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Welcome To Printers Row

A quiet, chic urban area with zero pretentiousness, Printers Row has seen new lofts, condos, bars, restaurants and shops pop up over the years, yet nothing seems to take away from the literary vibe that wasand will always beat the heart of this historic Chicago neighborhood. As you might imagine, book dealers are abundant in this section of town. Rare works, university texts, literary classics and everything in between can be found at these long-established storefronts that epitomize the underlying foothold of Printers Row. Each year, shop owners and residents take it up a notch when the annual book fair closes off the neighborhood streets to welcome booksellers, small presses and literary organizations from across the country.   

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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Printers Row Home Sales Statistics


Printers Row Facts

Location: directly south of the Loop
Boundaries: Congress Parkway to the north, State Street to the east, Polk Street to the south and Clark Street to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: The Loop, Dearborn Park
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

Printers Row has a long and storied history. As the old Dearborn Station is the most eye-catching of all the buildings in Printers Row, we'll start there. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dearborn Station was the main departure spot for trains headed west, and it was not uncommon to see celebrities milling about the station as they waited for one of the daily departures to Los Angeles. But for many of the neighborhood's first inhabitants, Dearborn Station was much more than just a vantage point for star spotting. It's where many stories began for countless Chicago families, as the depot was also a primary arrival hub for scores of immigrants. The station was converted into a mixed-use commercial and retail space in the 1980s, but the outside looks exactly the same, bringing a dose of the past to present-day Printers Row neighborhood.

It's a little-known fact that Printers Row actually experienced a dismal period. Immediately following the Chicago Fire in 1871, this neighborhood became Chicago's own "Red Light District," branded by locals as the Custom House levee; it was home to crime and vice. The city cracked down, though, and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developers jumped on the chance to turn the tiny enclave into something habitable and desirable.

The printers moved in soon thereafter. In the late 1800s, Chicago's rapid development and location -- smack-dab in the middle of the country -- were helping the city earn a reputation as one of the most affordable and practical places to print. A few major names began to pop up during this period, including John Calhoun, who started the Chicago Democrat, and Rand McNally, who began their cartography dominance by printing railroad tickets and timetables, which morphed into directories, railroad guides and even a newspaper publication.

As Calhoun and Rand McNally gave Chicago a huge shot of credibility, printers and presses began to set up shop in Printers Row. Three of the largest printers existed right next door to each other on the intersection of Clark and Polk streets. M. A. Donohue & Co, R.R. Donnelly & Sons, and the Franklin Printing Company handled the majority of Chicago's printing needs, churning out magazines, trade publications, textbooks, newspapers and every other printing need under the Chicago sun.

As the printing world advanced, the rest of the Printers Row neighborhood remained a step behind. Embedded in the larger South Loop area, the development outside of the printing stretch mirrored that of the surrounding area, and it took a few years before other businesses began to pop up in the area, leaving the surrounding blocks looking a few years older than the main drag of Printers Row. But the neighborhood did its best to keep up, and while the central stretch of Printers Row is at high levels of development, the surrounding blocks are still seeing new buildings go up and renovations taking place every day, bringing new amenities and housing options to the Printers Row neighborhood.

In the 1950s and 1960s, printers found they needed single-floor offices to accommodate the new, larger presses and so the flight began. Many Chicago printers moved with their massive presses in tow to suburban digs, or went south to Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. For several years the stretch of Printers Row matched the rest of the South Loop, with unoccupied buildings, a lack of community, and many nomadic occupants roaming the streets. But in the 1980s, developers began to notice the classic charm of the Printers Row neighborhood and proceeded to convert the old publishers and presses into lofts, condominiums and businesses. Thankfully, the developers recognized the historical beauty of the old buildings; while completely renovating the interiors, the exteriors have remained intact, making a stroll down Printers Row a stroll through Chicago's architectural history.
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Real Estate

We have three words for you: urban, urban and urban. That's the style of housing that is available throughout historic Printers Row. You won't find any single-family homes, back yards or kids riding up and down the street on big wheels. Instead, you'll discover a delightful neighborhood of high-rises, condos, rehabbed lofts, and any other housing styles that are conducive to a vertical building. In fact, many of the refurbished residences here occupy old printing plants and publishing houses that have been converted into multi-unit housing.

