For me, it’s like taking a trip down memory lane. I was born and raised in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, went to high school at nearby Morgan Park, and worked at a school in Roseland as a teacher, so whenever I get to come back home to the far south side of Chicago, it’s nostalgic. But for those of you who aren’t from here, I have some great recommendations so that you can make some new memories in two often overlooked neighborhoods.
Pullman and Roseland history
The Roseland and Pullman areas are the birthplace of many notable Chicagoans, such as NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus and world-renowned comedian Deon Cole. Roseland was named by Dutch immigrants in the 1800s due to the high volume of roses and other flowers maintained by residents. Pullman was named after entrepreneur George Pullman, who created a model industrial city around his railway coach factory.
The Pullman Factory in Chicago
The area where Pullman’s model industrial city was built is now the Pullman National Historical Park, Chicago’s first-ever National Monument. Check out the Visitors Center where you’ll find a plethora of interesting facts about the factory and labor strikes that led to many of the worker’s rights that we now have as Americans.
Nearby, you’ll also find the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. At this museum, you’ll be able to learn more about the Pullman porters, A. Philip Randolph, and the creation of the nation’s first Black labor union. It’s worth noting that the Roseland and Pullman area is also known to have had many residents who assisted Black people escaping from enslavement on the Underground Railroad. As such, the legacy of the porters follows that rich tradition of advocacy.
Right across the street is the Pullman Club Coffee, where you can grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This coffee shop is appropriately named after The Pullman Club, a club for managers of the Pullman factory. After leaving the coffee shop, I’d recommend taking a stroll around the neighborhood to enjoy the historic architecture. The area’s many row houses and cottages were built for Pullman’s workers so that they could be close in proximity to the factory.
Food options near Pullman and Roseland
After all that walking, I’d imagine you’d be hungry. Lucky for you, you won’t have to go too far because right down the street is Lexington Betty Smokehouse, one of the best barbecue restaurants in the city. This chef and owner is Dominique Leach, a classically trained chef who has been featured on the Food Network and will have you licking your fingers and clamoring for more. Oh, and they also have vegan options for my fellow plant-based eaters!
Save some room in your stomach for a neighborhood pillar that has been around for over 50 years. Yes, you can’t leave Roseland without stopping by Old Fashioned Donuts. Every flavor is good, but I highly recommend the glazed donut! This community staple, founded by the 84-year-old Burrit Bulloch in 1972, has supporters from all over Chicago, and the suburbs, visiting regularly to try his scrumptious donuts.
From the rich history to the delicious food, be sure to stop by the Roseland and Pullman neighborhoods the next time you visit Chicago, so that when you return, it will be as nostalgic as my visits.
Dive deeper into Pullman & Roseland
Old Fashioned Donuts
The donuts are always handmade by 84-year-old Burritt Bolloch at Old Fashioned Donuts, which has served the Roseland community for over 50 years.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse
This award-winning spot, helmed by acclaimed chef Dominique Leach, sets a new standard for barbecue in Chicago and beyond.
The history of Pullman and Roseland
Once dubbed the world’s most perfect town, this area is home to a fascinating and tumultuous past that altered the course of the nation’s history.
