Chicago: A Walking City

A great way to get to know the wonderful neighborhoods is to jump on a bus or train, end up in one of the unique neighborhoods and start exploring. This was how I was able to acquaint myself with the distinctiveness and diversity of the various areas around Chicagoland.

One neighborhood that I call “Upscale Bohemia” is the WickerPark, Bucktown Area. Everything from specialized boutiques to resale stores line the streets along Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenue. Breakfast at the Bongo Room or a little lounging at the Velvet Lounge. There is plenty of shopping for everyone from resale stores to upscale boutiques. On the first Friday of each month, the Flat Iron Arts Building located right smack dab in the middle of everything opens its artists’ studios to the public for three floors worth of amazing local art.

The Southport Corridor is also a nice way to stroll one of my favorite neighborhoods. You can find all sorts of restaurants, bars and shopping along this one street, just off the Southport Brown Line El stop. The Austrian coffee shop Julius Meinl is a great way to escape to Europe with savory coffee and some of my favorite desserts. You can also try sushi at Sushi Mura or for something unique, Tango Sur is one of the only Argentinean Steakhouses in town. One of the only independent movie theaters, the Music Box is located here with live organ music played on the weekends.

I am always drawn to the Swedish neighborhood of Andersonville because it is one of the up and coming parts of Chicago with a unique amount of upscale resale furniture stores. While wandering Clark street, check out Scout, Four-sided framing and the White Attic. You will not go wrong by eating at Big Jones for Southern food, Antica Pizzeria for oven cooked Sicilian fare or Reza’s for Middle eastern. Hamburger Mary’s is a campy burger place right across the street from Byron’s Hot Dogs if you are craving a good old Chicago style hot dog. Make sure to save room for George’s Ice Cream or any of the wonderful pies or cakes at a Taste of Heaven.

There are so many other wonderful neighborhoods and if you don’t feel like exploring on your own, there are a few companies that provide neighborhood tours not to mention the variety of walking tours available throughout the downtown and loop area.

Enjoy!
Jeff