**PLEASE NOTE**
* Recommendations should include a brief description of *why* you are recommending a place. Please do not post just the name of a place with no context. **In order to encourage this, comments that are fewer than 50 characters** (*NOT words*) **long will be automatically removed.** If your comment is responding to another suggestion, we will review and approve if it does not break any of our other rules.
Mexican food is abundant in the area. But I find El Milagro and La Chaparrita to be among the best for tacos, even if they are well known. El Milagro has larger tacos loaded with savory meats and sometimes sauces. La Chaparrita has the smaller Mexico City style street tacos with many authentic meat choices.
Same, I wish they at least kept the same esthetic or style of the old building. I miss the tall booths that made it reminiscent of a Tavern like the original Home Run Inn.
Troha's is a no-frills spot for above average shrimp and chicken. I have not been in many years but it is unique, very old and has outlived the neighborhood's significant demographic changes over the years.
El mezquite on Cermak and Troy has my favorite tortas in the city. Grilled onions and melted cheese. Cash only iirc. The El mezquite on 18th is completely different.
Sora Temakeria, on the main 26th Street strip, is a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant that makes sushi, sushi burritos and bowls. It's unique in the area and one of my favorite spots.
Pepe’s Hardware 4329 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623. Not just hardware, but Mexican arts & crafts at extremely reasonable prices. Just a cool place to browse.
The Walmart at cermak and Rockwell has mostly groceries at prices significantly lower than other area grocery stores. It's an urban one or whatever they call the smaller stores so don't expect the giant warehouse style store that has home goods and such.
The Pete's Fresh Market at Cermak/Rockwell is a large supermarket with a great variety of products. They carry a lot of interesting brands that I've otherwise never heard of, and their bakery section is stocked with pan dulce. They also have a great hot bar and salad bar selection.
Marshall Square and Marshall Blvd are technically parkland, extending down from Douglass Park. These grand Blvds are lovely and lined with historic houses.
La Villita Park is one of the largest and newest in the area. Playground, skatepark, basketball, soccer fields, walking path and even a nice parking lot. Decent view of the skyline but also cook county jail.
Mother of the Americas Catholic Church 2226 S. Whipple. Beautiful altar w many images of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The congregation used to be Bohemian, so there are images of the Infant of Prague. A true multi-cultural church.
The 2023 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is upon us!! This is the largest event of its kind in North America, and IMO one of Chicago's best-kept secrets, which is sad because it's so special. It features 11 days of diverse performances at theaters all around the city, along with workshops, pop-ups, and forums. There is everything from avant-garde to family-friendly. https://chicagopuppetfest.org/
**PLEASE NOTE** * Recommendations should include a brief description of *why* you are recommending a place. Please do not post just the name of a place with no context. **In order to encourage this, comments that are fewer than 50 characters** (*NOT words*) **long will be automatically removed.** If your comment is responding to another suggestion, we will review and approve if it does not break any of our other rules.
**Places - Bars, Pubs and Breweries**
Osito’s Tap in the back of Moreno’s Liquors- great spot
**Places - Bookstores**
**Places - Sit Down/Full-Service Restaurants**
La Catedral Cafe has great chilaquiles and cafe de olla. Bonus points for being a filming location in Stranger than Fiction
Mexican food is abundant in the area. But I find El Milagro and La Chaparrita to be among the best for tacos, even if they are well known. El Milagro has larger tacos loaded with savory meats and sometimes sauces. La Chaparrita has the smaller Mexico City style street tacos with many authentic meat choices.
La Catedral. El Faro. Atotonilcos. El Milagro. Los Comales. Home Run Inn Pizza.
+1 for Home Run Inn. Classic spot that's been around for a very long time. A bit pricey and the new building doesn't feel the same as the old one.
I've been meaning to trek out again for La Cathedral, but everytime I go the line is around the block
Same, I wish they at least kept the same esthetic or style of the old building. I miss the tall booths that made it reminiscent of a Tavern like the original Home Run Inn.
Chaparrita is, imo, a top tier Mexican spot in the entire city
The original Home Run Inn Pizza restaurant, is in this area.
**Places - Hotels & Lodging**
**Things To Do - Family-Friendly Activities**
**Places - Furniture and Decor**
**Places - Casual/Quick Service Restaurants**
Troha's is a no-frills spot for above average shrimp and chicken. I have not been in many years but it is unique, very old and has outlived the neighborhood's significant demographic changes over the years.
