Your Chicago: Devon Avenue
(CBS) – It is THE destination for the best Indian food in the Midwest, and it's a place that has grown and changed tremendously in the last half century.
It's Devon Avenue, from Damen to Kedzie, where you can get so much more than just a great Indian meal.
CBS 2's Kate Sullivan reports.
A walk along Devon Avenue is a feast for the senses: the food, the fashion, the shopping and the scenery.
People travel thousands of miles to come here to a one mile stretch of Devon Ave where rare and beautiful wedding gowns can cost as much as $10,000 and a lunch buffet can be as cheap as $6.99.
Jagdish Khatwani is the co-owner of several stores and restaurants, like Tiffin. He has seen this area change dramatically but says 40 years later it's more than just a premier destination for Indian cuisine.
"I don't think people realize that it's so ethnically diverse. It's not just Indian or Pakistani – it's a million different cultures. There are 40 languages that are spoken here," says Amie Zander of the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
Store owner Susan Patel says it's the welcoming spirit and the support of the many small business owners that makes Devon Avenue what it is.
A Friday night on Devon is a must-do Chicago experience, Patel and Zander agree.
"I would plan on staying for dinner, get something to eat," Zander says. "Save room for dessert, go to one of our great sweet shops. And then stick around on the street."
Below is a listing of some of the other Devon Avenue restaurants and businesses we visited.
Tiffin
2536 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-2143
Viceroy of India
2520 W. Devon Ave.
773 743-4100
Patel's Cafe
2600 W. Devon Ave.
773-262-0100
Hema's Kitchen
2439 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-1627
Mysore Woodlands
2548 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-8160
Udupi Palace
2543 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-2152
Sukhadia's
2559 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-5400
India Book House
2551 W. Devon Ave.
773-764-6567
Patel Bros. Handicrafts & Utensils
2600 W. Devon Ave.
773-764-2222
Sahiba Boutique
2614 W. Devon Ave.
773-465-1900
Reshams
2540 W. Devon Ave.
773-764-9692
ISP (India Sari Palace)
2534 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-2127
Raaz
2317 W. Devon Ave.
773-764-9501
Regal Jewels
2625 W. Devon Ave.
773-262-4377
Raj Jewels
2652 W. Devon Ave.
773-465-5755
Sahil
2605 W. Devon Ave
773-338-3636
Kamdar Plaza
2646 W. Devon Ave.
773-338-8100