Guidebook for Pilsen/Heart of Italy
Food Scene
Mostly Mexican & Italian, with coffee shops and some asian and american options thrown in for good measure.
Delicious breakfast, with some Mexican influences. Its also BYOB, so grab some prosecco to pair with their amazing fresh squeezed juice selection.
20 locals recommend
Azul 18
1236 W 18th StDelicious breakfast, with some Mexican influences. Its also BYOB, so grab some prosecco to pair with their amazing fresh squeezed juice selection.
Its walkable from the house (2 blocks away) - everything on the menu is delicious...but the Pozole Verde steals the show! If you haven't had traditional Mexican soup try it here!
43 locals recommend
5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria
1758 W 18th StIts walkable from the house (2 blocks away) - everything on the menu is delicious...but the Pozole Verde steals the show! If you haven't had traditional Mexican soup try it here!
La Catrina Cafe
1011 W 18th StCommunity run and organized cafe that is a staple in Pilsen.
Mandarin Kitchen hot pot
2143 S Archer AveAmazing Upscale Vietnamese
The Duck Inn
2701 S Eleanor StThe Duck Fat Dog is to die for (so are the drinks)
Taqueria Los Comales
1544 W 18th StTraditional Mexican
El Taco Azteca - Mexican Restaurant of Chicago
2151 W Cermak RdSome say the best tacos in Pilsen
Dont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off. Get the Italian Sausage for the table!!
50 locals recommend
Ignotz's
2421 S Oakley AveDont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off. Get the Italian Sausage for the table!!
Dont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off. Handmade pasta here is delicious.
6 locals recommend
La Fontanella Restaurant
2414 S Oakley AveDont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off. Handmade pasta here is delicious.
Dont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off.
Secret menu item: Fresh Cannoli
11 locals recommend
Bacchanalia
2413 S Oakley AveDont be fooled by today's "Little Italy" on Taylor Street. Although they also have some amazing restaurants, if you want family owned Italian (and I mean generationally owned) head over to the "Heart of Chicago" on Oakley Ave where the original "Little Italy" took off.
Secret menu item: Fresh Cannoli
Il Vicinato Ristorante
2435 South Western AvenuePretty Famous in Chicago - call ahead!
Dusek's Board & Beer
1227 W 18th StHonky Tonk BBQ
1213 W 18th StCafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StThe Jibarito Stop
1646 W 18th StArts & Culture
Only two blocks away from the condo, this free museum is the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is the largest Latino cultural institution in America! Often not traveled to by most tourists.
222 locals recommend
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StOnly two blocks away from the condo, this free museum is the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is the largest Latino cultural institution in America! Often not traveled to by most tourists.
The Chicago Arts District now encompasses a number of contiguous blocks of creative space. Events can be found on their website here: http://www.chicagoartsdistrict.org/events_main.asp
12 locals recommend
Chicago Arts District
1945 S Halsted StThe Chicago Arts District now encompasses a number of contiguous blocks of creative space. Events can be found on their website here: http://www.chicagoartsdistrict.org/events_main.asp
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrMuseum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveMuseum of Science & Industry station
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington StDuSable Museum of African American History
740 E 56th PlNorth Garden
South Michigan AvenueChicago History Museum
1601 N Clark StFrank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago AveNational Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
3015 W Division StNational Hellenic Museum
333 S Halsted StDesign Museum of Chicago
72 E Randolph StDePaul Art Museum
935 W Fullerton AveDrinks & Nightlife
Get some drinks and hang out!
Punch House
1227 W 18th StUnderneath Duseks, its a cute bar with a dj and fantastic drinks.
Alulu Brewpub
2011 South Laflin StreetLocal!
Skylark
2149 S Halsted StGreat dive bar with solid food options.
La Vaca Margarita Bar
1160 W 18th StOk margs and food, but the best patio on 18th.
The Barrel
2015 S Damen AveSimone's
960 W 18th StParks & Nature
If the weather is nice, you'll find people filling up the large green area of the park as well as kids all over the new playground. Street vendors line the corners, and its a great place to relax and read a book!
60 locals recommend
Harrison Park
1824 S Wood StIf the weather is nice, you'll find people filling up the large green area of the park as well as kids all over the new playground. Street vendors line the corners, and its a great place to relax and read a book!
Beautiful area in Grant Park near Buckingham Foundation and a great view of the Lake. Enjoy a large playground, mini golf, and rock climbing in the summer and ice skating the ribbon in winter!
175 locals recommend
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StBeautiful area in Grant Park near Buckingham Foundation and a great view of the Lake. Enjoy a large playground, mini golf, and rock climbing in the summer and ice skating the ribbon in winter!
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailBike and Walking/Running Trail along the lake!
Dvorak (Anton) Park
1119 W Cullerton StPark with a pool just a short walk away.
Sightseeing
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph StWicker Park
1425 N Damen AveTrendy hip area for great food, shopping, and nightlife
Willis Tower Skydeck
Lincoln Square
Historical German Neighborhood
Shopping
Pilsen Community Books
1102 W 18th StThe cutest and most active bookstore in Pilsen
Pilsen Vintage
1430 W 18th StPilsen is known for its vintage shops!
Knee Deep Vintage
1219 W 18th StEntertainment & Activities
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StCatch a Hawks Game or a Bulls Game right up the street from us - and if they are out of town you can often catch a concert here as well.
200 locals recommend
United Center
1901 W Madison StCatch a Hawks Game or a Bulls Game right up the street from us - and if they are out of town you can often catch a concert here as well.
Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport StAlways good shows