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Tucked in the Northeastern corner of Chicago is Edgewater, a laid-back neighborhood on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
This charming community offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and active city living. With tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and endless eateries, Edgewater is the perfect place to start your journey in the Windy City. Read along to explore the best spots to shop and visit in one of Chicago's most desirable neighborhoods.
Edgewater's prime location hugging the water's edge offers residents miles of beaches, green spaces, and stunning views over Lake Michigan. The Lakefront Trail, which originates in the neighborhood, stretches 18 miles south and provides a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians to explore the city’s shoreline.
With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse population, Edgewater fosters a strong sense of community. Loyola University's campus in the north end of the neighborhood attracts students and young professionals, adding to the area's character. Toward the west side of Edgewater, you'll find single-family homes, schools, and parks frequented by young families.
Edgewater has you covered for nightlife and coffee spots, alike. If you’re craving caffeine, visit Metropolis, a café popular with locals that has craft blends and a cozy ambiance.
The neighborhood also offers a multitude of local bars, like the hip Barrelman Tavern, Gracie O'Malley's Irish sports bar, and La Pharmacie cocktail bar. In Edgewater, you have an exciting nightlife scene that won't break the bank. So while you may travel outside of the neighborhood for a crazier night out, Edgewater is a peaceful place to return to every night.
And if you can’t decide whether you need some hair of the dog or a shot of espresso, Rewired has both! The key is to go on Thursdays so you can sit out on the patio and enjoy some live music.
From classic diners to international cuisines, the neighborhood boasts a wealth of culturally diverse restaurants. Edgewater Tacos offers mouthwatering Mexican food, while Ethiopian Diamond stuns with authentic cultural dishes. Sfera Sicilian Street Food is a casual take on Italian favorites, and Aunty Joy's Jerk & Pizza brings a taste of Jamaica to the neighborhood. Edgewater is also home to Chicago’s Little Vietnam on Argyle Street. This culinary hotspot features a variety of Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores.
For antique shoppers and bargain seekers, Edgewater is a must-visit destination. The area boasts some of Chicago's best antique, vintage, and resale shops. Broadway Antique Market, the city's largest and oldest antique store, is a treasure trove for unique finds. Other noteworthy spots include Rad Vintage, Brownstone Antiques, and Alleycat Comics. You can definitely spend hours browsing through the eclectic collections of art, furniture, and clothing.
Edgewater's artistic flair is evident in its large theater scene. The neighborhood is home to more than twenty theater companies, including Babes with Blades Theatre Company and Invictus Theatre Company, that perform at the historical Raven Theatre and Edge Theatre. These intimate venues host multiple productions throughout the year, ranging from Shakespeare to jukebox musicals.
If you’re concerned Edgewater is too far north from The Loop, don’t worry. The neighborhood offers convenient access to public transportation, making it easy to explore the rest of Chicago. While the CTA Red Line is popular among visitors, locals prefer the 147 bus, which runs express service along Lake Shore Drive between Michigan Avenue and Foster. This bus route provides a fast and comfortable commute to and from the city. Many residents also take advantage of the bike rack on the 147 bus, allowing them to cycle home along the lakefront after work!
Whether you want to indulge in great food, support local theater, or simply enjoy the beautiful lakefront, Edgewater has something for everyone. If you’re relocating to Chicago, we highly recommend taking the Red Line a few stops north to experience a relaxed environment with a strong sense of community.
Lakefront living can be an affordable option – Ori Semi-Furnished Expandable Apartments are available in the heart of it all.
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