Berwyn is bigger and more exciting than you can imagine with many corridors of excitement and attractions to hit. You can’t enjoy it all in a single day. Berwyn deserves a top spot on your list of must-see towns, so make sure to give yourself extra time to pack in all the unique, and tasty things you’ll find.
Berwyn began as a strongly Eastern European enclave for many who moved away from the big city of Chicago. It later became a melting pot for both Eastern European and the Latino community. Those hard-working people who built this city from swamp to a bustling and vibrant town have given Berwyn the flavor it has today. Travel guides are boasting about Beautiful Berwyn, and indeed it is!
Head west from the Chicago Loop on I-290 for just a few miles. Berwyn sits west of Cicero, south of Oak Park, east of Riverside and Brookfield (and the Brookfield Zoo!), and north of Stickney. The Berwyn route includes these major roads:
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Cermak Road, named for the first Czech Mayor of Chicago Anton Cermak
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Ogden Avenue, which was part of old Route 66 from 1926-1977
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Roosevelt Road, named for President Franklin D. Roosevelt; is also known as "the Veltway" for its live music venues
In between these bustling byways you'll find Berwyn’s downtown Depot District with outdoor murals and city life that hums and vibes with those who call it home.
Berwyn, IL 60402 has so much to see, taste, and enjoy. Let’s take a look!
When you think of national musical acts and award-winning dining, you typically think of a big city, but Berwyn has both Fitzgerald's and Autre Monde. Both establishments are steps away from each other on Roosevelt Road.
Fitzgerald's at 6615 Roosevelt Road, is a Berwyn mainstay and one of the country's best local venues for live music. With three stages for acts of all kinds, this bar/music hall/barbecue joint, at one time owned by the Fitzgerald family and now owned and run by Will Duncan––who has worked in music venues, restaurants and bars for some 20 years. Duncan had been a patron of Fitzgerald’s at first, “I would stop on my way home from work after getting off work late in the evening, catch up on a beverage, and soak up the scene a little bit,” Duncan recalls. “It has such an incredible charm and unique energy. It’s a magical place. Anyone who steps foot on this property recognizes that right away.”
In the music venue Duncan points out the collection of drum heads lining the walls from those who have been privileged enough to play on its stage. There’s even an accordion with its keys signed by noteworthy musicians of both Zydeco and the Cajun music scene. To say there is a lot of history at Fitzgerald’s is an understatement; it oozes from every crack, brick, tile and tap.
On either side of Fitzgerald’s are two other properties owned by Duncan: the Sidebar and his newest endeavor, Babygold Barbecue. In between the two buildings, a former parking lot, Duncan designed an open area patio where people can sit, drink, eat, hang with friends and family, all while enjoying music that plays on its newly constructed outdoor stage. This outdoor space let Fitzgerald’s host 200+ music events in the summer of 2020 at the height of the COVID outbreak.
The Sidebar is a neighborhood cocktail lounge open 6 nights a week alongside the patio and the restaurant. Operating from 6 pm – 1am, its diminutive stage allows for small format live music, local singer songwriters, blues duos, and open mic night. A cadre of loyal local customers enjoy trending craft cocktails and dinner. There’s even a party room available to host events, small dinners, birthday parties and other intimate occasions.
Across the patio is Duncan’s newest baby, Babygold Barbecue. You can pick up and take out food, or peruse their retail options. Purchase Babygold tee shirts, sunglasses, sauces, and Babygold Coldbeer. You can even pick up some vinyl, due to a unique partnership with Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park.
The idea for opening a barbecue restaurant came from Duncan’s friend John Manion, proud Berwyn resident and acclaimed chef. As Duncan remembers it, “John said, there’s only one kind of food to eat at this place and it’s BBQ because it fits the American roots music legacy.” They’re currently working to open an indoor dining experience at Babygold Barbecue, replacing an existing wall with glass for a true music experience as you tap your foot to the beat outside while licking your barbecue-covered fingers.
