Bronzeville

Back in the day -- as folks might say -- you'd visit Bronzeville and find an area teeming with black-owned restaurants, retail stores, banks, insurance companies, grocery shops and beauty shops. There was the Supreme Life Insurance Company of America, the Palm Tavern and the Perfect Eat Shop. While blocks aren't stocked with tons of businesses now, there are a few people who are coming back to infuse the neighborhood with the same energy of a bygone era. We feature these spots.

Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council
3501 S. King, Suite 1E
(773) 373-2865

A one-stop place is now available to answer questions about all things Bronzeville. Opened on March 15, this council is the vision of many African Americans committed to revitalizing and promoting the positives of the area. Housed in the Supreme Life Insurance/Liberty Life Building -- former home of one of the most prominent businesses in the northern states between 1936 and 1942 -- the depot will feature information about tours and Black Metropolis history, mount local and national art exhibits and sell memorabilia in a gift shop. In addition, the hub will be a place for people in the Bronzeville community of all socio-economic levels to come and be trained on computers.

Tentative hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Leaders 1354
4351 S. Cottage Grove
(773) 285-1067

Marley. Che. Malcolm. Harold. Spray-painted images bring these famous faces alive on the walls of this hip store for gear. Cory Gilkey and his staff bring the latest in men's hip-hop fashions to those in the know. About 15 denim lines such as LRG and Red Monkey, along with Nike SB and coordinating skateboards, oversize jackets and screen-painted T-shirts, scream to trend-right shoppers, "buy me!"

Hours: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday.

Jokes & Notes
4641 S. King.
(773) 373-3390
www.jokesandnotes.com

The rag-finished, cherry-red lobby, with a stainless steel bar, oversize showroom doors and black banquettes, lets you know this comedy/jazz club is on fire. On a recent Saturday night the place had people lined up at 5:30 p.m. to buy tickets for the 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. shows. Owner Mary Lindsey, who with her All Jokes Aside Club in the early '90s helped promote the likes of Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac, brings the same upscale talent to the South Side. The latest to come through her new 225-seat place: Mo'Nique and Rodney Perry.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. Box office opens at 5:30 p.m. Tickets available only on the day of show.

Sensual Steps
4518 S. Cottage Grove
(773) 548-FEET

A fancy for shoes kicked up Nicole Jones' desire to open Sensual Steps last year. Multiple shades of pink decorate the sanctuary, where women can satisfy their shoe fantasies with her latest styles. She further deepens the experience by dotting the space with handbags, camisoles, jewelry and shawls. Not only does she carry names such as J. Lo, Charles David and Steve Madden, but also she features pieces by African-American designers such as Alisha Hill and Chicago-based Shatira.

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Jamaican Consulate/Jamaican Market Place Inc.
4655 S. King, Suite 104
(773) 624-0292

On any cold, winter day, this 650-square-foot grocery store offers a quick getaway. Bright lighting, soft spiritual music and shelves of Jamaican jerk seasoning, ackee, ginger beer and beef patties soothe the soul and refresh the mind. The store, located in a mall with Blu 47 and Afrocentric Bookstore, is owned by Peach Hyde, wife of Consul Lloyd L. Hyde of the Jamaican consulate. While his business office -- used to assist travelers and foreign nationals -- is located upstairs, it's the grocery store that Mrs. Hyde uses to bring everyone to a Jamaican-like feast -- a treat to savor without ever leaving the city.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday.