Hot Blocks: West Ridge
Updated: November 10, 2008
West Ridge, Chicago's most multi-ethnic enclave, encompasses many cultures (Jewish, Irish, Korean, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) all in one neighborhood. Home to bustling Devon Avenue, as well as scenic, sprawling Indian Boundary Park and the Hasidic community of West Rogers Park, the district represents a crossroads of culture. Go for the unforgettable food, and then take a stroll and discover what else this multifaceted neighborhood has to offer.
On this page:Recreation and Shopping, Ethnic Eats.
Recreation and Shopping
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Cary's Lounge
Write a review2251 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
This neighborhood watering hole banks on easygoing familiarity--that and its 10 beers on tap (including Hoegaarden and Guinness), as well as free pool, weekly live bands and a Saturday night DJ. A mix of students and locals form a consistent base of regulars.
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Taj Sari Palace Inc
Read Reviews2553 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
An eye-popping array of brightly colored textiles, saris, wedding wear and accessories dazzles at this emporium, with its glittering bangles and gold-plated, gem-laden chokers. In addition to carrying the most up-to-date fashion trends straight from India, this business is the only one on the block that sells fancy women's sandals.
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Indian Boundary Park Cultural
Read Reviews2500 W Lunt Ave, Chicago, IL 60645 (map)
This gem of a park includes a duck-filled lagoon, public zoo and a Tudor-style field house, which hosts a theater program and various arts and culture classes year-round. Tennis courts and the spray pool make for summer fun, while the playground and live concerts keep locals of all ages happily entertained.
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New York Kosher Sausage Shop
Write a review2900 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
There's plenty more than sausage at this all-kosher delicatessen and grocery shop. Pastrami and corn beef on rye can be enjoyed in the small cafe area, and on the grocery side, pick up everything you need for Sunday brunch, from lox and herring to fresh challah rolls.
Ethnic Eats
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Tel-Aviv Kosher Pizza
Read Reviews6349 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
Mexican, American and Israeli influences commingle in delicious harmony at this kosher pizza restaurant. A diverse array of international dishes such as tuna chop suey, cheese enchiladas, fish, pastas, hummus and falafel plates make for touch choices, but good eating.
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The Indian Garden
Read Reviews2546 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
Come for the 10- to 13-course buffet and linger over the goat curry, saag paneer and tenderly roasted tandoori chicken. Favorites, like the chana masala and lamb dum biryani, explain the popularity of this long-standing Devon Avenue establishment.
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Karaoke Restaurant
Read Reviews6248 1/2 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
Korean fare and karaoke keep regulars coming back for more. You'll appreciate belting out Stevie Nicks in a private room, free from the stares of strangers, especially with the accompanying popcorn chicken and beer.
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Hashalom Restaurant
Read Reviews2905 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 (map)
The multiethnic flavors of the neighborhood can be enjoyed in abundance at this venerable Israeli eatery with a Moroccan/Turkish twist. The menu includes daily fresh soups like yellow split pea and mushroom barley, bourekas (filo-dough pockets filled with spinach, cheese and pine nuts) as well as Moroccan delicacies like Cornish hen stuffed with dates and nuts.