There’s even a 3-bedroom AirBnB that Duncan and wife Jess opened on the campus above the restaurant. Duncan adds, “It’s really taken off beyond our expectations. It’s booked 5-6 nights a week.”
This year Fitzgerald’s will host the inaugural Berwyn Blues Festival, planned for the final weekend of September. Expect blues bands and a blend of local and national acts. Tickets for the show are on sale now.
Already famous for its 3-4 day American music over the July 4th weekend for the past 40 years, Duncan beams when he speaks of the possibilities of even more music festivals at Fitzgerald’s. “It’s a space where you can have a music festival experience, with three stages, but it’s in this old beautiful building."
For Mediterranean tastes, visit Autre Monde Cafe and Spirits, at 6727 Roosevelt Rd. Wedged between the Friendly Tap and Fitzgerald’s, this hot restaurant ranks high among locals, plus those who travel in from downtown Chicago. Restaurant industry legends Beth Patridge and Dan Pancake are responsible for bringing the flavors of Autre Monde to you. Beth comes from a pedigree of culinary treasures, including Chicago's Spiaggia; Dan brings with him the art of smoking and grilling. Both call Berwyn home and are proud to bring this kind of elevated dining experience here. What they have been able to accomplish with the help of a stellar crew is nothing short of remarkable. The decade-old restaurant has earned major national recognition from Bib Gourmand and Zagat.
Enjoy the fresh flavors both inside and on their hidden back patio. Shared plates are brought to the table one at a time:
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Octopus A La Planxa is a crowd favorite. Served grilled in a bed of fingerlings, cherry tomatoes and green beans, it looks like a wild sea creature has taken over your table, until you dig into it and tame this beast for yourself.
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Bangs Island Mussels in chorizo garlic and white wine are enormous and pack a serious spice punch. Toasted bread to help you sop up all the spicy buttery garlic sauce. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert.
The many flavors of Berwyn include its taquerias, Eastern European bakeries, old-time candy shops and Italian ice joints, among others:
La Lupita, at 6539 Cermak Road, is a neighborhood favorite known for their flavorful cuisine and laid-back atmosphere. After more than 17 years, the owner’s daughter, Fabiola, tells us what keeps packing people in: “Our steak al carbon is a top seller, and the pozole has been featured on Chicago’s Best lists.”
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Pozole is a hominy soup packed with pork, onions and many family secrets, and you can top it with avocado, radishes, and onions, chili powder, oregano, and a squeeze of lime. It comes with either a red or green broth.
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Fabiola beams proudly about La Lupita's made-from-scratch corn shells, so the tacos really couldn’t be tastier. The smoked beef taco, topped with cilantro and onions, melts in your mouth.
The ceviche is another crowd pleaser. La Lupita has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, will soon add a rooftop deck.
Guadalajara Grill, at 6814 Cermak Road, is another great spot to try while on the strip. This long bar is set out on the corner of Oak Park Avenue and Cermak Road -- a perfect location. near the corner of Oak Park Ave. The bus stops right outside. In business for 25 years, Guadalajara Grill is owned by Alfredo (or Al as his staff calls him). Al's passions, showcased across the walls of his restaurant, include not only great Mexican food, but Mexican singers and soccer.
Notice a massive collection of Vicente Fernandez album sleeves and other Mexican singer LP sleeves arranged along the walls. With no fewer than 13 TVs, and a ton of different soccer team jerseys encased in glass, it’s still the the food on the plate that got our attention. The crowd is usually a lunch crowd, and (thanks to the bus stop) it boasts a decent after-work business too. Friday nights feature Mariachis. Fajitas are a crowd favorite as well as the steak taco, ceviche and langostino. We tried their steak taco with cilantro and onion, the small plate of langostino, and enchilada suizas with chicken. They came with three salsas: green, red and chunky, and a reddish-orange one billed as "the spicy one," along with slices of limes.
