Guidebook for Chicago
Everything Else
Boost is the go-to store in our neighborhood for calling cards, international calling plans, and certified pre-owned phones.
26 locals recommend
Boost Mobile
2357 W Cermak RdBoost is the go-to store in our neighborhood for calling cards, international calling plans, and certified pre-owned phones.
Bank of America Financial Center
1439 E 53rd StThe nearest ATM is right here.
Located in the Fairplay Plaza on Western and Cermak, with an abundance of washers and dryers available.
27 locals recommend
Funwash Laundromat
Located in the Fairplay Plaza on Western and Cermak, with an abundance of washers and dryers available.
This library is so big, they named an el platform after it! Eight stories worth of books, electronic media, and events are just a few Pink Line stops away.
43 locals recommend
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State StThis library is so big, they named an el platform after it! Eight stories worth of books, electronic media, and events are just a few Pink Line stops away.
Books, CDs and DVD, magazines, and tons of other media are at our local Chicago Public Library, just a half hour walk away.
32 locals recommend
Lozano Branch, Chicago Public Library
1805 S Loomis StBooks, CDs and DVD, magazines, and tons of other media are at our local Chicago Public Library, just a half hour walk away.
It's fun to stay there! Group and personal fitness activities, in a nice facility just a few blocks away. Check their website for a free 1st time guest pass, and for information on monthly rates.
27 locals recommend
Rauner Family YMCA
2700 S Western AveIt's fun to stay there! Group and personal fitness activities, in a nice facility just a few blocks away. Check their website for a free 1st time guest pass, and for information on monthly rates.
18 acres of greenery in the heart of Pilsen, with basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. The indoor facility features a gym, swimming pool, meeting rooms, and a computer lab.
60 locals recommend
Harrison Park
1824 S Wood St18 acres of greenery in the heart of Pilsen, with basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. The indoor facility features a gym, swimming pool, meeting rooms, and a computer lab.
Bicycles for rental: a great way to tour the neighborhood and the city! There is also a Divvy Station a few blocks south, on 24th Street and Western Avenue.
28 locals recommend
Divvy Station: Western Ave & 21st St
Bicycles for rental: a great way to tour the neighborhood and the city! There is also a Divvy Station a few blocks south, on 24th Street and Western Avenue.
Got a big day planned in the city, and need to get your hair done? Oakley Hair Salon will have you styling at a reasonable price! Just minutes away, walk-ins are welcome.
26 locals recommend
Oakley Hair Salon
2253 W 24th StGot a big day planned in the city, and need to get your hair done? Oakley Hair Salon will have you styling at a reasonable price! Just minutes away, walk-ins are welcome.
From here, go east on Harrison Street, then go one block north (left) on Clinton Street to the Blue Line train (Clinton stop). Take it to Western, get off, and take the #49 bus south to our place.
29 locals recommend
Greyhound Bus Station
630 W Harrison StFrom here, go east on Harrison Street, then go one block north (left) on Clinton Street to the Blue Line train (Clinton stop). Take it to Western, get off, and take the #49 bus south to our place.
From here to our place, go right (east) on Jackson Blvd for a few blocks, then go left (north) on Wells St. Get on the Pink Line train at Quincy/Wells, take it to Western Ave, walk a few blocks south.
82 locals recommend
Chicago Union Station
225 S Canal StFrom here to our place, go right (east) on Jackson Blvd for a few blocks, then go left (north) on Wells St. Get on the Pink Line train at Quincy/Wells, take it to Western Ave, walk a few blocks south.
It takes less than an hour to get to our place from Midway! Take the Orange Line to the Western stop, hop on the #49 bus going northbound, and you're all set.
32 locals recommend
Midway International Airport Terminal
5700 South Cicero AvenueIt takes less than an hour to get to our place from Midway! Take the Orange Line to the Western stop, hop on the #49 bus going northbound, and you're all set.
From O'Hare, take the Blue Line train to downtown, and transfer to the Pink Line train at the Clark/Lake stop. Take the Pink Line to Western Avenue, walk a few blocks south, and you're here.
122 locals recommend
O'Hare International Airport
10000 W O'Hare AveFrom O'Hare, take the Blue Line train to downtown, and transfer to the Pink Line train at the Clark/Lake stop. Take the Pink Line to Western Avenue, walk a few blocks south, and you're here.
A bonus for medical students staying in Chicago, the Medical District is less than 2 miles away. From our place, get on the Pink Line from Western, go four stops toward downtown, and get off at Polk.
