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The great migration has begun. Hipsters, artists and just about everybody else in the know have begun to move from the Logan Square neighborhood to Avondale. Trust us on this one: Avondale is one of Chicago's up-and-coming neighborhoods. Some spots to check out:

Pork Shoppe

For those who swing on the swine, we present this city-slicker version of a country barbecue shack. Though it's only open until 10 p.m., it's the perfect spot to start your adventure in Avondale.

If you're dining on the cheap (and we don't blame you; it leaves more money to imbibe) try the $2 Texas brisket taco. For those looking to coat their stomach a bit more substantially, try either the pulled chicken or pulled pork sandwiches available in quarter-pound and half-pound varieties ($4.50/$9 and $6/$12, respectively). Baby-back ribs ($11 for a half rack or $19 for a full rack), and the restaurant's more meaty St. Louis Ribs ($10 for a half rack, $18 for a full rack) are also available.

Various farm implements hanging on the walls, the shadeless light bulbs and wood floors all add to the hillbilly-chic decor, too.

Pork Shoppe is located at 2755 W. Belmont, (773) 961-7654; porkshoppechicago.com.

Kuma's Corner

Patience is a virtue thanks to the tiny 16-by-16-foot kitchen, but the wait is worth it for one of the best burgers in Chicago. The Kuma, ($10), comes topped with bacon cheddar and a fried egg; consider it either a late dinner or early breakfast.

If you're really jonesing for comfort food, try the "Make Your Own Mac & Cheese," ($11 for two ingredients, $1 extra for each additional ingredient). The kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and 2 a.m. on Saturdays.

Kuma's Corner is located at 2900 W. Belmont, (773) 604-8769; kumascorner.com.

N

Located in an unassuming brick corner building and featuring a sparsely decorated, candle-lit interior, N (pronounced "EN-yay") is the kind of place that's easy to drive by and miss if you're not careful. The sibling restaurant to the more well-known, Argentinean family-run Tango Sur, N features some of its Lake View sibling's more popular dishes (empanadas with various fillings) as well as a dozen or so types of Argentinean tapas that won't set you back too much ($3-$13). The back room can get a little crowded and noisy as the night progresses; DJs start spinning funk and soul with an international flair around 10 p.m.

N is located at 2977 N. Elston, (773) 866-9898.

The Orbit Room

It's no wonder this retro-themed bar is a popular choice for many Chicago bartenders on their days off. Everything about it is laid-back and yet still hip. At $9, the joint's signature drink, the Orbitini, is a tasty yet potent mix of Midori, Malibu rum and pineapple that also won't break the bank. If you're trying to stretch your dollar, a bottle of Blatz (yeah, we were surprised this is still being brewed, too) is $2. A tall boy of the official Hipster beer, PBR, will run you $3. If you're looking for a nosh, on Fridays a pizza with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic will set you back $7 (additional toppings can be added for $2 each).

The Orbit Room is located at 2959 N. California, (773) 588-8540; orbitroomchicago.com.

Late Bar

Late Bar is indeed open late (4 a.m. on Fridays and 5 a.m. on Saturdays). On Fridays, the club is host to "The Merge," Chicago's only weekly mod/soul music night. On Saturdays, co-owner Dave Roberts spins new wave classics as part of the popular weekly "Planet Earth" party.

On the drink front, Late Bar is on the forefront, offering sugar-free, vegan-friendly and gluten-free options.

Attire-wise, you'll see everything from flashy to downright trashy, but that's part of the charm. You'll also never know what will be playing on the bar's video screens. We've seen everything from Depression-era black-and-white musicals to campy sci-fi flicks.

Late Bar is located at 3534 W. Belmont, (773) 267-5283; latebarchicago.com.