The Metra can take you all over Chicagoland — including Harvey.
Nearly 20 miles south of the Loop, the suburb once boasted thousands of manufacturing jobs. Even though its population and wealth have dwindled, Harvey remains rich in food, architecture, and history.
Harvey native Amethyst Davis launched the Harvey World Herald last year. The only full-time staffer, Davis shares what to do in the south suburb that she said was her “playground growing up.”
What to Eat
“The ‘Storefront’ has some of the best tacos and tortas in all of Cook County. People travel from across the south suburbs to eat there. It's really called Leonel's Market, but we gave it a funky nickname.
"Gus is a can't-miss — the food and the building. … The biggest co-sign is for their breakfast, namely their omelets, which are really filling.”
What to Drink
“If you're looking to kick it at a speakeasy, grab a drink with friends at Gloria's, the city's only Black-owned bar downtown.”
What to See
“Harvey's biggest draw is architecture. Much of the downtown area retains its early 20th-century buildings. Look at the original City Hall, Harvey Park District headquarters, the Stevenson building, Harvey Public Library District, and historic homes along 155th Street and Turlington Avenue.
“Walk through Harvey's Little India. The city's Indian population has quadrupled over the past two decades, best exemplified on 152nd Street and Broadway Avenue.
“Head toward Thornton Township High School, Harvey's only high school. Its campus is grandiose and commanding.”
The “Harvey World Wall” mural. (Courtesy of Amethyst Davis)
What to Do
“Sit on park benches and view ‘Harvey World Wall,’ a mural by Dixmoor native and Thornton alum Amoz Wright and other local artists that rests on the side of the famed Harvey Boxing Club. The mural was designed to spread positivity and light across the city.”