It seemed there was no way to finish all three, but the first bite made it impossible to stop eating. The steak taco arrived already well seasoned, but the spicy sauce put that one over the top with a definite burn -- but in a good way. The enchiladas suizas come with a side of frijoles, rice and a small salad. The chicken was shredded and seasoned to perfection. We thought we might be able to save some for later, but they were so tasty it was impossible to stop eating, even though there were three enchiladas. Last but not least were the langostinos. These large shrimps came on a plate atop seasoned rice. Digging in, we pulled out the tender meat seasoned with distinct flavors that make you attack the plate with gusto.
Old Fashioned Candies, at 6210 Cermak Road, is owned by three sisters: Donna Greenwald, Sandra Figatner, and Lynn White, whose parents George and Theresa Brunslik first opened a candy store in Chicago in 1969. The three sisters maintain the half-century-old business today, pumping out crowd favorites like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Donna and Sandra sit behind the counter hand-dipping strawberries into perfectly melted chocolate while three employees handle phone and delivery sales and help customers drawn in by the sweet smell of sugar. Best sellers include Puppets, much like turtles, and Meltaways, which are milk chocolate filled with peanut butter. The name definitely suits this treat as the ones we tried melted away after inhaling them all. They also offer cotton candy in multiple colors and flavors that they spin and bag in-house. Sandra shared that they're called on to do weddings and baby showers, birthdays, religious events and even graduations.
Stepping inside is stepping into another time with Atomic Fireballs, Astro Pops, candy necklaces, candy buttons, Moon Pies and so much more. There are even sugar-free items including licorice bites, hard candy, and assorted chocolates. Sales are rung up on an old-fashioned register, and Sandra even points out the old candy case that was rescued from a fire. All fixed up today, it looks as new as old should look. If you stop in for Christmas, bring the whole family to meet Old Saint Nick and have your family photo taken. Old Fashioned Candies will fulfill your nostalgia for the candy shops of yore. It will more than fulfill your sweetest dreams!
Vesecky's Bakery, at 6634 Cermak Road is a 4th-generation-owned business that has been churning out some of the best-baked Czech, Hungarian, and Eastern European treats for more than a century. Favorites include such delicacies as Czech and Hungarian strudel, Czech Kolaczkis that come in 6 different flavors, and Houska bread, which is a rich, eggy and slightly sweet yeast bread. There are packages of cookies that are iced to perfection, chocolate éclairs, banana loaves, and whole or by-the-slice pies. The hotdogs baked in a poppy seed bun are hot sellers. In fact, anything with poppy seeds flies off these shelves! And don’t miss the overabundance of apricot treats either; apricot and almond pastry horns, apricot Kolaczki, and the apricot coffee cake. Just don’t tell the dentist you’re coming here.
Gina's Italian Ice, at 6737 Roosevelt Road, has been serving up this cooler than cool treat since 1977. People line up here year round, but if the mercury is getting ready to burst, the line is sure to be longer. Pat, Gina’s son, runs the place, and through the tiny window where you order, he proudly tells you what’s good, what’s popular, and what he likes. “Lemon is the most popular flavor, but the most popular combos are lemon-guava, lemon-raspberry, and my favorite, lemon-strawberry. “This family run business isn’t only friendly to its customers; it’s also neighborly with the Friendly Tap. “You can turn any Italian ice into an adult beverage”, Pat adds. We didn’t try this, but maybe on another trip back.
At the old Garv Inn, a Berwyn mainstay since the '60s, you can saddle up to the Lavergne's Tavern. Located at 6546 Windsor Avenue, this bar has been serving the Depot District's and Berwyn's residents of the area since 2016. They have tried to keep as much of the character as possible by refinishing the tin ceiling and hardwood floors. In fact, the old Garv Inn bar has been rebuilt from scratch using reclaimed black walnut.
