Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
This is THE spot in Pilsen, where the whole neighborhood hangs out. Great, fresh food with good vegetarian options.
134 locals recommend
Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StThis is THE spot in Pilsen, where the whole neighborhood hangs out. Great, fresh food with good vegetarian options.
Low key spot with FABULOUS and innovative food. Mexican with a vegan twist (they do meat too). The owner/chef prepares everything personally.
Cafe Monsivais
1637 West 18th StreetLow key spot with FABULOUS and innovative food. Mexican with a vegan twist (they do meat too). The owner/chef prepares everything personally.
24 hour tacqueria with tasty food and incredibly fast service. People and families hang out here all day and all night.
53 locals recommend
Taqueria Los Comales
1544 W 18th St24 hour tacqueria with tasty food and incredibly fast service. People and families hang out here all day and all night.
Cafeteria style Mexican restaurant with my favorite chilaquiles in the city. It's a local favorite.
32 locals recommend
Taqueria Casa Del Pueblo
1834 S Blue Island AveCafeteria style Mexican restaurant with my favorite chilaquiles in the city. It's a local favorite.
Parks & Nature
Really cool rock quarry and fishing area that feels set aside from the city
38 locals recommend
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
2700 S Halsted StReally cool rock quarry and fishing area that feels set aside from the city
Short trail along the Chicago River with pollinator gardens. Little known area to escape the city.
Canalport Riverwalk Park
2900 S Ashland AveShort trail along the Chicago River with pollinator gardens. Little known area to escape the city.
Arts & Culture
National leader in Mexican art - small enough to get a valuable experience in just 20-30 minutes, but plan for an hour if you can. Free entrance.
222 locals recommend
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StNational leader in Mexican art - small enough to get a valuable experience in just 20-30 minutes, but plan for an hour if you can. Free entrance.
Essentials
Best grocery in the neighborhood. Carries both traditional Mexican and Whole Foods typical foods at a much lower price tag. Fruit quality is usually excellent, veggies are hit and miss. Meat is lower quality.
44 locals recommend
La Casa Del Pueblo Inc.
1810 S Blue Island AveBest grocery in the neighborhood. Carries both traditional Mexican and Whole Foods typical foods at a much lower price tag. Fruit quality is usually excellent, veggies are hit and miss. Meat is lower quality.
Getting Around
Pink line train station. 15-20 minute ride to downtown.
7 locals recommend
18th Street & Paulina station
Pink line train station. 15-20 minute ride to downtown.
Loomis & Blue Island station
#60 Bus stop - 20 minute ride to downtown
#9 Ashland bus north to United Center and beyond or south to the end of the city
Ashland & 18th Street
#9 Ashland bus north to United Center and beyond or south to the end of the city
18th Street & Laflin station
#18 18th Street bus east to Lake Michigan or west to edge of the city