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Welcome To North Center

North Center is a neighborhood on the rise with a well-kept residential area, a pleasant nightlife and an amiable antique shopping strip. From riverfront property on the west end to grand Victorian houses with wrap-around porches in the east, this Chicago neighborhood provides homebuyers with a wealth of desirable real estate options  and more importantly, a place to call home. North Center is a nice balance of residential blocks and business sections. The restaurants are one-of-a-kind, putting a fantastic spin on the typical neighborhood cafés and family diners. Art and antique dealers join in with original works and creative furniture and home décor ideas. A local theater venue and a slew of cozy bars complete the package, making North Center a fine locale for everything you'd want in a Chicago neighborhood.

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[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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North Center Home Sales Statistics


North Center Facts

Location: Approximately 5 miles north of downtown Chicago
Bordering Neighborhoods: Lakeview, Ravenswood, St. Ben's, Roscoe Village, Irving Park
Boundaries: Montrose Avenue to the north, Ravenswood Avenue to the east, Addison Street to the south, and the Chicago River to the west
Crime Statistics: go to CLEARMap for specific streets and areas of crime incidents

Then and Now

North Center

During the 1870s, the North Center neighborhood was only accessible by water via the Chicago River and by land via Lincoln Avenue, known at the time as Little Fork Road. In the later portion of the 1800s on through the early 1900s, roads were improved and the elevated train was extended making North Center easier to get to and subsequently more attractive to early settlers. Many European immigrants were drawn to the area and filled in the North Center neighborhood between two industrial districts, one to the east along Ravenswood Avenue and another on the west along the Chicago River, where most of the new residents worked.

Industry along the river proved especially important to the growth of Chicago. Clay was farmed from these banks in order to fulfill the high demand for brick buildings in the city after the Great Fire of 1871 inspired regulations against further wood frame construction. This boom in residential construction throughout Chicago carried over into North Center, resulting in a steady rise in population in the area. However, new residents began to protest the existence of the noisy and unattractive clay pits, which were eventually shut down and supplanted with landfills. Over time these landfills have all been replaced with thriving riverside businesses, housing, and the neighborhood's Revere Park.

Between 1940 and 1990 the neighborhood population dropped almost 40 percent, but the numbers are returning as area properties and businesses are restored and reestablished. Today, North Center is a vibrant family-based community where many generations have stayed through the years of fluctuation.

Parks

There is one good-size park within the boundaries of North Center that draws residents and neighboring locals to its open green space and recreation facilities: Revere Park (2509 W. Irving Park, 773 478 1220). Occupying a section of North Center just east of the Chicago River on Irving Park Road, Revere used to be a brick factory -- one of many manufacturing plants that were built along the river in the late 19th century. In 1917, the River Park District Commissioner, John O'Shea, pushed the city's Park Board to take over the industrialized land, which he considered an "eye-sore" to the community. To O'Shea's delight, the Chicago Park District acquired the property in 1921 and even named the new addition in honor of the park activist, calling the area O'Shea Park. But the glory was short lived for O'Shea because five years later the River Park District chose to dedicate the park to Paul Revere and changed its name to Revere Park. The original landowner's cottage was converted into a fieldhouse and used for recreation purposes until it was replaced with a building for the Boy's Club in the 1960's.

Over the past 80 years, the park has seen numerous changes and additions. Today there are four tennis courts, four baseball diamonds, a gym, and an auditorium. Many programs for kids and adults take place year-round and baseball, soccer, and even rugby leagues are offered. Visual arts classes are available as well as a club for deaf and hard-of-hearing teenagers, consisting of sports, dancing, and more.

Real Estate

The housing in the North Center neighborhood is diverse, from riverfront property on the west end to Victorians with wrap-around porches in the east. Mixed in with some older architecture exists a lot of newly constructed properties. More and more, aging apartment buildings are being converted into updated condos. Renovations are at a constant here, all the while keeping intact many of the beautifully crafted homes occupying spacious lots -- that now days would typically house two separate residences.

