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 in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Your Guide to Chicago’s Stationery Stores
Whether you’re actually going back to school soon or you just love analog hobbies, these local shops will help you find all kinds of stat...
5 New Spots to Dine and Drink
Chicago is hot AF right now — and so is the dining scene. These recent openings have caught our eye.
Family-Run Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades
For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.
Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Patios
Want to enjoy patio weather, but hate leaving your pup at home? Check out our guide on the best dog-friendly patios in Chicago.
Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts
Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a shuttered, historic church at 201 S. Ashland Ave. into Epiphany Center for the Arts. Sin...
Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues
There’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite spots in town.
Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich?
Italian Beef Fest is coming up. Let's give the dish its due
