This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our hometown! With so many places to shop, dine and do, the peak of summer is a great time to experience some of these small businesses… They’re uniquely, quintessentially and iconically Chicago.
And if all this hometown focus has you thinking about a change of home, please reach out. We’re always available to assist with your real estate needs.
Pequod’s Pizza
pequodspizza.com | 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago and 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove
With a history that goes back more than half a century, Pequod’s has been cited by The Food Network as one of the top 5 pizzerias in the country. Although the menu has expanded to include thin-crust pizzas, their still best known for their Chicago-style pan pizza with its “caramelized crust” edge.
Chicago Movie Tours
chicagomovietours.com | 312-685-1190
Former film & media studies professor Kelli Marshall now leads tours that invite visitors and residents to (re)discover Chicago through the movies. Upcoming events in July and August include a Ferris Bueller-themed tour of the Art Institute and a 2-hour visit of the Old Joliet Prison that was featured in several films and television shows including Empire and The Blues Brothers.
Buddy Guy’s Legends
buddyguy.com | 700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago
Owned by the eponymous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame music legend Buddy Guy himself, this iconic Chicago jazz and blues club is one of the best places in the city to catch top local and touring artists. Upcoming gigs this summer include high-voltage blues vocalist Liz Mandeville and a Lallapalooza After-Show with guitarist Buffalo Nichols.
Jim’s Original
jimsoriginal.com | 1250 S Union Ave, Chicago
Now located just around the corner from the original hot dog stand where Jimmy Stefanovic introduced Chicago and the world to his Polish sausage sandwich, this Chicago icon still uses the same recipe – serving up perfectly grilled, crunchy and juicy smoked sausages topped with grilled onions and spicy hot Sport peppers.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
greenmilljazz.com | 4802 N Broadway Ave, Chicago
Formerly run by “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn, a known associate of Al Capone, this onetime speakeasy has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz. Today, this iconic Uptown venue continues to offer live music seven nights a week. They’re also popular now for hosting the Uptown Poetry Slam on the third Sunday of each month.
Bennison’s Bakery
bennisonscakes.com | 1000 Davis St, Evanston
Bakeries are certainly not exclusive to Chicagoland, but few can match the history of this North Shore institution, founded 84 years ago by Larry Bennison. Since 1967, three generations of the Downer family have continued the tradition, with European-style pastries, cookies, cakes and breads made with the finest farm-fresh ingredients.
Superdawg
superdawg.com | 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
With a second suburban location in Wheeling, this timeless drive-in is still easily recognized by the two 12-foot rooftop hot dogs that beckon hungry passersby with their sporty outfits and winking blinking eyes. Choosing from a varied menu including their classic Chicago Hot Dog, customers can order from their car and have a carhop deliver their food on a tray.
Millen Hardware
johnmillenhardware.com | 1219 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
Founded in 1908 by John Millen, this extensively stocked hardware store offers many unique items and services tailored to the needs of Chicago’s North Shore residents. It’s still locally and independently owned and promises a personalized shopping experience rarely found in big box stores.
Al’s #1 Italian Beef
alsbeef.com | 1079 Taylor St, Chicago
Tracing its history to a little food stand that opened in 1938, this Chicago legend is still owned and operated by the family of the man who created the now-iconic Italian Beef Sandwich. The business has several locations across the city and suburbs, but their 1960s-era Little Italy store is still home base where they continue to serve the sandwich that has won over 150 culinary and critic awards.
Metropolis Edgewater Café
metropoliscoffee.com | 1039 W Granville Ave, Chicago
Founded by father-son duo Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss in 2003, their signature coffees are roasted right here in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood and can be found at numerous partner cafes, restaurants and hotels. Their original northside roastery is now a flagship café, an inviting spot filled with the vitality and diversity of their beloved Edgewater community.
Mustard’s Last Stand
mustardschicago.com | 1613 Central Street, Evanston
Set in an unassuming white-frame house adjacent to Northwestern University’s Ryan Field, this family-run hot dog stand and restaurant has been a pre and post-game tradition for Wildcat fans since 1969. Open seven days a week, their menu includes the classic Chicago hot dog along with Italian Beef, burgers and more.
