By Bob Glaze
Bridgeport is an historic, working-class neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, that was settled by a large number if Irish, Lithuanian, Polish and more recently Mexican and Chinese immigrants who have all contributed immensely to the area from its churches to its food culture. It became a major industrial center in the city at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was also the birthplace and home of five Chicago mayors including Richard J. Daley and his son Richard M. Daley. Today it has become a mecca for artists to open studios in all mediums. In addition, it has seen large growth in the number of new restaurants, of which many reflect the cultural diversity of the community.
Historic Bridgeport
Historic Bridgeport
I went back again last month and enjoyed finding some fun new spots. My new recommendations include:
GREAT ART IN BRIDGEPORT
There are several historic buildings in Bridgeport that are home to a number of artists’ studios and galleries. These include The Bridgeport Art Center and the Zhou B Arts Center.
On my last visit to the area, I enjoyed visiting the Morgan Arts Complex, MAC, at 3622 S. Morgan St., for the first time. Located in a historic 150,000 sq. ft. building, this is an event space as well as a gallery space and artists’ studios. I enjoyed walking through
and seeing several photography exhibitions. There is also a casual bar and restaurant, Dolce Arte – The Art of Food, for coffee, pastries and a breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and dinner.
Morgan Arts Complex
WHERE TO EAT IN BRIDGEPORT
The neighborhood has a growing number of bars, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops.
Across the street from Bridgeport Coffee, which I have enjoyed in the past, is Maria’s Packaged Good and Community Bar at 960 W. 31st St. This is a neighborhood bar serving cocktails and over 40 craft beers and ales. You can visit the old bar or the new taproom with an outdoor patio. They also have beer and liquor for sale.
Maria’s Packaged Good and Community Bar
Maria’s Packaged Good and Community Bar
Maria’s Packaged Good and Community Bar
Next door is Kimski, a counter service Korean Polish Street Food restaurant that Maria’s opened. You can eat outside on the front patio or eat it in Maria’s new taproom in the back.
On the west side of the neighborhood is Cadinho Bakery & Café. After reading about it, I made a point to visit with a local friend. It is a Portuguese-style cafe opened by Alejandra Rivera and her husband Eric Carlson, after they lived in Portugal for two years. They have coffee drinks and pastries. But the highlight is the famed Portuguese Pastéis de Nata or flaky egg custard tarts. I had my first ones in Portugal which are also known as Pastéis de Belém. I had them again in the Newark NJ Ironbound or Portuguese neighborhood. They were excellent at Cadinho. You must try them!! We also enjoyed meeting Eric and learning about his story. 3483 S. Archer Ave.
Cadinho Bakery & Café
Cadinho Bakery & Café
Speaking of bakeries, I stopped by Fat Peach Bakery at 2907 S. Archer. I read about it as it opened in August 2024 in the former Bridgeport Bakery location. It is known for its pastries, croissants and Danish pastries. Unfortunately, they were sold out of their
baked goods and were serving coffee drinks only. I need to go earlier or preorder. According to Eater Chicago, Fat Peach was inspired by the Mexican bakery culture.
Fat Peach Bakery
I also highly recommend that you try Jackalope Coffee & Tea House at 755 W. 32nd St. I recently went for the first time and really enjoyed the coffee and the hip vibe with its art and fun decorations.
Jackalope Coffee & Tea House
Jackalope Coffee & Tea House
I went later in the day to The Stockyard Coffeehouse at 558 W. 37th St. This is a small local coffee shop, owned by a couple and her sister who are from Mexico, but who live in Bridgeport. Here you can order a regular cup of coffee, specialty lattes, espresso
shots, cortaditos and their signature drink the Mexican Mocha. They also have breakfast and brunch items. I liked their idea of offering several flights of small lattes with different flavors. These include the Stockyard Classic Flight ~ horchata, Mexican mocha, cafe de olla and coquito lattes. I enjoyed the horchata latte and visiting with the owners. I love supporting local businesses like this.
Make sure to stop by Shinnick’s Pub at 3758 S. Union. This is a popular neighborhood Irish pub since 1938 with a fun atmosphere and a bar built in the late 1880s.
Shinnick’s Pub
Shinnick’s Pub
Also high on my list to try is Stussy’s Diner next to the Ramova Theater at 3500 S. Halsted St. They took over the former Bridgeport Restaurant space that was a neighborhood favorite for more than 70 years. I had planned to have brunch there, but it
was closed on Saturday until 7pm. This is a fun, colorful, bright pink locally black-owned diner that opened in September 2024. The menu looks great. I will definitely go back on a day that it is open.
Stussy’s Diner
BRIDGEPORT’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
I recommend driving through the neighborhood to see the area and some of its historic Chicago bungalows and other architecture.
Bridgeport Bungalows
Bridgeport Bungalows
Bridgeport Bungalows
Make sure to visit the historic Ramova Theater at 3520 S. Halsted. It opened in 1929 as a sister theater to the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview. Closed for over 35 years, it underwent a $28 million renovation to convert it to an entertainment space, restaurant and brewery. It opened in late 2023. I went for brunch in October 2024 at the Grill & Taproom and enjoyed the shrimp and grits. I also tasted the Bridgeport Ale brewed onsite by Other Half Brewing. The Ramova offers special events, lectures, live music and more.
Ramova Theater
Ramova Theater
Ramova Theater – Grill & Taproom
Ramova Theater – Grill & Taproom
I hope you enjoy your visit to Bridgeport as much as I did mine.
For more travel destinations and recommendations, visit globalphile.com.
