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Welcome To University Village

Italian ice, the origins of the hotdog and backpack-toting college students are just a sampling of the rich cultural backdrop of this near southwest side Chicago setting. University Village/Little Italy is a union of two separate communities that have merged as one, bringing the best of both worlds to a single Chicago neighborhood. The University of Illinois Chicago campus instills a collegiate sensibility with faculty and students milling about, while the blocks of Little Italy present a much quainter appeal with friendly front stoops occupied by groups of neighbors gathered to chat. Much anticipated Little Italy street festivals and holiday parades give community members even more reason to congregate, along with throngs of other Chicagoans who come to partake in the fun. Lying catty-corner to the Chicago Loop, this neighborhood's proximity to the bustling city center is convenient, without marring the area's characteristic Old World charm. A quick ride on the Blue Line El train or a short trip on the Eisenhower Expressway will get you right downtown in minutes.   

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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University Village Home Sales Statistics


University Village/Little Italy Facts

Location: 2.5 miles southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: Eisenhower Expressway to the north, the Dan Ryan Expressway to the east, 16th Street to the south and Ashland Avenue to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: West Loop, South Loop, Pilsen, The Loop, Medical District
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap for crime stats on specific Chicago neighborhood, intersection, address or police beat.
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Then and Now

Another point-of-entry neighborhood for many immigrants to Chicago, these adjoining communities of strong cultural heritage have evolved over the years to become hubs of growth and development. Local landmarks like the Jane Addams Hull House Museum remind residents of rich traditions and the struggle for upward mobility that faced many of their ancestors. The area known as Little Italy was named for the once dense population of Italian immigrants and its near west side neighbor, University Village, was informally known as the Maxwell Street neighborhood after the bustling street that is one of the oldest residential areas in Chicago.

At the turn of the 20th century, University Village played an important role in Chicago's Jewish community, with shops and outdoor markets replicating their life in Europe. A wave of African Americans from southern states migrated to this region in the early 1920s, but most of the local businesses remained Jewish-owned. Still, there was a distinct energy brewing in the neighborhood, and it came out in the form of the Chicago Blues movement. Musicians played this new sound on Maxwell Street, the famous outdoor market where you could buy anything from used furniture and household cleaning products to fresh produce. The market was relocated to make way for the ever-sprawling campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago in the 1990s to nearby Canal Street between Taylor and 16th streets. Considered by many to be a shadow of what it used to be, street vendors continue the tradition, setting up for business at sunrise every Sunday.

In recent years, the old Maxwell Street area has been reinvigorated with shops catering to middle and upper class residents and college students. Restaurants, retail chains and clothing boutiques are the new heart of the shopping district. It is surrounded by the UIC campus and recreation field to the west and north, and new housing developments to the south.

As its name might suggest, Little Italy has a rich immigrant history as well. Many ethnicities have always resided on the stretch of streets along Taylor Street in either direction, but the strong Italian influence earned this area its moniker. Historic Roman Catholic churches stand as proud references to a time when the community was built up between 1898 and 1911. Parishes may have once fed the spiritual needs of Little Italy's population, but later on parks and restaurants sprouted up, taking their place by fulfilling appetites and creating meeting places.

Now, the two communities of distinctly different characteristics and names are considered one neighborhood and share one zip code. Students attending the area college take up residence in both University Village and Little Italy, as do many families and young professionals of varying heritage, but a strong Italian American presence remains along Taylor Street.
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Parks

The amount of outdoor green space reveals the nature of this near west side Chicago neighborhood. From the lush gated gardens bordering the sidewalks in Little Italy to the beautiful tree-spotted campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, recreation space is taken seriously here -- and we've go the parks to prove it.