Trees are abundant along both residential and busy commercial streets, giving North Center neighborhood a grand, long-established presence boasting natural beauty and class. The cost of houses here are particularly less than in other north side Chicago neighborhoods that are closer to the lake or the Loop. But their value does continue to rise, and many of the North Center homes provide amenities such as single and double car garages -- a luxury those downtown residences don't often see.

With such a variety of housing options in North Center, the price of properties also ranges quite a bit, providing people from all walks of life with homeownership opportunities. For example, the sales price for a three- or four-bedroom single-family house in North Center ranges from the mid $300,000s to $1.5 million. These places can vary from older two-level homes to rehabbed stone walk-ups to new construction townhouses, many with picket fences and front porches providing that desirable curb appeal. One-bedroom condos start around $190,000 and reach into the mid $200,000s, while two-bedroom units (including both vintage and loft-style spaces) can cost up to $525,000, although the average sales price is around $325,000.

What's on the Menu?

This north side Chicago neighborhood features a diverse mix of restaurants -- both new and old -- that are sure to cure those pesky hunger pains.

North Center has the honor of housing arguably the best Cuban restaurant in the city, Cafe 28 (1800-06 W. Irving Park, 773 528 2883). Only steps from the CTA Brown Line's Irving stop, Cafe 28 is always jumping with a transient crowd that includes local regulars and visitors from surrounding Chicago neighborhoods. For this reason, making reservations is a good idea on evenings, and especially during the weekend. The restaurant encompasses several different dining areas, including a flower-filled outdoor patio to enjoy an entire meal, or just sit and sip a couple of refreshing mojitos with friends. However, if you're staying for dinner, we recommend trying the Cuban style chicken, served atop beans and rice and traditionally-prepared plantains. Sunday brunch is our favorite time to visit Cafe 28 as a Brazilian band entertains the clientele providing a fun and lively way to round out the weekend.

Indulgent diners may get their fill at Feed the Beast (4300 N. Lincoln, 773 478 9666). This sizable establishment has a nice mix of seating options within its brightly decorated walls and the menu offers a culinary feast that will satisfy even the most voracious appetite. The restaurant specializes in pizzas and paninis, and some out of the ordinary foods such as "Da BEASTwurst," a bratwurst that is served in a warm pretzel roll and topped with onions and cheddar. For dessert, items like the Krispy Kreme doughnut bread pudding will entice those with a sweet tooth. Dieters and health nuts, have no fear -- there are lighter options here as well. For instance, the organic salad menu features a blue apple and Mediterranean tuna salad that is both nutritious and indulgent.

Sola (3868 N. Lincoln, 773 327 3868) is North Center's upscale restaurant, which dishes out an appetizing menu of contemporary American food with Asian and Hawaiian twists. This neighborhood favorite serves a solid lineup of brunch, lunch and dinner fare, and their dessert list does not fall short either. Unique entrees such as tofu steak, miso black cod, or honua stir-fry are excellent choices for first-timers and regulars alike. We're not the only ones who think this north side eatery is a Chicago hotspot -- upon opening, Sola was picked as one of the city's best new restaurants by Chicago Magazine. So if you've never been, shine up the shoes, throw on a jacket and get yourself a date, because this is the type of dining that you'll want to share with someone special.

Just across the street from Sola is Jalapeno Sabroso (3900 N. Lincoln, 773 281 0277), a fantastic Mexican eatery. Diners can come here for either simple and cheap tamales, burritos and tacos, or test out the flashier dishes such as chiles rellenos, or a hearty New York strip steak with grilled mushrooms and pico de gallo. The interior is aglow with warm colors, exposed brick walls and vibrant paintings of rural Mexican life setting the mood for a festive meal. We like to visit for the regular specials which include cheap enchiladas from 11am to 2pm during weekdays or half-off appetizers with a purchase of an entree on Tuesday nights.

