(Photo courtesy of Tank Noodle)
If you’re looking for a genuine Asian experience on the northside of Chicago, Argyle Street is probably your best bet.
Today was a nearly ideal summer day and I realized we had a gift certificate won as part of a Lunar New Year Celebration in February that was about to expire.
The certificate was for $15.00 at Tank Noodle, a Vietnamese restaurant (whose name has a kind of militaristic reference that seems to harken back to the unfortunate events of the 1960s) located at the corner of Broadway and Argyle in Uptown.
Now $15.00 doesn’t usually go very far these days but at this spot it is very near the average cost of most entrees and appetizers on their extensive menu.
I’ve been to Tank Noodle a few times before, but in the winter for a massive bowl of Pho and my first thought was that’s what we would get.
This is probably one of at least ten restaurants within walking distance of each other that feature Pho, widely considered to be the national dish of Vietnam. I have not tried enough of them to offer a comparison. You’ll have to do that yourself. Then let us know.
For those unfamiliar with Pho (pronounced fuh), it is delicious rice noodles bathed in meat broth simmered with spices, to which you can add your choice of protein, topped with fresh herbs (like Thai basil and cilantro), also bean sprouts, then served with lime wedges, sliced chili, and hoisin or sriracha sauce on the side.
However, today was a perfect 76-degree day and it seemed like something cooler was more in order. Also, we did not want to over eat.
Now we are at the age (let’s say senior-ish) where I am no longer embarrassed about splitting entrees. I don’t mind taking food home and having it the next day. But sometimes I am more in the mood for just having a little something to eat and not necessarily meal planning for the week.
With this in mind we ordered a fried rice combo that included shrimp, beef, chicken and veggies topped with a sprig of cilantro; and an order of (2) shrimp spring rolls stuffed with cool fresh greens served with a peanut sauce. Both items were very tasty. Maybe not OMG the best I ever had, but quite good and the portion size together was perfect for our lighter summer appetites.
We ordered two waters and were surprisingly presented with ice cold water bottles that were not included on our bill. Additionally, we sipped on an iced Du Monde Café with condensed milk. I prefer my coffee with no sugar but in this case the condensed milk adds just enough sweetness to make this a refreshing pleasurable treat.
Our waiter was very friendly, complimenting me on my “chopstickery” (a word my wife coined today). Admittedly her chopstickery skills are sadly lacking and our Asian waiter lamented that he has never really gotten the hang of it, much to the dismay of his mother.
We sat outside on the Argyle Street side as it was a tad less hectic than the Broadway side. Inside seating is definitely an option. There is nothing fancy here and it’s clear this place has been around for a few years but it seems clean.
Our tab was $37.54 with tax, minus $15 certificate, total $22.50 plus tip. Keep in mind this is more likely what it would be for one person, but then you’ll be taking food home or will be very full.
Tank Noodle has an accessible, highly visible corner location and appears to be steadily busy. The food is very good and at a reasonable cost in a clean environment. Perfect for a casual, authentic, urban, ethnic Chicago experience on a budget or for frugal diners.
Tank Noodle – 4953-55 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 Phone: (773) 878-2253 tanknoodlechicago.com
By Reno Lovison