Introduction to Little Village
LITTLE VILLAGE — Chicagoans looking for ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo can head to Little Village’s vibrant business and cultural corridor. The neighborhood is the “Mexican capital of the Midwest,” with one of the largest populations of Mexican American residents — and a stroll through West 26th Street shows the diverse food and shopping options honoring those roots, said Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd). “Twenty-sixth Street is second to nobody. We are not the second Magnificent Mile. We are the Magnificent 2 Miles,” Rodriguez said.
About Little Village
While the area’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade was canceled due to fears of immigration raids, the Southwest Side neighborhood offers shopping, dining and cultural options to celebrate Mexican and Mexican American culture, said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. As one of the most important commercial corridors in Illinois, Little Village’s 26th Street is home to more than 500 licensed businesses and serves as a business incubator for many aspiring entrepreneurs, Aguilar said. Its unique shopping and cultural options attract visitors from all over the Midwest and the rest of the country. “It is one of the largest tourism hubs for Mexicans in the United States. That’s something that we’re seeing grow every year,” Aguilar said.
Little Village Designation
Little Village was designated an Illinois Cultural District in 2024, officials announced in an April 19 ceremony. This designation is given to towns or geographic areas with a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development. “‘La Villita’ is not just a neighborhood — it’s a cultural force that has shaped Chicago and communities across the country,” Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said in a press release.
Economic Impact
The neighborhood’s existing events, cultural programs and Mexican roots attract visitors and contribute to the local economy, said Kim Close, executive director of the Foundation of Little Village. “We want to continue to highlight Little Village as a unique tourism area within the city and across the entire Midwest,” Close said.
Visit Little Village Restaurants
Little Village is home to a notable food scene with “iconic” restaurants and street vendors, Aguilar said. For a Cinco de Mayo-themed celebration, Chicagoans can visit options such as Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., where Mexican food and drinks will be paired with mariachi, Aguilar said. Other local favorites include Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 2657 W. 26th St.; Taquerias Atononilco, 3916 W. 26th St.; and El Faro Restaurant, 3936 W. 31st St. A hidden gem for some of the best al pastor tacos is Asian Cuisine Express, 3823 W. 31st St., Rodriguez said.
A vibrant mural wraps around the building that houses Restaurant Nuevo León in Little Village along 26th Street on Sept. 28, 2022. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Enjoy A Night Out
Neighbors can head to Little Village to enjoy its nightlife scene, which has longstanding and new options, Rodriguez said. Chicago’s oldest Latino Drag bar, La Cueva Nightclub, hosts drag performances, dancing and music.
Frances D’alessio performs at La Cueva in Little Village on July 1st, 2023. Credit: Gonzalo Guzman for Block Club Chicago.
Osito’s Tap, 2553 S. Ridgeway Ave., opened in 2019 as a speakeasy bar in the backroom of Moreno’s Liquor, bringing craft spirits, craft beer and cocktails to the neighborhood.
Support Local Businesses
Stores along West 26th Street offer clothes, crafts, shoes, accessories, food, candy and other Mexican goods, Aguilar said. At Todo de Mexico, 3751 W. 26th St., neighbors can find Mexican candy, snacks and other food. Artesanías Elena, 4333 W. 26th St., has a variety of Mexican clothes, jewelry, crafts and gifts. For more shopping, neighbors can visit the Little Village Discount Mall, 3115 W. 26th St., where dozens of vendors sell crafts, religious memorabilia, shoes and clothes.
Artesanias Elena in Little Village imports clothing, decor, and more from Mexico. Credit: Artesanias Elena/ Facebook
Participate In Cultural Events
Little Village’s Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza is a popular gathering spot for families and events in the neighborhood, Rodriguez said. Beyond Cinco de Mayo, neighbors are invited to participate in cultural events, sports and programs happening year-round, including the farmers market Mercado de Colores, Villapalooza, Villarte and end-of-year holiday events like the annual Posada and Toy Drive, officials said.
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