Mrs. Murphy and Son Irish Bistro (3905 N. Lincoln, 773 248 3905) takes Irish food to a new level, removing it from its traditional pub setting and creating a menu that's more upscale and sophisticated. The late founder, Jim Murphy, was owner of Murphy's Bleachers next to Wrigley Field, a well-visited place, especially when the Cubs are in town. The Murphy family's beautiful North Center establishment has a few different rooms for patrons to dine in, including the "Stained-Glass" room which is warmed by a fireplace and utilizes the same windows that were once in the famous Chicago restaurant Zum Deutschen Eck. The restaurant's other notable furnishings are the two bars imported from Ireland that stock a stellar selection of liquors, beers and specialty mixed drinks. The menu features plates like butternut squash and goat cheese pizza, sauteed walleye pike, and a Yorkshire pot-pie filled with ham, chicken, and mushrooms.

Orange Garden (1942 W Irving Park Rd, 7730-525-7479) opened in North Center in 1923 and is still going strong to this day. Though many get carry-out from this Cantonese cuisine mainstay, its wide-open dining room is a comfortable place to partake in a meal and enjoy the Zen-like ambiance with family and friends. Guests can sit in lamp-lit cushy black booths positioned beneath the old pictures of Buddhist temple pagodas decorating the walls. The crab rangoon is an excellent starter, and the entrees are plenty for two people ... which means we usually leave here with leftovers to bring to work the following day. There are many, many, many (did we say many?) choices on the menu, so diners should feel free to take their time in studying the options while sipping on the free hot tea, a lovely benefit that has made Orange Garden a long-standing North Center neighborhood favorite

Best Shopping Stops

While you won't find an extensive mall or trendy clothing boutiques in this north side Chicago neighborhood, the selection of art galleries and antique shops is a fantastic feature that distinguishes North Center from surrounding areas and provides its residents with unique goods you can't get anywhere else in the city.

One such spot is Homey Gallery (3656 N. Lincoln, 773 248 0050). This is just the place when searching for that perfect piece of art to bring a room together. Varying in style and taste, the studio provides masterful photographs and paintings from all over the world that are sure to suit any art-lovers likings. Homey also helps residents bring a patio, yard or garden to life with a selection of sleek fountains and sculptures. Situated further north on Lincoln Avenue is Modlife Incorporated (3856 N. Lincoln, 773 868 0844), a showroom that specializes in modern Danish and American furniture designs. Modlife deals mostly in smaller furnishings such as chairs, tables and dressers, that are certain to make a good conversation piece in any Chicago condo or home. Patrons will discover a fine selection of lamps here along with the less functional yet very attractive roster of pottery and artwork. This business also allows artists and production teams to rent their pieces for use as set decoration.

For those in the midst of remodeling their North Center homes, Community Home Supply (3924 N. Lincoln, 773 281 7010) has a retail store filled with home decor and renovation items sure to add value. Specializing in kitchen and bathrooms, Community Home is a good place for plumbers and contractors to visit when stocking up on their business needs. The storefront windows attract homeowners' undivided attention with sleek granite counter tops, shiny appliances, and fancy bathtubs and commodes. This North Center store also has a team of design consultants who work with customers from the earliest stages of their home improvement endeavors in order to ensure successful completion of projects that are both pleasing to the eye and operate at high quality standards.

Night on the Town

With quality theater, live music, and cozy bars scattered throughout the neighborhood, North Center residents have their options for fun-filled evenings and weekends.

Theatre buffs can catch a stage performance in North Center at the American Theater Company (1909 W. Byron, 773 929 1031). Originally called the American Blues Theatre, the company has been around since 1985. The sizable building seats over 150 and is hard to miss when passing on the street as it is set back on Lincoln Avenue unlike the surrounding structures. The ATC focuses on the production of fresh new acts as well as classic plays that relate to American history and culture. Most performances put on by this theater troupe are highly regarded by local critics, creating an exciting hype that draws audiences from the neighborhood and all over the city of Chicago. Even with all these folks flocking to see shows, you don't have to worry about missing the first scene because you can't find a spot to park -- the ATC has a large lot to accommodate their guests.

