Pilsen: A Neighborhood That Inspires Innovation and Culture
At Barker/Nestor, we take pride in calling Pilsen our home. This dynamic Chicago neighborhood is more than just where we design—it’s a hub of creativity, history, and local entrepreneurship. With its deep-rooted Mexican heritage, celebrated street art, and growing culinary scene, Pilsen is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Chicago culture.
Whether you’re in the area for a day or eager to explore something new, we’ve put together a Barker/Nestor Guide to Pilsen, highlighting the local businesses and attractions that make this community so special.
Art & Culture: A Walk Through Pilsen’s Creativity
Pilsen is synonymous with incredible murals and public art, making a simple stroll through the neighborhood an artistic experience. Along 18th Street, vibrant colors and powerful messages are painted across brick walls and alleyways, reflecting the community’s history and resilience.
For a deeper dive into Pilsen’s artistic roots, check out:
🎨 National Museum of Mexican Art (nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org) – Home to one of the largest Mexican art collections in the country, this museum is a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s cultural identity.
🎶 Thalia Hall (thaliahallchicago.com) – A restored 19th-century venue that hosts top-tier live music, stand-up, and theater performances.
🖼️ Pilsen Arts & Community House (pilsenartscommunityhouse.org) – A hub for local artists, workshops, and creative programming.
Where to Eat & Drink in Pilsen
Pilsen’s food scene is an exciting blend of tradition and innovation, featuring some of the best Mexican cuisine in Chicago alongside new, chef-driven concepts. Some of our must-visit spots include:
🌮 Café Jumping Bean (cafejumpingbean.net) – This cozy café is a longtime favorite, serving coffee, sandwiches, and pastries in an art-filled setting.
🥩 Carnitas Uruapan (carnitasuruapanchi.com) – If you’re in the mood for legendary slow-cooked carnitas, this is the spot.
🍕 Pizzeria Milanesa (pizzeriamilanesa.com) – A fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, featuring tlayuda-style pizzas.
🍹 La Vaca Margarita Bar – A lively hangout with top-tier margaritas and Mexican street food.
🍻 Lo Rez Brewing (lorezbrewing.com) – A neighborhood brewery crafting small-batch beers in a relaxed setting.
🍔 Simone’s Bar (https://www.simonesbarchicago.com/) – Both down to earth and out of this world, walk into this pinball machine of a bar for great pub fare and delicious drinks. Stay for the karaoke!
Shops & Hidden Gems in Pilsen
Beyond its restaurants and art scene, Pilsen is home to an array of independent boutiques and specialty shops:
📚 Pilsen Community Books (pilsencommunitybooks.org) – A locally owned bookstore dedicated to literacy initiatives and curated book selections.
🎸 Vintage Underground – A treasure trove of vintage fashion, rare vinyl, and unique collectibles.
🧥 Mashallah (https://www.mashallah.us/) – Jewellery and curated vintage fashions have a home on 18th street under the owner’s eponymous store.
Design 329 (https://designat329.com/) – A collection of vintage furniture and art resellers under one warehouse roof! Open on a weekend-basis and great for sourcing unique pieces and getting inspired.
Barker/Nestor’s Commitment to Pilsen
As an architecture and design firm based in Pilsen, we are committed to supporting the community we work in. Whether through our projects, collaborations, or simply shining a light on the businesses that make Pilsen thrive, we believe in the power of design to enhance the places we call home.
Next time you’re in Pilsen, take a walk, try something new, and explore the creativity around every corner—you’ll quickly see why this neighborhood is so special to us.
What’s your favorite spot in Pilsen? Let us know!