Chicago - Pilsen Guidebook
Food scene
Mexican outfit provides modern cuisine & specialty margaritas in cantina digs with a spacious patio.
66 locals recommend
La Vaca Margarita Bar
1160 W 18th StMexican outfit provides modern cuisine & specialty margaritas in cantina digs with a spacious patio.
Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain outpost features other classic Italian food & a bar.
519 locals recommend
Giordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain outpost features other classic Italian food & a bar.
Coffee Shops
Colorful coffeehouse offering java, gourmet sandwiches & soup plus art showings & occasional music
134 locals recommend
Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StColorful coffeehouse offering java, gourmet sandwiches & soup plus art showings & occasional music
Snug stop for caffeine drinks, baked goods & Mexican-American eats plus a dog-friendly patio.
Step Down Cafe
2023 S Racine AveSnug stop for caffeine drinks, baked goods & Mexican-American eats plus a dog-friendly patio.
Shopping
Modern open-air mall with popular chain retailers, a movie theater & a park with a playground.
48 locals recommend
Roosevelt Collection Shops
150 W Roosevelt RdModern open-air mall with popular chain retailers, a movie theater & a park with a playground.
Nightlife
Simone's
960 W 18th StEco-friendly bar with craft brews, DJ's and grub.
Hidden basement bar with a vintage air serving up creative & classic punches plus sandwiches.
78 locals recommend
Punch House
1227 W 18th StHidden basement bar with a vintage air serving up creative & classic punches plus sandwiches.
Attractions
This landmark venue, designed as an opera house in 1892, hosts concerts by well-known musical acts.
135 locals recommend
Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport StThis landmark venue, designed as an opera house in 1892, hosts concerts by well-known musical acts.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum which features Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. The museum was founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero and Helen Valdez.
222 locals recommend
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StThe National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum which features Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. The museum was founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero and Helen Valdez.
Neighborhoods
Pilsen is Chicago's art district. Take a walk around the neighborhood to discover hidden art all over the streets!
103 locals recommend
Pilsen
Pilsen is Chicago's art district. Take a walk around the neighborhood to discover hidden art all over the streets!
Very trendy shopping, restaurants, and bars on Chicago's northside. Must check out.
371 locals recommend
Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveVery trendy shopping, restaurants, and bars on Chicago's northside. Must check out.
Logan Square
Hip and trendy scene with great bars and restaurants.
Traveler advice
Getting around
The train is the easiest way to get around
18th is an 'L' station on the CTA's Pink Line. It is located at 1710 West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The station is decorated with colorful murals painted by local artists from Pilsen.
Various busses are also available along 18th street and Blue Island Avenue. For specific directions, please contact me. I’d be more than happy to help you find your way around.
What to pack
Always bring a coat!
Weather changes rapidly. You can always take layers off!
Ways to save
Public transit offers daily, weekly, monthly passes
Look into CTA daily, weekly, or monthly passes to save money. Each ride individually will cost you about $3 and includes a transfer (an additional ride within the hour of first use).