Albany Park is considered one of the country’s most diverse zip codes. Its vast panorama of ethnic shops and eateries – Korean, Middle Eastern, Thai, Indian, Mexican and more – presents a unique multicultural experience to any visitor. Adjacent North Park is a stronghold of Swedish culture, and home to North Park University, founded in 1891 by the Swedish Covenant Church. Cutting through North Park is the North Branch Trail, 20 miles of walking, biking and jogging paths that run along the Chicago River in this neighborhood.
North Park and Albany Park are two neighborhoods that are similar in a couple of respects. Both are primarily residential, a mix of single-family dwellings (many of them, especially in west Albany Park, the familiar Chicago bungalows) and small to mid-size apartment buildings. And both, in terms of their appeal to visitors, can largely be appreciated by what’s on a single street in their communities.
Attractions
Contents
- Attractions
- Albany Park Theater Project/The Laura Wiley Theater
- Bohemian National Cemetery
- Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial
- Gompers Park Nature Area
- Irish American Heritage Center
- North Mayfair Historic Bungalow District
- North Park University
- North Park Village Nature Center
- Peterson Park
- Ronan Park River Edge
- Dining
- Shopping
- Tours
- Events
Albany Park Theater Project/The Laura Wiley Theater
- Theater & Dance
Exemplifying the diversity of the neighborhood, this multi-ethnic theater company gives voice to teens and young adults dealing with issues such as immigration and poverty.
5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. | 773.866.0875
Bohemian National Cemetery
- Cemeteries
This historic cemetery was founded in 1877 by Bohemian, Moravian and Slovak immigrants. Filled with history, the cemetery features three war memorials, dozens of broken tree monuments and is the resting place of Mayor Anton Cermak. In 2006 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Free Admission | 5255 N. Pulaski Rd. | 773.539.8442
Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial
- Museums & Zoos
This one-of-a-kind institution raises awareness of the Cambodian genocide and celebrates the renewal of Cambodian community and culture here in the United States.
2831 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.878.7090
Gompers Park Nature Area
- Parks & Gardens
Gompers Park on Chicago’s northwest side is home to a fishing lagoon and wetland, adjacent to the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Free Admission | 4222 W. Foster Ave. | 312.742.PLAY (7529)
Irish American Heritage Center
- Cultural Centers,
- Libraries,
- Music,
- Theater & Dance
The Irish American Heritage Center fosters the practice, study and celebration of Irish, Celtic and Irish-American cultural traditions. The IAHC houses a 650-seat theatre, an authentic Irish pub, a library, a Social Center, a museum, dance/music studios and meeting rooms.
Free Admission | 4626 N. Knox Ave. | 773.282.7035, ext. 10
North Mayfair Historic Bungalow District
- Historical Landmarks
In 2006, the National Park Service added the North Mayfair Histoic Bungalow District to the National Register of Historic places for it’s large concentration of historic Chicago Bungalows.The recognized area is bounded by Foster Ave. on the north, Kilbourn Ave. on th east, Lawrence Ave. on the south, and Pulaski Rd. on the west.
Free Admission | W. Foster Ave. & N. Pulaski Rd.
North Park University
- Universities & Colleges
Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Convent Church, this urban university campus has strong ties to the Swedish-American community that is prevalent in the area.
Free Admission | 3225 W. Foster Ave. | 773.244.6200
North Park Village Nature Center
- Parks & Gardens
Located on the city’s northeast side, this site is a 46-acre nature preserve and educational facility with miles of trails and lots of wildlife.
Free Admission | 5801 N. Pulaski Rd | 312.744.5472
Peterson Park
- Parks & Gardens
Situated on 160 acres of land originally donated as property for a tuberculosis sanitarium, today the city utilizes the buildings for activities such as gymnastics, ballet and karate classes, as well as providing outdoor facilities for baseball, basketball and tennis.
Free Admission | 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. | 312.742.7584
Ronan Park River Edge
- Parks & Gardens
Ronan Park includes 3 acres of naturalized river edge habitat along the North Branch of the Chicago River on City’s north side. A wooded chipped path in the park parallels the river, making Ronan Park a perfect spot for bird watching or a nature walk.
Free Admission | 2900 W. Lawrence Ave. | 312.742.PLAY (7529)
Dining
Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery
- Food Retail: Bakeries
This Middle Eastern bakery is famous for their homemade pita, but also offers treats such as baklava, as well as a fully stocked Middle Eastern grocery.
4746 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773.583.3099
Ali Baba Café
- Middle Eastern
Serving traditional and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Ali Baba Cafe is mostly known as a neighborhood favorite hookah bar.
4046 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.202.1992
Attra
- Food Retail: Grocery
Attra is a small Middle Eastern grocer supplying various imported coffees, teas, candies, spices and snacks from throughout the region.
