By Ron Augustine
Halsted Street runs from north to south through some of
Chicago's best neighborhoods for dining. Whether you're on the north or south side, there's always a great restaurant to be found. Families,
romantic couples and visitors or tourists can all rejoice in Halsted Street's vast food options. For restaurants that do not offer valet, street parking is usually available.
Parthenon
There are a lot of incredible restaurant choices in Chicago's Greek Town neighborhood, but the staple continues to be the Parthenon. With a massive dining space, Parthenon is fun for dates, families and parties with friends. All around the restaurant, waiters are setting saganaki (plates of cheese) on fire while yelling "Oh-pah!" (You'll feel the heat no matter where you sit.) Other specialties are the lamb chops and gyros plates. The portions are large and heavy, you'll have to take a doggy bag at the end of the night. Valet service is available.
Parthenon
314 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 726-2407
theparthenon.com
Iguana Cafe
In one of the most unassuming nooks of the Noble Square neighborhood is a European-style restaurant on Halsted Street called Iguana Cafe. Perfect for a break away from the busy stretches that Halsted Street is typically known for, Iguana is located at the six corners of Grand, Halsted and Milwaukee (at the Grand blue line subway stop). Specializing in an assortment of crepes and panini sandwiches, Iguana has a large selection of wines from around the world. Iguana is one of the only places in Chicago that serves its coffee European style. And don't pass up the gourmet ice cream for dessert.
Iguana Cafe
517 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60642-5909
(312) 432-0663
iguana-cafe.net
Chicago Diner
What may be the city's best vegetarian-only restaurant is located on North Halsted Street in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. Chicago Diner beckons veggie lovers from all over the Chicagoland area. The staff and decor is very hip, exuding a bit of a punk rock vibe. And the food is delicious, regularly turning meat-eaters into full-time vegetarians. Try the BBQ "rib" sandwich, blueberry pancakes or five-alarm chili for the best the Chicago Diner has to offer. Most of the dishes are actually vegan. The surrounding area is dense with dance clubs and cool bars. Chicago Diner doesn't accept reservations and the wait can be long, so make sure to put your name on the wait list as early in the evening as possible.
Chicago Diner
3411 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6696
veggiediner.com
Resources
About the Author:
Ron Augustine is a rookie freelance writer and producer who has worked primarily in radio and print media for Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions, Relevant Magazine, WMBI Chicago and the Burnside Writers Collective. He graduated Moody College in 2007 with a degree in Communications.
