Archer Heights, West Elsdon

Archer Heights and neighboring West Elsdon are situated not far from Midway Airport in an area known as the ‘Bungalow Belt’, after the bungalow-type houses commonly found here on the South Side of Chicago. Most of the residents work at the airport or at nearby industries. Both neighborhoods are a melting pot of Polish and Mexican cultures, with several standout restaurants serving notable mainstays of both ethnic cuisines.

Archer Heights/West Elsdon: Witamy meets Bienvenidos

Written by Alan Solomon, with research assistance from the Chicago Neighborhood Tourism Project.

At first glance, Archer Heights and West Elsdon are just quiet residential neighborhoods.

The houses are mostly familiar 1950s Chicago bungalows, with some pre-World War II classics and, here and there, a few two-flats. The main business street, Pulaski Road -- shared by both neighborhoods -- is dominated by strip malls with chains that could be anywhere in America.

But take a closer look. But take a closer look. Along with Target and Staples is a subtle mix of "witamy" (Polish for “welcome”) and "bienvenidos” (Spanish for the same).

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