For some that don’t know, Manny was born in Pilsen and lived for many years. His grandmother, aunt, and cousins still live there and we visit often. It’s a neighborhood that means a lot to our family, so I am happy to share some of our favorite spots 🙂

Coffee & Breakfast

• Sleep Walk Chocolateria & Cafe – Bean-to-bar chocolateria from Dark Matter Coffee.
• Panaderia Nuevo Leon – Traditional Mexican bakery, coffee, & conchas! Grab’n’go style.
• Cafe Jumping Bean – A colorful coffee shop that’s been around since 1994.
• El Corazon Cafe – The owner is the granddaughter of Nuevo León, and you can grab pastries from next door and bring them in to have with your coffee. I love their horchata!
• Holy Grounds Cathedral – Located next to an historic church.

Activities & Outings

• Shop small on 18th St – ChicagoMidwestMade, Shudio, Escaramuza USA, Pilsen Community Books.
• Women Made Gallery – a space for women and non-binary artists from around the world.
• Shop Pilsen Vintage – I have found some really cute things here.
• St. Procopius Catholic Church – originally built in 1875. It’s a beautiful building worth peeping in.
• Take a Mural Walk on 16th Street – Pilsen murals are as vibrant as the community!
• Visit The National Museum of Mexican Art – The museum is free, and we love going as a family! There is a park right next door to let some of the kid’s energy out!
• See a concert at Thalia Hall – originally built in 1892, now has a concert hall, bar, and tavern.
• Pilsen Community Market – A farmer’s market is open every Sunday until Oct. 30.
• Mestiza – shop for unique gifts!

Lunch, Brunch, & Snacks

• Frida Room – Great for brunch!
• El Milagro – Cafeteria style, love the mole.
• Carnitas Urupan – The best Carnitas and Chicharrones in Chicago since 1975!
• Rubi’s Chicago – Used to be at the Maxwell St. Market but is now a brick-and-mortar shop. Huge tacos!
• Carniceria Mirabel – Amazing taco, bodega and butcher shop

Dinner

• 5 Rabanitos – one of our favorite spots, right by the National Museum of Mexican Art.
• Los Comales – Great spicy chorizo, on 18th St.
• Carnitas Uruapan – The famous carnitas! It’s a classic and has been around for a long time.
• La Mejikana – Upscale Mexican food with cocktails. Inside a 100-year-old building!

Drinks

• La Luna – Go for the drinks (the watermelon margarita is chef’s kiss), and stay for the food and vibes.
• Del Toro – Best margaritas in the city, my personal favorite!
• Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom – Housemade craft brews in a warehouse-like space.

Fall Events:

21st Annual Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade – Saturday, September 9, 2023

Día de Muertos, Living Presence – Exhibit at the National Mexican Art Museum, Sep 22 – Dec 10, 2023

Día de Los Muertos Xicágo at NMMA – October 28, 2023

Pilsen Brew-Ja Crawl – October 28, 2023

Pilsen Gourmet – Friday, November 10 · 7 – 10 pm. Use my code “Goodlife” for 10% off!

If you want more fall Chicago things, you can read more here. I hope some of these suggestions help and if you have any more ideas, let me know!

Christine