Chicago Ave eats

While I still lament the loss of tiny Vietnamese spring roll spot, Fan Si Pan, I welcome the new guard of fatty-take-out goodness that’s recently graced West Town/East Village’s Chicago Avenue. OK, so maybe light-as-air chicken spring rolls have made way for foot-long Tommy Lee hot dogs from Rock Star Dogs and massive (I mean like 1/4 of a pizza) slices from the weeks-old and truly delicious Paula & Monica’s Pizzeria (1518 W. Chicago Ave., 312.929.3615), but at least these new (albeit highly caloric) establishments remain small and locally owned (no DQ, yet!). Other new Chicago Avenue spots include Mexique, a Mexican-French concept opened by a husband and wife duo and The Old Oak Tap (2109 W. Chicago Ave., 773.772.0406), which will boast a 1,500-square-foot beer garden when it opens in August. It’s from the guys behind bars The Continental (2801 W. Chicago Ave., 773.292.1200) and Darkroom, both located, well, just down the street.