In its heyday in the first half of the century, Bronzeville was home to famous writers such as Richard Wright and a burgeoning blues and jazz scene. But that was before a major recession hit and the area fell into disrepair. But Bronzeville is on its way back–local cafes and cultural centers are opening, parks are being restored, and the historic blues district is being commemorated with bronze statues of famous musicians. Check out some of our favorite spots in this up-and-coming neighborhood.
1. 47th Street Market Place
This bustling shopping center is quickly filling with quirky stores. Our favorites include The Spoken Word Cafe (4655 S. King Drive 773-373-2233), a funky coffeehouse that serves live music and poetry readings along with coffee drinks and light bites. Also try Afrocentric Bookstore (333 S. State St. 312-939-1956), offering two floors of fiction and non-fiction by African-American authors along with home furnishings imported from Africa. Corner of 47th Street and Martin Luther King Drive.
2. Ain’t That Sweet Cafe
Sweet, indeed. In addition to running a mentoring program for local youths, owner Maua Henderson refuses to serve red meat because, “Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure runs in the black community, and I’m not contributing to it.” Instead, she serves chicken salad, tuna salad and smoked turkey sandwiches ($3.95-$5) big enough for two. Stop by every other Sunday for live jazz. 4315 S. State St. 773-285-2663.
3. Mississippi Rick’s
Delivery and takeout are this soul food stand’s main business, but there’s a handful of seats for those who can’t wait to get home to dig in. House specialties include rib tips and Mississippi catfish, served with fries and slaw ($7.61). Bourbon jerk chicken with Cajun rice and steamed vegetables also is a hot item ($7.61). 3351 S. King Drive, 312-791-0090.
4. Harold Washington Cultural Center
Paying homage to the late, great Chicago mayor, this spanking-new 40,000-square-foot cultural center just opened its doors to the public Tuesday. In addition to hosting local and national musical acts, the center plans to open a restaurant and banquet hall within the next year. Right now, the center is hosting the Neo Soul Explosion music series. Catch R&B crooners Rahsaan Patterson and Lizz Fields at 9 p.m. Friday. Don’t miss the statue of Harold Washington stationed at the building’s entrance on the corner of 47th Street and King Drive. 4701 S. King Drive, 773-373-1900.
5. South Side Community Art Center
Founded in 1940 and funded by community donations, this still-jammin’ locale is the oldest African-American art center in the country. It serves as a venue for African-American artists and musicians, such as Ear Candy, a hip-hop, neo-soul and poetry collective performing Saturday. 3831 S. Michigan Ave. 773-373-1026.
6. Pearl’s Place
Pearl’s has the stark feel of a school cafeteria, but with table service and infinitely better food. Nestled inside the Amber Inn, it doles out self-proclaimed “Southern Soul with a Touch of Creole.” Namely, dishes such as salmon croquettes ($9.95) and smothered chicken ($8.95). All entrees come with a choice of two sides, such as the rich macaroni and cheese and tangy collard greens. 3901 S. Michigan Ave. 773-285-1700.
7. Negro League Cafe
As exciting as this historically minded cafe is, it’s also enigmatic and, well, frustrating. After a brief opening in late-July, Negro League closed for fine-tuning. Word has it the cafe will open soon to deliver on its motto of “Enjoy the food, digest the history.” The food? Contemporary soul with a Caribbean twist. The history? A tribute to the athletes who played in baseball’s Negro Leagues in the first half of the 20th Century. Expect baseball-themed folk art and a wall of fame honoring players including Satchel Paige and Cool Papa Bell. Sounds like a home run. 301 E. 43rd St. 312-952-3284.
8. Bronzeville’s 1st Bed & Breakfast
Located in the still-breathtaking 5,500-square-foot former Goldblatt’s Mansion, this B&B offers 14 suites along with a full-service restaurant and salon/day spa, both open to non-overnight guests. Dine on upscale soul, Mexican and Caribbean fare in the restaurant, or have your private butler serve you in your suite. Rooms start at $150. 3911 S. King Drive, 773-373-8081.