31 locals recommend
Illinois Medical District
A bonus for medical students staying in Chicago, the Medical District is less than 2 miles away. From our place, get on the Pink Line from Western, go four stops toward downtown, and get off at Polk.
Shopping
Family Thrift Store
2527 W Cermak RdDecent selection of used clothes, reasonably priced.
Just a mile south of us on Damen. If Theresa rings up your purchase, be sure to tell her that Shaun and Chris said hello!
71 locals recommend
Target
4433 S Pulaski RdJust a mile south of us on Damen. If Theresa rings up your purchase, be sure to tell her that Shaun and Chris said hello!
Walgreens
1931 W Cermak RdAmerica's best-known drugstore chain is just a few blocks away.
Chicago's best used bookstore is just a block away from the Damen stop on the Blue Line. Myopic features 18,000 books, plus music and poetry performances, chess matches, and a friendly house cat.
118 locals recommend
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee AveChicago's best used bookstore is just a block away from the Damen stop on the Blue Line. Myopic features 18,000 books, plus music and poetry performances, chess matches, and a friendly house cat.
Chicago's best store for music, bar none. Their selection is incredible, and both the CD and vinyl bargain bins have plenty of quality selections. Skilled and helpful staff spin good music, as well.
111 locals recommend
Reckless Records
929 W Belmont AveChicago's best store for music, bar none. Their selection is incredible, and both the CD and vinyl bargain bins have plenty of quality selections. Skilled and helpful staff spin good music, as well.
Located downtown north of the State/Lake stop, with an amazing collection of jazz, plus blues, soul, and spoken word, on vinyl (including 78rpm), CD, DVD, and other mediums.
27 locals recommend
Jazz Record Mart
27 E Illinois StLocated downtown north of the State/Lake stop, with an amazing collection of jazz, plus blues, soul, and spoken word, on vinyl (including 78rpm), CD, DVD, and other mediums.
Seven stories worth of downtown shopping is a good start for your trip down Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile," a must-see for shoppers and visitors during the holiday season.
25 locals recommend
Chicago
835 North Michigan AvenueSeven stories worth of downtown shopping is a good start for your trip down Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile," a must-see for shoppers and visitors during the holiday season.
Speedway
2303 S Western AveGas, snacks, and chips are just around the corner.
Essentials
We recommend taking the 15-minute bus ride to Ukranian Village for their incredible selection of Eastern European and Mexican foods, produce, meats, and cheeses. Their tamales... muy delicioso!!
72 locals recommend
Farmers Pride Produce
756 N Western AveWe recommend taking the 15-minute bus ride to Ukranian Village for their incredible selection of Eastern European and Mexican foods, produce, meats, and cheeses. Their tamales... muy delicioso!!
Good overall selection of groceries, including fresh produce, bakery, and deli. Only a few blocks further than Fairplay, if you really need your Starbucks!
200 locals recommend
Pete's Fresh Market
2333 W Madison StGood overall selection of groceries, including fresh produce, bakery, and deli. Only a few blocks further than Fairplay, if you really need your Starbucks!
Fairplay Foods
2200 S Western AveAll your basic grocery needs are in the neighborhood.
The variety, quality, and value of their fresh produce is excellent!
170 locals recommend
Cermak Fresh Market
1711 W Cermak RdThe variety, quality, and value of their fresh produce is excellent!
Food Scene
Located off the south end of The Loop, Gino's East serves a fine pizza pie, but their forte is deep dish with an incredibly delicious golden crust.
34 locals recommend
Gino’s East - South Loop
521 S Dearborn StLocated off the south end of The Loop, Gino's East serves a fine pizza pie, but their forte is deep dish with an incredibly delicious golden crust.
Free wi-fi for dine-in, and dependable delivery. Get a large pizza with three ingredients for under $20. Ricobene's is renowned for their delicious fries and breaded steak sandwiches.
70 locals recommend
Ricobene's
252 W 26th StFree wi-fi for dine-in, and dependable delivery. Get a large pizza with three ingredients for under $20. Ricobene's is renowned for their delicious fries and breaded steak sandwiches.
There are many excellent restaurants in Chicago's own Chinatown neighborhood, but none of them compare to Three Happiness, for delicious and very affordable Cantonese dining.
33 locals recommend
Three Happiness Restaurant
209 W Cermak RdThere are many excellent restaurants in Chicago's own Chinatown neighborhood, but none of them compare to Three Happiness, for delicious and very affordable Cantonese dining.
