Hot Blocks: McKinley Park
By Marla Seidell, Contributor
With working class roots, a growing Latino population and timeless eateries, McKinley Park is a straight-up slice of no-frills Chicago. Get inspired at the tranquil park or sink your teeth into diner grub and south-of-the-border fare. You'll wonder what took you so long to find this south-side treasure.
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Lindy's Chili & Gertie's Ice Cream
3689 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
As the oldest chili parlor in Chicago, Lindy's doesn't mess around. Since 1924, Lindy's famous chili has been putting Texas to shame, and Angus burgers, hand-cut fries, chili dogs and Gertie's signature banana splits still hit the spot. -
Huck Finn Donuts & Snack Shops
3414 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
Ice cream and donuts happily mingle side by side at this bang-up, 24-hour diner that wouldn't be out of place in a "Sopranos" episode. Don't miss the donut delight--a plain donut topped with whipped cream, red, white and blue Superman ice cream and a cherry, of course. -
Tio Luis Tacos
3856 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
Lunchtime at this family-owned Mexican restaurant is especially hopping; that's when locals come to feast on Guadalajaran specialties such as grilled steak tacos and carnes nene sujogo (steak soup made with fresh onion, cilantro, avocado and radish). -
El Salvador Restaurante
4125 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
As the only Latin American restaurant on the south side, this El Salvadoran spot attracts a devoted local following. Notable specialties include pupusas (thick hand-made corn tortillas) filled with cheese, pork and beans, pork-and-chicken tamales, and empanadas made from smashed, fried plantains and topped with sour cream. -
Tierra Caliente
4070 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
This unassuming storefront deals in meat-centric dishes hailing from Michoacan, Mexico. Four can't-miss dishes: the pork in chili sauce, the fried carnitas, Mexican style steak and barbacoa.
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Tony O's Studio 31
5147 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
All ages gather at this no-cover local bar with a dance floor where music from the 70s, 80s and 90s still reigns. Perks include weekly karaoke, bowling, free popcorn and live bands. -
Xavier Players Club
4456 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL
Puerto Rican passion and the hard-working sensibility of the locals fuel the party hard atmosphere that includes two dance floors and DJs spinning a mix of house, hip-hop, freestyle and old-school.
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McKinley Park
2210 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL
This 69-acre namesake park has a summer pool, walking trails and an outdoor skating rink in winter. The stunning lagoon makes for a serene contemplation point.
