NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
A guide to local favorites in Little Village
- By Adeshina Emmanuel
- Photos by Lucy Hewett
A thriving Mexican American enclave dubbed “the Mexico of the Midwest,” there’s nothing quite like Little Village in Chicago. The taquerias and panaderias here are top-notch, and the streets hum with energy and delicious smells — especially along 26th Street, the second-busiest shopping district in the city after the Magnificent Mile. You’ll find an array of street merchants, food vendors, Mexican gift shops and boutiques selling everything from Western wear to wedding dresses.
Meet Adeshina Emmanuel
Adeshina was raised by an African-American mother and Nigerian father in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood on the Far North Side, where he studied journalism at Loyola University in Rogers Park.
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Email bytheway@washpost.comRead more about Adeshina
Little Village
Little Village Arch
“Bienvenidos a Little Village” — this terra-cotta gateway welcomes visitors to the area.
26th St. and Albany St., Chicago, Ill. 60623
Dulcelandia
Make sure to bring your sweet tooth to Dulcelandia. The warehouse store is stocked with thousands of imported Mexican treats and party supplies, including a large selection of piñatas.
Dulcelandia, 3253 W. 26th St., Chicago, Ill. 60623
Open Center for the Arts
A community art gallery and convening space, Open houses artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders in a place to hone and share their craft.
Open Center for the Arts, 2214 S. Sacramento Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60623
Taqueria El Milagro
Known primarily for its tacos, this no-frills Mexican joint serves up simple and delicious food and offers outdoor eating.
Taqueria El Milagro, 3050 W. 26th St., Chicago, Ill. 60623
Los Candiles Restaurant
Locals flock to this hidden gem, which serves up Mexican food in a friendly environment. Be sure to pop by for an especially excellent breakfast.
Los Candiles Restaurant, 2624 S. Central Park Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60623
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Adeshina Emmanuel
Adeshina was raised by an African-American mother and Nigerian father in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood on the Far North Side, where he studied journalism at Loyola University in Rogers Park.
