Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Hip, Funky, and super fun. Definitely a go-to place in the neighborhood. DON'T BE TRICKED BY THE MAP!!! It's on 18th ST not Place.
151 locals recommend
Simone's
960 W 18th StHip, Funky, and super fun. Definitely a go-to place in the neighborhood. DON'T BE TRICKED BY THE MAP!!! It's on 18th ST not Place.
Raymond's Tacos No. 2
2406 S Blue Island AveTHE best tacos. SO good. SO cheap.
Nuevo Leon Restaurant
1515 West 18th StreetTHE place to go to eat in Pilsen.
Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StFunky, artsy, groovy.
Best Mexican/Hipster grocery story. Cheap, and within easy walking distance!
32 locals recommend
Taqueria Casa Del Pueblo
1834 S Blue Island AveBest Mexican/Hipster grocery story. Cheap, and within easy walking distance!
Very cute, very close coffee. Spacious. Can spend whole day here if you like.
9 locals recommend
Efebina's Cafe
1640 S Blue Island AveVery cute, very close coffee. Spacious. Can spend whole day here if you like.
In our humble opinion, the best dang coffee shop in the whole city. Coffee is good, service and atmosphere are outstanding!
47 locals recommend
La Catrina Cafe
1011 W 18th StIn our humble opinion, the best dang coffee shop in the whole city. Coffee is good, service and atmosphere are outstanding!
BBQ that is SO GOOD. They also have live jams most nights, which have never disappointed.
141 locals recommend
Honky Tonk BBQ
1213 W 18th StBBQ that is SO GOOD. They also have live jams most nights, which have never disappointed.
Swanky, Hipster restaurant started by Longman+Eagle. Downstairs is the Punch House. Delicious food and drank.
156 locals recommend
Dusek's Board & Beer
1227 W 18th StSwanky, Hipster restaurant started by Longman+Eagle. Downstairs is the Punch House. Delicious food and drank.
Best Tres Leches cake around. Cute Cake/Bakery shop, and really... the only one I'd recommend. All the others are crap.
Bombon
1457 W 18th StBest Tres Leches cake around. Cute Cake/Bakery shop, and really... the only one I'd recommend. All the others are crap.
Because the food is fresh and fast, and the workers are always super friendly! Our go-to "we don't want to make dinner or pay a lot".
1536 W 18th St
1536 West 18th StreetBecause the food is fresh and fast, and the workers are always super friendly! Our go-to "we don't want to make dinner or pay a lot".
Very meh. Don't be fooled. If you want Chinese, go to Chinatown (it's not far!)
6 locals recommend
Take Me Out
1502 W 18th StVery meh. Don't be fooled. If you want Chinese, go to Chinatown (it's not far!)
Let's be honest. Paleteria's are everywhere in Pilsen. We like this one because Maria is always working and always friendly, and their homemade ice cream and yogurt (not frozen!) are pretty good.
1639 W 18th St
1639 West 18th StreetLet's be honest. Paleteria's are everywhere in Pilsen. We like this one because Maria is always working and always friendly, and their homemade ice cream and yogurt (not frozen!) are pretty good.
Arts & Culture
TONS of galleries to walk with fresh, interesting art. Also, tons of young people...fun place to meet people and just hang without spending a dime.
12 locals recommend
Chicago Arts District
1945 S Halsted StTONS of galleries to walk with fresh, interesting art. Also, tons of young people...fun place to meet people and just hang without spending a dime.
Everything Else
Harrison Park
1824 S Wood StTennis, Basketball, field house...lots to do.
Not sure you'll actually get much use out of it unless you have a bike, but Angel the owner is a cool dude.
Wheel of Time Bikes & Boards
1721 W 18th StNot sure you'll actually get much use out of it unless you have a bike, but Angel the owner is a cool dude.
1504 W 18th St
1504 West 18th StreetGREAT local art store. Not outrageously expensive, friendly owners.
Not promising, but a good place to study. If you want to be impressed by selection, this is not your place.
32 locals recommend
Lozano Branch, Chicago Public Library
1805 S Loomis StNot promising, but a good place to study. If you want to be impressed by selection, this is not your place.
Shopping
Knee Deep Vintage
1219 W 18th StVintage Store!
Comet Vintage
1320 W 18th StVintage Store!
Pilsen Vintage
1430 W 18th StVintage Store!
Drinks & Nightlife
Tuesdays they have Bourbon, Beer and Burgers for $15. Started by former Kuma's Corner chef, so they really know their burgers.
44 locals recommend
Pl-zen
1519 W 18th StTuesdays they have Bourbon, Beer and Burgers for $15. Started by former Kuma's Corner chef, so they really know their burgers.
David's favorite local bar. I'm not a bar person, and I too love this place. Homey decor, but in a kinda 'old chicago grit' kinda way. Sweet place. Also probably closest place to grab to-go liquor.
46 locals recommend
Harbee
1345 W 18th StDavid's favorite local bar. I'm not a bar person, and I too love this place. Homey decor, but in a kinda 'old chicago grit' kinda way. Sweet place. Also probably closest place to grab to-go liquor.
Sightseeing
1810 S Blue Island Ave
Because... Divvy bikes! We love these things! Fun for a spin around town.
1710 S Paulina St
1710 South Paulina StreetYay! More places to dock if the others are full!
1722 S Racine Ave
1722 South Racine AvenueIn case you want to go to Honky Tonk, or you want to head out after!
961 W 18th St
961 West 18th StreetDivvy Bike Station outside of Simone's.