Guide to Chicago's Little Village

Chicago Off the Beaten Path

Little Village is the heart of Chicago's Mexican community and just minutes away from the shopping districts of downtown. Additionally, the Pilsen neighborhood, which is a largely Hispanic neighborhood, is even closer to downtown and has a few gems of its own. Both 18th and 26th Street are main thoroughfares for both of these neighborhoods and a great place to start shopping and experience Old Mexico.

What To See

For a colorful tour of the neighborhood head down Little VIllage's 26th Street which always has a festive feel. The sides of the buildings are covered in bright, colorful murals depicting scenes from Mexican history, culture and religion. Music can almost always be heard on the street coming from a store, restaurant, or passing car. The multitude of stores that line the street are a great place to find decor, food, and music brought straight from Mexico.

The National Museum of Mexican Art has grown in size and importance in the last seven years and is a must see on any trip to the neighborhood. The permanent art collection has over 5,000 pieces ranging from textile to ceramics to folk art. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibits every year featuring new and past artists and interactive demonstrations.

If you are in the neighborhood during the summer make sure you stop one of the passing paletero, or ice cream man, to cool off with a tamarindo, strawberry, or lime popsicle. Food vendors are also on every street corner, look for one of the more established vendors and grab a cup of elote or some tamales.

Where To Eat

One of the neighborhoods havens is Kristoffer's Cafe and Bakery, 1733 S. Halsted, which serves so many purposes you will want to stay there all day. Take the time to enjoy some chocoflan, chocolate cake with flan, and then nose around the perpetual book swap. They host art exhibits, musicians and chess matches and offer free wi-fi so there is always something to do.