Pilsen Second Fridays gallery nights
Updated 3/2019.
Your interest in art doesn’t have to be confined to the Monets at the Art Institute [nor should it be!]. But one you get outside of established districts like River North, where do you go?
A favorite is in the Pilsen East neighborhood, which holds court every second Friday. Look around South Halsted, from 1711 to 2005 South. There are some fabulous art/garden spaces here, along with an eclectic crowd with which to mingle and share some Two-Buck Chuck.
What differs about this neighborhood’s galleries is that many change constantly, and are usually not the established artists you find in River North. The result is fresh perspectives and a variety of work. You can also get a ride from Hyde Park via ArtShould.
I also suggest checking out Kristoffer’s Cafe, right at 18th and Halsted. The tres leches cake is amazing and addictive [sorry!] and their tamales [Mexican and Mayan] are welcome as it’s a bit of a trek before you hit more restaurants. UIC is also nearby, so there are plenty of other options just a bit north.
