Chicago Neighborhood Guide – Edison Park

Thursdays are quickly becoming one of my favorite blog days of the week because I love reading about all of the different neighborhoods in Chicago!  Especially posts like today’s that showcase neighborhoods you might not always be familiar with.

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Here to tell us all about her neighborhood of Edison Park is my good friend, Lindsey!  Lindsey and I met almost five years ago through our church.  She and her husband, Jeremy, were our first married small group leaders.  Lindsey is a wonderful teacher and is a whiz at trivia!  She loves Chicago sports (especially the Blackhawks) and is a mom to her adorable four-year old daughter, Emma.

When most people talk about ‘the north side’ of the city, they think of Wrigleyville or Lakeview, but I live in the REAL north side, the FAR north side, Edison Park. I basically describe it to people as the farthest northwest you can go in Chicago before you hit O’Hare! It’s a really beautiful area – tall trees, kids playing outside, and the loud sounds you hear aren’t ambulances or police cars, it’s the neighborhood dogs deep in conversation with one another. I consider it as close to a suburban feel as you get in the city. In fact, many of Chicago’s police officers and fire fighters live in Edison Park so they can get away from some of the busyness of the rest of the city. And when the quiet suburban feel starts to bore you, downtown Chicago is just a 15 minute car ride away, or you can hop on the blue line or Metra just a few blocks away.

Edison Park is also home to one of the cutest downtowns in Chicago. Stretching from Olympia to Overhill Ave on Northwest Highway, it is filled with one-of-a-kind restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It is one of my absolute favorite places in the city to take a walk with my husband and daughter. And so I know it won’t surprise you that all of my ‘favorites’ are found there!

Favorite Restaurant and Outdoor Seating: Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 6727 N. Olmsted Ave.

Moretti’s is my go-to restaurant because of its laid back atmosphere, beautiful outdoor dining, and gluten free BBQ chicken pizza! I mean, it has delicious food for everyone to enjoy, but I ALWAYS get the pizza!

Favorite Coffee and Pastry Shop: Le Flour and Anagra Coffee and Tea 6701 N. Olmsted Ave.

I love stopping in Le Flour when I am out for a walk with my daughter. Their iced chai is delicious and they have an impressive variety of treats – several of them gluten free. For a gal that can’t have gluten, finding a shop with gluten-less cookies is amazing!

Favorite Just for Fun Place: If an Elephant Can Paint 6677 N. Northwest Highway

When I want to do something special and different with a friend or with my daughter, this little painting shop is where I end up. In a word: Adorable.

Favorite Late Night Snack: Snappy Dog 6682 N. Northwest Highway

It’s a tiny little hole-in-the-wall type establishment, but if you’re hungry at 10pm, it is the place to go! And if I’m being honest, we go there at all other hours of the day as well! It’s definitely the best hot dog in Edison Park.

Favorite Spot to Play: Monument Park 6679 N. Avondale Ave.

This little park is nestled right behind downtown Edison Park and the Metra train line. So when my daughter and I are waiting for my husband to arrive home from work, we can hang out at the park and watch trains go by!

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She had me at gluten free BBQ Chicken Pizza!  I definitely foresee a trip up north to visit some of these places soon!  Thank you for sharing with us today, Lindsey!