Chicago
The city of broad shoulders, the windy city, the city by the lake, the second city. Some many nicknames have come to mind for the nation’s third-largest city. Its die-hard sports teams are legendary, its world-class museums are noteworthy, its politics are equally notorious and inspiring, and its food fulfilling.
Most of us know landmarks like Navy Pier, Cloud Gate, Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Water Tower, The Art Institute, Lake Michigan, Michigan Avenue, State Street, and a few others. You know of The Loop (Chicago’s downtown), the immaculate Gold Coast, and tony Lincoln Park.
You might be aware of the history of Pullman or Bronzeville, the presidential and intellectual allure of Hyde Park, the party atmosphere of Wrigleyville or Boystown, or the tragedy of Englewood or Lawndale. But Chicago is made up of much more than just these.
Whether your next trip is your first or a long overdue return home- give these areas a visit. They have something to explore and feed, whether it be your mind, soul, or body.
Here are 5 neighborhoods in Chicago that deserve more attention and have a unique perspective on Chicago’s overlooked diversity.
Edgewater
Situated on Chicago’s far north side along the lakefront. Edgewater has a diverse collection of residential communities, from duplexes to bungalows and high-rise condos. One of those famous TV residents was Bob Newhart and his eponymous named sitcom from the 1970s. A statue depicting his commute is outside the building today.
A group of ethnic enclaves dots the neighborhood from an immigrant boom in the 1970s and ’80s. One is Argyle Street, a small but robust three-block stretch of Vietnamese restaurants and businesses that grew out of a determination to escape a terrible war. The same can be said for the African companies from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia; they can be found on Broadway. The same can be said with the Bosnians, Croats, and other Eastern Europeans.
The western edge of the neighborhood along Clark Street is called Andersonville. This area has sought to preserve its Swedish heritage while being openly proud of its longstanding lesbian scene.
In the summertime, Foster Ave Beach and Kathy Osterman Beach are nice local scenes without the heavy crowds of North Ave or Oak St Beach. They are also wider in space and have more available free parking.
Edgewater’s bustle is not the level of its neighbors to the south of Lakeview and Lincoln Park, and that’s OK. It’s even better that it’s not. Young families mix in with retirees who mix in with artisans. It’s the type of neighborhood that people who love living in the city advocate for. Finding and acknowledging one of the genuinely diverse neighborhoods is a celebration in a city known to be segregated for decades.
Getting There: Red Line: Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, Granville. #36 Broadway, #151 Sheridan, #147 Outer Drive Express, #84 Peterson, #22 Clark
Car: Lake Shore Drive exit: Foster, Bryn Mawr, Hollywood.
Avondale
The neighborhood of Avondale has an urban, down-to-earth feel thanks to its industrial past, and an inflow of young people is giving it a new lease of life.
There are a ton of hip and traditional pubs and restaurants in Avondale, including award-winning taprooms, hole-in-the-wall hangouts where residents like to unwind, old-school karaoke bars, Old-World buffets, and more. The region’s spontaneous feel is enhanced by pop-ups and temporary venue spaces.
View the neighborhood’s historical structures, such as St. Hyacinth Basilica (one of only three basilicas in the city). Try goat or boar at Kuma Burger, sip beer on the patio of the Chicago River at Metropolitan Brewery, or go to a performance at Prop THTR. This venerable storefront theater presents unique plays based on literary inspiration.
Avondale is still a secret to the masses (perhaps not for long). For those driving along the Kennedy expressway, it was seen as a pass-through neighborhood between O’hare airport and downtown. That same expressway is an easy link to other areas in the city. I love the walk along Milwaukee Ave with the sense of discovery, where Eastern Europe meets Latin America.
Getting There: Blue Line’ L: Belmont, #77 Belmont, #76 Diversey, #152 Addison, #82 Kimball-Homan, #52 Kedzie-California, #56 Milwaukee
Car: I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway) exit Kedzie/Kimball Ave
Little Village
Little Village in Chicago is the place to go if you want to experience authentic Mexican living. This vibrant neighborhood dubbed the “Mexico of the Midwest,” is brimming with vivid culture and mouthwatering cuisine.
Wander 26th Street: The terracotta arch spanning 26th Street that says “Bienvenido a Little Village” will welcome you as you enter Little Village (or La Villita as the inhabitants adoringly refer to it). This is the major thoroughfare for the neighborhood and one of Chicago’s most prominent shopping areas.
Spend some time strolling down this two-mile length, home to nearly 500 shops. There are international grocers, excellent bakeries, interesting murals, and businesses bursting with glitzy quinceanera gowns and Western leather attire.
A favorite among locals is El Milagro Tortilleria, where tortillas are made fresh on the premises. Mexican classics are served casually at the family-run restaurant Nuevo Leon, and extravagant margaritas are served in a fun ambiance at Mi Tierra.
Grab a treat from a passing paletero (pushcart vendors selling frozen treats). As you walk from one attraction to the next, you might also grab a tamale from one of the food stands that line the street. Listen for the clanging bells.