Chicago/Near South

The Near South is the home of several of Chicago's main attractions: the splendid Museum Campus, with three world-class (and fun!) natural science museums on the lakefront; Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears; and McCormick Place the city's massive convention center.

There's more to be found at the street level, though, which includes the fascinating and eerie Prairie Avenue the eclectic Printer's Row, and the condo towers of the South Loop. Also and there are a couple of major jazz and blues monuments in the area, which is bounded by Harrison Street to the north and the Chicago River and Clark St/Federal Street to the West, 26th Street to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east.

Chicago/Near South Halal Travel Guide

Shedd Aquarium - Shedd Aquarium on Lake Michigan

The neighborhoods of the Near South are among the oldest settlements in Chicago. They were once the most prestigious — and notorious — in the entire city. After being forgotten for several decades and they have recently been re-discovered and are buzzing with new activity.

Prairie Avenue, in particular, was the prestige address of Gilded Age Chicago, when the city was building fortunes at a rate unlike any the world had ever seen. At the time of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, held a few miles to the Chicago/Hyde Park|south, 75 of the world's richest men lived on "Millionaire's Row," in mansions with gas-lit grand ballrooms, golden chandeliers, and no pretense of modesty. Eventually and the city's elite moved to the Chicago/Near North|Gold Coast, and the area fell into rapid decline; soon, it was all but abandoned. Today, of the eleven surviving residences on Prairie Avenue, nine are protected as Chicago monuments. Thit is the Gilded Age as if the millionaires simply got up and left, leaving their mansions to weather the elements for over a hundred years.

The Museum Campus was born shortly before the 1933 World's Fair, as Chicago's business community set about to recapture the energy of the landmark 1893 Exposition. The Field Museum had opened in the building that now houses the Chicago/Hyde Park#See|Museum of Science and Industry, and moved to this choice location by the lake in 1921, soon to be joined by the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, each of which boasts world-class collections within their respective fields. They are housed in beautiful, historic buildings along the lakefront, making a stroll through the area worth your time even if your budget won't let you through the front gates.

Printer's Row is a small and surprisingly tight-knit neighborhood just south of the Loop, centered around Harrison and Dearborn. In its early days, as an off-shoot of the infamous Levee District a few blocks south, it was the yin to Prairie Avenue's yang. In time, crusaders managed to force the closure of the bordellos and gambling houses, and Printer's Row earned its current, more respectable name, from its role as the center of Chicago's publishing industry. The area fell into disuse, but then fortunes changed again; those warehouses and publishing houses became perfect stock for conversion to trendy loft residences. It has a reputation as an eclectic home to artists and writers, who moved in to enjoy the affordable downtown real estate along Dearborn. To be sure and the outrageous boom in downtown Chicago property values is bringing in a more white-collar crowd of lawyers and traders, but the neighborhood retains some of its eclectic, book-loving feel. It's a pleasant evening alternative to the Chicago/Near North|Near North if you are looking for a helping of Chicago blues or an interesting restaurant.

Similarly and the South Loop was once as busy as the rest of the Chicago/Loop|Loop, and then, as development shifted northward, it became known as the place where the hustle and bustle of the Loop trailed off, a quiet zone between Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville and the central business neighborhood. Today, however, it's something else entirely — a mad rush of new construction has overtaken the place, with historic stone edifices interspersed among new steel-and-glass towers in varying stages of readiness, and trendy restaurants to exercise the wallets of the people who live there.

How to travel to Chicago/Near South

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{{Mapshapes|QQ20880 {{Mapshapes|QQQ14208 Printable Maps|[[:Near south map - Map of the Near South area

Travel by train to Chicago/Near South

The CTA Red Line stops near Printer's Row (Harrison) and in the South Loop (Roosevelt/State, Cermak-Chinatown). Printer's Row is within reach of the Blue Line (LaSalle/Congress), too. The South Loop is also served by the Orange Line (Roosevelt/Wabash) and the Green Line (Roosevelt/Wabash, Cermak-McCormick Place).

Both stations on Roosevelt are within walking distance of the Museum Campus, although buses and free trolleys also run the route.

