Oakton: The melting-pot stop

Restaurants a couple of blocks from this stop, which opened last April, offer cuisine from three continents and a handful of countries. Highlights include Siunik Armenian Grill (4839 Oakton St, Skokie; 847-329-4200), which, like Chipotle, lets you make your own meal, except here the meat’s served fresh off a skewer. Go for the lunch special: a heaping plate of pilaf, meat and hummus for $5.50. Jump borders and storefronts to Eurostyle Deli (4861 Oakton St, Skokie; 847-329-1430) for a Russian home-style spread. This combined deli/grocery carries a wide, worldly range of alcohols, meats and cheeses, from Jarlsberg to jellied tongue. Buy deliciously warm meat or potato pierogi for a buck each at the counter. Cross the street and the globe to De-Jred (4901 Oakton St, Skokie; 847-983-4582) for a laid-back vibe and mouth-watering Jamaican food. Give the kickin’ jerk chicken a go—it’s spicy, succulent and, ironically, cooked with love by a vegetarian chef.