Hot Blocks: Jefferson Park

by Marla Seidell - Citysearch Contributor - 57 Reviews - 15 Lists

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Updated: August 27, 2009

Known as the "Gateway to Chicago," Jefferson Park straddles blue-collar sensibility and urban cosmopolitanism with flair. Where else can you find the Euro-style clubbing, stick-to-your-ribs Polish comfort food and cozy cafes all in one place? Savor Milwaukee Avenue's flavorful brew of bust-a-gut restaurants and go bowling to work off those pierogis.

On this page:Restaurants, Nightlife.

Restaurants

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pasta D'Arte
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    6311 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

    Daily specials like pasta wheels with ricotta cheese, grilled calamari and homemade fettuccine define "the art of pasta." In a nod to the times, this romantic Italian spot also serves up vegan and dietary specialties including gluten-free pasta.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Gale Street Inn
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    4914 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    Famous for ribs, adored for its "regulars" like Alaskan king crab legs and New York strip, this cozy tavern attracts a stable of devoted locals and outsiders. The Big Easy Brunch, boasting jambalaya, etouffe, and red beans and rice provides enough of a reason to hightail it down to Jefferson Park on a Sunday morning.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Smak Tak Restaurant
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    5961 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

    Pierogis, potato pancakes, and pork loin, oh my! Don't expect an abundance of English spoken, but do savor the plentiful plates of hearty Eastern European fare.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended I Coffee Inc
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    4945 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    It's early morning and where do you go for coffee, periodicals and a New York bagel? This local favorite deals in Lavazza coffee and simple Italian eats with an American twist, like the grilled Greek chicken panini.

Nightlife

  1. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Habetler Bowl Inc
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    5250 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    Despite modern upgrades like electronic scoring, this 50-year-old bowling alley still rocks an ever-present vintage ambience. Kick things up a notch on Saturday night with cosmic bowling.

  2. 6 Gift Theatre Co
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    4802 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    Honesty, simplicity, and openness--the three core values this Jeff Award-winning theater rests upon--form the undercurrent of productions like "The Glass Menagerie" and "Sexual Perversity in Chicago." The intimate, community-oriented only seats 30 and offers non-technique classes designed to develop the actor within.

  3. 7 Jefferson Park
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    4822 N Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    This seven-acre sprawling park in the heart of the neighborhood maintains year-round facilities in the form of tennis courts, baseball fields, arts and crafts and music and children's programs. Each summer during Jeff Fest, hundreds enjoy live music, vendors and local artisans.

  4. 8 Ham Tree Inn
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    5333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

    Locals flock to this neighborhood pub to watch the game on the flatscreen TV while enjoying a variety of 40 beers and daily drink specials. In warmer months, patrons take advantage of the outdoor beer garden.

  5. 9 Martini Club
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    5737 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634 (map)

    If it's chic and hip you're seeking, look no further than this posh Polish bar with its house and jazz-spinning DJs. Flowing pomegranate and lemon drop martinis provide the evening's sustenance.