The menu is curated by Executive Chef Mark Downing and he brings a taste sensation to everything he creates. The Italian Egg Rolls, listed as Chicago's Best, are filled with Italian beef, giardiniera, spicy queso, Monterey jack cheese, and au jus dipping sauce. This is truly an amazing combination of flavors. There are 20 taps featuring mostly local craft beers, a nice wine selection, and specially curated cocktails with fresh ingredients. This neighborhood place attracts those from far and wide.
Berwyn has many more friendly (and historic) beer joints and coffee houses, plus wine bars, sausage stands, and shopping to please all tastes:
Friendly Tap, at 6733 Roosevelt Rd, is indeed a friendly place. Owner, musician and music teacher Rob Pierce has owned the bar since 2007, but the building dates back to the 1930s. Originally a butcher shop, its original smoker still sits in the basement, and its old wooden meat locker is today a beer icebox. Friendly Tap brings in local musicians to play its two stages. Prior to the 2020 pandemic, music flowed out of Friendly Tap on a more regular schedule; nowadays it’s at least 3 nights a week, with open mic night every Wednesday to encourage singer-songwriters out of their shells. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s also a coffee lounge adjacent to the bar where you can fill up on a variety of other medicinal elixirs: lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, juices, seltzers and even CBD sodas. Their tea comes from a local retailer, Todd and Holland in Forest Park; the mural adorning the lounge wall is by local artist Steve Fischer. Rob speaks lovingly of the school upstairs and his dedication to the local music community. This admiration of both can be seen as you walk in. On our trip we ran across a table of musicians just out front playing guitars, mandolins and ukuleles. As Will Duncan, owner of Fitzgerald’s puts it, Friendly Tap is a great place to grab a coffee and a pastry, or late night, a whiskey and a high life.”
At Lunges 'n lattes located in the Depot District at 6805 stanley ave. get your heart pumping from what’s in your cup or what’s on the mat. This unique coffee shop/gym––hear me out–– offers people a chance to get jacked and get caffeinated. There’s even a chance for the kiddies to get involved (in the fitness, not the coffee)! With instructors who can help build a relationship with health and fitness at an early age, the bonds made at Lunges n’ lattes will last a lifetime. It doesn’t hurt that they have damn fine coffee too.
Get your flapjack on alongside your beer? Actually, the only flapjacks at Flapjack Brewery, located at 6833 Stanley Ave, are in the shape of 11.5” pizzas, and oh boy, do they have some unique tricks up their sleeves to deliver these tasty pies. Long before they opened Flapjack Brewery in 2013, these brothers were developing both their pizza and brewing technique. Now you can be on the other end of their tasty revolution. Try a fresh traditional pie like the margherita or a hearty cheese pie, or go in for something truly unique like their Danger pizza which is made with prosciutto cotto, habanero infused San Marzano Tomato Sauce, parmesan, fresh mozzarella, Calabrian Chili Flakes, Calabrian Chili Peppers, fresh basil, chili threads, Ghost Pepper dust, smoked Ghost Pepper honey. Kick it up with their Scorpion Danger Pizza that includes the traditional Danger Pizza with a food-grade scorpion, scorpion chili dust and a 4 ounce burrata. Their beers are just as unique. Settle back to an Elotes Supremo Mexican Lager, or a How ‘Bout You Sideburns? Milk Stout. If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do, head to this Depot District find, and have at it.
Another hot shop on the Veltway is heating things up in a different way. At 6501 Roosevelt Rd, the Turano Baking Company's storefront bakery, called Mamma Susi's Bake Shop, has been in full swing for some time, pumping out loaves of fresh baked bread and trays of tasty, sweet treats. Marketing Director Mario Turano recalls the early days. “Mamma Susi was originally opened in 1967 by my grandparents, Mariano and Assunta Turano, under the name Turano Bakery. We remodeled in 2004 and renamed it in honor of Assunta's nickname 'Mamma Susi.'" This shop, and home deliveries, are how Turano Baking Company originally started.
