Chicago and Western in Ukrainian Village
Rumbling infrastructure projects vibrate the sidewalks in this shifting neighborhood where Ukrainian immigrants and their culture meet with the artsy side of generation hip-hop. In one way it's anchored by the striking churches like St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Parish, and dedicated facilities like the Ukrainian Cultural Center.
But its newer branches can be found after dark in trendy clubs like Darkroom, Vertigo and the Black Beetle where some of the city's best DJs lure hip partygoers to sway to latest beats. In daylight, immigrants young and old populate the sidewalks, but they're not all from Eastern Europe anymore, and young professionals whose grandparents fled similar urban sets only two generations ago rejoin them.
The shift is also evident in several empty storefronts, but this is still a place to come for authentic Eastern European food, colorful Easter egg wraps and, yes, trendy shoes.
Village Cafe
2304 W. Chicago
(773) 276-7676
A sleek sign glimmers like a sequin amid tired concrete announcing this inviting cafe. It's the place to stop if you're looking to read up on your favorite soccer club while sipping on a coffee, or if you're sweltering in the Chicago heat and need a couple of scoops of ice cream to cool down. Sweet coffee drinks like the raspberry mocha kiss and the eggnog latte are the highlights of the menu, but an impressive selection of pastries -- ranging from tiramisu to trigona -- can also be had. If you're on the go, you can also nab a sandwich whether you're old school PB&J ($2.99) or tres chic focaccia ($6.99).
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Chaika, Inc,
2319 W. Chicago
(773) 486-6563
This tiny Ukrainian gift shop offers traditional Ukrainian clothes, a selection of Ukrainian literature and children's books, videos, and even flatware and cooking sets. But it's the small selection of Orthodox mementos that are worth checking out. Gold-adorned portraits of Christ and of the Holy Mother and Child, intricately hand-painted Easter eggs made from real, hollowed-out shells, and ceramic saints are just a few of the treasures to be found.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday and Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Euro Shoe Warehouse
2456 W. Chicago
(773) 235-2325
Looking for Italian leather shoes at (almost) Payless prices? Euro Shoe Warehouse holds an inventory of about 800 styles of shoes (600 women's), mostly from Italy, Spain and Russia and almost all of them are priced under $100. Brands like Anita Medici, Shera, Fermani and Enzo Romazzotti offer footwear ranging from business meeting conservative to chocolate martini funky, airport slip-off friendly, to pointy-toe hip.
Hours: Monday 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tommy's Rock & Roll Cafe
2500 W. Chicago
(773) 486-6768
Six years ago this breakfast and lunch cafe started offering something with a little more kick than extra peppers -- electric guitars. "I don't know why," says owner Tom Catalano. "Because I'm crazy." Now, in addition to dogs, veggie burgers and Sloppy Joes, he's dealing in Les Pauls. If you're in the market, just stop by and ask, pick a guitar and start to jam. Numbering more than 300 guitars ranging from new to used to vintage, the instruments have now taken over what used to be his storage space and freezer. But it has been successful. A letter on the wall expresses the gratification of one happy customer -- Tom Petty.
Hours: Monday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Black Beetle
2532 W. Chicago
(773) 384-0701
www.blackbeetlechicago.com
With exposed brick and a glowing bar, this laid-back bar and grill not only boasts a mighty selection of burgers, apple pie and drink specials, it's also home to some of the best up-and-coming DJs in Chicago. On the weekends DJs spin everything from hip-hop to rock, digging into crates to find selections that keep the buzz steady. The kitchen is also open late, making it a great place to stop for beats and dessert. For working folks, they're now also open for lunch.
Hours: Monday-Friday and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.
David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.
