Avondale

Avondale sits just northwest of Logan Square, and it shares that neighborhood's bones — Milwaukee Avenue, the Blue Line, vintage brick housing — at a more relaxed register. It has long been a working neighborhood, and its Polish heritage is still visible along Milwaukee Avenue, where the magnificent St. Hyacinth Basilica anchors the area known as the Polish Village.

The food here earns attention well beyond the neighborhood. Kuma's Corner started its heavy-metal-and-burgers empire on Belmont, Honey Butter Fried Chicken draws lines on Elston, and Chief O'Neill's pours pints and hosts traditional Irish music in one of the city's best beer gardens. Milwaukee and Belmont both carry long stretches of taquerias, bakeries, and bars that have served the neighborhood for decades. For dance music heads, Podlasie is one of the best dance music clubs in the city.

Housing is classic Northwest Side: brick bungalows, two-flats, workers cottages, and frame houses, with condo conversions and some new construction near the Blue Line and along the main corridors. Lot sizes and price points both tend to run friendlier than neighborhoods closer to the lake.

The Blue Line stops at Belmont and Addison serve the neighborhood, with the Loop about 25 minutes away and O'Hare a direct ride northwest. Buses run on Milwaukee, Belmont, Addison, and Pulaski, and the Chicago River's North Branch traces the eastern edge, with Brands Park and the riverfront trail system nearby.

Avondale combines vintage housing, genuine food destinations, and Blue Line access, with a residential character built on brick bungalows and two-flats.

Avondale FAQ

Do you need a car in Avondale?

Not necessarily. The Blue Line stops at Belmont and Addison cover the Loop and O'Hare, and buses run on the main streets. That said, many households keep a car, and street parking is generally easier here than closer to the lake.

What types of homes are in Avondale?

Brick bungalows, two-flats, workers cottages, and frame houses, plus condo conversions and newer construction near the Blue Line and the main corridors.

Avondale vs. Logan Square: what's the difference?

They border each other along the Blue Line with similar housing stock. Logan Square has the boulevards, the square, and a larger restaurant concentration; Avondale generally offers larger lots and a somewhat quieter residential character, with standout food of its own.

What is Avondale known for?

St. Hyacinth Basilica and the Polish Village stretch of Milwaukee Avenue, destination restaurants like Kuma's Corner and Honey Butter Fried Chicken, and block after block of brick bungalows and two-flats.