River West - Unique Lofts (Chicago, Pulaski: neighborhood, living in, restaurants)

[skorch101]

Hello! I'm finally planning my move back to Chicago and am drawn to the "River West" area right near the Chicago Blue Line stop. I was hoping people could fill me in with pros/cons to living in that area. I'm seeing some decent deals for unique lofts that include parking. I like what I'm seeing and as for proximity to downtown, it will be close to my office. Only a short ride on the Blue line.

So, are there any watchouts to living in that area? Any great restaurants/pubs within a short walk? I'll take anything and everything for advice! Thanks.

[Drover]

Two things to consider: 1) the noise from the Kennedy could suck a little; 2) you might be better off taking the Milwaukee Avenue bus to work. While a train might be quicker, you have to be able to actually get on it first. By the time a train reaches Chicago Avenue during rush hour, it's packed to the gills and it's very likely that a couple trains will go by before you get a chance to get on one.

As for eats, people rave about Pie-Eyed Pizza which is right on the Chicago/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection. I don't care for it myself, but I seem to be in the minority. Sushi X across the street from Pie-Eyed gets good reviews too; never tried it myself. Ameer Kabob up Milwaukee acquits itself pretty well too.

[skorch101]

Originally Posted by Drover

Two things to consider: 1) the noise from the Kennedy could suck a little; 2) you might be better off taking the Milwaukee Avenue bus to work. While a train might be quicker, you have to be able to actually get on it first. By the time a train reaches Chicago Avenue during rush hour, it's packed to the gills and it's very likely that a couple trains will go by before you get a chance to get on one.

As for eats, people rave about Pie-Eyed Pizza which is right on the Chicago/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection. I don't care for it myself, but I seem to be in the minority. Sushi X across the street from Pie-Eyed gets good reviews too; never tried it myself. Ameer Kabob up Milwaukee acquits itself pretty well too.

Good call on the trains being packed at rush hour! Been there, done that! Thanks for the suggestions on pizza! I'm always interested in trying new places.

[ole69]

Originally Posted by Drover

Two things to consider: 1) the noise from the Kennedy could suck a little; 2) you might be better off taking the Milwaukee Avenue bus to work. While a train might be quicker, you have to be able to actually get on it first. By the time a train reaches Chicago Avenue during rush hour, it's packed to the gills and it's very likely that a couple trains will go by before you get a chance to get on one.

As for eats, people rave about Pie-Eyed Pizza which is right on the Chicago/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection. I don't care for it myself, but I seem to be in the minority. Sushi X across the street from Pie-Eyed gets good reviews too; never tried it myself. Ameer Kabob up Milwaukee acquits itself pretty well too.

Is that area considered River West? Honest question. I commute via that intersection every day and never knew that. I thought it was "West Town".

To the OP, there is also an Italian restaurant at that intersection called Piccolo Sogno that is really good

[Drover]

I think "River West" is a name that realtors/developers tried to make happen but only halfway caught on. You could probably refer to that area as River West, East Village, or West Town and be "right" on all three counts.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Drover

I think "River West" is a name that realtors/developers tried to make happen but only halfway caught on. You could probably refer to that area as River West, East Village, or West Town and be "right" on all three counts.

This is why I suggest going back to what the old timers often did and calling your neighborhood by the nearby major street corner; Grand and Halsted for instance. No confusion and realtors and chambers of commerce be damned.

[Vlajos]

Piccolo Sogno is supposed to be really good. I know people who live around there. It's fine, nothing to really worry about, unless you are coming from some small town and are not accustomed to big City life.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

This is why I suggest going back to what the old timers often did and calling your neighborhood by the nearby major street corner; Grand and Halsted for instance. No confusion and realtors and chambers of commerce be damned.

I dunno, some old-timers give me a puzzled look when I tell them I live near Pulaski.

[savalas]

Originally Posted by skorch101

So, are there any watchouts to living in that area?

The active remnants of Cabrini-Green are not too far away.

[Jandur]

Originally Posted by savalas

The active remnants of Cabrini-Green are not too far away.

While this is true I wouldn't worry about that at all. The area is about as safe as it will get in the city.