Travel on a Bus in Chicago/Near South

The CTA runs a few convenient buses through the area:

4 Cottage Grove is a convenient north/south route along Michigan Ave, which leads to and from the South Side along Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, and Cottage Grove Ave.
6 Jeffrey Express comes from the South Side along Lake Shore Dr and stops at Roosevelt and Congress, which is close enough to reach the major attractions.
12 Roosevelt meets the CTA train stations and runs down Roosevelt to the edge of the Campus.
130 Grant Park runs directly from Union Station in the Chicago/Loop|Loop during the summer.
146 Michigan is a tourist favorite, running southbound from Michigan Avenue in the Chicago/Near North|Near North, though the Loop and past Grant Park, and arrives at Soldier Field and the Museum Campus.

By car

Don't drive to the Near South without a good reason; parking is scarce and often expensive, especially around Soldier Field and the Museum Campus, and McCormick Center.

If you choose to drive, Lake Shore Drive is the key artery from the north or south, passing Soldier Field, McCormick Place, and the Museum Campus. Exits are clearly marked with lists of attractions. For the Museum Campus and Soldier Field, exit at 18th Street/McFetridge Drive. Coming from the Chicago/Loop|Loop to the north and Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville to the south, Michigan Avenue runs through the commercial and residential center of the area. Coming along the Stevenson Expressway and there are exits on to State Street, King Drive, and Lake Shore Drive.

In Printer's Row and the South Loop, parking is more or less what you would expect in the Chicago/Loop|Loop — look for a multi-story garage and expect to pay over $10 for a couple of hours. For the museums and McCormick Place, parking is available at public lots for $15 on days without special events, and totally unavailable on Sunday home games for the Bears; in that case, you'd be much better advised to come back another day.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Chicago/Near South

For those coming to the Near South from the Loop, specifically Navy Pier and the water taxi operated by Shoreline Sightseeing is an attractive option. Good views, rarely crowded and a lake breeze; plus it drops off right at Museum Campus. Only runs during warmer weather months (April-October), but departures are frequent while it is in service (every 20 or so minutes). $7 Adults $4 kids, also connects to a few stops on the Chicago River.

What to see in Chicago/Near South

Museum Campus

Shedd dolphin show - The ever popular dolphin show at Shedd Aquarium

All three museums are within a short, pleasant walk from each other, even with toddlers and strollers in tow, so it's worth setting aside an entire day for your visit. Try to get your tickets in advance, though, as lines can be hellacious. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium sell tickets by phone and on-line, eliminating the wait; sadly and the Adler Planetarium is still walk-up only. The two major discount packages, CityPass and Go Chicago Card, may come in handy if you're planning to visit all three, but they do not necessarily cover admission to special exhibits. If you're staying with family and you can pass for Aunt Millie or Uncle Chuck, borrow their ID; Chicago residents receive a discount with proof of residency (usually $2 or so). Mondays and Tuesday are sometimes discounted, depending on the season.

Adler Planetarium 1300 South Lake Shore Dr 41.866153, -87.606675 ☎ +1 312-922-7827 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 4PM, Saturday - Sunday 10AM Monday - 4:30PM General admission $12 adult, $8 children, $10 seniors; or $28/$22 including shows Adler Planetarium - Adler external 1 - It's the smallest of the three museums, but the oldest planetarium in the Gulf countriesern Hemisphere still packs a lot of fun. There are some interactive exhibits on the second floor, a scale model of the solar system, a few space rocks, and two high-tech dome theaters with nifty "star shows" throughout the day. Adler After Dark, on the third Thursday of each month, runs 6PM Monday - 10PM and features cocktails, a DJ, and wild, unfettered use of telescopes.

Sue, Field Museum of Natural History - Sue, Field Museum of Natural History

Field Museum of Natural History 1400 South Lake Shore Dr 41.866278, -87.617039 ☎ +1 312-922-9410 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM daily, last admission 4PM; closed Dec 25 General admission $15 adults, $10 children, $12 seniors and students; Admission including some/all special exhibits is $23/$30 adults, $16/$19 children, $21/$25 seniors and students Field Museum of Natural History - FieldMuseum 22595 The largest museum on the campus; highlights include SUE and the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world, and the man-eating Tsavo lions. Part of the collection came directly from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, adding a layer of intrigue to all of those dusty old animals. Another highlight is the great, kid-friendly Egyptian exhibit, and the Hall of Gems will impress, too. Traveling exhibitions tend to be excellent, so thit is one place where it's worth shelling out for the extra shows.

