On the verge of gentrification for the past 20+ years, Pilsen remains truly authentic, staking its' claim as Chicago's most colorfully embellished, ethnically diverse and culture-rich 'hood. Just southwest of the loop it is loaded with hidden gems and houses some of the cities most creative residents ... all camouflaged beneath layers of brilliant grafitti and street art (many of these works pictured below).
It is lovely and works every bit like a church should.
What's going down in there?
A strip of artistic genius.
Over 250,000 sq feet of curated hallways, rooftoops and coves.
Have to say the belliGREEN is the best, but have them add cayenne.
It's a cavern of a warehouse overflowing with unique and affordable textiles.
An outstanding institute of Mexican art and culture in the "Mexico of the midwest."
Maybe add a horchata too.
Great BBQ and live music all week.
Kind of a steer-clear-of-me look, but ...
Revolutionary tamales.
Coffee without the coffee pretense
Mesquite grilled meats rule here.
Named to remind you of the proper way to eat ramen noodles: furiously.
Imagine your favorite chicken pot pie of all time and then quintuple the quality.
Outside, Skylark has kind of a steer-clear-of-me look, but inside is a dark neighborhood spot without any posers. Just good people, good beers and surprisingly great food too. Can't skip the tater tots with 3 dipping sauces.