One of the oldest public parks in the area, Arrigo Park (801 S. Loomis, 312-746-5369) sprawls across 6 acres and has a unique -- and somewhat disastrous -- history that includes damage from the Great Chicago Fire and flooding from a man-made lake that was created in the late 19th century. Fortunately, the major catastrophes are now in the past, and today Arrigo Park creates a shady landscape for dogs and joggers to run around and mothers and lovers to stroll through. Pine and oak trees have grown to regal heights around the periphery and the spacious open center hosts the occasional baseball game. The park features a fountain at the west entrance, out of which sprouts an enormous bronze statue of Christopher Columbus by Moses Ezekiel from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. But whether you care about the history lessons, or just want a place to kick the ball around and stretch the legs, this University Village/Little Italy park is an appreciated neighborhood treasure.

The name Jane Addams (1860-1935) is ever-present in the immigrant Chicago neighborhoods for which she rallied during her lifetime -- fighting for social change and equality right up until the end. Honoring the social activist, Addams Park (1301 W. 14th St, 312-746-5962) was named for this tireless woman and provides a slew of activities for residents of the neighboring Abbott Homes public housing project as well as students of nearby Medill Elementary. The indoor swimming pool offers year-round opportunities for learning and playing, while the park grounds multi-task in the summer months to offer baseball, softball, soccer and volleyball.

You will also hear baseball bats cracking and swimmers splashing at Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen St., 312-746-5369), which hosts a three-story fieldhouse. Famous landscape architect Jens Jensen designed the park in the early 20th century with the fieldhouse in mind, but its construction wasn't realized until 1977. Now, Sheridan is referred to by residents as the "high-rise" park because of the size of the fieldhouse, which houses an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium that doubles as an assembly hall and six classrooms for activities including basketball, boxing and day camp.

The UIC Outdoor Recreational Facility (along Morgan Street between 14th and Maxwell streets) is always buzzing with activity. Whether UIC's soccer team, the Flames, are charging down the field or local corporate softball teams are gearing up for a pre-bar game, there is always something to do -- or something to watch -- on the colligate neighborhood turf. There's also a sandpit for volleyball and the tennis courts rarely have a wait time. You can also jog the perimeter for a mile-run or use the car-free zone to teach your kids how to ride their bike. The open space is often used for campus events and corporate picnics -- so don't be surprised if you detect the smell of barbecue wafting over to Halsted Street.
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Real Estate

Because of the fluctuating past and ever-changing landscape of University Village and Little Italy, your humble abode in this Chicago neighborhood could range from new condominium to two-flat graystone to historic million-dollar single-family townhome, depending on style, needs and budget. Proximity to UIC and the Loop make this area a booming spot for construction and renovation, which has produced a number of contemporary living spaces in the form of modern townhouses, duplexes and low-rise condo buildings.

An increase in student population has led to healthy neighborhood growth, not only of the UIC campus, but in the surrounding areas with increased residential developments to accommodate faculty, scholars, and the general establishment of a thriving academic community.

In Little Italy, where manicured gardens are tucked behind iron gates and courtyards are flourishing with foliage, the brick and graystone flats present an Old World feel with attention to architectural detail. The occasional concrete lion roars at passersby from stone steps, but mostly the stone stoops are adorned with friendly faces and long-time residents who enjoy the simple pleasures of watching the neighborhood goings-on from their own front porch.

Although it is rare in urban meccas this close to the city's center, all the houses on the block of Flournoy Street, east of Loomis Street in Little Italy, were built on a double lot and have remained so to this day. This extra bit of space is a prize possession in Chicago neighborhoods and makes this near west side community an even more desirable setting to buy a home.

The average sales price for a one- or two-bedroom attached property in the University Village and Little Italy neighborhood is around $308,000. A three-bedroom place jumps the average price up to $468,000. And if you are looking for something with more space and an extra bedroom or two, you can expect to pay $524,000 for a home in this near west side Chicago neighborhood.

University Village Homes for Sale

What's on the Menu?

From Italian Beef to organic chicken pizza, University Village and Little Italy offer an incredible array of dining. Taylor Street itself is a landmark, with several Italian restaurants standing alongside a range of ethnic cuisine supported by a diverse group of residents and students.

