Chicago is not short on train tracks. Between the CTA's "El", Metra commuter trains, and Amtrak rail systems, you can stand pretty much anywhere in the city and hear a train whistle at some point or another. Alleys or streets flanking many of the elevated tracks are often lined with industrial buildings, and more and more of them are being converted into new businesses or places to access the arts and entertainment. Cornelia Arts Building did just this, but CAB was about 30 years ahead of the trend. It has served as working studio arts space since the mid 80s, and it continues to host new exhibitions of local artists, including CAB members and outside artists.
About three times per year, CAB hosts open studio nights, free for all art lovers, cheese nibblers, and wines sippers. CAB has that raw art studio set up because that's exactly what it is—a maze of squeaky painted wood floors and scuffed up drywall, leading you from one studio to the next, each with a personality to match its unique resident creative. If you ever went to art school, you’ll feel right at home. If not, you might wish you had. I especially love seeing local Chicagoans commit to art, some as career artists and others just passionate makers.
CAB sits at Cornelia Avenue and Ravenswood. It’s a quick walk from the Brown Line Addison or Paulina stops. Fun and literally COOL fact, the building began as an ice block manufacturing company. Pun intended.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
From sweet egg custard buns to savory BBQ pork buns — to classic plates of noodles and soups, Sweet Cafe has all of your Chinese food favorites.
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To conclude your meal I recommend Kanom tuay - Thai coconut milk custard that is surprisingly warm and absolutely incredible.
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Tostini’s specialities are “tostini” sandwiches with different filling options such as veggie, chicken or köfte meatballs wrapped in pita bread.
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Their chocolate croissant is flakey while still being chewy and buttery without being heavy. Verzenay also has a selection of macarons, quiches and more.
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The first distinguishing feature of their Margherita pizzas is the tomato sauce — which tastes just like the blended tomatoes picked from a farm in Italy!
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We ordered a hotpot of spicy broth, thick glass noodles, sesame balls, sweet glutenous rice balls, dumplings and I was very satisfied with the experience!
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The park was once an abandoned rail yard named after Ping Tom, a civic leader who advocated for a park in Chinatown before he died in 1995.
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Just a short bus ride or walk from West of Chinatown, you'll find a range of Asian groceries within a 80,000-foot, three-story interior of 88 Marketplace.
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Orozco began making quesabirria tacos using his aunt’s recipe from Mexico and is now serving them to the Chicago community with enormous success.
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Chicago's Pilsen community is known for its plethora of Mexican eateries. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in freshly made churros at Don Churro.
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I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
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"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
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