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Chicago Neighborhoods
Stoner guides to eight Chicago neighborhoods: what to do, where to eat and where to smoke in each one.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, 77 official community areas and a couple hundred more that locals actually use. Where you post up changes what you eat, what you see and how far you are from the lake.
Each guide below covers the vibe, a little history, what to do, where to eat and where to smoke when you're in the area. The quick version on smoking lives on where to smoke in Chicago, and the rules in plain English are on first time in Chicago.
Bars and record shops? Start in Wicker Park and roll up Milwaukee to Logan Square. Tacos and murals? Pilsen. A big dinner night? The West Loop has it.
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Wicker Park
Three streets crash into each other at Damen, North and Milwaukee, and most of the good stuff on the Near Northwest Side is a short walk from that corner.
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Logan Square
Wide boulevards, a marble column with an eagle on top, and a dinner scene that punches way above its size. Logan is the neighborhood that makes you want to move to Chicago.
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Pilsen
Murals for two miles, a world class museum that costs nothing, and carnitas sold by weight. Pilsen is the best afternoon on the Lower West Side.
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River North
Corncob towers, a building that was once the biggest in the world, beef sandwiches and late jazz. River North is downtown's playground, and it's best on foot.
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Lincoln Park
A free zoo, a glass house full of jungle, blues until close and a hot dog stand that will roast you. Lincoln Park rewards wandering.
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Andersonville
A Swedish village that turned into one of the friendliest blocks in Chicago. Clark Street, a long walk, and a lot of snacks.
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Hyde Park
World's Fair ghosts, a captured U-boat, the Obama Center, cheap 35mm and a serious bookstore habit. Bring your curiosity.
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West Loop
Old warehouses, a lot of money, and the densest stretch of good restaurants in Chicago. Come with an appetite and a reservation.
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