Western: The Thai stop

Forget Lincoln Avenue’s bevy of brauhauses: No fewer than four unique Thai restaurants are within a quick walk of the Western stop. The standout is tiny, 36-year-old Rosded (2308 W Leland Ave, 773-334-9055) for everything from pad Thai to tender duck panang. Bustling Opart Thai House (4658 N Western Ave, 773-989-8517) serves predictable but good fare. Go for the catfish curry and the Tiger Cry appetizer of charbroiled beef with finger-lickin’ spicy sauce. The menu at Thai Oscar (4638 N Western Ave, 773-878-5922) is split between Thai and Japanese standards, featuring a full sushi menu alongside the curries, pan-fried noodles and noodle soups. Even some Chinese-leaning dishes (cashew chicken, sweet-basil fried rice) are done well. At Spoon Thai (4608 N Western Ave, 773-769-1173), your best bet is the not-so-secret authentic menu. Order adventurously—the northern-style sausage or the fish paste–tinged beef with egg—and you won’t be sorry. Also: Considering all of these restaurants are BYOB, Leland Tap (4662 N Western Ave, 773-561-4109) is a godsend of a slashie, stocking an impressive array of microbrews (including several from Asia) and racks and racks of Greek wine.