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

By Kristen Dold
July 20, 2015
Credit: 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.
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9:00 a.m.

Credit: 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.

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10:30 a.m.

Credit: © RosaIreneBetancourt 3 / Alamy

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

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12:30 p.m.

Credit: 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.

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2:00 p.m.

Credit: 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.

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4:00 p.m.

Credit: 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.

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6:00 p.m.

Credit: 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.

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8:30 p.m.

Credit: Clayton Hauck

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

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11:00 p.m.

Credit: 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.

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