Pink Line 18th Station at Pilsen Are you cool enough to appreciate Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood? Forbes magazine certainly is. A recent Forbes article named Pilsen one of the 12 coolest neighborhoods in the entire world. So what exactly is it that constitutes “cool”? Pilsen has long been a working-class neighborhood, originally inhabited by German and Irish immigrants in the 1840s and later evolved to be occupied by many individuals with Mexican heritage in the 1950s and 1960s. Mexican artists began decorating the neighborhood with colorful murals and mosaics, and the prominence of art and culture has led to its hip identity. Hip restaurants, bars, and venues are slowly sneaking into the area, but the mix of authentic low-key locales with a booming art scene make Pilsen a must-see. From Best Western River North, walk south to the Clark/Lake station and hop on the Pink Line headed south toward 54th/Cermak and exit around 30 minutes later at the 18th station. Here's how I would schedule a day: Morning Coffee It may be hard to find a seat, but after getting off at the Pink Line's 18th station, head to Café Jumping Bean for a brew and an early-morning bite to eat. Late Morning Culture I adore the Mexican Art Museum. Not only is it free, but it is the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. You will learn about Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art, and absorb Mexico's proud mestizo tradition. I learn something new each time I go to the Mexican Art Museum, and you will, too. Lunch/Dinner The food scene in Pilsen has always been incredible, but it is starting to blow up. Rather than explain each one, here are links to a handful of incredible options: 5 Rabanitos K.Y. Don Pedro Carnitas Dia De Los Tamales Honky Tonk BBQ Dusek's Carnitas Uruapan Taqueria Los Comales Evening Entertainment One of the best entertainment venues in all of Chicago rests in the Pilsen neighborhood right down the street from the 18th stop—Thalia Hall. Thalia Hall consistently hosts cutting-edge bands, comedians, and unique alternatives that can't be found anywhere else. Take a look at their schedule and know that the entertainers are cool even if you haven't heard of them—that's part of the reason they are cool, after all. On top of all of the options listed above, beautiful street art is scattered throughout the neighborhood, as well as artist studios, and lots of interesting people. Take the short trip to Pilsen and bask in the presence of cool.