Located near the center of Pilsen, they cook their BBQ right: over a wood-burning fire. Baby back ribs, pulled pork, and cornbread, candied bacon, along with drinks and live music every night.
141 locals recommend
Honky Tonk BBQ
1213 W 18th StLocated near the center of Pilsen, they cook their BBQ right: over a wood-burning fire. Baby back ribs, pulled pork, and cornbread, candied bacon, along with drinks and live music every night.
Just a few blocks east of the 18th Street Pink Line stop, Pilsen's premiere coffeeshop/art gallery features delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, and a full-service espresso bar.
134 locals recommend
Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StJust a few blocks east of the 18th Street Pink Line stop, Pilsen's premiere coffeeshop/art gallery features delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, and a full-service espresso bar.
The Central Bakery serves an amazing array of freshly baked breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, and other Mexican sweets and treats at a very reasonable price.
26 locals recommend
Central Bakery
2100 W Cermak RdThe Central Bakery serves an amazing array of freshly baked breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, and other Mexican sweets and treats at a very reasonable price.
An all-American diner, and the place to go in our neighborhood for breakfast. 2 bacon, 2 sausage,2 slices of ham, 2 pancakes, and hash browns for $6.99... now *that's* a special.
30 locals recommend
T J's Restaurant
1928 West Cermak RoadAn all-American diner, and the place to go in our neighborhood for breakfast. 2 bacon, 2 sausage,2 slices of ham, 2 pancakes, and hash browns for $6.99... now *that's* a special.
The staff is friendly, and the grill crew serves with pride the best fast food (hamburgers, hot dogs, beef sandwiches, gyros, ribs) in the neighborhood.
29 locals recommend
Donald's Famous Hot Dogs
2325 S Western AveThe staff is friendly, and the grill crew serves with pride the best fast food (hamburgers, hot dogs, beef sandwiches, gyros, ribs) in the neighborhood.
A classic Italian deli/corner grocery in the Heart of Chicago features gnocchi, chicken focacchia, ravioli, mostaciolli, lasagna, and lunch specials that will fill you up without emptying your wallet.
26 locals recommend
Miceli's Deli
2448 South Oakley AvenueA classic Italian deli/corner grocery in the Heart of Chicago features gnocchi, chicken focacchia, ravioli, mostaciolli, lasagna, and lunch specials that will fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Featured on WTTW's "Check, Please," the Ignotz is yet another neighborhood gem. Delicious food (gnocchi, steak Bernardo, and cream of mushroom soup are stand-outs), personable service, great value.
50 locals recommend
Ignotz's
2421 S Oakley AveFeatured on WTTW's "Check, Please," the Ignotz is yet another neighborhood gem. Delicious food (gnocchi, steak Bernardo, and cream of mushroom soup are stand-outs), personable service, great value.
This is Chicago's crown jewel of authentic central Mexican food. Bacon lovers will not want to miss out on the Alambres. Comfortable seating, chips, salsa, and a welcoming staff await you.
28 locals recommend
Taqueria Tayahua
2411 S Western AveThis is Chicago's crown jewel of authentic central Mexican food. Bacon lovers will not want to miss out on the Alambres. Comfortable seating, chips, salsa, and a welcoming staff await you.
For a more organic Pilsen coffeeshop experience, please check below! However, if you need your coffee and need it fast, Dunkin Donuts is just around the corner.
50 locals recommend
Dunkin'
749 W 31st StFor a more organic Pilsen coffeeshop experience, please check below! However, if you need your coffee and need it fast, Dunkin Donuts is just around the corner.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is our neighborhood pub. Martin's has a decent selection of brews, and TV displays to watch popular sports events.
32 locals recommend
Martin's Corner
2058 W 22nd PlThis is our neighborhood pub. Martin's has a decent selection of brews, and TV displays to watch popular sports events.
Arts & Culture
Founded by jazz legend Fred Anderson in 1982, Chicago's #1 hot spot for experimental sound showcases live music three times a week from the best local and national recording artists and DJs.
32 locals recommend
Velvet Lounge Chicago
67 E Cermak RdFounded by jazz legend Fred Anderson in 1982, Chicago's #1 hot spot for experimental sound showcases live music three times a week from the best local and national recording artists and DJs.
Chicago's oldest and finest jazz club since 1907 (yes, Al Capone was here!), the Green Mill is standing-room-only on weekends, and features the internationally acclaimed Uptown Poetry Slam on Sundays.