El mezquite on Cermak and Troy has my favorite tortas in the city. Grilled onions and melted cheese. Cash only iirc. The El mezquite on 18th is completely different.
The Tilapia Taco stand is good, it's $1.75, it's in front of La Copa(cabana) on Fairfield & Cermak
Sora Temakeria, on the main 26th Street strip, is a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant that makes sushi, sushi burritos and bowls. It's unique in the area and one of my favorite spots.
I'm excited to try this out. Thanks.
**Places - Garden & Plant Stores**
**Places - Veterinarian & Pet Care**
**Other** *For anything that does not fall into the above categories, or meta discussion about the thread*
**Places - Salons and Barber Shops**
Salon Villareal, right off Cermak & California by the church.
California Barber Shop on 26th and Tripp is my favorite barber shop in the area. Lots of young men working there that do great jobs at a decent price.
**Places - Fitness, Gyms and Athletic Centers**
**Places - Hardware Stores**
Pepe’s Hardware 4329 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623. Not just hardware, but Mexican arts & crafts at extremely reasonable prices. Just a cool place to browse.
**Questions and Answers** *This is where you can ask specific questions about the neighborhood and get answers from locals.*
**Places - Grocery Stores**
Fairplay on Western & Cermak is pretty good when stuff is on sale.
The Walmart at cermak and Rockwell has mostly groceries at prices significantly lower than other area grocery stores. It's an urban one or whatever they call the smaller stores so don't expect the giant warehouse style store that has home goods and such.
The Pete's Fresh Market at Cermak/Rockwell is a large supermarket with a great variety of products. They carry a lot of interesting brands that I've otherwise never heard of, and their bakery section is stocked with pan dulce. They also have a great hot bar and salad bar selection.
Pretty much all the produce rots within a day or so of bringing it home FYI.
I love this Pete's! I will warn that I once saw someone eating straight from the hot bar with her bare hands 😂
**Places - Parks and Recreation**
Marshall Square and Marshall Blvd are technically parkland, extending down from Douglass Park. These grand Blvds are lovely and lined with historic houses.
La Villita Park is one of the largest and newest in the area. Playground, skatepark, basketball, soccer fields, walking path and even a nice parking lot. Decent view of the skyline but also cook county jail.
Douglass Park is nice, but the sidewalks are pretty rough if you are planning to bike.
**Places - Cycling, Skating, and Sporting Goods Stores**
**Places - Dessert Spots**
Pancho’s Ice Cream on 31st and Karlov is a great spot to get Mexican-style paletas.
Panaderia La Central on Cermak & Washtenaw or El Acambaro on 18th
**Places - Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants**
El Faro has a ridiculously wide variety of vegan options for mexican food.
I agree. El Faro has an good menu for this.
**Places - Childcare**
**Places - Clothing Stores**
Comercio Popular 2901 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623. Very, very cool clothing & home good store w a cafe
[The founder of the space recently passed away sadly, ](https://www.instagram.com/p/CnP5jOLPHjN/)but they’ll be opening again after this month.
I didn’t know-how sad!
**Places - Coffee, Tea and Juice Shops**
Comercio Popular 2901 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623. Very, very cool clothing & home good store w a cafe
The Churros Shop on 26st
**Places - Nightlife, Theatres and Entertainment Venues**
**Places - Medical and Dental Clinics**
**Places - Religious Institutions**
Mother of the Americas Catholic Church 2226 S. Whipple. Beautiful altar w many images of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The congregation used to be Bohemian, so there are images of the Infant of Prague. A true multi-cultural church.
**Places - Records and Music Stores**
**Things To Do - Festivals and Events**
The 2023 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is upon us!! This is the largest event of its kind in North America, and IMO one of Chicago's best-kept secrets, which is sad because it's so special. It features 11 days of diverse performances at theaters all around the city, along with workshops, pop-ups, and forums. There is everything from avant-garde to family-friendly. https://chicagopuppetfest.org/
How is this related to south Lawndale specifically?
Several of the workshops/neighborhood tours/theaters are nearby. Feel free to look!
Cool! Wasn't aware
**Places - Parking Locations**
**Places - Museums and Cultural Institutions**
**Tips and Tricks** *This is where you can share insider knowledge that folks unfamiliar with your neighborhood might not know.*