Forest Park is thicker with tombstones and taverns than trees (half of its 1,200 acres is cemetery land). Home to more dead people than living, this Near West ‘burb houses–six feet under–Liz Taylor’s third husband, Michael Todd, and a crew of carnies from a freak train crash in 1918.
Cadavers aside, you’ll find plenty of life in Forest Park. Located just across Harlem Avenue from Oak Park and a quick trip from the city, it has the charm and walkability of a neighborhood like Uptown, without city prices. Take the Blue Line to Forest Park and head for West Madison Street, where you’ll find eclectic eats, affordable bars and downright wacky shops.
Bistro Marbuzet
Fans of Jack’s on Halsted and Atlantique will dig this hip sister bistro, complete with a double-sided fireplace, partially open kitchen and glass wine room. Stop by on Wednesdays for $5 martinis and order the sesame- and coriander-crusted yellowfin tuna with wasabi mash, Asian veggies and ginger lemongrass sauce ($19.25). 7600 W. Madison St. 708-366-9090.
La Piazza
Sicilian-born chef Gaetano Di Benedetto (previously of Pasha) has earned critic and foodie acclaim for his authentic menu and restaurant (think colorful murals and cute outdoor patio). Indulge in whole Australian lobster on a bed of strawberry risotto served inside a Parmesan cheese basket ($24). 410 Circle Ave. 708-366-4010.
Circle Theatre
Since 1985, this storefront company has been contributing Jeff Award-winning productions to Chicago’s theatre community. See “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and vote on the ending. Through June 27. $22. 7300 W. Madison St. 708-771-0700.
The Brown Cow
“Cows” (floats) come in all colors and flavors at this cute-as-a-button ice cream parlor. Our favorite? The “green cow” ($3.50) made with Green River soda (lemon-lime) and vanilla ice cream. Specialty sundaes, malts, shakes and ice-cream coffee drinks round out the menu. 7314 W. Madison St. 708-366-7970.
Shanahan’s Creole Home Cooking
An Irish pub that serves Creole food? Ale, yeah! Management insists the combo of Guinness and seafood gumbo ($6.50 per bowl) is scrumptious. This eccentric spot also sells house-made chocolate French cremes ($15.30 per pound). 7353 W. Madison St. 708-366-0775.
Parky’s
Would you believe the current owner worked at this glass-enclosed hot dog stand when it originally opened in 1949? Get yours charred, steamed or deep-fried for $2.14 (comes with fries). 329 S. Harlem Ave. 708-366-3090.
Caffe de Luca
A second location of the Bucktown Euro cafe is due to open in September 2004, sporting a full dinner menu and second-floor bar. 7427 W. Madison St. 708-366-9200.
Beth Aaron and Woodlawn Cemeteries
Drop by the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce for directions to Michael Todd’s grave and the large plot (marked by granite elephants) of the circus performers. 7344 W. Madison St., 2nd floor, 708-366-2543.
Flavour Cooking School
Take a hands-on sushimaking class on the last Saturday of each month at this chic but affordable school. Stock your cabinets with top-of-the-line utensils and cooking equipment from the in-house retail shop. 7401 W. Madison St. 708- 488-0808.
Healy’s Westside
Some find the sprawling new space a bit sterile for a pub, but the owners insist Healy’s is the same rowdy joint it was before the move two blocks west. Go for the Guinness beef stew ($7.50). 7321 W. Madison St. 708-366-4277.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Irish bartenders and a multihued Dublin-esque facade bring authenticity to this local pub. Chef Marie Garrigan’s menu features pub grub and standouts including grilled swordfish with pineapple salsa ($16). Try to nab the Snug, a banquette-lined nook for up to 24 people. 7652 W. Madison St. 708-366-8073.
Famous Liquors
Think Sam’s on a smaller scale. Come Fridays and Saturdays for free wine and cheese tastings. 7714 W. Madison St. 708-366-2500.
Centuries and
Sleuths Bookstore
What’s a sleuth? A detective, Sherlock! For books and monthly discussions on histories and mysteries, head to this Victorian-like shop. 7419 W. Madison St. 708-771-7243.
Francesca’s Fiore
This Northern Italian spot is another link in the Mia Francesca chain, offering dependable fare and a glassed-in patio. We like the signature roasted half-chicken with shallots, garlic, rosemary, lemon and olive oil ($13.95). 7407 W. Madison St. 708-771-3063.
The Old School Records
Still listening to cassette tapes? You’re a dork, but not alone. Find cassettes, vinyl records, CDs, VHS tapes and DVDs from $1 to $20. Great selection of soul and jazz. 7446 W. Madison St. 708-366-7588.
And if you’ve got the time …… check out these Oak Park spots
Cafe Le Coq
Upscale bistro fare by chef Steven Chiapetti, served in a classic turn-of-the-century French setting. 734 Lake St. 708-848-2233.
Lake Room
This charhouse has live DJs on weekends and salsa music on Wednesdays. 728 Lake St. 708-358-8900.
Avenue Ale House
Soak up the sun on this pub’s popular rooftop patio. 825 S. Oak Park Ave. 708-848-2801.
