Restaurants near Belmont Station

I'm looking forward to visiting Chicago for the first time, and would appreciate some recommendations for restaurants near my Airbnb (within a block of Belmont Station in Lakeview). I'm traveling with two other people, and I'm in a wheelchair, so need somewhere accessible. I'd prefer something within walking distance. My budget is pretty low, so nothing fancy, more of the local joint variety. I love spicy food too!

There is certainly no shortage of options in that area of all styles and at nearly all price points and I am sure plenty of people will chime in with plenty of suggestions. Personally, my favorite restaurant near there is Big and Little's about a block west of the station on Belmont.

Andys thai kitchen 2 blocks south on wellington is the first thing that comes to mind.

Murphys on Belmont and racine for a good Chicago style hot dog

If you like seafood, there are two more good, moderately-priced choices nearby. Fish Bar is a couple blocks south of the Belmont L stop on Sheffield. And Fahlstrom's is a couple blocks west on Belmont.

For double-crust "stuffed" thick-crust pizza, Giordano's is on Belmont, a block west of the L.

Maison Parisienne is a French cafe a block north of the L stop on Clark Street. They have terrific baked goods (croissants and kouign amann).

All of these are on the ground floor and accessible.

bopNgrill offers a great burger with Korean influences.
921 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Crisp is a few blocks away from the stop but has great wings. The Seoul Sassy sauce is amazing.
2940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

BTW I wanted to add that being right by the Belmont stop means you don't have to confine your search to the immediate area around where you're staying, though there's something to be said for keeping it simple ti avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available. But if you're willing to branch out beyond the immediate area, the Belmont stop is accessible and so are all the Brown Line stations save a handful along the downtown Loop (typically there's an accessible stop within a couple blocks) and all but a couple of Red Line stations south of Belmont.

Drover wrote:the Belmont stop is accessible and so are all the Brown Line stations save a handful along the downtown Loop (typically there's an accessible stop within a couple blocks) and all but a couple of Red Line stations south of Belmont.

The online version of the system map on the CTA website (click here) has the standard accessible icon next to the name of each L station that's accessible. So do the maps displayed in all L stations and on the actual trains.

nsxtasy wrote:

Drover wrote:the Belmont stop is accessible and so are all the Brown Line stations save a handful along the downtown Loop (typically there's an accessible stop within a couple blocks) and all but a couple of Red Line stations south of Belmont.

The online version of the system map on the CTA website (click here) has the standard accessible icon next to the name of each L station that's accessible. So do the maps displayed in all L stations and on the actual trains.

Some of the maps have not been updated to account for the latest change in the system: The Wilson CTA stop is now also a Purple Line Express stop and ADA compliant.

Given the criteria listed, I'd also vote for Big & Little's. They have a Groupon available $12.50 for $20 worth of food & drink. Through tomorrow, there's also a Groupon 25% off promo code 'Want25' which would bring the cost down to $9.38.

Strings Ramen might fit the bill as well.

Strings Ramen Shop Lakeview
919 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Due to the historical nature of a lot of Chicago storefronts, and limited front area that isn't a sidewalk, many places are not technically accessible. However, if you call them and let them know you are coming, they may be able to pull out a temporary ramp for entry and exit, or have a side entrance that is usually locked from outside that they will open for you.

alessio20 wrote: Strings Ramen might fit the bill as well.
Strings Ramen Shop Lakeview
919 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Yes; thank alessio20 for making this suggestion before I did. The ramen isn't spectacular, but it is darned good.
I would have mentioned Philly's Best and Gyromania, also east of the "L" station, but they have a big step in front of them which a wheelchair cannot navigate without outside help.

Isn’t Ann Sather’s accesible?

They are famous for their cinnamon rolls. Grab a loaf of their apple bread to take with you.

I agree with the suggestion of Big & Little’s , but I am uncertain of accessibility.

Have a great time!

Thanks, all, for the great suggestions! You've been so helpful, especially with info about L accessibility.

I'm back because my mom is now also looking for a recommendation. We're traveling together, but she will be meeting a couple of high school friends for dinner one night (so doesn't need to be accessible). She loves Mexican and Indian (especially hole-in-the wall, authentic places), and would prefer to stay within walking distance of our Airbnb by Belmont Station. Thanks!

Just FYI, nobody around here calls it "Belmont Station". It's the "Belmont L Stop".

Depending on your definition of walkable, I'd suggest Cafe El Tapatio for Mexican. It's about a 15 minute walk, or if you prefer, two stops away on the Brown Line (both stations fully accessible).

Cafe El Tapatio
3400 N. Ashland (Take Brown Line from Belmont to Paulina, then one block east)
773-327-5475
http://www.cafeeltapatio.com/ (not much to see there)

For Indian, try Khyber Pass about a four minute walk to Halsted. Never been there myself but a couple folks I know vouch for it. Technically it's Pakistani but they're substantially similar.

Khyber Pass
3113 N Halsted
773-281-6070
http://www.khyberpassrestaurant.com/

I would second both Khyber Pass and El Tapatio. In that same vein of "old school / Mexican / American" I would add Buena Vista on Broadway. Could be out of nostalgia, but I've always enjoyed it.

Buena Vista Restaurant
3147 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

https://www.buenachicago.com

You can go to Chilam Balam nearby on Broadway, for contemporary Mexican in a basement bistro setting.

The best such food in the city is not close to the Belmont L stop, but if you're willing to travel, Quiote and Dos Urban Cantina, both a few miles west in Logan Square, are superb. So is Mexique in West Town, a bit further south.

Tom Yum Cafe at Barry and Broadway is walking-distance and exceptional. In my opinion, it is one of the best (and most underrated) Thai restaurants in the city. Highlights include laap nuea (northern-style salad of ground pork, offal, and spices) and pla som thot (pan-fried soured fish). There is a "secret" menu in Thai; you can find a translation here: https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/a ... s-included

There's also Moccozy, a Korean restaurant which I haven't been to but which I hear has exceptional dolsot bibimbap. It's at Roscoe and Broadway.