There is no better Chicago neighborhood to enjoy an authentic Italian or Italian-American meal than Little Italy -- guess, that's kind of a no-brainer. Francesca's on Taylor (1400 W. Taylor St, 312-829-2828) is part of a cluster of chains across the greater Chicagoland area -- but this is our favorite location. Their busy waiters charm us with their Italian accents and wine bravado (the bottle prices keep it neighborhoody). The menu changes daily, with staples like the giant insalata alla Francesca and lightly sauteed spinach with lemon that are absolutely succulent every time. One of the originals, and a bit of a neighborhood landmark, Rosebud Cafe (1500 W Taylor St. 312-942-1117) opened its doors in 1977 and has been serving world-famous superstars, local celebrities and regular ole' Chicagoans ever since. Their classic chicken vesuvio still put any other attempts to shame. For lunch, Pompei (1531 W Taylor St., 312-421-5179) is beloved by hungry college students and busy professionals alike. Their salads are almost as delicious as their thick pizza by the slice (almost). The cafe-style restaurant streamlines ordering, allowing you to view your selection as you choose, and before you know it, you are happily grazing on pizza or a calzone in the dining room. And when Chicago summer is in full bloom, we always choose to enjoy our favorite Pompei specialty out on the patio.

Can we talk Italian Beef for a minute? Al's #1 Italian Beef (1079 W. Taylor St., 312-226-4017) really should be congratulated for honest advertising. Speaking of beef, the old Maxwell Street is rumored to be the home of the first hot dog. Is this true? It doesn't really matter when Jim's Original Hot Dog (1250 S. Union Ave, 312-733-7820) is still serving locals in University Village, even though they were displaced around the block by the expansion of UIC in 2001. However, if you ask locals where to get the best Polish sausage in the neighborhood, you'll be opening up a can of worms. Next door to Jim's Original is another, similar-looking sausage stand called Maxwell Street Express Grill (1260 S Union Ave, 312-738-2112). It really doesn't matter when you come; this spot is always sure to be packed with hungry people. Everyone's got their allegiances, so it's probably best for you to try a Polish from each stand and decide for yourself which is better.

If you're in the mood for American cuisine, Leona's (1419 W Taylor St, 312-850-2222) may serve a menu with an Italian slant (spaghetti and pizza), but the overwhelming sensibility is upscale bar fare. When we want to stick to organic poultry, this is our favorite spot for a barbeque grilled chicken sandwich and a really good beer selection. Watch what you order though, because the portions here are enormous.

During the wistful summer days, Thai Bowl (1049 W Taylor St., 312-226-5865) is a great low-key BYOB with a patio. Students strolling by and surrounding foliage create a serene scene to enjoy your pad Thai. Another spot with a lovely outdoor seating area tucked behind the restaurant, Chez-Joel (1119 W Taylor St, 312-226-6479) offers a more upscale setting. Still casual, it is great for tasty French bistro treats like escargot, house-made pates and steaming bouillabaisse. If you want to spice things up a bit, take a group to University Village for a fiesta anytime at Lalo's (733 W Maxwell St., 312-455-9380). A singing band of Mariachis entertain the restaurant table-by-table with requests and classics, and DJs spin late into the night on weekends. The menu is as fun as the ambiance: chicken soup squeezed with fresh lime is served to every diner and margarita specials flow every night of the week.
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Best Shopping Spots

Independent shops mingle with chains along the two main retail streets, Halsted and Taylor. The up-and-coming Halsted shopping district features boutiques as well as familiar national brands like American Mattress (1236 S Halsted St, 312-421-0707) and Foot Locker (1240 S Halsted St, 312-850-1002), while Taylor Street offers residents a wide variety of family-owned businesses.

