Hot Blocks: Roscoe Village

2004 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

Can't find the perfect jeans? Let this little Roscoe Village denim emporium help you out. From True Religion to Rock and Republic, this store sells only top designer jeans. Don't worry: Once you've found your dream pair, you can match them with cute tops and trendy accessories to create a flawless new look.

2033 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

Mom and Dad don't have to be the only ones looking good. Resist the urge to create a stockpile of embarrassing blackmail photos, and get your kids in style instead. In addition to label-conscious children's clothing, Little Threads offers gifts, toys and cute baby clothes for any modish parent.

2005 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

This restaurant takes tacky to a whole new level with colorful Formica tables and lime green walls covered in groan-inducing 70s memorabilia. Remember when Lando Cal--ahem, Billy Dee Williams--did ads for Colt 45? Yep, they do, too. And they've got a menu to match the charmingly tongue-in-cheek decor. Whether you choose the Green Eggs and Ham ... Sam or the Kitsch'n Sink Salad, it's all good here.

2100 W Roscoe Village, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

With its vegetarian eats, sari-wearing waitstaff, and meditation annex, this spiritual sanctuary is also one of the best breakfast spots in Chicago. Alongside plenty of vegan alternatives, Victory's Banner offers free-range egg omelets, fluffy pancakes and fresh muffins and cookies. Of course, there's always the restaurant's award-winning French toast: One bite and you'll think you've already achieved nirvana.

1958 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

Come no further unless you're looking for the warm welcome of a classically unassuming neighborhood pub. Patrons are immediately greeted by the huge solid-wood bar with its wide range of draft beers. From 312 to Guinness, you can grab a pint of your favorite brew. Take a seat at the bar or bring a couple buddies and hold down the fort at one of the many spacious booths that line the walls. With wall art paying subtle homage to the old Riverview Amusement Park, this pub joins in the neighborhood celebration of all things off-beat.

2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

The jukebox is rockin', the lights on the pinball machines are flashin' and the crowds are laid-back and relaxed. This tavern has plenty of beer and liquor, but it wins the neighborhood nod of approval for its lack of pretension. There are no club-types in this bar. Pieces by local artists jazz up the loft-style brick walls. And don't forget the beer garden. Sure, plenty of Chicago bars have one, but how many thumb their noses at the weather and keep them open year-round?