For live music in North Center, the number one venue is Martyrs' (3855 N. Lincoln, 773 404 9494) where the acts range from rockabilly to Irish. Tables throughout the room are decorated in honor of late musicians like Kurt Cobain, who led short, troubled lives trying to balance between fame brought on by their musical talents and the normalcy they once knew. In addition to rockin' stage performances, Martyrs' serves pizza, sandwiches, hummus, and more to music-loving patrons up until a couple hours before they close. The room itself is of a decent size, where concert goers can either get up-close-and-personal with the bands -- hanging out by the stage and dancing -- or sit off to the side enjoying the show from a slight distance.

The Brownstone Tavern & Grill (3937 N. Lincoln, 773 528 3700) is a charming spot for a drink with beautiful interior wood accents lit by chandeliers, candles and lamps. Tall windows run the length of the room, looking out onto the beer garden, which accommodates more than 50 people at a time. Many classic brews are available behind the mahogany bar, including Stella Artois, Harp and Fat Tire. The menu offers a variety of reasonably priced sandwiches and wraps, and appetizers come in huge portions -- great for sharing with the crew while knocking back a few. For all the University of Texas fans and alumni in the city, this is your place to connect and reminisce about the college days while watching the games on the numerous flat screen TVs, and the tavern offers weekly drawings for alumni where the winner gets a party paid for by the Brownstone!

When The Globe Pub (1934 W. Irving Park, 773 871 3757) opened, it turned a bar that was not much to speak of into an oak-trimmed British pub with great atmosphere and noteworthy beer selection. For the rugby or soccer fan, the Globe is a dream come true. MLS and European league soccer games are always televised here along with the American sporting traditions: baseball, basketball, football, etc. The pub opens early for big games, always offering English breakfast to kick off the excitement. The rest of the menu consists of traditional hearty pub food, such as shepherd's pie and fish & chips, and the 20 or so beers on tap range from Boddington's to Heineken. Every Monday night the Globe hosts an open mic comedy night -- bring your best jokes and your best buds for the best experience.

It's a rare occasion, but when we get a hankering to knock down some pins at seven o'clock in the morning -- we thank our lucky stars this Chicago neighborhood has us covered. Waveland Bowl (3700 N. Western, 773 472 5902) stays open 24 hours a day all year round. The bowling alley was founded in 1959, but has managed to stay modern with electronic scoring and cosmic (glow-in-the-dark) bowling. In addition to 40 lanes, there's a large arcade room and spot to play pool as well as a lounge to throw back a few drinks between turns. Waveland Bowl also has a deli that serves up hot dogs, egg rolls, gyros and milkshakes, and, it may sound like a strange thing for a bowling alley, but we can even phone ahead an order and pick-up food to go. Kids have a great time here, too -- not just because of the arcade and bumper bowling -- but because Waveland's has a kids theater that offers shows throughout the week. What doesn't this bowling alley have?

Most will agree dancing is a great way to reduce stress, have fun, and burn off calories, so we're happy to head to Dance Center Chicago (3868 N. Lincoln, 773 868 5044), a second-floor dance studio in the heart of North Center. Dance Center instructs singles and couples in the fine arts of ballroom and Latin dance, and all skill levels are welcome, which is nice for people just starting out or wanting to freshen up for that wedding just around the corner. It's a fabulous place to meet new people or to do something different with that significant other. They also have a variety of gift certificates for purchase in case you know someone who has "Gotta Dance!"

