West Side Best Side? Explore North Lawndale to Garfield Park
Host Jacoby Cochran and freelance journalist Natalie Frazier stop by Comercio Popular in Lawndale to talk about Natalie’s family’s history on the West Side. From growing up in Austin, visiting granny in Garfield Park, and putting down roots in North Lawndale, Natalie shares with us the pride she feels in her community and her desire to see it thrive. She also shares her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhoods.
Spots Natalie Recommends:
Monday Coffee @ Garfield Park Conservatory
Firehouse Community Arts Center
Check out our other neighborhood guides for Rogers Park, Uptown, and Edgewater and for Beverly, Morgan Park, and Mount Greenwood.
Want to take us around YOUR neighborhood? Or have recs on where to go? Email us at chicago@citycast.fm.
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...
So Everyone's Running For Mayor. Plus, How To Do Pride Fest!
We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign....
Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits
A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully t...
Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...
Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...
Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...
Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....
Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...
Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...
Who's Running For Mayor? Plus, Bears Pick Hammond?!
Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make t...