The next neighborhood guide takes us to East Side, a blue-collar area on the Southeast Side connected to the Calumet River and Lake Michigan.
The East Side’s steel industry initially attracted immigrants to the area for work. But in the 1930s, efforts to organize resulted in the deadly Memorial Day Massacre, when Chicago police fatally shot 10 strikers and injured more. The neighborhood's Latino population began to increase in the '80s. That's also when steel mills started to shutter, leaving many East Siders without jobs. Maya Rodriguez’s grandpa had to find a different job after Wisconsin Steel closed.
Rodriguez grew up in East Side and shares the best the neighborhood has to offer.
Something to Eat
- Tacos El Rey serves up Tijuana-style tacos — beefy, cheesy tacos topped with guacamole.
- La Cienega is another grocery store selling tasty tacos. It also offers great catering.
- Gina’s Chicken has a classic 10-piece combo.
- Hienie’s Shrimp House sells Hienie’s hot sauce, a Southeast Side staple. Bright orangey red, it kind of looks like Harold’s mild sauce.
Something to See
- Southeast Chicago Historical Society is a museum in Calumet Park that explores the area’s industrial history and environmental justice efforts.
- SkyART has all types of programming including art therapy. Plus, don’t miss the community garden.
Something to Do
- Big Marsh Park has fun for everyone from birders to BMX bikers at the 299-acre park.
- Rowan Park is a gathering spot to play sports or go for a stroll.
- Calumet Beach is where you’ll want to cool off in the summer between swimming or kayaking.
- Looking for a nice bike ride? Cycle through Eggers Grove to Wolf Lake.
