Hot Blocks: McKinley Park

by Marla Seidell - 38 Reviews - 8 Lists

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Updated: August 11, 2008

With working class roots, a growing Latino population and timeless eateries, McKinley Park is a straight-up slice of no-frills Chicago. Get inspired at the tranquil park or sink your teeth into diner grub and south-of-the-border fare. You'll wonder what took you so long to find this south-side treasure.

On this page:Boogie Nights, Mouth-Watering Flavors, Nature Feasts.

Boogie Nights

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tony O's Studio 31
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    5147 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632 (map)

    All ages gather at this no-cover local bar with a dance floor where music from the 70s, 80s and 90s still reigns. Perks include weekly karaoke, bowling, free popcorn and live bands.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Xavier Players Club
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    4456 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 (map)

    Puerto Rican passion and the hard-working sensibility of the locals fuel the party hard atmosphere that includes two dance floors and DJs spinning a mix of house, hip-hop, freestyle and old-school.

Mouth-Watering Flavors

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended El Salvador Restaurante
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    4125 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632 (map)

    As the only Latin American restaurant on the south side, this El Salvadoran spot attracts a devoted local following. Notable specialties include pupusas (thick hand-made corn tortillas) filled with cheese, pork and beans, pork-and-chicken tamales, and empanadas made from smashed, fried plantains and topped with sour cream.

  2. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tierra Caliente Restaurant
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    4070 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632 (map)

    This unassuming storefront deals in meat-centric dishes hailing from Michoacan, Mexico. Four can't-miss dishes: the pork in chili sauce, the fried carnitas, Mexican style steak and barbacoa.

  3. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Lindy's Chili Inc
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    3689 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 (map)

    As the oldest chili parlor in Chicago, Lindy's doesn't mess around. Since 1924, Lindy's famous chili has been putting Texas to shame, and Angus burgers, hand-cut fries, chili dogs and Gertie's signature banana splits still hit the spot.

  4. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Huck Finn Donuts & Snack Shops
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    3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 (map)

    Ice cream and donuts happily mingle side by side at this bang-up, 24-hour diner that wouldn't be out of place in a "Sopranos" episode. Don't miss the donut delight--a plain donut topped with whipped cream, red, white and blue Superman ice cream and a cherry, of course.

  5. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Tio Luis Tacos
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    3856 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632 (map)

    Lunchtime at this family-owned Mexican restaurant is especially hopping; that's when locals come to feast on Guadalajaran specialties such as grilled steak tacos and carnes nene sujogo (steak soup made with fresh onion, cilantro, avocado and radish).

Nature Feasts

  1. 8 McKinley Park
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    2210 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609 (map)

    This 69-acre namesake park has a summer pool, walking trails and an outdoor skating rink in winter. The stunning lagoon makes for a serene contemplation point.

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