On Lake Michigan, on the far north side of Chicago is Rogers Park, a melting pot of a neighborhood. Considered to be one of the most economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods in the nation, this neighborhood has everything you need to be at home in a large city. With some of the most diverse foods, entertainment and organizations, this neighborhood has it all and continues to grow and become even more diversified. Grab an Indian bite to eat at Herma’s Kitchen or spend the afternoon at Thillens Stadium. You’re bound to experience some diversity while eating fresh sushi for lunch at Tampopo or gardening among the members of the Rogers Park Garden Group.
The Diverse Food
A great reflection of it’s diverse residents, Rogers Park has a ton of great restaurants that are anything but typical. Herma’s Kitchen is a staple dining option in Rogers Park and Herma Potla, the Chef and owner makes it unique. One of the best places in Chicago for Indian food, Herma makes each dish from scratch and adds spices that will take you out of Rogers Park and into India. One of the best dishes is the Sheek Kebob which includes minced lamb marinated in herbs and spices and skewered in tandoor. Tampopo is another diverse option in West Rogers Park that offers Japanese and Korean fusion food. Offering everything from sushi to teriyaki, this restaurant is a culturally inviting dinner locale. The popular Bento Boxes can be enjoyed here along with numerous dessert options.
The Diverse Entertainment
Along with diverse food comes diverse entertainment. The Croatian Cultural Center of Chicago is in West Rogers Park and has lots of Croatian events including parties and shows. Whether or not you are Croatian, you can come and enjoy Croatian food and drink. The center is located on West Devon Avenue and attracts all types of tourists. Another entertainment option in Rogers Park is Thillens Stadium. A historic replica of a full sized baseball stadium opened in 1938, the park is oozing with history and nostalgia. A lot of kids have grown up playing here and the Thillens donated the stadium to the City of Chicago. There are many charity events held here annually.
The Diverse Organizations
With a great community and diverse organizations, Rogers Park is the place to get involved. RP BizArts is the Rogers Park Business and Artists Networking Group that allows local businesses and artists to promote each other. Another unique and diverse community organization is the Rogers Park Garden Group which promotes gardening and assists the development of green spaces in the neighborhood. In addition to organizations, the Glenwood Sunday Market is among the greenest farmers markets in all of Chicago. Every Sunday, a group of farmers come and offer fresh produce to the neighborhood all within 200 miles of it’s location. Among the other green-focused organizations is another art-focused one called Insight Arts. Insight Arts is a “contemporary arts organization dedicated to the increasing access to cultural work that supports progressive social change.” In addition to the ones mentioned, there are hundreds of diverse organizations to be a part of and serve Rogers Park as a whole.