Avondale was ranked one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by TimeOut last week, which wasn’t a surprise for resident Cat K. who offered to give us a tour. Here are some of the places she recommends checking out.
Something to eat: Taqueria Mazamitla. The portions are massive: Cat once got a 32-ounce drinking cup full of homemade salsa to go
Something to see: St. Hyacinth Basilica. The church is still a gathering place for the neighborhood’s Polish community. On Sundays, the bus driver on the Milwaukee route announces the Central Park stop as Jackowo.
Something to do: Avondale Bowl. Cat appreciates that the old bowling alley’s charm was restored and kept intact instead of rehabbed.
Learn about the neighborhood’s history and anti-gentrification efforts.
Get to Know Avondale with Cat K

Sidney Madden

St. Hyacinth Basilica in Avondale in 2012. (Frank Malawski / Wikimedia Commons)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Neighborhood Guides
7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes
Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!
Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
There’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.
A Guide to Woodlawn — Plus Coffee!
Grab a free coffee on us tomorrow* at Build Coffee and Books in Woodlawn.
Where to World Cup in Chicago
Chicago has plenty of spots to catch World Cup matches.
Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago
The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty more events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to...
Your Guide to May 2026
May kicked off with a May Day jolt, and I expect the energy will stay high.
Where to Read in Chicago
It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...
Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries
It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...
The latest in Chicago
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels
Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.
Where to Find Summer Beach Reads
Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.
Hidden Gem Swimming Spots
Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.
The Hot Dog Cart-icle
Hot dog carts are rare in Chicago. Consider visiting one this National Hot Dog Day!
Your Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream
Where to get ice cream in Chicago this Summer
Why Kids Love Teddy’s Ice Cream and Its Giant Inflatable Bear
A look into Teddy's Ice Cream in Chicago
Feld Review: Don’t Listen to the Haters
What it's like to eat at the restaurant Feld.