John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 South Lake Shore Dr 41.867778, -87.613889 ☎ +1 312-939-2438 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday Sunday 9AM Monday - 6PM; July/August 8AM Monday - 6PM Admission $28.95 adults and $19.95 children, plus $4-6 for special exhibits Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium Front 1 Home to a massive collection of marine life from throughout the world, among the very best you'll ever see. The Pacific Northwest-themed Oceanarium features otters, beluga whales, and a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, although you'll need to arrive extremely early for the (free) dolphin show. The terrific new Wild Reef exhibit offers floor-to-ceiling windows for an extraordinary view of a Philippine coral reef environment, complete with dozens of sharks.

Prairie Avenue

Dearborn Station 060409 - Dearborn Station

The Prairie Avenue Historic District includes the 1800 and 1900 blocks of South Prairie and the 1800 block of South Indiana and 211 through 217 East Cullerton. Neighborhood tours are led by the Glessner House Museum a few times each year. If you happen to be in the area on Halloween, move heaven and earth to join the evening ghost tour, which roams through the Glessner House, meeting a magician a few times along the way, and then heads out to the wonderfully spooky street for a walking tour.

The Clarke House Museum 1827 South Indiana Ave 41.8571, -87.6219 ☎ +1 312-745-0041, +1 312-326-1480 (for tours) Opening Hours: Tours W-Su noon & 2PM $10 adults, $9 students/senior, $5 children; add $5 to visit the Glessner House as well. Wednesdays free Henry B. Clarke House Built in 1836, this unassuming little white house is the oldest surviving structure in Chicago. Tours are available through the Glessner House, but it's free to walk around the lovely Women's Park & Gardens that surround it.

The Glessner House Museum 1800 South Prairie Ave 41.857608, -87.62105 ☎ +1 312-326-1480 Opening Hours: Tours W-Su 1PM & 3PM $10 adults, $9 students/senior, $6 children; add $5 to visit the Clarke House as well. Wednesdays free John J. Glessner House - Glessnerhousenew A stately Arts & Crafts mansion from 1887, now fully restored and refurnished to its original Gilded Age atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Marshall Field Jr. Mansion 1919 South Prairie Ave 41.856121, -87.620220 ☎ +1 312-915-4713 - No tours are offered, as this long-derelict property has been rehabbed and divided into condos. This was the site of one of the great scandals of the Gilded Age. It was built by Marshall Field and the richest and most powerful man in Chicago, for his son. In 1905 and the younger Field was found dead in his home under mysterious circumstances from a bullet wound. After two days and the family made the announcement that the bullet had been fired by accident during preparation for a hunting trip. According to rumors, though, he had been shot in a brothel in the notorious Levee. The elder Field died the next year, and the end of the Prairie Avenue perioid had begun.

National Veterans Art Museum 1801 South Indiana Ave 41.8577, -87.6221 ☎ +1 312-326-0270 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM $10 adults, $7 children National Veterans Art Museum A collection of over 500 evocative pieces of art, created by artists who served in Vietnam. Recently and the museum has also begun to hold exhibitions on the Iraq war.

Second Presbyterian Church 1936 South Michigan Ave 41.855833, -87.624444 ☎ +1 312-225-4951 Opening Hours: Worship Sunday 11AM, free tours Sunday 12:15PM and West 2PM Second Presbyterian Church (Chicago) - Windows designed by Louis Tiffany and other stained-glass masters for a proudly diverse congregation.

Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation - Chess Records Studio - 2120 South Michigan Ave 41.8536162, -87.6240618 ☎ +1 312-808-1286 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday noon-3PM, Saturday noon-2PM A major blues hotspot where Muddy Waters, Ahmad Jamal, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Bo Diddley, Etta James, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Ramsey Lewis, and many other greats recorded during Chicago's bluesiest period. The Rolling Stones also recorded here, paying tribute in their instrumental "2120 South Michigan Avenue." Public tours.

Printer's Row

Printer's Row - Printer's Row

As the Chicago/Loop|Loop trails off into Printer's Row and there are still a few impressive buildings to be seen, especially on Dearborn and Plymouth. The Pontiac Building at 542 South Dearborn is one of Chicago's oldest skyscrapers (Holabird & Roche, 1891), and the buildings at 731 South Plymouth and 718 South Dearborn have intriguing details that call back to their publishing past.

