Top 10 Things To See And Do In Pilsen, Chicago

At the corner of 18th and Allport Street, you’ll find one of Pilsen’s oldest historical landmarks and most ornate live venues, Thalia Hall. Founded at the turn of the century by John Dusek, the halls were originally meant to capture the attention of its bohemian neighbors with live entertainment. Current owners, Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden, have helped restore Dusek’s original dream with the launch of some premiere restaurants, stages and bars to accompany the original amphitheater. Heavyweights like Andrew Bird, Kurt Vile, Dave Chappelle and The Smashing Pumpkins have recently graced the stage.

One of Pilsen’s most successful small businesses, Cafe Jumping Bean has been a hallmark of the community for over 20 years. Owner Eleazar Delgado transformed the establishment, as the sole employee in 1994, to a locally adored gourmet café that doubles as a gallery for Chicago’s own. If you find an afternoon to kill, stop by the free community book exchange out front before sitting down to treat yourself to an oasis amongst coffee conglomerates. If you are hungry there is no going wrong with their mollettes, an open-faced queen of black beans, Oaxaca cheese and pico de gallo draped over a perfectly toasted French slice.

It’s only fair that the ‘Mexico of the Midwest’ should be home to such an outstanding institution for Mexican art and culture. The spacious galleries and intricately composed exhibitions of the National Museum of Mexican Art are of the highest caliber, representing Mexican art from both sides of the border. Take a tour or pass through their 7,500 permanent piece collection at your own pace, learning about their origins from the bilingual stories that accompany them. Keeping in line with Pilsen’s art-is-for-everyone mantra, entrance is always free.