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This gritty part of town has plenty to offer those travelling by car or by boat.

Wednesday Oct 29, 2008.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Travel + Tourism Feed

Located in between the highway and the river, the Chicago Blue Line stop would be perfect if you had a car or a boat. But you don't, you have only your feet. So you might as well walk to one of these nearby spots and soak up the best the area has to offer.

Best of the nightlife
Sonotheque
A favorite of both discriminating locals with honed techno chops and more easygoing types looking for a good scene, this East Village lounge attracts a solid roster of name-powered acts like Diplo and Ellen Allien, as well as local hotshots, resident spinners and global fare.

Good for groups
West Town Tavern
The term "tavern" typically evokes smoky scenes with neon High Life signs and lit locals scarfing down buffalo wings. Not so at West Town Tavern, a contemporary bistro that seamlessly blends fine dining with the familiarity of a neighborhood bar. Whether you come for dinner or drinks, decked out or dressed down in jeans, you won't feel out of place.

Cheap eats
Finkl's World Famous Deli
If you want flash and style, go somewhere else. If you're looking for a friendly place to knock back a cold-cut sandwich on the fly, then Finkl's has your name on it. The sandwiches cover the usual options, with the liver sausage and mortadella being two of the more noteworthy meat possibilities. And they'll even deliver lunch if you're in the area.

Where to chill
Old Oak Tap
This West Town spot draws raves for its beer selection, including everything from Delaware IPAs and Canadian red ales to, um, PBR (the brew menu's quip: "Does this really need a description?"). The food's nothing to scoff at, either, with high-brow items like a sautéed tilapia sandwich. All this in a bi-level space with castle-meets-ski-lodge decor? We think we’ve got a winner.

In-the-know spot
DeLux
The industrial landscape that stretches down the Milwaukee/Ohio corridor hardly seems the place to launch a modish eatery, but don't let that stop you from eating (and drinking) here. Half sports bar, half party spot, DeLux is helping to transform an otherwise banal slice of the city into one of the hottest tickets in town.

Need more help getting around? Use our Virtual L to find places by train stop or by neighborhood.