Local Highlights

Vive Pilsen! Where to dine, drink and dance in the Chicago hotspot

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Pilsen is home to some of the most unique places to dine, drink, and dance in the Chicago metro. With plenty of memorable culinary gems to hit before meeting up with the rest of your crew for cocktails and a little dancing, there’s also no shortage of premier hotspots in Pilsen that provide all three. Whether you’re looking for something high-end, low-key, or high energy, we’ve got you covered.  Here are our recommendations that are sure to become your go-to stops for going out in Pilsen:  

Dine, Drink & Dance

pilsen chicago guide

Simone’s

Simone’s is a beloved Pilsen fave. With an excellent craft beer selection, strong cocktails, music, dancing, and top-notch pub fare, who could ask for more? If you’re looking for a one-stop night spot that also does brunch and serves the business lunch set, this is the place.  Simone’s has everything you need in drinks, food, and appetizers (think eclectic American with everything from fried pickles, burgers, pizzas to empanadas). The retro feel of the creatively reclaimed and repurposed decor is both eye-catching and welcoming. It’s definitely a unique and enjoyable experience that offers something for everyone. It’s extremely accommodating for all kinds of guest occasions and the staff is warm and hospitable.  With multiple rooms, entertainment space, a patio, and a consistent calendar of events, Simone’s is a laid-back neighborhood favorite that impresses as a local hotspot while also memorable and welcoming for your out-of-town visitors at reasonable prices.  Simone’s Website

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Twisted Cantina 

Twisted Cantina is known in Pilsen for its relaxed vibe, exceptionally good drinks at decent prices, and its incredible Mexican street food. It’s vegetarian friendly and also serves up margaritas, craft cocktails, and dancing. The space is intimate and features an interior of exposed brick and local artwork.  Dance nights are highlighted by popular DJ and live music events with no cover charge at the door. It’s a well-liked, lowkey hangout for locals and visitors alike. Twisted Cantina puts their own spin on a variety of authentic tacos, taquitos, elote, guacamole, and some standard fare like sliders and other pub foodall of which get rave reviews. Although the menu is small, at the same time its price point is a great value considering the creativity and high quality.   Twisted Cantina Website

Dine and drink

pilsen chicago guide

HaiSous and Cà Phê Đá

HaiSous, the nationally-acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant in Pilsen, Chicago, features the complex flavors of Vietnam in an upscale, shared-plate atmosphere. Their self-proclaimed “food porn” is presented in an online gallery filled with images of gourmet plates and artfully crafted cocktails. Whether you’re visiting their instagram or website prior to visiting, you can also get a glimpse of their chic restaurant exterior, hip dining space, open air kitchen, and beautiful bar area, inviting you right in to experience all the tastiness and gorgeousness for yourself.  The owners of HaiSous are a husband and wife duo, Chef Thai and Danielle Dang, who’ve also opened Cà Phê Đá right next door. Cà Phê Đá offers specialty coffee concoctions, a variety of sweets, wings, a selection of bánh mì sandwiches, a few hot dishes, and beer and cocktails. Either of these must-try Pilsen hot spots are gems that are likely to earn return visits and keep filed away for places to take clients, friends, and family.  HaiSous Website

S.K.Y. 

Looking for unique stylish dining in the Pilsen section of Chicago? S.K.Y. has the sophisticated palette in mind – something you only fully realize by stopping in for the full sensory experience. Everything is artfully cool from the food presentation to the decor and lighting. You’ll see nothing but good reviews of S.K.Y. because the globally inspired food is like a complete synthesis of culinary design from the inside out.  The hip S.K.Y. vibe is emphasized by the surrounding visual of velvety seating, and beautifully polished concrete flooring, with indie rock music as the backdrop. Start with the extensive wine, sake, and beer list along with an appetizer like the black truffle croquettes. With other choices like cornbread madeleines, a roasted root salad, lobster dumplings, salmon with phyllo crust and Indonesian sambal sauce, and a seven-course tasting menu, you really can’t go wrong. Visit S.K.Y. for yourself or any variety of guests wanting to experience the best of Pilsen.  S.K.Y. Website

Dance

pilsen chicago guide

Thalia Hall

Music venue Thalia Hall is a world-class performance space in a historic public building that originated in 1892 as a Czech meeting hall. It reopened in 2014 as a music venue for rock bands that hosts concerts practically every night of the week. It holds a lot of its original interior character and has excellent sound to compliment your favorite musicians from all angles of the venue.  Thalia Hall has a bar but it shares the building with popular restaurant Dusek’s, cocktail bar Punch House, and piano bar Tack Room. That means you have some options, whether you’re pre-gaming before rocking out at Thalia or grabbing food and drinks afterwards. The venue can also be reserved for private events like weddings and other private celebrations.  Thalia Hall Website

Live

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