Nowadays, you can still enjoy breads to go, but the Italian cookies, classic cannoli, French bread and rolls are very popular, according to manager Kelly Tamm. They sell authentic Italian specialties and hot coffee as well. There are even special treats during the holiday’s here, too, as Kelly recalls; “we even offer special cookies and confections during various holiday seasons: St. Joseph’s cakes, Lamb cakes for Easter, and special cookies for Christmas.
Hyfaluten at 6303 Roosevelt Rd, is a boutique specialty shop for ladies. Owner Natasha Hall opened her shop on the Veltway about two years ago and couldn’t be happier. “This is a great location, close to the city and other suburbs.” This new shop owner is eager to get folks back in the store, “I’m glad we’re almost back to normal after last year,” she told us, “it’s good to get people to shop again, to dress up again.” Natasha knows what it takes to get people excited about her boutique. “We’ve held private events in the past, like sip n’ shop or game night. People really like that.” Here you can find statement pieces like accessories, jewelry, and hats for any occasion. Natasha does take private appointments, but if you’re simply happening by you can also stroll right in for a look around. For any type of party, small or intimate, Hyfaluten should be on your shopping list.
Missing the feel of exploring grandma’s attic? Just walk into Curio Corner at 6900 Windsor Avenue in the Depot District. This relic of Berwyn has been going strong for 15 years, but treasures within have been going a lot longer. Find vintage furniture, antique glassware, and discover some newer items too. They recently started carrying more new and used furniture. Pick up a scarf, pottery, lightning, jewelry and more. Go hunting for the missing collectible, or just wander in for fun, and walk out with something new, or old. Chances are you'll find what you're looking for at Curio Corner.
If you’re a movie memorabilia maven, then you’ll go mad for Reel Art Collectables at 6727 Stanley ave. This is Chicagoland's largest movie poster retailer. They’ve been around since 1993 not only selling movie posters, but also figurines, magazines, books and other collectables. If you can’t find it here, that movie probably hasn’t been released yet!
Flight 22 Wine Bar at 6518 Cermak Road, open for nearly three years, has a wide selection of wine, and no other place has that where you can sit down and enjoy, according to manager Jeanette. “It’s in a great spot, draws a diverse crowd, and is close to some great restaurants." The corner location offers great views from inside, and the parking lot sometimes is repurposed to host events. Flight 22 Wine Bar participates in the Taste of Cermak Road as well as celebrating major holidays with full meals and drinks at the ready. “We have a Christmas party, St. Patrick’s Day party, Thanksgiving and Easter, even all with full meals.” Saturdays feature live music with bands and jazz singers. At the rear, Gold Rush Gaming poker lets patrons settle in and relax while pulling some levers and dreaming of a big payoff. Food comes in via Water Works in Lyons. A pizza joint also delivers fresh-made pies that Flight 22 heats up for customers. Speaking of heating up, Jeanette tells us that things really get busy Saturday and Sunday, especially during sports seasons. And even though Flight 22 Wine Bar is known for their extensive and flavorful bottles of reds, whites and rosés, they still offer a full bar to serve those who seeking old fashioned favorites.
The Outta Space is hard to explain but that just means you should check it out when you're next in Berwyn. Located at 6840 W. 32nd St., the Outta Space in the Depot District fuses design, art, music and community. Each month, expect to find live music, films, readings, workshops, classes, events and more. There’s even a full bar.
At Play it Retro, 6510 Cermak Road, you'll find cool games and consoles from old times past. Everywhere you look is a blast from the past -- and it just keeps growing, according to manager Manny. " We keep running out of space," he says. No joke. It’s sideways walking these aisles, but you'll find some really cool items. Play it Retro's best sellers are video games like, PlayStation 2 systems, Cube systems, N64 games and Funko Pops. The shelves above the cabinets are lined with so many Funko Pop that, like the movie "Gremlins," you'll think they come to life after midnight. You'll find collectible games here too. On our stip we ran across Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 4, all for a collectible price that this gamer couldn’t afford. And if you have an itchin’ for Pokémon cards you can also get your fill at this unique game shop.
