Pilsen, Heart of Chicago

Pilsen is the heart and soul of Chicago’s Mexican-American community, and is the largest Mexican-American community in the Midwest. Pilsen has seen a gradual development into a community of artists over the past two decades, emerging today as a popular art world destination. The Chicago Art District’s "2nd Fridays" gallery series takes place monthly showcasing both local and national artists. Mexican art is represented by the very popular FREE admission National Museum of Mexican Art, which in recent years has exhibited famous works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

In addition to Mexican art, Pilsen boasts one of the widest selections of Mexican cuisine of any Chicago neighborhood. Restaurante Nuevo Leon is widely known for traditional specialties like mole chicken and chorizo tacos. For a jolt of java, stop by the Cafe Jumping Bean on 18th Street or pay a visit to the family-owned Kristoffer’s Café for their famous tres-leches (three milk) cake. Those looking to throw back a drink or two should swing by the popular bar, Skylark, or a new addition to the neighborhood, Rosa's.

Immediately south of Pilsen and centered around Oakley Avenue and Cermak Road is a predominantly Northern Italian community called Heart of Chicago. Thousands of Chicagoans and visitors are drawn to the area by its excellent Northern Italian cuisine restaurants and festivals like the annual Oakley Festa Pasta Vino, Chicago's largest celebration of Italian culture.

Located throughout the city, Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction commemorate where notable Chicagoans lived and worked. Two markers in Pilsen honor labor activists Bessie Abramowitz and Sidney Hillman, and community organizer Rudy Lozano.

Read, Learn, Discover at the Chicago Public Library. Search programming and event information at your neighborhood branch.