Pilsen, Little Italy, and Chinatown Restaurants

If there ever were a need to convince someone of Chicago's culinary diversity, a progressive dinner through Chinatown, Little Italy, and Pilsen would be the way to go. Pilsen, Chicago's vibrant Mexican neighborhood; Chinatown, a confluence of tea shops, dim-sum spots, and hardware stores; and Little Italy, which runs through Chicago's medical district, make for a fun day's adventure that's off the beaten tourist path. Expect to eat cheaply and well in both Pilsen and Chinatown. And although Little Italy is no longer a truly living and breathing Italian neighborhood, the main drag, Taylor Street, makes for pleasant strolling and casual grazing (and stay tuned for new Italian restaurants on their way).