For the bookworm in you that is tired of ordering everything off Amazon.com, thankfully there is an independent bookstore within reach: Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S Halsted St, 312-413-2665). Right on the corner of hipster and collegiate, this is the place to peruse books and magazines or cram into a book signing with a high-profile author. Nearby, we like to pause at Breathe Boutique (1252 S. Halsted St, 312-997-2411) to see what they have going on. Fashion lines from mid- to high-end designers hang sparsely on racks, with jewelry taunting us from glass tables in the center of this trendy University Village and Little Italy shop. They have a great couch for lounging, which is usually full of male companions waiting for their female counterparts to try on clothes. We like to catch Breathe Boutique during one of their events, when they hand you a glass of wine upon entering, offer $5 facial threading, and donate percentages of the store profits to various local causes. Hint: there's usually a sale to go with the party, so don't miss it! Mere steps away resides one of the new favorites on the block. Lush Wine and Spirits (1306 S Halsted St, 312-738-1900), with their tasting bar and boutique wine selection, is a great spot to stop by on your way home from work or on your way to a dinner party. They will chill a bottle of white wine for you in minutes while you sample libations poured by a spirit-savvy staff.

Be prepared for some serious Italian-American pride a few blocks south and west in the heart of Little Italy. Our favorite part of Conte di Savoia (1438 W Taylor St, 312-666-3471), aside from getting to walk in through the back door of this deli like we're part of the staff, is the selection of hard salami. Okay, you can stop laughing ... we know the insinuation there -- but seriously, this packaged meat is something you've got to try. When there's a football game, a wine and cheese thing at a friend's, or if you just have a craving for some mouthwatering meat, you can count on Conte di Savoia for a selection of international cheeses and tasty salami that will never let you go unsatisfied.
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Night on the Town

Strolling along the streets, ruminating over college days gone past is a joy in Little Village.

You can dust off your bowling ball and schlep it to the UIC Bowling Alley (750 S Halsted St, 312-413-5170). Not only is the price right, they're open until midnight on weekends. If you want to take your party to a place where libations flow, collegiate bars are bound to please. Hawkeye's Bar and Grill (1458 W Taylor St, 312-226-3951) entertains sports fans and hungry college kids with Direct TV (check out their sports calendar online), house DJs who spin the hip tunes, and many a drink and food special. We love to take advantage of the Hawkeye Shuttle bus -- it picks you up at Hawkeye's before major events, taking you to the Chicago Hawks, Bulls and Bears games and all rock concerts at the United Center, and brings you back afterward, so we don't need to hassle with parking. Giving them a run for their money down the street, Bar Louie on Taylor (1321 W Taylor St, 312-633-9393) is a neighborhood standby for watching the game, knocking back a few brews, and noshing on tasty bar fare.
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Night Caps

After an evening at one of Little Italy's fabulous restaurants, stick around or hop over to UIC to enjoy a late night nibble or to toast champagne.

During Chicago's summertime bliss, nothing beats the evening heat like an Italian ice. Several times a season, we hit Mario's Italian Lemonade (1068 W. Taylor St) for the traditional sharp, lemon ice that brings everyone in the neighborhood onto the streets for cool treats up until they close at the stroke of midnight. Local University Village and Little Italy residents are also chilling out a stones throw away at Bevi Amo Wine Bar (1358 W Taylor St 312-455-8255). Though small, this quaint watering hole does have a piano player on Saturday nights (when they stay open until 3am) and a DJ every other night of the week. With drink specials like "almost half-price" bottles of wine on Sundays and $4 martinis on Mondays, we know why it's sometimes hard to find a seat. Another favorite spot for your favorite libation is a relative new kid on the block ... Junior's Sports Lounge (724 W Maxwell St, 312-421-2277), on the new Maxwell Street strip, is perhaps the only bar in Chicago that juxtaposes football murals and 30 flat screen TVs with DJs spinning late into the night -- or better yet, personal plasma TVs at every booth with punk-rock karaoke. An added bonus is their unexpectedly good bar food which also makes it a destination for dinner.
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Showtime!

