Go to 26th Street, walk west from the big arch and eat at whichever taqueria has a line. Carnitas Uruapan on 26th is the sit-down carnitas move, and the paleterias and bakeries handle dessert. The Pink Line gets you close, and a bus covers the rest.
The vibe
Little Village, La Villita to a lot of the people who live here, is one of the great Mexican neighborhoods in the country. The welcome arch over 26th Street marks the east end of the strip, and from there it's block after block of taquerias, western wear, quinceañera dresses, bakeries and paleterias. It isn't putting on a show for anyone. It's just a real commercial street that happens to be full of food.
Best munchies
You don't need a list here. Pick the place with a line, point at the trompo, say thank you. That rule has never failed on 26th Street. The one name worth knowing is Carnitas Uruapan, whose sit-down location on 26th is the flagship of the Pilsen original. Order by the pound if you're feeding a group. Finish at a paleteria, because a mango paleta after tacos is a perfect system. See the Chicago munchies guide.
Things to do baked
Walk 26th Street slowly, duck into a panaderia with a tray and tongs, look at the storefront signs and the murals on the side streets. That's the whole plan, and it's a good one. Weekends are the liveliest, when the sidewalks fill with families.
Best lake or park spot
This is a street neighborhood, not a park one. Harrison Park and the free National Museum of Mexican Art are a short ride east in Pilsen if you want something to stare at after you eat. The lake is far. Don't worry about it.
A perfect baked day in Little Village
Start in Pilsen at the art museum, then ride west for a late lunch on 26th. Walk the strip from the arch, eat something from a trompo, then something from a bakery, then a paleta. Pick up a pound of carnitas and tortillas to go, and head home for the best back porch dinner in the city. See hosting a sesh.
Getting there and getting around
There's no L on 26th itself. The Pink Line runs a walk or a bus north of the strip, and it doesn't run all night, so plan your ride home. CTA buses cover 26th Street and the big cross streets, and cabs and rideshares fill in. It's a long way from the Red and Blue lines late at night.
Sesh notes for Little Village
Two-flats and bungalows, lots of kids and big families, so keep it private and keep it low-key. The sidewalks and parks are public, so they're for the walk afterward. Be a good guest here. People live on these blocks and they're busy.
The good and the annoying
The good
- The best taco strip in the city.
- Paletas, pan dulce and carnitas by the pound.
- Cheap, loud and completely real.
The annoying
- Not on an L line, so plan the trip.
- Pink Line doesn't run all night.
- Weekend sidewalks and traffic get thick.
- Bring some cash.
Next door
The neighborhoods that border this one, or are one quick ride away.