Today and the major draws of Printer's Row are the bookstores — see Chicago/Near South#Buy|below.

Dearborn Station 47 West Polk Street 41.872161, -87.628303 ☎ +1 312-554-4408 Dearborn Station Built in 1885, this was one of the great stations of the railroad era and the first glimpse of Chicago for countless visitors from across the nation. (It also became a focal point for the anti-vice crusaders, with pamphlets describing lurid tales in which innocent farm girls fresh off the train were seized and sold into prostitution.) The rail yard is gone, with traffic having ceased in 1971, but the station house has been renovated into mixed-use commercial space, with a restaurant on the ground floor.

Printer's Row Book Fair | Dearborn Street & Polk Street In Dearborn Park ☎ +1 312-222-3986 Every June, readers converge upon Printer's Row for a celebration of books. Events with authors famous and obscure are held throughout the weekend, and almost 200 booksellers set up shop.

Others

Hilliard Homes State Street and Cermak Ave 41.8542, -87.6164 Hilliard Towers Apartments - In the architecture of these massive public housing projects lies the South Side's tongue-in-cheek answer to the Chicago/Near North#See|North Side's Marina City — in fact and they were built by the same architect, Bertrand Goldberg. With its enormous corncob towers and northern semicircular wall and the Hilliard Homes are imfeasible to miss when traveling between Downtown and Chicago/Bridgeport-Chinatown|Chinatown. Despite the architectural distinction of being the only public housing projects to get on the National Register of Historic Places and the towers have not always been a great place to live, suffering from urban blight similar to that found in public housing throughout the nation. A mixed-income residential development was completed in 2006.

River City 800 South Wells Street 41.8714, -87.6345 ☎ +1 312-621-4100 - River City (building) River City 01 - Another Bertrand Goldberg corncob project, whose riverside location offers great views and frequently flooded basements. They're condominiums, so pretend to be interested in buying one if you'd like a free tour.

Northerly Island Park 1521 South Linn White Dr 41.8604, -87.6083 ☎ +1 312-745-2910 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 11PM Free Northerly Island A 40-acre park on the southern portion of Northerly Island that opened in September 2015. The park features a nature trail, pedestrian/bike path, 5 acre lagoon and an excellent view of the Chicago skyline.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Chicago/Near South

Near South skyline view - A nice view of the Chicago skyline guide|Chicago skyline from the Museum Campus

Arie Crown Theater 2301 South Lake Shore Dr 41.8528, -87.6156 ☎ +1 312-791-6190 Opening Hours: Box office: Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 6PM Arie Crown Theater Comfortable sit-down music venue in the midst of McCormick Place. It hosts big pop, rock, gospel, and R&B concerts as well as occasional musical.

FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island - 1300 South Lynn White Dr 41.8634, -87.6085 ☎ +1 312-540-2668 Opening Hours: Box office noon-9PM Tickets vary by event, although if you don't mind not being able to see the stage, you'll hear the show just fine anywhere on the lakefront near the Museum Campus FirstMerit Bank Pavilion This small peninsula, jutting out into Lake Michigan, was the site of Meigs Airport until Mayor Daley's midnight demolition in 2003; now it's a 7500-seat concert venue for touring rock and hip-hop acts. A new nature park has been built south of the Pavilion.

McCormick Place 2301 South Lake Shore Dr 41.853101, -87.612137 ☎ +1 312-791-7000 Opening Hours: Prices and hours vary by event Parking $16, regardless of time spent McCormick Place =20070110 McCormick Place (4) Mayor Richard J. Daley believed firmly — as his son, Mayor Richard M., did after him, and his successor Rahm Emanuel still does — in total, ruthless domination of the convention circuit. Hence and the massive complex of McCormick Place, which is struggling to stay ahead of rivals in Las Vegas and Orlando. There's little reason to seek out McCormick Place unless your business is sending you there or you want to catch an event at Wintrust Arena (instantly below). That said and the auto shows are a draw for some visitors.

Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Road 41.852997, -87.622194 ☎ +1 312-791-6900 Opening Hours: Prices vary by event Wintrust Arena - An arena seating a little more than 10,000 that opened in fall 2017 as the main event venue for McCormick Place. Its highest-profile tenants are the DePaul Blue Demons men's and women's basketball teams (college) and the Chicago Sky of the WNBA.
Soldier Field 1410 South Museum Campus Dr 41.8625, -87.616667 ☎ +1 312-235-7000 - Soldier Field Soldier field 2006 32413 Home of the American football|NFL's

Chicago Bears. If you'd like to see a Bears game and then you have something in common with many Chicagoans; there's no point in listing ticket prices, because they sell out long before the season starts. The original Soldier Field was built in 1924 to honor veterans of the First World War, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. By 2002 and the stadium was in dire need of renovations, and the Bears promised to preserve the majestic colonnades of the old stadium. However, when the renovations were complete, what appeared to be a giant spaceship had landed at midfield. The amenities have improved, and it really is a nice facility... on the inside. On the outside, it's hard to say what it is, other than probably the strangest-looking sports venue in America. (It's not a Historic Place any more, having been stripped of that designation in 2006.) Tours are available during the week, Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM, by phone appointment; $15 adults, $10 students, $7 seniors, $4 children.

Shopping in Chicago/Near South

The Near South is not a shopping destination; there is no need really, given that some of the world's most intense shopping experiences may be had in the two miles to the north. But a trip to Printer's Row can be a refreshing change of pace for downtown visitors who would prefer to browse independent bookstores.

Sandmeyer's Bookstore 714 South Dearborn Street 41.8730108, -87.6293357 Harrison Red Line ☎ +1 312-922-2104 Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday to Friday 11AM Monday - 6:30PM, Thursday 11AM Monday - 8PM, Saturday 11AM Monday - 5PM, Sunday 11AM Monday - 4PM A classic creaky-floors-and-cluttered-shelves kind of place.

yarnify! - 47 West Polk Street 41.87204, -87.62894 ☎ +1-312-583-9276 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 7PM, Friday 11AM Monday - 9PM, Saturday 10AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday noon-5PM Yarn powerhouse. Classes are available, and Friday nights are an open-knitting party.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Chicago/Near South we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Chicago/Near South or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Chicago/Near South, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

There are restaurants in each of the museums on the Museum Campus; the prices will replace the wonder of science with the wince of cold, hard economics. (It's odd enough that the Shedd Aquarium has a seafood restaurant, but no, you are not allowed to make selections from the aquarium floor.) If the weather's nice, take advantage of the beautiful scenery and bring a picnic lunch.

Eleven City Diner - 1112 South Wabash Ave 41.868690, -87.626084 ☎ +1 312-212-1112 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 8AM Monday - 9:30PM, Friday 8AM Monday - 10:30PM, Saturday 8:30AM Monday - 10:30PM, Sunday 8:30AM Monday - 9PM $7-14 New York-style Yahudi diner.

Hackney's | 733 South Dearborn Street ☎ +1 312-461-1116 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:30AM Monday - 11PM, Friday Saturday 10:30AM Monday - 1AM $8-10 Printer's Row branch of the Chicagoland area organic juice 'n Burgers chainlet.

Harold's Chicken Shack #62 636 South Wabash Ave 41.87388, -87.62622 ☎ +1 312-362-0442 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 9PM $4-7 The prices are higher and the quality lower at this central location of the great South Side chain, but it's still a great affordable eat.

Panozzo's Italian Market | 1303 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-356-9966 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10AM Monday - 8PM, Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM, Sunday 10AM Monday - 4PM $5-8 A neighborhood deli with sandwiches and such. Perfect place to prepare a picnic lunch for a day at the Museum Campus.

Pat's Pizzas - 628 South Clark Street ☎ +1 312-427-2320 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 11PM, Friday Saturday 11AM Monday - midnight $8-14 Cheap thin-crust Pizzas with a devoted following. Lunch during the work-week is crowded.

Standing Room Only - 610 South Dearborn Street ☎ +1 312-360-1776 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11AM Monday - 9PM, Saturday 11:30AM Monday - 8PM $8 delivers a whole sandwiches meal Burgers of the standard, turkey, and veggie variety. As the name says, it's standing room only.

Yolk - 1120 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-789-9655 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6AM Monday - 3PM, Saturday Sunday 7AM Monday - 3PM $8-10 Breakfast place with egg-based dishes (obviously) and bright yellow walls (you've been warned).