6257 N. McCormick Rd. | 773.267.2004
Babil Kabob House
- Middle Eastern
Babil Kabob House dishes up traditonal Middle Eastern dishes such as kabobs, schwarma and falafil.
3951 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.463.3560
Beijo de Chocolat
- Food Retail: Desserts
New European-style café specializing rare chocolates such as the Brazilian brigadeiro and surprising flavors like curry milk chocolate. Enjoy a coffee with one of the many freshly baked pastries.
3334 W. Foster Ave. | 773.267.0138
Big Pho
- Vietnamese
Making a run at the title for ‘best Pho in Chicago’, Big Pho serves the traditional Vietnamese soup with several different and unique options.
3737 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.478.8282
Chicago Kalbi
- Korean
For a unique dining experience, head to Chicago Kalbi. This Japanese-style Korean BBQ restaurant allows you to grill and prepare meats and veggies at your table.
3752 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.604.8183
Chiyo
- Japanese
Form the owners of Chicago Kabli comes Chiyo Japanese Restaurant. The menu offers up the “real taste of Japan” with quality fresh ingredients and an extensive Sake selection.
3800 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.267.1555
Fish Guy Market/Wellfleet
- Seafood
One of Chicago’s few remaining fish sellers featuring a wide selection of seafood from around the world. Order a fresh fish sandwich to go or buy by the pound. Wellfleet, the BYOB prix fix Dinner takes place every Friday.
4423 N. Elston Ave. | 773.283.7400
Jaafer Sweets
- Food Retail: Bakeries
This enticing Middle Eastern bakery specializes in traditional sweet treats including baklava and knafeh.
4825 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773.463.3933
Lalich Deli
- Delis
Known for their excellent lean sausage called Cevapcici, this authentic Serbian deli has been in the neighborhood for many years.
4208 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.545.3642
Marie’s Pizzeria & Liquors
- Pizza
Family owned since 1940, this pizzeria is loved for it’s superb thin-crust pizza. Located within a liquor store, guests can select a bottle of wine from next door and have it delivered to their table.
4129 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773.725.1812
Mi Na Ri
- Korean
Affordable, authentic Korean cuisine.
3311 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. | 773.267.3590
Midori
- Japanese
High quality Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with traditional decor and seating.
3310 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. | 773.267.9733
Noon O Kebab
- Persian / Iranian
This warm and inviting restaurant is a local favorite for kebabs. It’s so loved that there was even a play written about it! Don’t have time to dine in? The restaurant has recently expanded to include a take-out kitchen and delivery service.
4825 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773.279.8899
Pure Café
- Other
This new café, bar, and lounge pairs traditional Croation dishes with other European flavors. Drop by to enjoy a fresh and tasty Lunch or to watch a European soccer match.
6251 N. McCormick Rd. | 773.463.3400
Semiramis
- Middle Eastern
Affordable Lebanese with a charming and relaxing decor.
4639-41 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773.279.8900
So Gong Dong Tofu House
- Korean
Korean tofu house known particularly for their tofu soup.
3307 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. | 773.539.8377
Ssyal Ginseng House
- Korean
This small Korean restaurant is mostly known for their Ginseng Chicken soup and other excellent traditional and authentic dishes.
4201 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.427.5296
Tre Kronor
- Scandinavian
This well known Swedish restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, serving traditional pastries, quiche and herring dishes.
3258 W. Foster Ave. | 773.267.9888
Via Veneto
- Italian
Nice Italian restaurant with live Opera on the third Friday of every month.
6340 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.267.0888
Shopping
The Sweden Shop
- Various
The Sweden Shop merges Scandinavian tradition with contemporary design. The shop carries a wide variety of items including traditional Swedish fabrics, glogg warmers, glassware and kitchenware.
3304 W. Foster Ave. | 773.478.0327
Tours
Taste of Albany Park
- Bus,
- Walking
A taste of Albany Park is a taste of the world. Visit one of our nation’s most diverse zip codes with Chicago Neighborhood Tours, and and enjoy authentic ethnic cuisines at several neighborhood eateries.
77 E. Randolph St. | 312.742.1190 (TTY: 312.744.2947)
Events
Central American Parade
- Kid and Family Events,
- Parades
The Central American Parade will take place on Sept. 9th on Montrose Ave. from California to Kimball.
Free Admission | 2800 W. Montrose Ave. | 773.430.4985
Ecuador Parade
- Kid and Family Events,
- Parades
The Ecuador Parade will take place in Albany Park and will feature a vibrant train of floats, along with Andean music and dancing from local folkloric troupes, all celebrating Ecuadorian independence.
Free Admission | 4346 N. California Ave. | 773.627.7051
Independence Park Farmers Market
- Culinary Events,
- Farmers Markets,
- Kid and Family Events
Vendor offerings include fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and baked goods.
Free Admission | 3945 N. Springfield | 312.263.3754