Beverly

The Rock Island Metra train runs through the heart of the bucolic South Side enclave of Beverly. And just as you'd expect, retail and service establishments that either cater to commuters--or just give them a reason to stroll a few steps beyond the train tracks--are housed near this tree-lined neighborhood's train depot. And the immediate area surrounding the 99th Street station is chock-full of friendly spots. Here, on both 99th and tucked-away Walden Parkway (which runs parallel to the Metra tracks) are an assortment of cafes, boutiques and shops that give this 'hood its cozy, small-town feel. Keep your eyes peeled for the colorfully painted brick walls of the Walden Parkway shops--a charming, almost French countryside touch--that you'll spot from the train.

Cafe Luna
1742 W. 99th
(773) 239-8990

A cafe that would look right at home on the hip streets of Bucktown, this open-all-day spot not only offers brewed beverages from Coffee & Tea Exchange, but scrumptious made-to-order salads, sandwiches and Italian-style paninis. Pick up a used paperback here for between 50 cents and $5, or perhaps a hip and colorful coffee mug. Also a great evening entertainment bet, this laid-back spot features live music (usually jazz, including the regularly appearing Strange Brew) a few nights each week. Cafe Luna's shaded back patio is a hidden gem. With wrought-iron tables and vine-covered brick walls, it's like your own backyard -- but way cooler.

Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Envy Chicago
1741 W. 99th
(773) 445-1383

A women's apparel, accessories and shoe boutique, Envy Chicago opened its doors in June, relocating from a nearby Beverly location on 103rd Street. But with stylish junior, misses and plus-sized apparel in sizes 4 to 22, owner Tiana Woodard gives female Metra riders a great reason to cross the tracks. In addition to clothing looks that Woodard says range from "contemporary to funky," look for stunning sterling silver-and-natural stone jewelry from local designer Jocelyn Howard.

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Ms. Priss
9915 S. Walden Pkwy.
(773) 233-7747

This little retail treasure is a great find for label-conscious fashionistas who love fun and funky clothes -- and don't want to schlep all the way to Lincoln Park's Armitage Avenue to buy them. Owner Stephanie Colson cut her teeth at a North Side boutique before opening her doors here nearly four years ago. Shoppers from as far away as Evanston, Oak Lawn and Tinley Park shop here for labels including BCBG Max Azria, Nanette Lepore, Seven, and edgy Tom K Nguyen.

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.

Reading on Walden Bookstore
9913 S. Walden Pkwy.
(773) 233-7633

This cozy book nook lends an intellectual flair to this mini-retail strip. It offers the requisite assortment of national best sellers, an in an attempt to compete with the chains, offer a 20-percent discount on most books purchased online (www.readingonwalden.com). Tucked into a tiny space, this 14-year-old book shop considers itself a reader's "Personal Bookseller," and owners John and Michelle Presta pride themselves on tracking down hard-to-find titles. Check out occasional readings from local authors like area resident Dennis Foley (The Streets & San Man's Guide to Chicago Eats). Monthly book discussion groups meet once a month at the Chicago Public Library's nearby Beverly branch, keeping the neighborhood connection alive through the written word.

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.

My Sister's Knits
9907 S. Walden Pkwy.
(773) 238-4555

This recently opened shop oozes charm and homespun hospitality, courtesy of owner and former nurse Carol Oprondek. No wonder its store slogan is "come for yarn, leave with a friend." This petite, pet-friendly place (Oprondek's two golden retrievers hold court daily) not only sells knitters a vast array of yarns and other accoutrements. One of the few, if only, knitting shops in the area, it also offers classes on Thursdays, giving area aficionados a cozy and convivial outlet for their hobby. These beginners' classes are booked through November, but still open is a men's-only knitting course. Why should sisters have all the fun?

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.