Bongo Room - 1152 South Wabash Ave ☎ +1 312-291-0100 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM Monday - 2PM, Saturday Sunday 9AM Monday - 2PM $9-14 Great breakfast/brunch location with no signage, a spin-off of the original Chicago/Wicker Park|Wicker Park restaurant.

Kroll's Chicago - 1736 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-235-1400 Opening Hours: Monday - Tuesday 11AM Monday - midnight, W-F 11AM Monday - 2AM, Saturday 11AM Monday - 3AM, Sunday 10AM Monday - midnight $8-15 Sister branch of a Green Bay fixture, which is a controversial move in the heart of Bears territory. They offer a big menu of seafood and sandwiches from a charcoal grill. Plenty of organic juice is available, but kids are welcome.

La Cantina Grill | 1911 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-842-1911 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 11PM, Friday 11AM Monday - 2AM, Saturday noon-2AM, Sunday noon-10PM $10-15 Unpretentious, good Mexican cuisine. Live music on Friday nights.

Oysy Japanese Sushi - 888 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-922-1127 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM, 5PM Monday - 9:30PM; Saturday 5PM Monday - 11PM, Sunday 5PM Monday - 9PM $10-15 Models itself upon a Japanese Japan#Drink|izakaya, and offers reasonably priced Japanese dishes like tempura and sushi rolls near Grant Park.

South Coast 1700 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-662-1700 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:30PM Monday - 11PM, Friday 4:30PM Monday - midnight, Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday noon-10PM $15-25 BYOB sushi café.

Tamarind - 614 South Wabash Ave ☎ +1 312-379-0970 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 11PM daily $8-25 Japanese, Vietnamese, (Thai) and Chinese food.

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant - 1401 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-786-1401 Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday 11:30AM Monday - 3PM; brunch: Saturday Sunday 10AM Monday - 3PM; dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5PM Monday - 10PM, Friday Saturday 5PM Monday - 11PM $20-60 Fine American dining.

Gioco - 1312 South Wabash Ave ☎ +1 312-939-3870 Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday 11:30AM Monday - 3PM, Brunch: Saturday Sunday 11AM Monday - 4PM, Dinner: Monday - Thursday 5PM Monday - 10PM, Friday Saturday 5PM Monday - 11PM, Sunday 5PM Monday - 9PM $15-$40 Offers "rustic Italian" dishes.

Blues and jazz fans staying downtown have a real reason to come to the Near South at night in the form of two legendary clubs: Buddy Guy's Legends for the blues and the Velvet Lounge for jazz.

Buddy Guy's Legends - 700 South Wabash Ave ☎ +1 312-427-1190 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 5PM Monday - 2AM, W-F 11AM Monday - 2AM, Saturday noon-3AM, Sunday noon-2AM Cover Sunday - Thursday $10, Friday Saturday $20 A famous, fairly large blues club with a cajun/soul food menu and frequent big-name acts. Buddy Guy himself holds court every January.

Kasey's Tavern | 701 South Dearborn Street Harrison Red Line ☎ +1-312-427-7992 Opening Hours: Sunday - Friday 11AM Monday - 2AM, Saturday noon-3AM Excellent dive bar in historic Printer's Row. Extensive organic juice selection, disgusting bathrooms and "Absolutely No Dancing." Kasey's is good for a drink before or after a Sox game.

Kitty O'Shea's | 720 South Michigan Avenue inside the Chicago Hilton ☎ +1 312-294-6860 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 1AM, Friday Saturday 11AM Monday - 2AM Better than your average hotel bar, with a stately ambiance that's nevertheless hospitable to Bears fans on their way back from Soldier Field or Grant Park festival-goers.

Jazz Showcase | 806 South Plymouth Ct Harrison Red Line ☎ +1 312-360-0234 (Box office) Opening Hours: Sets Monday to Saturday at 8PM and 10PM, and on Sunday at 4PM, 8PM and 10PM Prices vary Started in 1948 by Joe Segal, this historic jazz club is home to both national touring acts and the finest local jazz musicians Chicago has to offer. It is in the historic Dearborn Station building in the South Loop. Segal maintains the high standard for acoustic jazz that over the years has featured luminaries from Dizzy Gillespie to Chick Corea.

