North Center/Roscoe Village

North Center is a lovely residential community steeped in history and culture. While the area is primarily residential, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, restaurants, and entertainment options. Homes range from expansive, European-style single-family homes to grand Victorians, with plenty of mid-rise condos studded throughout. Once populated by farmers, North Center transformed into an industrial and residential community in the late 19th century. European immigrants moved here in droves and left a clear mark on the community. 

Roscoe Village has plenty of laid back bars, independent shops, and charming cafes that fill up with locals when the weather is warm. Welcoming and wacky, this charming enclave offers a broad range of housing options, including condos, luxury lofts, bungalows, and brownstones. While this village is relatively small, it has a central business area, Roscoe Street, where residents and visitors enjoy locally-owned restaurants and boutiques.

What to Love

• Residential vibe
• Global dining options
• Plenty of parks
• North Center’s old school Chicago feel
• Roscoe Village’s plethora of neighborhood hangouts
• Convenient public transportation
  
  

Local Lifestyle 

From theaters and music venues to cafes and shopping districts, the activity list never ends in North Center and Roscoe Village. Cafes are brimming with happy guests during Sunday brunch, while others head to the farmer’s market during warmer months to stock up on necessities and artisan foodstuffs. One thing is certain — life is never dull in these communities.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Whether you’re looking for your new favorite brunch spot or some tasty Cuban fares, you can find it all in Roscoe Village. Indulge in orange-rosemary french toast and grass-fed burgers at Orange, or opt for some Turkish eats at Turquoise. Next time you have a hankering for Thai food, you must check out Same Same. Impress your date with a reservation at Ella Elli, where you can sample Italian-Mediterranean small plates and sip classic cocktails in the lounge. Take your sweetheart to the vibrant bistro, Le Bouchon, for French classics like steak frites and seared foie gras served “Monte Cristo” style.

Most of North Center’s dining options are located on N Western Avenue. Head to the casual Borinquen for fabulous Puerto Rican eats, or stop by Laschet's Inn for ice-cold beer and German favorites, including currywurst, wiener schnitzel, and spaetzle. While there are many international restaurants in North Center, residents head east to Roscoe Village when seeking a fine dining experience.

Things to Do

As both neighborhoods continue to evolve to include new, modern offerings, there are plenty of new, enticing features in the works. Northcenter Town Square has seen some significant renovations. Plans for the community center’s upgrade began in 2017, with the current center providing more space for farmers markets and other community events, along with plenty of Astroturf areas fit for leisure activities and sunbathing. 

Hamlin Park is a 9-acre green space that features a fitness center, two gymnasiums, an assembly hall, a kitchen, and clubrooms available for rent. The park is filled daily with North Center locals swimming in the pool, playing tennis, and kids enjoying the playground while canine companions relish the designated dog-friendly area.

Martyrs' is a cherished local watering hole and music venue where locals head to watch various live musical acts and relax with a NY-style pizza and beer. Plenty of bars can be found along Roscoe Street in North Center, and Roscoe Village offers several local breweries, with Half Acre Beer being a popular choice.

Other Neighborhoods

• Lincoln Park
• Logan Square
• Wicker Park/Bucktown
• Lakeview
• West Loop