There is so much to discover about Chicago and my children deserve most of the credit for my own discoveries.
My introduction to the Pilsen neighborhood may not have happened if it weren’t for the active sports life of my oldest. His Sunday morning soccer games brought us to the heart of this amazing neighborhood and I am already planning our return visit once school is out and we have more time to explore.
The Pilsen neighborhood, originally where immigrants from Ireland and then Eastern European countries, settled and made their homes is now rich with Mexican and Mexican-American art, history, food, music and more. One visit and it will be no surprise why Forbes magazine once named it one of the "coolest neighborhoods around the world" - and was 100% right. Pilsen as a community overflows with beautiful art, hip vibes and bohemian history.
Check out below before planning your own visit to this vibrant neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago.
Play
Harrison Park, located at Damen & 18th Street, is a beautiful space to relax and play! This park has plenty of green space, areas for playing sports such as basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer and fantastic playground. There is also a great field house (closed on Sundays) which holds an indoor pool, gymnasium, meeting spaces and hosts after-school activities and summer camps. The National Museum of Mexican Art borders the park along 19th W Street.
Canal Origins Park is a native prairie habitat that offers stunning views, places to fish and just take in a bit of nature along the river. It is convenient to the Canalport Riverwalk which is great for a stroll along the water.
Dvorak Park is a community hub offering places to gather, celebrate and play all year round. This park offers outdoor swimming and water play, playgrounds, sports fields and plenty of green space to enjoy!
Learn
Visit the National Museusm of Mexican Art and explore the Mexican community from it’s own point of view and it’s own voice. This museum is home to a permanent collection of art, but also offers visiting collections, educational opportunities for all and special events. Admission here is always free and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10a to 5p. The museum is located at 1852 W 19th Street, Chicago IL 60608
The Lozano Branch of the Chicago Public Library (1805 S Loomis St, Chicago 60608) is a fantastic branch offering much more than just books! Check out the original artwork featured at this branch when you visit, especially the exhibit about the branch's namesake, Rudy Lozano. This branch also offers a YOUmedia location on Tuesday, Thursday and some Saturdays and is a spot of youth to hang out, play video games, borrow laptops and learn new skills and technology. Lozano is also home to the Knight Moves Chess Club!
Eat
Palateria Y Neveria Savores De Michoacán is just across the street from Harrison Park and no family adventure is complete without a sweet treat!
Kristoffer’s Cafe and Bakery is a Pilsen staple and you won’t find a better Tres Leches cake in Chicago (although I am willing to judge that competition any time)! Breakfast, lunch or just a little bite to recharge you for more exploring - Kristoffer’s offers a variety of amazing items on their menu.
Art
Pilsen may be the most colorful and beautiful neighborhood in Chicago and if you haven’t, please check out their murals! The National Museum of Mexican Art has a great walking guide to check out the work of five artists withing a few blocks of the museum. Also, a walk along 16th Street will not disappoint if you want to see more murals and street art.
Thalia Hall (1807 S Allport, Chicago 60608) is a historical Pilsen staple and this music venue is home for a variety of live (many all ages) concerts. Keep an eye on their calendar of events!
Shop
Pilsen is bursting with amazing local shops and stores to explore! Some that stood out to us were:
Pilsen Community Books (1102 W 18th St, Chicago 60608) is open Monday through Saturday from 12p to 7p. This gem was founded in 2016 and is now Chicago’s only employee-owned and operated independent bookstore. You can find items to please all ages of book lovers here and also special events highlighting books and authors.
Irv’s Bike Shop has been in the community since 1972 and is a great place to purchase a bike, or have yours tuned up before all of those summer rides your family will take. Located near the intersection of W 18th Street and Racine (1725 S Racine, Chicago, 60608)
606 Records (1808 S Allport, Chicago 60608) caught our eye because records are a novelty to my kids and were a staple of my youth. I spent many hours laying on the floor of our living room playing record after record - especially on rainy mornings. On Saturday mornings my parents would put on a record to dance & sing their way through making breakfast for us.
Explore
Getting to Pilsen is easy with the Pink Line’s or by car - the National Museum of Mexican Art does have a parking lot adjacent to it and it’s about $2/hour to park there. We have also found plenty of street parking, just make sure you read the signs to avoid permit areas.
Would you prefer a little guidance while exploring Pilsen?
Check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s walking tour of Pilsen which last two hours and begin at the 18th Street “L” station and end at the Damen station. You do need to register in advance for this tour, but can do so easily online.
Do you have a favorite spot in the Pilsen neighbhorhood we should include?
Email me at sarayaniga@macaronikid.com to share what you love about this community!
