Chicago: Pilsen comes alive
One of Chicago’s great food neighborhoods has just gotten better.
One of Chicago’s great food neighborhoods has just gotten better, said Camille Bromley in Saveur.com. Though cozy Pilsen was established by 19th-century Czech immigrants, it’s “long been the place to go in Chicago for Mexican cuisine,” and a wave of newer restaurants has simply added to the mix. Now “something of an art community,” Pilsen is all about colorful options, from 1960s-era taquerias to a reimagined speakeasy to an Argentine pizza joint.
Pl-zeň The kind of place that “New Pilsen” adores, this hip gastropub serves locally sourced, Latin-influenced food and nurtures its ties to both local craft brewers and artists. Menu items like rib sliders and duck tacos are “as clever as they are tasty,” and the tongue-in-cheek Red Riding Hood mural outside makes Plzeň hard to miss. 1519 W. 18th St., (312) 733-0248
Nightwood At this East Pilsen gem, the “super-seasonal” menu changes daily, though you can count on exceptional cocktails and recurring food favorites like the “buttery, maple-sticky, crispy pig ears.” Recently, the foie gras came with ginger, orange sauce, and a salty-sweet fish-sauce caramel. 2119 S. Halsted St., (312) 526-3385
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Chimichurri Yes, this newcomer serves classics like churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) with Argentine chimichurri sauce. But the Argentine-style pizzas are the reason for a detour. The fugazzeta rellena has a layered crust stuffed with ham and mozzarella and topped with slivers of onion. 1454 W. 18th St., (312) 733-4030
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Fit for a king: must-visit palaces around the UK
The Week Recommends Our pick of the nation’s most magnificent residences for nobles and royals
-
Is Andy Burnham making a bid to replace Keir Starmer?
Today's Big Question Mayor of Manchester on manoeuvres but faces a number of obstacles before he can even run
-
Christian Brückner: why prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case can refuse Met interview
The Explainer International letter of request rejected by 49-year-old convicted rapist as he prepares to walk free