Though it's in the middle of the city, Printers Row hangs on to a little bit of a quaint neighborhood feel, thanks to clean streets, large trees and the occasional patch of flowers. It's quite self-contained, too, with a dry cleaner, flower shop, coffee houses, restaurants, a wine shop, a spa and a convenience store. There's even a small square smack-dab in the middle of the neighborhood with a few benches and a fountain. You may see the occasional kid running around Printers Row, but the neighbors are primarily young working adults and married couples of all ages, who can't resist the allure of city living.

As one of the smallest Chicago neighborhoods, there are limited properties in Printers Row, but residents will still find a good variety of condos and lofts, many offering parking to boot. Studios in Printers Row start in the mid $100,000s, but many units are listed between $170,000 and $195,000. A one-bedroom condo generally costs between $200,000 and $300,000; and for something with an additional bedroom, you're looking at a price tag from the low $300,000s to low $400,000s. There are some half duplexes with a third bedroom available in the neighborhood for around $450,000, and for $650,000 you can get yourself a nice little penthouse.

What's on the Menu?

Residents of Printers Row and Chicagoans from the surrounding South Loop and Loop neighborhoods enjoy the mix of upscale dining and good food on the go found along the few blocks that make up this tiny near west side Chicago neighborhood.

Let's start with the most important meal of the day: Breakfast. Orange on Harrison (75 W Harrison St, 312-447-1000) serves up unique, gourmet breakfast and lunch until the early afternoon. Flapjack lovers will be in heaven with the pancake flights (four different flavored pancakes), and benedict devotees will adore the steak-and-eggs version of this classic morning meal. Other offbeat options include French toast kabobs and frushi, which is fruit rolled like sushi, sans rice. The bright, citrus-colored room is the perfect place to enjoy the restaurant's signature orange flavored coffee, or to sip on something from their fresh juice bar. If just a before-work caffeine dose is all you need to start the day, stop in to Printer's Roast Cafe (47 W Polk St, 312-235-0119) for that latte or cappuccino. Located inside the old Dearborn Station, the early morning risers have not yet descended on this little coffee shop in full force, so you can count on a peaceful cup of java. Pick up something for lunch later, or stop back by for a panini sandwich and other lunchy items And, if that sweet tooth is giving you grief, you're in luck. The Printer's Roast Cafe has a selection of ice cream to satisfy that craving, too. But if you just can't lay off the Starbucks (555 S Dearborn St, 312-922-8910), never fear. The Printers Row location is small, but perfect for a quick coffee pick-up.

For Italian cuisine enthusiasts, Printers Row has a few dining selections that run the gamut from traditional Northern Italian fare to good old Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Trattoria Caterina (616 S Dearborn St, 312-939-7606) is a cozy BYO spot specializing in soul-warming soups, fresh salads, unique sandwiches and, of course, lots of pasta dishes. Start with the formaggio salad (romaine lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, red peppers and caramelized walnuts), move on to the zupa di mare (linguine tossed with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and your choice of sauce), and then finish with Trattoria's rich and luscious tiramisu for dessert which goes impeccably well with a dark roast espresso. Now that's what we call delicious. Edwardo's Natural Pizza (521 S Dearborn St, 312-939-3366) picks up where Trattoria Caterina leaves off -- with a focus on the pie. Their stuffed pizzas are a favorite around the city of both tourists and locals alike with the soft, melty cheese, slightly sweet sauce and fresh toppings. For those who find deep-dish slightly intimidating, Edwardo's thin crust pies are equally as delectable, as are their stacked sandwiches and salads. And if you're going with the lighter fare, you might just have enough room to finish off the meal with a something from the dessert menu. Keep the simple but rich cheesecake in mind, or if the pizza is sitting a little too heavy, just finish with a nibble of their fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