College sports mingle with drama in this collegiate Chicago neighborhood bringing the hardworking students at UIC into the spotlight before they become big screen and Broadway stars.

The performances at the UIC Theatre (1040 W Harrison St, 312-996-2939) vary greatly and accommodate many tastes. Choral ensembles include jazz vocals and chamber choir, and the instrumental concerts do it up with everything from jazz to classical tunes. Theater productions run the gamut, from Shakespeare to Chekhov to edgier plays that allow the actors to explore "new theater." On a less musical, and a more active note, catch the handsome soccer boys of the UIC Flames at the UIC Pavilion (525 S Racine St, 312-413-5740) or any of the men's and women's sporting events vying for coverage in the student newspaper The Chicago Flame.
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Mark Your Calendar

Street festivals, historical tours, parades, oh my! Keep an eye out for the annual festivals and events hosted by this charming Chicago neighborhood.

The second weekend of August means the red, white and green flag of Italy is flying proud on Taylor Street. The entire road is blocked off between Ashland and Loomis for the Taylor Street Festa Italiana (1400 W Taylor St, 312-440-9191), which focuses on -- you guessed it, Italian food and traditions. In addition to an amazing sampling of delicious Italian cuisine supplied by local restaurants, the festival also has live music and crafts for families, but on opening night expect head-lining entertainment like 1990s pop-punk band The Smithereens

If, for some reason, you're feeling like combining exercise with a little history, the annual Hike for History (312-255-3661) is the perfect outlet for you. This June parade of history buffs starts at UIC and winds through University Village and Little Italy, with a guide who highlights historic points in the neighborhood. The Chicago Metro History Fair sponsors this event with an all-volunteer staff (subtle note: that means you can help out the community by getting involved). And if you like a parade (who doesn't?), the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans sponsors Chicago's annual Columbus Day Parade (3800 Division St, 708-450-9050) the first Saturday in October. The festivities begin at Our Lady of Pompeii (1224 W Lexington St., 312-421-3757) with a special mass, and the parade kicks of at Balbo and Columbus Drive, then marches back through University Village and ends on Taylor Street.
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Getting Around

The transportation system in this college-bound Chicago neighborhood is refreshingly convenient, as is highway accessibility. Some days the backpack becomes too heavy to schlep, and as parking is still no hassle despite development, having a car here is an attractive option.

The ease of connecting to the Chicago expressway system is one of the area's perks since it surrounds the neighborhood on two sides. Entrance ramps to the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) are just east of Halsted Street at both Roosevelt and Taylor streets and The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) can be entered at Racine Avenue as well as from the Roosevelt Road Dan Ryan (northbound) ramp. But try not to take these highways during rush hour, unless you have books on tape you're dying to listen to in one sitting.

Bicycle racks abound along Halsted, Taylor and Harrison so many residents ride their bikes to get from Point A to Point B knowing there's a secure place to lock them up. But taxis are a stroke of luck, so file away the number 312-TAXICAB. Your best bet as a car alternative is good old public transit. The main line used by University Village and Little Italy residents is the CTA Blue Line, which runs to and from O'Hare International Airport and will take you straight to the Loop in a matter of minutes if you take it in the opposite direction. The Blue Line stops at the UIC Halsted stop at Harrison Street and again at Racine and Harrison streets. And filling in the gaps where the Blue Line doesn't travel, the CTA buses run every couple of blocks on a nice grid. The Halsted #8, Racine #60, Ashland #9 and Damen #50 all run north/south while the Taylor #30, Roosevelt #12 and the Harrison #7 run east/west.
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School's in Session

Enrolling nearly 25,000 students a year, University of Illinois at Chicago (1200 W Harrison St, 312-996-7000) has become a major influence in the area. Founded in 1982, it is a public research university that operates Illinois' major public medical center and is recognized as a local leader in health care education. Sprawling 240 acres, the campus is concentrated along Halsted Street between 14th and Harrison streets and along Harrison west toward Racine Avenue. It includes student housing as well as a university-funded private housing development, and many shops and restaurants adding to the culture of student life.

