Cook County is home to the largest Palestinian population in the country. About 15 miles southwest of the Loop is Bridgeview, aka Little Palestine.
Arabs from the region that includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine started arriving in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair, according to the Encyclopedia of Chicago. Mostly single men, Palestinian immigrants saw success selling dry goods and food as peddlers and shopkeepers in Black–majority neighborhoods on the South Side. As more Palestineans arrived in the city and diversified their businesses, they moved to the Southwest Side and nearby suburbs later.
Food blogger and “Dine in Palestine” cookbook author Heifa Odeh regularly heads to Bridgeview for authentic ingredients, praying at the masjid, and visiting friends who live nearby. She shares her recs.
These recommendations have been edited for length and clarity.
Something to Eat
- 🥙 Al Bawadi is a Palestinian restaurant serving everything from hummus to kebabs to knafeh made freshly in front of you. They have a person in authentic garments who serves Arab-style coffee.
- 🫓 Alwatan Bakery is known for its pita bread. Their array of fatayer like meat, cheese, and spinach pies are just as popular.
- 🍫 Satisfy your sweet tooth at Prince Sweets or Nablus Sweets.
- 🥜 The Nut House is a Palestinian-owned one-stop shop for nuts, halal candies, freshly ground coffee, Turkish delights, chocolates, and more. It is like an adult candy shop!
- 🛒 Harlem Foods Grocery Market carries Middle Eastern staples. The store also has a halal butcher.
Something to See:
- 🕌 The Mosque Foundation is one of the most popular mosques in the area. If you care to pray or be immersed, visit.
- 🇵🇸 Walk down 80th Street: All the signs are in Arabic, most people communicate in Arabic, and you will feel as if you are in Palestine.
Something to Do
- 🏟️ SeatGeek Stadium is a huge stadium that hosts many events, including Eid prayer.
- 🛍️ Shop at authentic Palestinian clothing and gold stores.
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