When Printers Row neighbors have a craving for Thai food, there's only one place to go -- Amarit Thai Restaurant (600 S Dearborn St, 312-939-1179). At Amarit they stick to classics like pad Thai, crab Rangoon and green curry, all well-seasoned, fresh and tasty. Dine in and you'll enjoy your meal with other patrons in a clean and simple space with a bit of Eastern art scattered about and the aroma of curry filling the room. Of course, both take-out and delivery options are available, in case you're in a hurry, and we can even place orders online for ultimate convenience. If you prefer to keep things all-American, stop by Hackney's (733 S. Dearborn St., 312-461-1116) for some good old-fashioned bar and grill food. Chow down on their chicken Caesar salad, patty melt or BBQ chicken sandwich if you like, but really we don't know why you'd come here for anything but the signature Hackneyburger. A Chicago legend since 1939, the Hackneyburger uses completely fresh ingredients (read: never frozen) that includes high quality beef, fresh baked buns, freshly cut onion, lettuce and tomato, and it's served with coleslaw and french fries. While the food never disappoints, Hackney's is also a nice, casual stop for a beer or two. Their summer sidewalk patio is a definite draw for Printers Row residents and favorite hangout among Chicagoans from all around.

Though it began as a tiny little sandwich shop in Lincoln Park, there's now a Potbelly's (542 S Dearborn St, 312-212-1605) on nearly every corner in this city these days, and those who live in the Printers Row neighborhood are sure glad they're included on that list. Potbelly's epitomizes food that is fast without being fast food. They custom-make the sandwiches right in front of you, send them through an oven to melt the cheese and crisp the bread, season to your liking and voila! You have yourself a deluxe, delicious sub-sandwich, neatly packaged for those on-the-go. Even though the hearty subs are filling enough on their own, we have a hard time passing on the blended shakes, made-to-order from a delicious selection of hard scoop ice cream flavors. Thick and creamy, and served with a little butter cookie around the straw, Potbelly's shakes give this popular deli a delectable feature not available in other Chicago sandwich shops.
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Best Shopping Stops

The few cute little shops that line the blocks of Printers Row stay true to the neighborhood's charm. They are quaint, refined and quite intellectual. With a focus that is more on hobbies than high-fashion trends or basic necessities, the stores in Printers Row allow residents to stock up on things to keep busy once a bit of leisure time comes their way.