Families residing in these two diverse neighborhoods have many schools to choose from including the top state-rated Andrew Jackson Language Academy. In addition to the following, you can find a full listing of University Village and Little Italy schools, along with information and ratings at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Andrew Jackson Language Academy 1340 W Harrison St - (773) 534-7000
Bernice F Joyner CPC 1315 S Blue Island Ave - (773) 534-7903
Chalmers Elementary School 1055 W Roosevelt Rd - (773) 534-1720
Evangelical McKinley School 1326 W 14th Pl - (773) 534-7764
Galileo Scholastic Academy 820 S Carpenter St - (773) 534-7070
Joseph Medill Elementary School 1301 W 14th St - (773) 534-7750
Saint Ignatius College Prep 1076 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 421-5900
Smyth Elementary School 1059 W 13th St - (773) 534-7180
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School 1522 W Fillmore St - (773) 534-7305
University of Illinois at Chicago 1200 W Harrison St - (312) 996-7000
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Basic Needs

Between Maxwell Street Market and the plethora of unique shops and resources, you have everything you need within walking distance from your front doorstep in University Village and Little Italy, from stamps to deli specialties to a place to workout.

Libraries

Roosevelt Public Library 1101 W Taylor St - (312) 746-5656
University of Illinois at Chicago Library 801 N Morgan St - (312) 996-2716

Hospitals

Rush University Medical Center 1653 W Congress Pkwy (888) 352-7874

Post Offices

The UPS Store 1137 W Taylor St - (312) 226-8700

Pharmacies

Sharda Pharmacy 1231 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 666-0240

Grocery Stores

Conte di Savoia 1438 W Taylor St - (312) 666-3471
Solbana Produce 75 W South Water Market - (312) 829-0069
Taylor Street Food & Liquor 1152 W Taylor St - (312) 666-0096

Gyms

Anytime Fitness 708 W Maxwell St - (312) 829-6620
Chicago Personal Training 1268 W Westgate Terrace - (312) 587-1464
The Little Gym of South Loop 704 W Maxwell St - (312) 628-3119
Saint Francis of Assisi Gym 1235 S Newberry Ave - (312) 563-9490

ENTERTAINMENT

Jane Addams Hull House Museum 800 S Halsted St - (312) 413-5353
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and Museum 1431 W Taylor St - (312) 226-5566
UIC Theatre 1040 W Harrison St - (312) 996-2939
UIC Pavilion 525 S Racine St - (312) 413-5740
University of Illinois at Chicago Bowling 750 S Halsted St - (312) 413-5170

SHOPPING

American Mattress 1236 S Halsted St - (312) 421-0707
Barbara's Bookstore Chicago 1218 S Halsted St - (312) 413-2665
Breathe Boutique 1252 S Halsted St - (312) 997-2411
Foot Locker 1240 S Halsted St - (312) 850-1002
Lissa on Maxwell 729 W Maxwell St - (312) 563-9470
Lush Wine and Spirits 1306 S Halsted St - (312) 738-1900
Sandy's Clothing Men's & Boys 1245 S Halsted St - (312) 942-9479

DINING

American Cuisine
Chicago Busy Burger 1120 W Taylor St - (312) 226-7760
Jim's Original Hot Dog 1250 S. Union Ave - (312) 733-7820
Leona's Restaurant 1419 W Taylor St - (312) 850-2222
Patio 1503 W Taylor St - (312) 829-0454
Potbelly Sandwich Works 1459 W Taylor St - (312) 633-9915
Sweet Maple Cafe 1339 W Taylor St - (312) 243-8908
Wow Cafe & Wingery 717 W Maxwell St - (312) 997-9969