Everyone has heard about Route 66. But how many know it started in Chicago, and that this famous road runs right through Berwyn? What is now known as Ogden Avenue is where car culture and American dreams came to life. Today this famous strip houses plenty of car shops and automotive dealerships, but it also houses the other classics of its own.
While you can get your kicks on Route 66, did you know you can also get classic train sets, comic books, great BBQ, and dine in an old castle?
Route 66, also known as Ogden Avenue, is a destination for many car lovers. But train enthusiasts swarm to Berwyn Toys and Trains at 7025 Ogden Avenue for everything fun. This family-owned business has been in Berwyn since 1992. Once inside you’ll swear you’ve been transported back to the early 20th century. You’ll find an abundance of model train sets and accessories and more models of all kinds, including cars. There are Legos galore, and a Thomas the Train play area. Find stuffed animals for kids of all ages, and board games for the whole family to enjoy. All aboard to Berwyn Toys and Trains!
Top Cut Comics at 7122 Ogden Avenue has everything a comic book aficionado could want -- and then some. Founded in 1996 as Card N’ Comics, you will find trading cards such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, video games, action figures, and of course a plethora of comic books. There are in-store events, raffles and tournaments to win prizes.
Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge also sits along the Mother Road, at 6715 Ogden Avenue. This restaurant lounge with a rock n’ roll vibe also happens to be a cigar store. So after you’re done eating some smoked meats, buy yourself a stogie and smoke a fine rolled cigar from one of their many selections. A neighborhood staple for over 21 years, Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge serves up a menu of food and beers that are easy to please. Enjoy smoked wings, rib tips, hot links, burgers and more, and wash it all down with local beers from Illinois. After you’ve finished everything on your plate, you can head over to the game room and try your luck with some machines.
There's also royalty on Ogden Avenue! The oldest White Castle on old Route 66 is at 7155 Ogden Ave. The tiny square burgers topped with raw onions and placed between two steamed buns have been served here since 1939. You can still enjoy them the same way they were made way back when.
The job of the Berwyn Public Art Initiative is to inspire, educate and advocate for using public art’s creative power to build a more healthy, inclusive and culturally-vibrant community. The art can be seen all across Berwyn, especially in the Depot District. They even have information for a public art walking tour on their website where you can find and experience these treasures firsthand. From their BLM murals to the Dia De Los Muertos murals. The cultural diversity of Berwyn can be seen in the many brush strokes used.
At the World's Largest Laundromat, 6246 Cermak Road, owner Tom Beson takes his job seriously, with a serious load of fun mixed in. There are more than 300 machines to wash and dry, including express machines with four times the force to dry your items that much faster. Tom built out a children’s play area with coloring books, clowns, and drawing paper because he knows his clients can’t just leave their kids at home. There’s also a bird sanctuary, a vending area with snacks, 16 flat screen TVs, video games, and free Wifi. Plus, once a week Tom orders pizza to be delivered to help provide more energy to keep washing. If you think this house of suds is bad for the environment, think again. With over 36 solar panels on the roof, they can heat water and keep machines running in far more eco-friendly ways than other laundromats. They also take their name seriously. Being the world’s largest laundromat, they have the word “welcome” in over 30 different languages hanging in neon when you walk inside. Keep it clean at the World’s Largest Laundromat!
All these fantastic places in Berwyn don't even scratch the surface of everything this community has to offer. There's also a robust park district, and in the summer months a farmers market in Lesak Park every Sunday from 9 am-1pm. So do yourself a favor, and head on out to this western suburb that has so much to provide anyone who comes for a visit.