Beverly may be best known as the home of Sunday’s South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but funky shops, theaters and art galleries are slowly making this traditionally Irish district a destination for much more than bars and green beer.
Local enlightenment
The cultural center of the neighborhood, Beverly Arts Center has a 400-seat main stage, dance studios and art galleries, and offers art, music, theater, dance and fitness classes. Tonight, the comedy “Tapioca” opens, and the Mexican Folklore Dance Company performs on April 3. 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838.
Toast your Irish spirit
Arguably the classiest of the pubs that line Western Avenue, Cork and Kerry has a warm, woodsy interior filled with Irish artifacts and Chicago memorabilia. You’ll find free popcorn and a fine pint of Guinness, one of 20 selections on draft. Daily drink specials and a free appetizer buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays help keep the tab down. 10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675.
Fermentation station
Try making wine at the Bev-Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply, where you can take your own hooch home. Owner Greg Fisher keeps ample supplies of wine concentrates on hand so you can make a California cab or an Aussie chard on a whim. Beer classes also are offered. Check out Bev Art this Sunday: In honor of the parade, the staff will be brewing a batch of barley wine on the sidewalk. 10033 S. Western Ave. 773-233-7579.
Deck your walls
The Beverly Hills Gallery is one of the few spots in North America where you can buy original Celtic art by acclaimed painter Courtney Davis. His colorful pieces include images of ancient symbols, myths and legends of Celtic culture. Besides Davis’ work, the gallery carries fine art from around the globe and offers custom framing. 2133-35 W. 95th St. 773-239-7460.
Two-stop shopping
The area around 99th and 103rd Streets has clusters of unique shops just steps away from the Metra stop. Check out Ms. Priss (9915 S. Walden Pkwy. 773-233-7747), the only boutique in the ‘hood that carries funky clothing and accessories from BCBG, Free People and Juliet Jewelry. Also, don’t miss Hynes’ Irish Cottage (1907 W. 103rd St. 773-429-0666), which carries all things Irish, such as crystal, sweaters and jewelry.
History 101
The stately Tudor mansion that houses the Ridge Historical Society is chock-full of historical blueprints, books, newspapers, period clothing, photographs and other neighborhood memorabilia. It’s a great source for a self-guided tour of Beverly’s historic mansions. 10621 S. Seeley Ave. 773-881-1675.
