A Day in Pilsen, Chicago's Hottest Neighborhood

Courtesy of Punch House

Go for family-run places that have stood the test of time, as well as an emerging food-and-drink scene that embraces the area’s cultural heritage.

Start Slideshow

1 of 8

9:00 a.m.

Tara Donne

Grab a slice of tres leches cake and an horchata latte—made with rice water and locally roasted Intelligentsia espresso—at Kristoffer’s Café & Bakery. This unassuming coffee shop is known for its Mexican desserts. 1733 S. Halsted St.; 312-829-4150.

2 of 8

10:30 a.m.

Take a (free) spin through the National Museum of Mexican Art to view a collection that includes Mesoamerican artifacts, contemporary prints, and paintings.

3 of 8

12:30 p.m.

Tara Donne

At Nuevo Léon, a mom-and-pop Mexican joint, try the rib-eye-and-onion-filled “tacos de sabinas,” named after a nearby tortilla factory. Tacos $5–$8.

4 of 8

2:00 p.m.

Tara Donne

Browse the many vintage stores on 18th Street, including the must-visit Revival a Go-Go, which sells a wide array of 1960s clothing and collectibles, from mod dresses to Midcentury Modern couches.

5 of 8

4:00 p.m.

Tara Donne

The 16th Street rail embankment—a 14-block stretch of vibrant murals—is a picturesque place for an afternoon stroll. Look for politically and culturally charged works by Gaia, ROA, and others.

6 of 8

6:00 p.m.

Courtesy of Dusek's Board and Beer

Graze on eclectic small plates by Longman & Eagle alums, like choucroute with garlic sausage and pickled apples, at Dusek’s Board & Beer. Entrées $15–$32.

7 of 8

8:30 p.m.

Clayton Hauck

Historic Thalia Hall is fresh off an extensive face-lift; catch live music from indie acts like Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

8 of 8

11:00 p.m.

Courtesy of Punch House

The 1970s-inspired basement bar Punch House serves largeformat drinks in 40-ounce bowls. Order the Space Juice for Jered, made with tequila, grapefruit, sparkling wine, and sage.

Replay gallery

World's Best

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020

Let's Go Together Podcast

Day Trip: Your Itinerary for Pilsen, Chicago's Hottest Hood

1 of 8

9:00 a.m.

1 of 8

2 of 8

10:30 a.m.

2 of 8

3 of 8

12:30 p.m.

3 of 8

4 of 8

2:00 p.m.

4 of 8

5 of 8

4:00 p.m.

5 of 8

6 of 8

6:00 p.m.

6 of 8

7 of 8

8:30 p.m.

7 of 8

8 of 8

11:00 p.m.

8 of 8

Up Next

Everything in This Slideshow

Your Profile

Day Trip: Your Itinerary for Pilsen, Chicago's Hottest Hood

1 of 8

9:00 a.m.

1 of 8

2 of 8

10:30 a.m.

2 of 8

3 of 8

12:30 p.m.

3 of 8

4 of 8

2:00 p.m.

4 of 8

5 of 8

4:00 p.m.

5 of 8

6 of 8

6:00 p.m.

6 of 8

7 of 8

8:30 p.m.

7 of 8

8 of 8

11:00 p.m.

8 of 8

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery