| Map 38 • Ravenswood / Albany Park | |
Ravenswood / Albany Park
Map 38
Once home to Charlie Chaplin, and hallowed jogging ground of infamously incarcerated Governor Rod “Blago” Blagojevich, a Ravenswood local, the quarter-mile section of Ravenswood known as The Manor has been a charming riverside haven for generations of Chicago’s elite. Farther west, Albany Park boasts the distinction of being one of the nation’s most culturally diverse ‘hoods, a diversity reflected in local shops where you’ll find the kim chee shelved between taramasalata and queso quesadillas.
Landmarks
• Charlie Chaplin House • 4637 N Manor Ave
Charlie Chaplin’s home during his Essanay studio stint.
• Paradise Sauna • 2916 W Montrose Ave
773-588-3304
It’s a sushi restaurant. It’s a beauty shop. It’s a sauna ($12, unlimited time). It’s Paradise. Of course, it’s a neighborhood landmark.
• Ravenswood Manor Park • 4626 N Manor Ave
It’s just a tiny triangle wedged between the non-elevated L and several streets, but it’s ground zero for garden sales, neighborhood associations, dogs, kids, and community activity.
• River Park • 5100 N Francisco Ave
312-742-7516
More than 30 acres of park, including one of the few city canoe launches.
• Ronan Park Nature Trail • 3000 W Argyle St
These boots are made for…walking!
Nightlife
• Brown Rice • 4432 N Kedzie Ave
312-543-7027
Tiny venue for tiny jazz acts.
• Montrose Saloon • 2933 W Montrose Ave
773-463-7663
Classic Chicago “Old Style.” No cell phones, please.
• The Peek Inn • 2825 W Irving Park Rd
773-267-5197
Cool little dive worth a peek.
Restaurants
• Arun’s • 4156 N Kedzie Ave
773-539-1909 • $$$$$
Worldwide rep for four-star prix fixe Thai.
• Brasa Roja • 3125 W Montrose Ave
773-866-2252 • $$
Friendly Columbian place specializing in flame-roasted chicken.
• Dawali • 4911 N Kedzie Ave
312-944-5800 • $
Try the “classic falafel” sandwich with potato and cauliflower.
• Dharma Garden • 3109 W Irving Park Rd
773-588-9140 • $
Thai vegetarian and seafood dishes. Karaoke some evenings.
• Golden Crust Pizzeria • 4620 N Kedzie Ave
773-539-5360 • $
Honkin’ portions of the Italian-American comfort food of yore.
• Goosefoot • 2656 W Lawrence Ave
773-942-7547 • $$$$$
Upscale Contemporary American cuisine nestled in Chicago’s North Side.
• Lutz Café & Pastry Shop • 2458 W Montrose Ave
773-478-7785 • $$
If Grandma was German, she would serve these pastries.
• Mi Ciudad • 3041 W Irving Park Rd
773-866-2066 • $$
Simple Ecuadorean: corn cakes, empanadas, fruit shakes.
• Mulligan’s • 5155 N Lincoln Ave
773-561-7511 • $
Standard restaurant/pub combo.
• Nhu Lan’s Bakery • 2612 W Lawrence Ave
773-878-9898 • $
Vietnamese sandwich shop.
• Noon O Kabab • 4661 N Kedzie Ave
773-279-9309 • $
Bring a doggie bag for day-after lunch.
• Paradise Sauna • 2916 W Montrose Ave
773-588-3304 • $$
Competent sushi connected to a Korean spa.
• Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill •
4632 N Rockwell St
773-509-1871 • $
Familiar bar food and brunchtime favorites in a friendly atmosphere.
• Salam • 4634 N Kedzie Ave
773-583-0776 • $
Home of the 19-cent falafel.
• Semiramis • 4639 N Kedzie Ave
773-279-8900 • $$
Lebanese with great value to quality ratio. Try the sumac fries.
• Thai Valley • 4600 N Kedzie Ave
773-588-2020 • $
BYOB Thai restaurant with lunch specials.
If you’re in the mood for halal meat or in the market to purchase a hookah, North Kedzie around Lawrence Avenue is a magnificent Middle Eastern mélange of grocery stores and restaurants. If, on the other hand, you’re in the mood for a wild night, be prepared to hail a cab. There isn’t much of a nightlife in this charming but sleepy neighborhood.
Shopping
• Lincoln Antique Mall • 3115 W Irving Park Rd
773-604-4700
Mid-sized antique mall.
• Jaafer Sweets • 4825 N Kedzie Ave
773-463-3933
Middle Eastern pastries.
• The Music Store • 3121 W Irving Park Rd
773-478-7400
Guitars and other musical instruments.
• Village Discount Outlet • 4027 N Kedzie Ave
866-545-3836
Tons of clothes and weekly specials.