Greektown

A quick trip west on the CTA's Blue Line to the UIC-Halsted stop puts a visitor in the charming ethnic neighborhood of Greektown. Historically, the stretch of Halsted Street between Van Buren and Madison Streets was home to many Greek immigrants who, upon settling in Chicago, built up the area with many restaurants and bars. Today, this neighborhood is still the place in Chicago for great gyros (try The Parthenon) and old-fashioned Greek hospitality.

Greektown is now a part of the much larger Near-West Side corridor, which also includes Little Italy and the West Loop. Along with all of its historic charm, Greektown is home to several attractions unique to Chicago: the Museum of Holography (1134 W. Washington Blvd.) is the last holography museum left in the country, while a block north is Harpo Studios, home of the Oprah Winfrey show. Visitors should try to reserve tickets at least a month in advance if they wish to catch a taping of the show, which usually occurs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

At the end of August every year, the neighborhood comes alive for two exciting days of fun, food and entertainment at the Taste of Greece. Additionally the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center is a great place for visitors to stop and learn more about the rich history, traditions and culture of Chicago’s Greek-American community.