Mark Your Calendar

North Center Town Square Concerts (4100 N Damen Ave, 773 525 3609) take place in the neighborhood's quaint brick plaza throughout the summer. Every other Wednesday evening jazz and rock bands set up to entertain the residents and provide a little outdoor amusement, and a break from the norm on those long summer days. Refreshments are sold to keep everyone cool and quenched, while the youngsters can hang out in the "kids' corner" to take part in activities, in case the music fails to impress them.

The North Center Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale (773 525 3609) is the neighborhood's biggest one-day outdoor sale, sure to attract bargain shoppers from all around. For one Saturday in July, stores along the mile-long stretch of Lincoln Avenue from Addison to Montrose set up their deals out on the sidewalk for all to see. Whether you've got the shopping bug or not, it's hard to pass up the goods found at this amazing summer event. Plus, it's a superb opportunity to find a good price on some of those antique furniture pieces you've been eyeing all spring in the shops along the North Center's popular antique strip.

Getting Around

Due to its smaller size and less busy streets, it's quite simple to take the bike out for a spin and get to where you need to go within North Center neighborhood. Likewise, when it comes to driving, traffic doesn't get very congested, so it's typically easy and quick to take your car for errands around the area. However, during morning and evening rush hours, slow-downs do occur at the Western/Addison and Western/Irving Park intersections. Permit parking zones are few and far between in North Center, so both residents and visitors should have no problem finding a spot to leave the car. For commuting and intra-city journeys, ramps to the Kennedy Expressway are just a couple of miles west.

The bus routes also make for convenient travel with a handful of routes running through the neighborhood. Both the #49 and #50 head north/south -- one along Western Avenue and the other on Damen Avenue. For east/wes routes hop on the #80 Irving Park, the #78 Montrose, or the #152 Addison. The Lincoln Avenue bus (#11) will take you to downtown. The CTA Brown Line elevated train (known to Chicagoans as the "El") stops at Addison Street, Irving Park Road, and Montrose Avenue transporting North Center residents to destinations throughout the city.

School's in Session

There are a couple of educational facilities in the neighborhood where North Center residents can send their pre-school and school-aged children, but for more information on schools in the vicinity and other Chicago neighborhoods, visit our Chicago Guide Schools page

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary 3730 N. Oakley - (773) 534 5150
Children's Creative Center Day Care 1911 W. Irving Park - (773) 281 0980

Basic Needs

To help you out, we've added a list of neighborhood places where you can get your essential needs, from a dozen eggs to a double-time aerobics workout, and everything in between.

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968 7282

Post Offices

3635 N. Lincoln (800) ASK USPS
2011 W. Montrose (800) ASK USPS

Grocery Stores

Jewel 4250 N. Lincoln (877) 932 7948
Trader Joe's 3745 N. Lincoln - (773) 248 4920
Aldi 2431 W. Montrose

Gyms

Yong-In Martial Arts 1922 W. Irving Park - (773) 327 4815
Curves 4351 N. Lincoln - (773) 935 5650

Bowling Alleys

Waveland Bowl 3700 N. Western - (773) 472 5902
Timber Lanes Bowling Center 1851 W. Irving Park - (773) 549 9770

ENTERTAINMENT

American Theater Company 1909 W. Byron - (773) 929 1031
Martyr's 3855 N. Lincoln - (773) 404 9494
The Conservatory 4210 N. Lincoln - (312) 409 6435
TinFish Theatre 4247 N. Lincoln - (773) 549 1888
Dance Center Chicago 3868 N. Lincoln - (773) 868 5044

