I don't see how a pho market can survive down there.

A trip up to Argyle is always the way to go.

I could see one scenario of a pho market in the touristy areas, but only as a small storefront takeout-only joint that appeals to the lunch market and provides for a quick, affordable weekend dinner for pre-partying drunkards and service folks on the way to/from work.

Thanks for the rec. Putting this on my Christmas week to-do.

Went to Violet Hour on Friday night before dinner at Trenchermen (which again refuses to disappoint). I think I'm over it. Not quitting on it, though, as there was no line at 7:00; just not really going out of my way to plan a night that involves it.

So what's the best Pho place on Argyle? I like Sun Wah bbq, but that's a different cuisine.

http://chicagoist.com/2013/12/03/sun...wn_by_city.php

Sun wah re-opened and passed their inspection

Sun Wah had been inspected by the city 11 times since 2010 and failed five of those inspections. Failing 5 inspections in 3 years shows that disregard for basic sanitation practices is culture at Sun Wah.

As good as the food there is, I won't be back. I'm not putting the health of my family, friends or myself at risk.

This makes me sad.

Not pho but Ajida Ramen opened yesterday at Wells and Lake. I haven't been but next time I'm in the Loop I'll be checking it out.

Parents are coming into town for Christmas as usual. And once again, we'll be dining at a number of restaurants I've never been to before. Here's the agenda:

Monday - Maude's Liquor Bar
Tuesday - Pequod's (slim pickings on Xmas Eve, been here before, Dad requested pizza last time they visited, love this place, so why not)
Wednesday - cooking at home
Thursday - Ruxbin Kitchen (also going to Art Institute to see the new food art exhibit)
Friday - Bar Pastoral (also going to Second City for the first time)
Saturday - Endgrain (also going to Half Acre for morning brewery tour for third time)

That's a really good line-up. Definitely do one of the seafood towers at Maude's

Really good lineup, agreed. Re seafood towers, I'm kind of meh. I mean, they're good, but like, I don't think I would pass on the French food to eat cold oysters/shrimp/lobster at Maudes? There's other places in Chicago for great oysters and seafood, and yeah the towers are tasty, but I don't think you go for your first trip there and get the a tower at the expense of more French food.

Used Craigslist last time, but what services/site has everyone here used to find an apartment?

Lease is coming up April 1st, and wanted to actually be a head of the game this time.

Used Apartment People, by far best place I've used. Tried Apartment Finders and they never seemed to find anything.

I used Apartment Guys of Chicago. They seemed to have their stuff together and showed us 3 quality places that we would consider. A couple other services were way worse, but I don't remember specifically who they were.

where/what are you looking for?

I used hotpads but I think if you have plenty of time to invest in looking for a place, then the best play might be to walk around the city and just look for signs that say they are renting. A lot of these places have the potential to be better value that you won't find online.

I tried Ajida today. Not good.

Live in Logan now, would like to bump to Wicker or Near West side.

Ideally $2,400 a month for 2BR or $1,200 for Studio/1BR.

Only must have is Laundry in unit or building.

Zillow that ****

If that's your price range, in-unit laundry for anything bigger than a 2- or 3-flat is something you shouldn't have to compromise. Or being in a large building with laundry on the same floor is good.

But don't settle for no laundry or big building basement laundry.

Zillow and Chicago Apartment Finders. Good ol' Craigslist works. Just more time consuming to soft through garbage. I'd say to bookmark things you like on CL and email the links to your Apartment Finders agent.

Sitting in my BIL's 2br apartment ($1200/month) a few blocks off of Logan square. Surrounded by hipsters, but tolerable since I can silently judge them for their johnny come lately cyclocross ways while enjoying their luscious biscuits and gravy while simmering about not being able to conveniently watch any NFL game I desire without having to drive.

Cliffs: could easily deal with a neighborhood 10-15 percent less hipster than Logan square.

Coming from NW IL in early February for a show at Cadillac Palace Theater for my birthday. Any suggestions I can give my wife for a hotel for the evening in that area, up to $150 with parking is ideal, but we can go a bit higher if needed.

edit: We'll be staying on a Sunday night if that affects room rates/parking.

Mini-TR.

Brunch Saturday at The Publican. The bacon. IS. AMAZING. like, literally the best I've ever eaten. I approve of stand up dining.

Glazed & Confused are nowhere near the best donuts ever. Not really worth the trip. Maybe once, not twice.

New Wave Coffee is not all that. Stick with Intelligentsia ldo.

Me and GF decided we want to go out for dinner tonight so looking for some last minute rec's.

Somewhere not overly expensive, any cuisine.

Avec and Tango Sur are the front runners so far, but neither taking reservations is a bit of a bitch on a saturday night.

I've gotta say, "any type of food, not overly expensive" is about the ****tiest information to start with ever. Here's a quick run through opentable. Idk why I did this for you.

The Bristol has 8:45 and 9.
The bar at Nico Osteria has small food. Haven't been. Was incredibly impressed with the main restaurant, though.
BellyQ has 6:45, 7.
Dillman's has like all the times.
Gilt has 7:15.
Nellcote has all the times.
Old Town Social has a ton of times.
Perennial Virant possibly too expensive but lots of availability.
Piccolo Sogno has tons of times.
Red Door.
The Southern (I haven't been super impressed since the chef left).
Three Aces.
Yusho.

Yeah I felt like a dick after posting it, tried to edit the post but was too late, sorry about the vagueness. Thanks a lot though appreciate it, didn't realise you could sort opentable for openings like that (have no experience with it since I'm from australia and they don't use it there). Going to Gilt for a drink then Sable

Warning: drinks at Sable are very good too. Don't drive tonight.