Of course, this being Printers Row, naturally you're going to have a few bookstores. Books in the City (545 S State St, 312-291-1111) caters to the DePaul, Roosevelt and Columbia College students who live above the storefront in the massive University Center. Sure, at least half of their selection is textbooks for the neighborhood students, but just because you're not in school doesn't mean you can't score a book or two here. They've got a great collection of fiction and nonfiction bestsellers, too. Books in the City also has a large stock of greeting cards, stationary and other gift-y items (many of them Chicago-themed) that attract the occasional window-shopper or passing tourist. Insider secret? There's one of those fun black-and-white photo booths tucked in the back in case you need some quick decor for that bare refrigerator. If antique books are more your speed, then your favorite neighborhood store will surely be Printer's Row Fine & Rare Books (715 S Dearborn St, 312-583-1800). The ambiance mimics that of a Victorian bookshop, as books line the 19th century stained-glass shelves, and the room features an old fireplace. This store stocks nearly 10,000 first editions and other antiquarian material (a 1780 version of Don Quixote, for example). We may not all be able to afford these priceless books, but even a stroll through the store is a bibliophile's dream. Right across the street is the classic Sandmeyer's Bookstore (714 S Dearborn St, 312-922-2104). This family-owned and operated store has been a Printers Row staple since 1982, selling a range of books from poetry and fiction to design and business to children's titles. Perhaps one of the reasons Sandmeyer's has been around for so long is because they know how to treat their customers right. For only $10 a year you can get a frequent buyers card, which gets you 10 percent off on every purchase. Now that's neighborly.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party for eight or just want a fine glass of wine while you read, veteran wine connoisseurs in the neighborhood know just where to pick up that perfect bottle. The shelves at the Printer's Row Wine Shop (719 S Dearborn St, 312-663-9314) are lined with handpicked vintages from around the world -- many of them hard-to-find labels. Whether you're partial to Spanish Tempranillo, French Bordeaux, or Australian Shiraz, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find it. They even have a "try before you buy" policy to ensure we're leaving with just the right selection. And in case we want to mix it up, the Printer's Row Wine Shop also stocks beer, liquor and tobaccos. Many Chicagoans are big fans of reading and drinking, but for those who are partial to the pastime of knitting, Loopy Yarns (719 S State St, 312-583-9276) is the Printers Row one-stop shop. The store is packed with all different colors and textures of yarns, every type of needle, and a wide variety of instructional guides and books of patterns. And for knitting know-how, Loopy's offer a range of classes that cater to everyone from amateurs who are just learning how to pearl and cast off to old vets who can whip up a sweater in half a days time. Perhaps the idea of a good old-fashioned knitting circle strikes your fancy. Well, you're in luck, they have those, too. Stop by on Friday nights to sit around with other knitters and crocheters, work on projects, and have an expert on hand to help with any complicated stitches.
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Night on the Town

Printers Row doesn't exactly have a plethora of bars and clubs to choose from, but what they do have is a couple of cozy pubs, which are perfect to duck into for a drink and a chat with the neighbors.

Bar Louie (47 W Polk St, 312-347-0000) may be a Chicago chain, but the Printers Row branch gets kudos for its decidedly sports bar feel. Baseball, football and basketball blare from the televisions, and the main room is decorated with old-school sports memorabilia. Even with the focus on sports, this is a classy hangout with mahogany bar and tables, and black-and-white photos (of athletes, of course) decorating the walls. It's a good spot for game-watching or just having a laid-back drink with a pal. Not the biggest sports fan? Not to worry, Printers Row has other options for an evening out. Kasey's Tavern (710 S Dearborn St, 312-427-7992) is slightly more rambunctious than Bar Louie -- the space is older, the music is louder, the crowd is less concerned with sports and more focused on drinking -- but this neighborhood watering hole still manages to keep it fairly low-key. Pitchers of beer are the preferred method of consumption here but the long bar that runs the length of the room is well stocked with an assortment of spirits to fix your drink of choice. Kasey's sponsors a softball team or two, as well, so expect a post-game crowd in the summer. Just because sports aren't the main attraction at Kasey's doesn't mean they ignore the hometown teams. All the Chicago games are always on the HD TVs above the bar, making Kasey's a Printers Row favorite for watching the local team if you weren't lucky enough to score tickets, of course.
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Mark Your Calendar

When it comes to festivals, Printers Row seems to live by the old adage, "quality over quantity." Though the neighborhood plays host to just two events, they are two of the best in the city.

Billed as "the largest free literary event in the country," the Printers Row Book Fair hits the two-block stretch of Dearborn Street (and a little bit of Polk, too) on the second weekend of June every year. Booksellers, small presses and other literary organizations line the blocks of Printers Row, handing out goodies and celebrating the general appeal of books. There are readings, giveaways, author signings, a kids' area and, of course, festival-y food like ice cream and hot dogs. Whether you're stopping by to score $2 books (really) or to hear your favorite author give a reading, this festival is one you won't want to miss.

