesome service, TVs for the sports fan. Look around when you are there, the crowd is so diverse, really represents the neighborhood. I take everyone here when they visit.