Kenwood
Just north of academic Hyde Park and along the Lake Michigan Shore, Kenwood is a burgeoning neighborhood with a strong-willed community. Many famous individuals have come from the ranks of Kenwood including: Muddy Waters, Michelle & Barack Obama, Louis Armstrong, and Muhammad Ali.
The train is the main artery of this neighborhood, connecting it to both downtown Chicago and northwest Indiana. Along the residential streets, you will find opulent single-family gray and brownstones, high-rises near the lake, and common Chicago brick apartment buildings. The main drags are full of life- restaurants, music joints, and more.
Kenwood was once the original south suburb of Chicago as the wealthy flocked south to escape the busy streets of Streeterville and the Gold Coast. Rand McNally called it the Lake Forest of the South. Today, it still provides a respite from that hurriedness. Quaint, but still a part of the city. Tucked away, but very much alive with culture.
Get to know Kenwood a bit better with some of our favorite places:
Food
- Goree Cuisine
A great selection of West African food, but the fish and lamb dishes are best. - Norman’s Bistro
This upscale restaurant is the scene of Kenwood- there is even live music! - 2 Fish Crab Shack
A quirky fish shop with the best boils in Chicago. - Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
Creole food with fresh ingredients, good spices, and lots of soul. - Italian Fiesta
Arguably one of the best tavern-style Chicago pizzas.
Shopping
- New age Chicago Furniture
Family-owned shop furnishing Chicago homes since 1910. - Surri Design
This woman-owned jewelry boutique has all the fancy baubles. - Kilimanjaro
Fine African arts and crafts are found at this bazaar of a shop. - Recycled Modern
Modern art, furniture and housewares all designed by local artists. - Small Shop
This bicycles shop is dedicated to providing affordable bikes and annual tune ups.
Music
- Intonation Music
This NPO is dedicated to teaching kids the fun and theory of music. - Room 43
This event space offers some great live music- but keep your eyes peeled for tickets. - Hyde Park Records
Get your groove on at this fun and eclectic record store with tons of variety! - Haven Entertainment Center
Live venue for Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk and more! - The Promontory
The hottest music clubs in the area, there is always something diverse here.
Things to Do
- 49th Street Beach
Known as Morgan Shoal, there is a super cool shipwreck here- Silver Spray. - Thee Beauty Bar
Small plates, cosmetic counter, and cocktails? Yes, please! - Burnham Nature Sanctuary
Wildflowers and birds are abundant at this little urban oasis. - Timothy Community Group
A NPO offering fitness classes, book talks, food drives and more. - East Kickboxing Club
This cardio-based kickboxing club takes fitness to the next level.
Art/Culture
- Hyde Park Arts Center
Expansive gallery with events, exhibits, and innovative arts classes. - Harold Washington Cultural Center
From Broadway to the Movies, this place has it all. - Little Black Pearl
This huge arts center provides classes in all forms of media. - MOJO Museum
While not yet official, this Muddy Waters’ museum will prove to be a gem. - Blackstone Public Library
This historic library also offers classes and film screenings.
Explore Kenwood