There isn't a Jewel or a Dominick's in the immediate vicinity of Printers Row, and during the summer, we doubt that the neighbors care. That's because the Printers Row Farmer's Market sets up shop every Saturday in the parking lot on the corner of Dearborn and Polk streets, offering residents cheap and immediate access to fresh produce, organic fruits and veggies, fresh-cut flowers and homemade pies (our personal favorite). The market runs June through October; after that it's back to the grocery store aisles for our daily food staples.
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Getting Around

Printers Row is a rather small area and while that means it has a nice neighborhood feel, it also means that parking is very limited. Meter parking is available, and garage parking also exists (for about $30 a day), but many of the high-rises in the area thought ahead, and tenants often have the option to rent or buy a permanent parking space. If you choose to hang onto your car, that's probably going to be your best bet. But if you've decided to go car-less, you couldn't pick a better neighborhood. Your own two feet will be the best mode of transport, as Printers Row is located between the bustle of downtown and the calmer South Loop, two areas with just about everything you need.

Public transportation options provided by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in Printers Row are the lifeline to other destinations within the city. Nearly every line on the "El" train system (named for its segments of elevated track) is a mere step away: The Red Line Harrison stop is just east of the neighborhood, the Blue Line LaSalle stop is just west, and to the immediate north the Brown, Pink, Orange, Green and Purple lines converge at the Library/Van Buren stop. As for buses, the #22 Clark Street bus originates in the neighborhood right on Dearborn Street at Polk. It transports passengers straight up to the northernmost edge of Chicago stopping in the heart of the Loop along the way.

School's in Session

Printers Row isn't exactly the most family-oriented neighborhood in the city. And with its small, quaint feel and lack of school-age residents, it's not surprising there's only one school in the area. In addition to the following, you can find more information on other Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Jones College Prep High School 606 S State St - (773) 534-8600
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Basic Needs

One of the beauties of living in Printers Row is that it's a particularly self-sufficient and self-contained area. Almost everything you could possibly need is located within the confines of the neighborhood, so revel in the ability to walk to all of your errands.

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

Shopping

Books in the City 545 S State St - (312) 291-1111
Loopy Yarns 719 S State St - (312) 583-9276
Printer's Row Fine & Rare Books 715 S Dearborn St - (312) 583-1800
Printer's Row Wine Shop 719 S Dearborn St - (312) 663-9314
Sandymeyer's Bookstore 714 S Dearborn St - (312) 922-2104

Dining

American Cuisine
Hackney's 733 S. Dearborn St. - (312) 461-1116
Orange on Harrison 75 W Harrison St - (312) 447-1000
Potbelly Sandwich Works 542 S Dearborn St - (312) 212-1605
Sanding Room Only Chicago 610 S Dearborn St - (312) 360-1776

Coffee/Cafe
Printer's Roast Cafe 47 W Polk St - (312) 235-0119
Starbucks 555 S Dearborn St - (312) 922-8910

Italian Cuisine
Trattoria Caterina 616 S Dearborn St - (312) 939-7606

Pizza
Edwardo's Natural Pizza 521 S Dearborn St - (312) 939-3366

Thai
Amarit Thai Restaurant 600 S Dearborn St - (312) 939-1179

Bars
Bar Louie Tavern & Grill 47 W Polk St - (312) 347-0000
Kasey's Tavern 710 S Dearborn St - (312) 427-7992
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There's a lot of mystery involved in searching for a new homeit starts with the property and expands outward to encompass the street, the block, the neighborhood, the entire city! Every little thing matters from the color of the walls to the attractions of the town. That's why a guide like this one on Printers Row is so helpful to potential homebuyers. Without leaving the comfort of your desktop computer or laptop, you've got an extensive pool of information on all of Chicago's neighborhoods that includes first-hand descriptions of dining, entertainment, shopping, bars, and events, in addition to lists of schools, hospitals, post offices, and gyms. We've done all the research to carefully craft this one-stop online spot, and create your hub for the real deal on Printers Row. So as soon as a Chicago loft, condo, townhome or house catches your eye, you know where to come for the low down on the digs around that prime piece of real estate.
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