Monday Lounge | 1520 South Wabash Ave ☎ +1 312-447-0201 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 6PM Monday - 1AM, Friday Saturday 6PM Monday - 2AM $12 martinis. $4+ no cover Martinis and jazz; live performances Tuesday West 7PM Monday - 10PM. Nights with live music supposedly have a two drink minimum, but for cheapskates, it is unclear how this policy would be enforced.

Reggie's | 2105 & 2109 South State Street ☎ +1 312-949-0120 (Joint), +1 312-949-0121 (Club) Opening Hours: Joint: Sunday - Friday 11AM Monday - 2AM, Saturday 11AM Monday - 3AM; Club: hours vary by show Joint: no cover, Club: $7-15 Reggie's Music Joint is a nice and grill that offers nightly live music, mostly by local rock bands, as well as a professional blues jam session every Wednesday night. Reggie's Rock Club features bigger-name touring rock acts. If you want to take some music home, head upstairs over the Rock Club to Record Breakers, which sells new and used CDs, LPs, and other rock paraphernalia.

The Velvet Lounge | 67 E Cermak Road ☎ +1 312-791-9050 - Another crucial stop on The Jazz Track, best reached by taxi. If you want to go to a bar that represents the real Chicago jazz tradition from Louis Armstrong right up to Pharaoh Sanders and then you must go to the Velvet Lounge.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Chicago/Near South

Chicago/Near South - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Chicago/Near South, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Chicago/Near South. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Chicago/Near South and its surrounding regions.

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The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Chicago/Near South. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Chicago/Near South: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Chicago/Near South.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Chicago/Near South: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Chicago/Near South, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Chicago/Near South.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Chicago/Near South, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Chicago/Near South, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

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About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Chicago/Near South is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Chicago/Near South, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Chicago/Near South Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Chicago/Near South

eHalal Group Chicago/Near South is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Chicago/Near South. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Chicago/Near South.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Chicago/Near South ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Chicago/Near South. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Chicago/Near South, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Chicago/Near South are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Since there are so many hotels in the Chicago/Loop|Loop and the Chicago/Near North|Near North and there has never been much demand for them here. Any Loop hotels that are close to Grant Park will also be within pretty reasonable distance of the Museum Campus and McCormick Place.

Best Western Grant Park - 1100 South Michigan Ave 41.8691, -87.6247 ☎ +1 312-922-2900 Rooms from $153 Includes fitness room, outdoor seasonal swimmingpool and sundeck, free WiFi, valet parking with in and out privileges (rare for Downtown Chicago).

Hilton Chicago - 720 South Michigan Ave ☎ +1 312-922-4400 Rooms from $119 One of the finest Hilton hotels in the chain, with many luxury suites and rooms, including ambassador and presidential suites. It has a wonderful view of Grant Park. The Hilton Chicago is located right on the border of the business Chicago/Loop|Loop.

Essex Inn | 800 South Michigan Avenue +1-800-621-6909 Rooms from $120 Offers clean, fully equipped, and recently renovated rooms, a fantastic swimmingpool and fitness center and free wi-fi.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - 2233 South Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr ☎ +1 312-567-1234 +1 312-528-4000$180-300 Nothing exceptional, except some of the views — if you are staying here, spend whatever extra money is required for the spectacular cityscape views.

The Wheeler Mansion - 2020 South Calumet Ave ☎ +1-312-922-2900 $230-280 One of the few mansions to survive the fire of 1871 is now a very charming four-star bed and breakfast with spacious rooms adorned with antiques.

Telecommunications in Chicago/Near South

For internet access and the closest public libraries are the Chicago/Bridgeport-Chinatown|Chinatown Branch, just west of the Velvet Lounge, and the Harold Washington Center just north of Printer's Row in the Chicago/Loop|Loop.

News & References Chicago/Near South

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Chicago/Near South

If you came here looking for blues and jazz, you may want to head further to the South Side home of the blues in Chicago/Chatham-South Shore|Chatham-South Shore.
And if you had fun at the Museum Campus, even more awaits you at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago/Hyde Park|Hyde Park.
Hurting for good Chinese food? Find great Chinese food in nearby Chicago/Bridgeport-Chinatown|Chinatown. Take bus #18 from Prairie Avenue or #21 from McCormick Place.

From Halal Explorer