Rogers Park
Where to play, shop, and eat in Chicago’s most diverse neighborhood
Spend just a few minutes in Rogers Park, the northernmost neighborhood in Chicago, and you’ll see why its bohemian vibe draws both
creative and academic types. The area is on an upward swing: In the 1970s (when I was growing up there), Morse Avenue was a sketchy street
to be avoided at all costs. Now it’s home to a versatile music venue, pizzeria, taqueria, florist’s shop, coffeehouse, and two bars. But perhaps the best
part of Rogers Park is a world away from its businesses: the lakefront. At underrated gems such as Leone Beach, you can rent a paddleboard and admire the skyline from the water—in six months, that is.
1. Emil Bach House
Have $1,295 lying around? Then sleep over in the only Frank Lloyd Wright house available for rental in Chicago. Thrifty? From May to October, you can tour the century-old manse for $12. emilbachhouse.com
2. Jackson-Thomas House
Ridge Boulevard and its historic houses, including this 1873 Italianate stunner, were built along Lake Michigan’s prehistoric shoreline—about a mile from where the coast is now. 7053 N. Ridge Blvd.
3. Leather Archives & Museum
Oy vey! Check out original fetish art and wander through eight galleries (hello, dungeon room) inside this former synagogue. leatherarchives.org
4. Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University
Attend a daily Catholic Mass or just bask in the otherworldly quiet of this beautiful art deco chapel steps from Lake Michigan. luc.edu
5. Mayne Stage
Head to the in-house pub for a build-your-own burger ($11.50) before catching a live WBEZ podcast. maynestage.com
6. Mile of Murals
Bucolic country scenes. Expressive portraits. Floating sewing machines. It’s all there among 14,000 square feet of murals in this ongoing community project. mileofmurals.com
7. Robert A. Black Golf Course
For a mere $22 on weekends, you can hit this par-33 nine-hole course, with a backdrop of condos poking over its tree-lined fairways. robertblack.cpdgolf.com
8. The Armadillo’s Pillow
The staff specializes in helping bookworms track down hard-to-find used tomes. armadillospillow.com
9. The Fish Keg
Locals line up to stock their fridges with fresh Lake Superior whitefish and Australian lobster tails. thefishkeg.com
10. Lakeside Treasures
Browse three rooms of eclectic collectibles and antiques—furniture from Austria, local art—while chatting with the charming owner, Betty McDaniel. 773-262-9354
11. BopNGrill
The kimchi fries ($7.15)—caramelized kimchi drenched in cheese and bacon—are a glimpse of savory nirvana. bngrill.com
12. Cunneen’s Bar
You’re just as likely to see barflies grading papers as shooting the breeze at this 43-year-old watering hole. cunneensbarchicago.com
13. Heartland Cafe
Sure, you can get meatloaf ($11) at this veg-head institution these days. But it’s made with turkey, natch. heartlandcafe.com
14. Sauce and Bread Kitchen
Foodies swear by the organic egg and maple sausage breakfast sammy at the only café/bakery/hot sauce company in the city. sauceandbread.com
Through January 10 The Theo Ubique production My Way puts a cabaret spin on Sinatra tunes.
January 1 to 30 Top Chicago and New York playwrights debut more than a dozen 10-minute works at the Side Project’s Tail Eats Snake: Part Deux.
January 10 Get local farmers’ fare at the indoor Glenwood Sunday Market.
January 12 Classically trained singers mix arias and ales at the Red Line Tap’s Opera on Tap.
January 15 to 31 Lifeline Theatre’s Fillet of Solo Festival brings 14 storytelling collectives to venues throughout the neighborhood.
January 28 to February 20 Discover rising stars at Loyola University’s annual student art competition.
The nabe is named for Philip McGregor Rogers, who bought 600 acres for $750 in 1835 and set up a Native American trading post.
Tour Rogers Park with Joel Reese
If You Want to Live Here
| Population | Median houshold income | Median sale price (condo) |
|---|---|---|
| 57,000 (39% white, 27% black, 25% Hispanic, 6% Asian) |
$39,400 | $177,000 |
Listing of the month
1309 W. Fargo Ave.
Asking price $499,900
Specs 2,000 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths
The lake is literally right outside your window in this first-floor gem, which also has hardwood floors, outdoor parking, and in-unit laundry. But seriously: The lake is right outside your window.
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