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayChicago's oldest and finest jazz club since 1907 (yes, Al Capone was here!), the Green Mill is standing-room-only on weekends, and features the internationally acclaimed Uptown Poetry Slam on Sundays.
Originally established in 1892, Thalia Hall is a premiere Chicago musical venue that includes a beer-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar, and a public hall, remodeled with reverence to its origins.
135 locals recommend
Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport StOriginally established in 1892, Thalia Hall is a premiere Chicago musical venue that includes a beer-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar, and a public hall, remodeled with reverence to its origins.
Home to thought-provoking art since 1945, the MCA has a 300-seat theater, a terraced sculpture garden, and year-round exhibitions.
532 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveHome to thought-provoking art since 1945, the MCA has a 300-seat theater, a terraced sculpture garden, and year-round exhibitions.
The second-largest museum in the U.S. houses classic works by Renoir, Cézanne, Degas, Gaughin, Picasso, and van Gogh, along with photography, architecture, and design galleries.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveThe second-largest museum in the U.S. houses classic works by Renoir, Cézanne, Degas, Gaughin, Picasso, and van Gogh, along with photography, architecture, and design galleries.
It’s the largest museum of Mexican art in the country, unless you include the Pilsen neighborhood and its stunning murals. Offers a sense of history that is keenly descriptive and visually engaging.
222 locals recommend
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StIt’s the largest museum of Mexican art in the country, unless you include the Pilsen neighborhood and its stunning murals. Offers a sense of history that is keenly descriptive and visually engaging.
Sightseeing
Over 24 acres of floral beauty and artistic wonder: Cloud Gate (or, "The Bean"), Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the Pritzker Pavilion bandshell. There's ice skating here in the winter, as well.
1243 locals recommend
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StOver 24 acres of floral beauty and artistic wonder: Cloud Gate (or, "The Bean"), Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the Pritzker Pavilion bandshell. There's ice skating here in the winter, as well.
A Chicago must-see since 1916, the Pier is home to the 50,000-square-foot Chicago Children’s Museum, a 440-seat IMAX Theater, a 150-ft Ferris wheel, and an abundance of food, shows, and attractions.
933 locals recommend
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveA Chicago must-see since 1916, the Pier is home to the 50,000-square-foot Chicago Children’s Museum, a 440-seat IMAX Theater, a 150-ft Ferris wheel, and an abundance of food, shows, and attractions.
Eels, piranhas, and sharks... oh my! Along with these scary delights, the Shedd Aquarium also features an otter habitat, a lifelike river/tide pool, and a century-old Australian lungfish.
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrEels, piranhas, and sharks... oh my! Along with these scary delights, the Shedd Aquarium also features an otter habitat, a lifelike river/tide pool, and a century-old Australian lungfish.
Founded in 1893, and home to over 24 million specimens and objects, including "Sue" the tyrannosaurus rex. A wonderful place to engage your sense of scientific mystery.
657 locals recommend
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrFounded in 1893, and home to over 24 million specimens and objects, including "Sue" the tyrannosaurus rex. A wonderful place to engage your sense of scientific mystery.
The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere features a German WWII U-505 submarine, a 3,500 sq.ft. model railroad, and the original Apollo 8 capsule.
483 locals recommend
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrThe largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere features a German WWII U-505 submarine, a 3,500 sq.ft. model railroad, and the original Apollo 8 capsule.
Featuring stained-glass domes built in 1897, with free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events, the CCC is a great place to begin your tour of Chicago.
203 locals recommend
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington StFeaturing stained-glass domes built in 1897, with free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events, the CCC is a great place to begin your tour of Chicago.
To see downtown Chicago right below your feet, there no better place to be than The Skydeck! Located on the 103rd story of the Willis Tower, second-tallest building in the U.S.
348 locals recommend
Willis Tower Skydeck
To see downtown Chicago right below your feet, there no better place to be than The Skydeck! Located on the 103rd story of the Willis Tower, second-tallest building in the U.S.
Dine in The Signature Room on the 95th Floor, while enjoying the lake view and surrounding cityscape. On a clear day you can see four states from the John Hancock Observatory (now called 360 Chicago)
157 locals recommend
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan AvenueDine in The Signature Room on the 95th Floor, while enjoying the lake view and surrounding cityscape. On a clear day you can see four states from the John Hancock Observatory (now called 360 Chicago)