Photo: Kristine Sherred

Ping Tom Memorial Park

Nestled along the Chicago River just below the 18th Street bridge in Chinatown, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a little-known slice of tranquility. Featuring a children’s playlot, pagoda-style pavilion and Chinese landscaping elements, the park is notable for the feeling of seclusion it provides. Set across the water from warehouse space and behind the residential cul de sac of Chinatown Square, the place would appear to have been forgotten in the busy hustle of urbanity if it weren’t for its neatly manicured lawns. The CTA train, elevated on concrete piers, runs like a monorail along Ping Tom’s eastern edge.

300 West 19th
chicagoparkdistrict.com

Best of Chicago 2010

Nam Bac Hang

Some might say it is an old-fashioned apothecary, with natural potions, teas, herbs and leaves conjuring visions of “Romeo and Juliet”’s Friar Lawrence, innocently mixing planta to bring the couple together. But with a back wall filled with almost 200 quart-sized jars containing sinewy roots, black barks and odd-colored stones and beans, some might also think it Chinese Voodoo. Either way, the Nam Bac Hang Herb shop is a far cry from CVS or Walgreens. Much of the medicine is ginseng-based, with dozens of forms of the natural energy elixir, including Red Kirn, Polygonum, Salva and other forms. The store also sells natural cures such as Peony Root, Susserea Root, Angelica Root, natural Chinese Viagra and many other novelties and notions within those jars. The business also advertises acupuncture services, and a medical procedure called Guasha, where skin is scraped off of your back with a spoon-like tool which is apparently good for healing.

243 West Cermak
(312) 225-0024

Best of Chicago 2009

Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop

Bubble tea joints are almost as ubiquitous these days as Obama bumper stickers. Still, none do the volume of this Chinatown mall stalwart. The massive blending operation means that the fruit in your smoothie and the big fat jelly tapiocas are always fresh.

2139 S. China Place
(312)328-0001

1335 S. Halsted
(312) 997-2128
joyyee.com

Audience choice:
Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop

Best of Chicago 2008