Things To Do
Pilsen
Also known as "the heart of Chicago," Pilsen is home to our wedding venue and some of the best Mexican food you've ever had! Right off the 18th Street Pink Line Station, grab a concha from Panederia Nuevo Leon to enjoy while you walk east & take in the beautiful architecture and street art. Make sure to stop at Yvolina's Tamales (one of Abby's favorite spots since her UIC days) and grab some amazing cold brew from Anticonquista Cafe, or margaritas from La Vaca. Additional Suggestions: - The National Museum of Mexican Art is FREE and open every day besides Monday - Thalia Hall is a gorgeous historical music venue. Even when there isn't a show going on, it's very worth stopping by to check out Punch House, a cozy bar in the venue's basement. - Try snagging a restaurant at the renowned HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen - they recently earned a spot on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list!
Chinatown
Just east of Pilsen and across the Chicago River you will find yourself in Chinatown! Ping Tom Park is a small but gorgeous riverfront park that we highly encourage checking out before heading into the neighborhood. From the park, you will probably find yourself in the multi-level Chinatown Square Plaza shopping center. You could spend a ton of time checking out all of the shops and restaurants here, but make sure to spend some time at the OG commercial center on Wentworth Avenue, through the Chinatown Gateway!
Bridgeport
A straight shot south from Pilsen via Halsted Street, be sure to take some time to check out Bridgeport! This neighborhood is home to Rate Field, where the White Sox will be playing both Friday the 25th and Sunday the 27th (but you won't catch James there - go Cubs, go!). Take a walk down Halsted to shop at some vintage shops (which actually still have secondhand store prices!), record stores (we love Let's Boogie Records & Tapes, but they're only open on Saturdays, so try stopping by in the morning!), and plenty of places for food & drinks. We recommend Bridgeport Coffee (check out their map room - Abby has spent many hours studying here), Maria's Packaged Goods for drinks on the patio, and Bernice's Tavern for an old-school Chicago dive.
