Pilsen

Getting off the Pink Line at the Damen stop, you can see at once you’re in Pilsen. Colourful murals cover even the inside of the train station, and during warm months vendors sell corn on the streets, calling out prices in Spanish. The restaurants are selling tacos and burritos, tamales and enchiladas, and the thrift stores boast richly-patterned textures unlike the usual ‘90s garb.

Originally inhabited by Czech immigrants, Pilsen is now an oddly-named little slice of Mexico, with over 80% of its inhabitants hailing Hispanic descent. Go there to get excellent, cheap Mexican food at Nuevo Leon (bring cash), shop at one of the most interesting thrift stores (Knee Deep), see staggering political paintings at the National Museum of Mexican Art, or enjoy great coffee/atmosphere at Cafe Jumping Bean. But you don’t need a destination to enjoy Pilsen’s many cool grocery stores selling cactus and papaya juice, or just wander through the small shops and stores. Pilsen’s art and cheap rent have been attracting college kids and artists from all over the country, and though prices are rising, things are definitely happening in the neighbourhood. If you’re in Chicago any first Friday of the month, check out Pilsen’s First Fridays in which galleries and stores open up to the public, giving out free wine and cookies to attract visitors.