Stores filled with handicrafts made with vibrant colors, walls painted with the scenes of Mexican culture, and smells of roasting meat and sweet concha bread wafting out of the doors is something I expected to find in Mexico City. Instead I found it walking around the Pilsen and Little Village District in Chicago. The Latino Travel Fest has given me a community of Latino Travelers just like me, but this year it gave me something even more. Thanks to their partnership with Choose Chicago, I was given the chance to walk and explore these two traditionally Mexican neighborhoods and see how these two neighborhoods show the beauty of Chicago and its vibrant Mexican population, alongside the history of this Chicago city.
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Pilsen
Located in the Lower West Side area of Chicago, this neighborhood was originally a Czech and German neighborhood. Pilsen became an easy entry point for the growing Mexican population in the late ’50s and by 1970 they were the predominant citizens of the area. This historic area is one of the few neighborhoods with buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The neighborhood has seen increasing gentrification since 2016 but continues to keep much of its Mexican charm with its art, shops with traditional foods, and new growing Mexican businesses that are changing to meet the needs of the diversifying population.
What to do
- Explore the Art Murals – Along 16th Street you will find blocks and blocks of murals. Created by local artists, the murals celebrate the culture of the people. There are over 200 murals all throughout the neighborhood.
- National Museum of Mexican Art – Haven’t seen enough art in the streets? Check out the free National Museum of Mexican Art in Harrison Park on 19th street. The mission of the museum is to stimulate knowledge and appreciation of Mexican art and culture, which they do through a permanent collection of Mexican art that covers paintings, textiles, photography, and even performing arts performances.
- Eat – This is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is changing to meet the new residents while keeping its Mexican roots. Here you will find amazing low fuss places like Don Pedro’s Carnitas and Panadería Iramuco Gto where you can find amazing Conchas and Mexican cookies. But you can also find trendy places like Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria and The Tonk, a BBQ restaurant.
- Shop – There are several cute boutiques and stores on 18th street. The one I spent the most time at was Mestiza Shop, a Latina Queer-owned shop that had handicrafts from Mexico, as well a cute item made by women, Latina and queer owned small businesses. I told my husband he should be proud of how much I didn’t spend there, I loved everything.
Little Village
Little Village, known to the locals as La Villita, is on the Southwest Side of Chicago, close to the Pilsen District. As Pilsen has grown in popularity and cost, more Mexican Americans have moved into this neighborhood. This neighborhood is decidedly more local and authentic. Here you will find Spanish spoken at all areas, vendors on the street, and the most beautiful Quinceañera dresses you have ever seen.
What to do
- Shop – Walking west from the Little Village Arch on 26th street, you will not be able to trip without finding a shop. Many will have some of their wares outside, usually selling jerseys for the resident’s favorite football (soccer to Americans) teams, t-shirts, hats, and small toys to please the kids. But my favorite are the bridal shops. All along the street you will see shops with big windows displaying a selection of bridal gowns, Quinceañera dresses, and even beautifully crafted communion and baptismal wear. Each dress has incredible craftmanship, it was hard to figure out which was my favorite. But make sure to stop at Ducelandia, the largest distributor of Mexican Candy in the Midwest, and check out their colorful and unique pinatas, as well as their large selection of Mexican Candy they sell by the pound.
- Ice Cream – It could have been the heat, but we actually stopped for ice cream twice during our walk, and I couldn’t decide what was best. You’ll find that the ice cream shops here specialize in the Mexican paletas. So much better than a traditional popsicle, they are often made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients. You can also get a Chamango, which has mango sorbet, frozen mangos chunks, Tajin, and Chamoy. If you like a spicy/sweet treat you have to give this a try. We tried two places, La Michoakana Golden Paleteria Y Nieveria where I had an amazing Mango paleta and Los Mangos, where I had the most fresh strawberry sorbet I’ve had in my life.
- Eat & Drink – There are several eating options. You should try one of the street cart vendors that sell elote, tacos, and other treats to the passersby. If you want to sit down, the Nuevo Leon restaurant which serves Mexican classics. But make sure to check out the Dia De Los Muertos Mural wrapping the building before going in. If you want to just sit down for a drink and some apps, check out Osito’s Tap, a queer friendly Latin accented bar that caries amazing drinks and even friendlier staff.
Tips
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You can walk miles in both neighborhoods checking out the art murals, shops and restaurants. It’s a concreate jungle, so make sure to wear shoes with some cushioning and support. I love my Bob’s Slip in Sneakers from Sketchers.
- Be Prepared for the Weather: I went in the summer during a heat wave and didn’t think about how the concrete and lack of shade would affect me. Bring plenty of water, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. In the heat, I recommend a portable fan and sun hat. In the winter, be prepared with proper outerwear like a down jacket.
I have visited Chicago several times, but this was the first time getting outside the traditional touristy Loop area and into the unique neighborhoods where the Latino immigrants live and call home. I loved exploring the vibrant art, the stores, and of course eating all the amazing food. Walking these streets, I could see the true culture of this city and understand how those who choose to make it their home come to learn to blend the culture of where they came from with where they are now. I see the pride the Latino community has for its culture and art. If you want a real Chicago experience, then make your way down to these districts and see how the people who help make this city live.
Edited by SKS