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Edgewater
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Edgewater is a great option for people who enjoy lakeside living, like to explore, and love to discover hidden gems. The area has easy beach access, a variety of outdoor spaces, and a mellow energy to it, all with glistening views over Lake Michigan. You’ll find local cafes, small parks, storefront theaters, and some of the city’s best antique shops. You’ll also find a restaurant scene with a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world.
There’s quite a mix of architecture in Edgewater: restored vintage buildings sit next to new single family homes, as well as condo buildings overlooking the water. If you head to the Bryn Mawr Historic District, there’s plenty of early 20th century architecture and old school lamp posts, not to mention the pink 1920s Edgewater Beach Apartments. The community is easily accessible by Lake Shore Drive and the Red Line, giving you a direct connection to downtown Chicago, and Loyola University’s campus is just on the edge of the neighborhood.
Edgewater is a lazy weekend hunting for antique finds. It’s sipping a mug of fresh coffee as the sun rises over the lake, or meeting a friend for scoops of homestyle ice cream. It’s ducking into an indie storefront theater for a show you’ll never forget. It’s walking along the sandy beaches, then grabbing takeout from your favorite spot around the corner.
Backstory
In the late 1800s, there was an early settlement called Lakeview Township. It eventually grew and split into several Chicago neighborhoods, including Lakeview, Uptown, Edgewater, and others. But at first, before it all became part of Chicago, people began to set up farms and cottages, and the population basically started exploding.
In 1885, a developer named John Lewis Cochran came in to build up a section of Lakeview Township as a distinct neighborhood, which he dubbed Edgewater, planning to attract wealthy residents to the area. This would lead to construction of some stunning homes and mansions, a few of which you can still see today. This was also one of the first neighborhoods to feature modern amenities like electric lights and street cleaning.
Chicago officially annexed both Lakeview and Edgewater in 1889. Streetcar lines were extended through the area in the 1890s, which led to even more new residents and homes. Around the turn of the century, Edgewater was growing so rapidly that things spilled over into a new neighborhood called Uptown, and the two got lumped together under the Uptown banner.
In the 1950s, many of the affluent families that called Edgewater home for generations began to flock to the suburbs. So in 1980, the Chicago City Council and local business owners worked to revive Edgewater, separating it from Uptown once again with its own name and identity. Years of restoration and redevelopment followed, and the neighborhood grew into the Edgewater we know today.
Local Fare
- The Waterfront Café: This cute spot is right in the middle of Berger Park. Sit on the patio for a lobster roll and a beer, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Check their website for a calendar of free live music — and also check the weather, because it’s outdoor only.
- Dak: Great bibimbap, bulgogi, and the house specialty: crispy Korean fried chicken wings, served with soy-garlic or sweet-and-spicy red pepper sauce.
- Metropolis Coffee Company: Metropolis has become a major craft roaster, and this is the little café that started it all. The friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect place to settle in for a while, whether you’re bringing your laptop, a friend, or even your kids.
- Moody’s Pub: There’s kind of a throwback hunting lodge aesthetic at Moody’s. You can sit inside by one of the fireplaces when it’s chilly, or head out to the ivy-covered beer garden in the summer. Their burgers have been called the best in Chicago more than once.
- Uncommon Ground: Incredibly fresh and tasty food, solid cocktail list, great coffee, and live music while you dine. They take farm-to-table to a new level with their rooftop garden — and they also operate Greenstar, the state’s first organic brewery.
- Edgewater Tacos: A casual family-run taquería with addictively good food. Basically everything is homemade, and their al pastor is marinated for 24 hours.
- Mango Pickle: Modern takes on classic Indian dishes, with seasonal menus and local ingredients. They have special events and pre fixe menus from time to time, so check their website or social for updates.
Things to Do
- Broadway Antique Market: The oldest antique shop in Chicago has a lot going on. There are two entire floors filled with a huge array of curated books, jewelry, clothing, and the city’s biggest selection of vintage furniture.
- Rivendell Theatre: This professional theater ensemble focuses on women’s stories in an intimate storefront setting.
- Beaches: One bonus of living in Edgewater is that you have some smaller, quieter beaches that are still full of amenities. There’s Foster Beach, which has some grassy areas perfect for picnics, and tends to be dog-friendly. Then there’s Osterman Beach (AKA Hollywood Beach), with a volleyball court and small rainbow-painted lighthouse. Both spots have restrooms, dining options, and wifi.
Sights to See
Transportation
You have a few Red Line stops in Edgewater that can take you down toward the Loop, and many buses run through the neighborhood. Lake Shore Drive is also easily accessible for scenic drives downtown.
- the Loop: ~40 min by public transit
- the Lake (Osterman Beach): ~15 min walk
- O’Hare: ~70 min by public transit
- Midway: ~75 min by public transit
- Loyola University: ~10 min by public transit; ~20 min walk