Spend the Perfect Sunday in These 5 Chicago Neighborhoods
Instead of mourning the end of the weekend, make the most of your Sundays by exploring the neighborhoods of Chicago. These five communities are packed with picturesque spots for a walk and charming places to eat.
Albany Park
Albany Park is a North Side neighborhood characterized by affordable homes (a median sale price in the mid $200s, according to Neighborhoods.com) and a delectable collection of diverse cuisine options.
Though relatively small, you can find Korean barbeque, Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Colombian food all within the bounds of Albany Park. If you’re looking for Sunday afternoon lunch, check out the sprawling menu at Ay Ay Picante, a Peruvian restaurant on Elston Avenue. Or over on Lawrence Avenue, you can sate your Sunday sweet tooth at Korean bakery Dokil.
The North Branch of the Chicago River serves as the eastern border of the neighborhood. Enjoy the waterfront view at Ronan Park and River Park. You can also stroll through the Multicultural Sculpture and Healing Garden at Ronan Park.
If you want to expand your cultural horizons on a Sunday, Albany Park is also home to the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and a couple of theaters: the Albany Park Theater Project and Halcyon Theater.
Chinatown
The iconic Chinatown Gate marks the entrance to a neighborhood brimming with Sunday possibilities. While easily accessible by the ‘L’’s Red Line, the best way to get to Chinatown in the spring and summer is to take a water taxi from The Loop all the way to Chinatown. The boat stops right in front of Ping Tom Memorial Park. The 17-acre park bordered by the Chicago River, has a view of the city’s skyline and a spot to rent kayaks during the warmer months.
Grab classic dim sum at MingHin Cuisine, or peruse the rows of sweets on display behind the glass counter at Saint Anna Bakery. No matter where you are in Chinatown, chances are you’re just a stone’s throw from yet another delicious restaurant.
In addition to its concentration of restaurants, Chinatown is full of shops big and small. Get a sugar rush at candy shop Aji Ichiban, or stock up on tea at the Tea King Garden. You can also while away a Sunday afternoon at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art or the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is largely known for the huge park that shares its name. Covering nearly 200 acres, Humboldt Park is an idyllic greenspace for Sunday walks. Stop and smell the flowers in the park’s gardens, walk along the lagoon, or stop to admire the striking field house.
While the park is Humboldt Park’s most recognizable feature, this spot is more than greenspace. Brighten your Sunday with pie and and an old fashioned egg cream from Spinning J. For something savory, ArePA George on Kedzie Avenue serves Colombian cuisine. If you’re craving Puerto Rican food, Sabor Latino on North Avenue is a good spot to start. If you want to keep the weekend going after dark, the California Clipper (a cocktail bar and music venue) stays open until 1:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Humboldt Park is a hub of Puerto Rican culture in the city. Large metal sculptures of the Puerto Rican flag fly over two different spots along Division Avenue. In 2019, that area of Humboldt Park was renamed Puerto Rico Town. Take a Sunday to walk this stretch of the city.
Little Italy / University Village
Little Italy and University Village, two sister neighborhoods, are always alive with some sort of activity, thanks to the UIC campus. But, the two neighborhoods are about more than just college life.
As the name Little Italy suggests, you’ll find some of the best Italian restaurants in the city. For example, The Rosebud has a lot of name recognition (celebrities like Tom Hanks sing its praises). The neighborhood’s stretch of Taylor Street also has a solid brunch scene with spots like Sweet Maple Café and Stax. When the weather warms up, you’ll often see a line outside the small counter-serve spot Mario’s Italian Lemonade.
If you want to be a little more active on your Sunday, you can stretch your legs at Addams/Medill Park. During the spring and summer months, the park’s soccer and softball fields are often filled with people playing casual games.
If you’re in Little Italy/University Village on a Sunday, it’s hard to miss the Maxwell Street Market, which takes place every Sunday all year long. In addition to stalls selling nearly anything you can imagine, the sprawling market also features street food and occasional live entertainment.
Sauganash
Sauganash is one of those Far North Side Chicago neighborhoods that feels more like a suburb than an urban neighborhood, making it ideal for lazy Sunday vibes. The community even has its own clubhouse complete with tennis courts.
Feel free to wander down the streets picking out your favorite English Tudor-style or brick bungalow homes. And if a walk through the neighborhood works up an appetite, indulge in a casual and greasy bite at Top Dog, the local go-to for Chicago-style hot dogs. If you’re more in the mood for a sit-down meal, Chai Thai & Asian Bistro has an expansive menu that makes repeat visits well worth the while.
Sauganash also beckons you to step into the sunshine (while it lasts) with options like the Sauganash Trail and nearby spots like the Billy Caldwell Golf Course and LaBagh Woods.