SHOPPING

The Stadium Seat Store 4251 N. Lincoln - (773) 404 7975
Smythson Yeats 3851 N. Lincoln - (773) 935 6600
Old Sau's Resale & Antique Show 3854 N. Lincoln - (773) 665 7769
Modlife Incorporated 3856 N. Lincoln - (773) 868 0844
Evil Clown Compact Discs 4314 N. Lincoln - (773) 509 0708
CB2 3757 N. Lincoln - (773) 755 3900
The Pet Depot 3618 N. Lincoln - (773) 248 2022
Homey Gallery 3656 N. Lincoln - (773) 248 0050
Curtain Couture 3722 N. Lincoln - (773) 472 4400
Dead Wax Records 3819 N. Lincoln - (773) 529 1932
Hannoun Rugs 4425 W. Irving Park - (773) 286 3342
Praha 3849 N. Lincoln - (773) 549 1227
Lu Lu's At the Belle Kay 3862 N. Lincoln - (773) 404 5858
Community Home Supply 3924 N. Lincoln - (773) 281 7010

DINING

Bars/Restaurants
Xippo 3759 N. Damen - (773) 529 9135
Brownstone Tavern & Grill 3937 N. Lincoln - (773) 528 3700
The Globe 1934 W. Irving Park - (773) 871 3757
Foley's Bar & Grill 1841 W. Irving Park - (773) 929 1210
Black Rock 3614 N. Damen - (773) 348 4044
Wild Goose Bar & Grill 4265 N. Lincoln - (773) 281 7112
Gannon's Pub 4264 N. Lincoln - (773) 281 1007
Jury's Food & Drink 4337 N. Lincoln - (773) 935 2255
Bowman's Bar & Grill 4356 N.Leavitt - (773) 478 9999
Celtic Crown 4301 N. Western - (773) 588 1110
Images International Cuisine and Lounge 3908 N. Lincoln - (773) 348 7444
Sylvie's 1902 W. Irving Park - (773) 871 6239
Blue Stem Martini Lounge 1935 W. Irving Park - (773) 880 8470

American Cuisine
Grizzley's Lodge 3830 N. Lincoln - (773) 281 5112
Snappy's Shrimp 1901 W. Irving Park - (773) 244 1008
Feed the Beast 4300 N. Lincoln - (773) 478 9666
Sola 3863 N. Lincoln - (773) 327 3868
Golden Angel 4344 N. Lincoln - (773) 583 6969
Chalkboard 4343 N. Lincoln - (773) 477 7144

Mediterranean Cuisine
Katerina's 1920 W. Irving Park - (773) 348 7592

Irish Cuisine
Mrs. Murphy and Son Irish Bistro 3905 N. Lincoln - (773) 248 390

Cuban Cuisine
Cafe 28 1800-06 W. Irving Park - (773) 528 2883

Colombian Cuisine
El Llano 3941 N. Lincoln - (773) 327 1659
Flying Chicken 3811 N. Lincoln - (773) 477 1090

Mexican Cuisine
Jalopeno Sabroso 3900 N. Lincoln - (773) 281 0277
El Palmar 4256 N. Western - (773) 463 4899

Asian Cuisine
Orange Garden 1942 W. Irving Park - (773) 525 7479
T-Spot Sushi - 3925 N. Lincoln - (773) 549 4500
Always Thai 1825 W. Irving Park - (773) 929 0100
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant 4200 N. Lincoln - (773) 549 5555
House of Wah Sun 4319 N. Lincoln - (773) 477 0800

Miscellaneous Restaurants
Dinner By Design 3720 N. Lincoln - (773) 248 2023

Community

North Center Chamber of Commerce

The residential real estate in North Center is fairly diverse, providing homeowners with a number of housing options from condos to lofts to townhomes. But there is more to your North Center home than where you rest your head at night. The area surrounding a property can be just as much a factor in the decision to buy as the color of the carpet or the condition of the foundation. Each Chicago neighborhood has its own unique charm that sets it apart from the rest. Our comprehensive online guide is all you need to explore the many streets of Chicagoall from the comfort of your own computer. Shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, you name it, we'll show you where it is. Find out whether that fabulous North Center condo is immersed in the throes of wild nightlife, or veiled by the tranquility of a quiet residential setting. Like Metromix and the MLS merged into one, this site is your one-stop shop for Chicago neighborhood information.

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