Damen-Armitage

Sitting in the heart of Bucktown, about a half-mile north of the Damen blue line stop, this intersection seems, at first glance, to be the sleepy cousin of the bustling Milwaukee-Damen-North intersection just down the road. Thick with the feel of a neighborhood in transition, "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs dot the heavily residential area of blue-collar holdovers and young professionals and families. But here's the secret -- there's not a McDonald's, a Walgreens, or even a Starbucks in sight (though that last one may have changed since this was published). The chains have yet to move in, meaning there's still room for unique, affordable eateries and one-of-a kind boutiques.

Paper and Print
1940 N. Damen
(773) 384-1600

From books about thank-you letters to beautifully crafted handmade paper, Paper and Print is the place to go if you're looking to invite, inform or express gratitude to someone with class and style. With paper and envelopes of every color, shade and weight on hand -- and personalized printing available -- this is a great place to go if you're looking to announce an event with panache. There's also a limited but first-rate selection of ready-made note cards for those on go; and for canine-lovers, this spot is dog friendly.

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday;10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Raizy
1944 N. Damen
(773) 227-2221

The logo of this body and beauty boutique is a red rose in full bloom, and with a wide selection of lingerie, high-end makeup and scents, it's got the stuff to make your honeybee buzz. Tastefully refined, the merchandise is similar to what one might find at one of the larger retailers, but as a small boutique, customer service is on point, allowing any shy mate find that special something.

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Rinconcito Sudamericano
1954 W. Armitage
(773) 489-3126

From the street, this Peruvian restaurant looks unassuming, almost to the point of being bland. But inside sits a vibrant restaurant filled with long tables and talkative families seeking the flavorful tastes of the South American nation and sipping Inka Cola. Seafood is king here, with rice dishes like paella, plus shrimp, clam and lobster dishes ruling the menu. Most entrees are under $20; paella dinner for two can be had for $37.90.

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday; 1-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-9 p.m. Sunday.

Nick's Pit Stop
2011 N. Damen
(773) 342-9736

The menu at Nick's is simple. It's marinated chicken -- charbroiled by the dozens before your eyes and ensuring your belly will holler upon first whiff. The decor is roadhouse all the way, with vintage street signs, license plates and a mini-stoplight. Patrons can buy the birds by the quarter, the half or whole for as low at $2.99 (that's a quarter dark meat). For an additional $1.99 you can get a pop and choose one side from a selection of mashed potatoes, mac-and-cheese, corn, pasta salad, Spanish rice and coleslaw.

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Virtu
2034 N. Damen
(773) 235-3790
www.virtuchicago.com

This gallery of unique gifts and cool homewares specializes in bringing the creations of artists to local shoppers. Be you looking for a one-of-a-kind decanter, decorative serving dish, super-cute infant T-shirt, or super-hip art cutting board, Virtu offers items for that art-loving friend for whom the fondue set just won't work.

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Babylon Middle Eastern Kitchen
2023 N. Damen
(773) 342-7482

This spacious, brightly painted Middle Eastern restaurant offers all the favorites from baba ghanouj and falafel to shawerma and kabobs in a room accented with beautiful hookah pipes. But it's in the warm months of the year that the pipes come down from off the wall and on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., hookah service is offered as heavy beats bump.

Hours: Full menu, 10:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Seasonal hookah service, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.

David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.