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
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...
Is Avondale Really That Cool?
We investigated Avondale ourselves, and think that Time Out might be onto something.
Get to Know Bronzeville
Check out this guide on what to see, eat, and do in this historic Chicago neighborhood.
Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!
My stroll to the bottom of Western Avenue took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods.
Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me
Once a haven for young mall rats, Ford City Mall may soon become an industrial park. But it's not gone yet.
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.
Bagel Battle in Wicker Park
In Wicker, Bro Bagel's owner is taking on Call Your Mother. But which bagel is best?
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.
No Business as Usual on Bryn Mawr
A decade after NEIU seized a block of Bryn Mawr through eminent domain, nothing has replaced those former businesses.
Chicago Says Goodbye to Schlitz
Production of Schlitz beer has ceased. Here's how Chicagoans are paying homage to the cheap beer.
Do You Know Your World’s Fair Inventions?
In honor of National Inventor Month, we’re taking a moment to admire Chicago’s many contributions to the world, many of which debuted at...
Chicago’s Indoor/Outdoor Bars
Here are some of our favorite bars that offer outdoor patios to grab a drink.
Jim’s and the History of the Maxwell Street Polish
After nearly 90 years in the Maxwell Street Area, Jim’s Original is moving to Pilsen. The stand popularized the Maxwell Street Polish.
