What started as a 19th century playground for affluent Chicagoans is
now one of the city's most desirable entertainment destinations.
Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Wallace Beery and Francis X. Bushman
used to walk the streets of Argyle when the historic Essany Studios was
still in full-swing as a silent movie house in this northern section of
Chicago.
It's hard to find mention of Uptown without a
reference to jazz. This Chicago neighborhood is, after all, home to the
famous Green Mill Jazz Club. Back in the day, Al Capone used to
frequent this once smoky joint with his henchman when big jazz names
graced the stage, and even Frank Sinatra slung back a few through a
couple of sets.
Today, locals head to Uptown's main
thoroughfare, Broadway, for wide-ranging dining choices and late-night
noshing. Rather than being dominated by a particular ethnic cuisine, as
many Chicago neighborhoods are (e.g. Mexican fare in Rogers Park and
Indian food on Devon Avenue), this area has something to satiate the
most discerning palate. Within the span of two blocks you can feast on
regional dishes from Italy, India, Japan and Ethiopia, to name a few.
Venture a few blocks north to Argyle Street and you can choose from
several authentic Vietnamese restaurants, so many in fact that this
small section of Uptown is often referred to by locals as "Little
Vietnam."
When local
Uptowners aren't eating out at the local cafés and storefront
restaurants, you can find them taking subdued strolls along the
neighborhood's lakeside walking paths or indulging in a picnic at one
of its many parks. Uptown has some of the most unique parks in the city
including Wilson Avenue Skatepark with plenty of rails, curbs, spines
and pyramids for showing off your inner daredevil. There's also
Montrose Harbor for off-pier fishing and Montrose Beach provides a
serene spot to soak up some rays.
The
residential pockets of Uptown are made up of landmark condos and
apartment complexes, many of which have been converted into affordable
housing. Recently this Chicago neighborhood has made way for newer
condos and small-scale high-rises, but still remains one of the cheaper
areas in the city. One bedroom lofts and condos start as low as
$188,000 while single-family detached homes sell for about $800,000.
And just like every other Chicago neighborhood, there are several
stately properties listed in the millions.
