Stretching along the Lake Michigan shoreline from 67th Street to 79th Street, Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood is noted for its architectural beauty and cultural institutions. Come spend a day exploring this historic lakefront enclave, home to local-favorite dining, sandy beaches, boundary-breaking art havens, and more.
In this article
South Shore history
Once a collection of settlements that bordered the Hyde Park Township, the South Shore community was officially established when it was annexed to Chicago in 1889.
The World’s Colombian Exposition in 1893 spurred a housing and population boom that created a diverse and elegant assortment of real estate including mansions, bungalows, and apartment buildings that continues to define South Shore today.
By 1905, the number of affluent residents had increased enough to establish Jackson Park Highlands, which boasted bucolic views of Jackson Park, expansive yards and innovative amenities for the era like 50-foot wide lots and underground utilities. In 1906, the Jackson Park Highland residents opened the exclusive South Shore Country Club, which featured 67 acres of lush grounds overlooking Lake Michigan. The luxurious members-only retreat hosted horseback riding, tennis, and golf, attracting major celebrities like Jean Harlow, Amelia Earhart, and Will Rogers.
Over the decades, South Shore’s population shifted and the country club was converted into the South Shore Cultural Center by the Chicago Park District. The community continues to be a historic hallmark with three historic districts and famous former residents like Michelle Obama, Kanye West, playwright David Mamet, and drugstore founder Charles R. Walgreen Sr.
Art, culture, and architecture
Explore the stately South Shore Cultural Center to view the community’s historic jewel. Covered in russet stucco, the building sits on 65 pristine acres that include a butterfly garden, a nature sanctuary, a nine-hole golf course and a beach. Inside, a solarium, an elegant ballroom and a theatre accented with chandeliers recalls the building’s opulent origins. Today, the center hosts art and culture classes like dance, music, and textile arts for all ages.
Check out eta Creative Arts Foundation for unique plays and performances throughout the year, along with workshops, performing arts classes, and artists residencies.
Visit the hybrid gallery/media archive/community center of Stony Island Arts Bank to dive into Black art and culture. This reclaimed space, once a crumbling bank building, now hosts ambitious exhibitions and free performances.
As an architectural powerhouse, South Shore is home to three historic districts. Stroll around the manicured blocks of the Jackson Park Highlands, between 67th and 71st Streets and Jeffrey Boulevard. Anchored by the gardens and meadows of Jackson Park, the district is filled with beautiful Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Prairie School homes.
The Jeffrey-Cyril Historic Districtbetween 71st Place and Cyril, displays six 1920s-era buildings reflecting Gothic Revival, Art Deco, and Spanish styles. View some of the first bungalows built in Chicago at the South Shore Bungalow District, including rare stucco bungalows built in the 1900s.
Spend the evening grooving to live jazz, unleashing your creativity at a paint and sip event, or participating in a community forum at The Quarry Chi arts and culture space.
South Shore neighborhood dining
Kickstart your day at Grand Rising Cafe, a homey spot with an extensive menu of breakfast faves like French toast, omelets, and shrimp and grits. There are also options for later in the day including burgers, salads, and lemon pepper chicken breast.
If you prefer plant-based fare, head to the popular neighborhood diner, Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine. Chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanual use fresh local ingredients to create veggie takes on classic dishes. Choose innovative offerings like oyster mushroom tacos, a jerk tofu bowl or a black-eyed pea burger and top it off with cupcakes, cookies or chia pudding.
Check out Slab BBQ, a family-owned business that grills meat using the South Side Chicago method of custom aquarium smokers. Stacks of wood greet you at the entrance, ensuring you’ll be eating authentic hickory smoked barbecue. Sample the St. Louis-style ribs (meatier cuts from the hog’s belly), hot links, or fried chicken wings — but don’t miss the smoked turkey legs, which are marinated for 14 hours and sell out fast.
Enjoy lovely views and upscale dining at Nafsi South Shore Beach, a stylish restaurant tucked into the South Shore Cultural Center. Nafsi serves up happy hour delights like mezcal margaritas and truffle fries as well as dinner selections like shrimp bucatini or grilled octopus.
South Shore boutiques and businesses
Sink into a golden couch and browse the latest Black novels or shop for local art and book-related tees and jewelry at Da Book Joint. This chic, community-oriented shop also holds events like Book Brunches, open mic nights, book discussions, and signings.
Stop byFashion Modto pamper yourself with natural body oils, fragrances, and an impressive collection of dresses, sets, swimwear, and lingerie.
Just south of South Shore, Essential Elements is a Black woman-owned boutique that’s been a local staple for more than three decades. Find unique items from independent designers, including jewelry, shoes, and clothing with inclusive sizing.
Seasonal fun in South Shore
South Shore boasts three beaches to lounge, play and splash. The largest is Rainbow Beach Park, which stretches between 75th and 78th Streets with a community garden, tennis and basketball courts, and two playgrounds.
At South Shore Beach, enjoy beachside dining and live music at South Shore Social Beach Club. Located behind the South Shore Cultural Center, the eatery serves up good times with movie nights, DJs, line dancing, and beach workouts from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