Asian Cuisine
China Night Cafe 1140 W Taylor St - (312) 421-7130
Golden Thai 1509 W Taylor Street - (312) 733-0760
Japonica Specialty Sushi 1422 W Taylor St - (312) 421-3288
Tatsu 1062 W Taylor St - (312) 666-8504
Thai Bowl 1049 W Taylor St - (312) 226-5865
Yummy Thai 1418 W Taylor St - (312) 633-0003

Cafes/Coffee Shops
Caribou Coffee 811 W Maxwell St - (312) 738-3570
Jamoch's Cafe 1066 W Taylor St - (312) 226-7666
Massa 807 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 433-0123

Bakeries/Sweets Shops
Cold Stone Creamery 1316 S Halsted St - (312) 226-2800
Mario's Italian Lemonade 1068 W. Taylor St
Original Ferrera 2210 W Taylor St - (312) 666-2200
Scafuri Bakery 1337 W Taylor St - (312) 733-8881

French Cuisine
Chez-Joel 1119 W Taylor St - (312) 226-6479

Italian Cuisine
Al's # 1 Italian Beef 1079 W. Taylor St. - (312) 226-4017
Caffe la Scala 626 S Racine Ave - (312) 421-7262
Gennaro's Restaurant 1352 W Taylor St - (312) 243-1035
Francesca's on Taylor 1400 W Taylor St - (312) 829-2828
Fontano Foods 1058 W Polk St - (312) 421-4474
La Vita Restaurant 1359 W Taylor St - (312) 491-1414
RoSal's Cucina 1154 W Taylor St - (312) 243-2357
Rosebud 1500 W Taylor St - (312) 942-1117
Tufano's 1073 W Vernon Park Pl - (312) 733-3393
Tuscany Restaurant 1014 W Taylor St - (312) 829-1990

Mexican Cuisine
Che Cafe 1058 W Taylor St - (312) 850-4665
De Pasada 1519 W Taylor St - (312) 243-6441
El Taco Grill 1412 W Taylor St - (312) 850-9717
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant 1074 W Taylor St - (312) 421-2109
Lalo's 733 W Maxwell St - (312) 455-9380

Middle Eastern Cuisine
Couscous Restaurant 1445 W Taylor St - (312) 226-2408

Pizza
Pompei 1531 W Taylor St - (312) 421-5179
Reggio's Pizza 1339 S Halsted St - (312) 455-1211
Taylor Made Pizza 1220 W Taylor St - (312) 850-2000

Nightlife/Bars
Bar Louie on Taylor 1321 W Taylor St - (312) 633-9393
Bevi Amo Wine Bar 1358 W Taylor St - (312) 455-8255
The Drum & Monkey 1435 W Taylor St - (312) 563-1874
Hawkeye's Bar & Grill 1458 W Taylor St - (312) 226-3951
Illinois Bar & Grill on Taylor 1421 W Taylor St - (312) 666-6666
Junior's Sports Lounge 724 W Maxwell St - (312) 421-2277
Little Joe's Circle Lounge 1041 W Taylor St - (312) 829-5888
Morgan's Bar and Grill on Maxwell Street 1325 S Halsted St - (312) 243-4800
Tufano's Vernon Park Tap 1073 W Vernon Park Pl - (312) 733-3393
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Our neighborhoods guide is meant to give potential homebuyers a general overview of what every Chicago neighborhood has to offer and what makes it unique from the restand believe us, no two neighborhoods are the same! Searching for a new home isn't just about finding that prefect condo or house, making sure the setting fits your style and needs is just as important. And whether University Village neighborhood is your ideal locale to settle down, or you've found the scene here just isn't your cup of tea, we're here to help you find the right place to make sure your home purchase a is total success. From the type of restaurants to the outdoor venues to the local schools, every detail is an essential factor in what makes a property of dream home. By utilizing our comprehensive accounts of each community, such as this one for University Village, we hope to provide a detailed picture of not only the residential real estate available in the area, but also the additional features of the neighborhood. A quick glance and you'll know exactly what shopping, dining, entertainment and resources are in University Village, all without ever having to go anywhere.
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