On weekends, we much prefer to stay away from the overcrowded, underwhelming big box stores with SUV-filled parking lots. Overpriced chain cafes that attract the stroller set won’t do, either. In search of a more laid-back scene, we head to the West Town neighborhood (also known as East Village and UkrainianVillage).
MORNING
Traveling down Chicago Avenue, watch for the giant cowboy and his horse atop the sign at Alcala’s Clothing (1733 W. Chicago Ave., 312-226-0152). If you’re in the market for a cowboy hat or some cowgirl boots, forget chi-chi Tony Lama. Alcala’s is your destination, and for considerably less money. Giddyup!
Continuing west on Chicago Avenue, drop off photos or memorabilia to be framed at April Sevens Custom Framing (1945 W. Chicago Ave., 312-455-1965). Friendly proprietors Julie and Martin are meticulous in their work and easily handle special orders. While you wait, take a look around at the art on the walls for interesting and engaging pieces.
A few doors down is Atomix (1957 W. Chicago Ave., 312-666-2649), where the coffee and Wi-Fi are abundant. The cafe offers a wide selection of vegan cookies and other baked goods. Wash your snack down with our favorite, iced chai with soy.
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You can also pop into Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery (1953 W. Chicago Ave., 312-491-9501), a treasure trove of Japanese toys for your favorite kid (or the kid in you). In addition to the irresistibly huggable Ugly Dolls, you’ll find action figures of every imaginable sort at Rotofugi. There’s also a vinyl, translucent-pink “Gaburin” that has outstretched arms and bared fangs, but at 6 inches tall, he’s more comical than menacing. (The $75 price tag can be scary, though.)
AFTERNOON
Visit the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (2320 W. Chicago Ave., 773-227-5522). Here you’ll find works by artists from Chicago as well as those of Ukrainian descent. Check out the eerie “L’uomo” by Jurij Solovij. The museum is between installations until June 3, so call if you go before then.
For further ethnic exploration, lunch at Sak’s Ukrainian Village Restaurant & Lounge (2301 W. Chicago Ave., 773-278-4445) is a must. The family-owned business has an Old World feel (as do the prices). The pierogies and potato pancakes are traditional and tasty. The servings are huge, which means you have no excuse not to share with your dining companions (and vice versa).
If you’re more of the cheeseburger-and-fries type, there’s Tommy’s Guitar Rock & Roll Cafe (2548 W. Chicago Avenue, 773-486-6768). We are not usually fans of sloppy joes (or anything with the word “sloppy” in it, for that matter), but Tommy’s are the best. After lunch, browse the expansive guitar collection, including those emblazoned with “Star Wars” characters.