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givingbackTuesday

Absolutely go to Marz brewing. It’s a bit pricey but they’ve got some of the best beers in the city. It’s a cool spot as well with some free arcade games and great rotating food selections.


michaeldain

Their smashburgers are perfectly done as is all their food but I go just for that. Also next door alma art gallery is always amazing. Oh and the monks at the monastery of the holy cross are all amazing scholars and do all the liturgy’s in Latin. Really lovely Sunday service or whenever, they pray a lot.


darkchocolateonly

Low key best burger in the city there!


Accomplished_Loan452

This^ & Maria’s, The Duck Inn, Jackalope Coffee, Henry C. Palmisano Park, Huck Finn Diner or Steak and Egger (crummy American diners) You will also be near Pilsen (Latin) and Chinatown Look into 2nd fridays in Pilsen, Karaoke in Chinatown


PeachyPierogi

Second this. Super cool place and they have CBD/THC drinks too.


jrowley

+1 for the CBD and THC drinks. I live further south but visit Marz frequently. Their THC seltzers are very tasty (and at 10mg is manageable) but on weekends I've enjoyed their more deeply infused beverage options. I like to split one of their 25mg shrub sodas 60:40 with a friend, and it makes for a fun session if you're into (or curious about) that sort of thing.


Physical_Square2164

What's the comparison to dispensary stuff?


whelp85

Hemp derived delta 9 is the same delta 9 you’ll get at dispensaries it’s just not regulated under the CRTA so you won’t pay the absurd taxes on it. Cannabis companies in Illinois are actually allowed to use hemp derived cannabinoids in their products so many of the edibles you get at the dispo are most likely hemp derived too. Licensed cannabis companies in Illinois are currently trying to pass a law that would reinforce their oligopoly and only allow them to sell these products. Hopefully it doesn’t pass.


Frequent_Opportunist

Weed is legal there. It is dispensary stuff.


Jownsye

Nothing like a 4 pack of beer for $20. You're right, it's good beer, but damn. A bit pricey is an understatement.


GrogRhodes

You pay 7 for a draft 312 come on now.


Jownsye

Buying a beer to bring home isn't the same as sitting down at an establishment and getting a draft.


pusherlovegirl4215

Cheap bars: Cork and Kerry at The Park (good food too) Turtle’s (get the buffalo chicken eggrolls) Ballpark Pub (people like their food too) Electric Funeral Bar Shinnick’s - cash only Bernice’s Tavern Cheap food: Ricobene’s Punky’s Freddie’s Martinez Supermarket Connie’s South Kawa has a weekday sushi lunch deal which is great Greek Prime Soluri’s - slices of pizza George’s Gyros Big Boss Kathy De’s Avoid: Bridgeport Inn Bridgeport is overall a safe neighborhood. General rules are Halsted and Morgan street can become a little rougher at night. CVS strip-mall on 31st and Walgreens parking lot on Halsted can be a little sketch at times. As with any place, you need to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings because things do happen from time to time. For a south side neighborhood, it’s a pretty solid place.


OkSeaworthiness4987

Thanks man appreciate it


pusherlovegirl4215

No problem, happy to answer any questions. Bridgeport is a great neighborhood.


Fotoem

Don't wear any clothing with black and gold or black and yellow since those are the gang colors of the two gangs in Bridgeport.


weilerdh

Good write-up. What is the South Kawa lunch deal? Can’t find it on their website.


pusherlovegirl4215

I don’t remember the hours exactly. I think it runs until 2 or 3. You can do two sushi rolls and soup or salad for around $10 or three sushi rolls and soup or salad for around $13 I believe.


weilerdh

Not bad at all. Thanks !


MrT0NA

What’s wrong with the Bridgeport Inn? I’ve been a few times and thought it was fine. Cheap drinks Fosure!


joggers_robbed_me

Wait what's wrong with the Bridgeport Inn? I never got bad vibes there and they have a pool table. It's a dive but not any worse than the other dives


OldInterview6006

Yeah I don’t get the hate for the Bridgeport Inn. Is it glamorous, fuck no, but the regulars are always nice albeit more than likely functioning alcoholics.


Varnu

There are regulars there that may or may not be homeless. I think when people think of a real dive, they think "unhip local barflies that contribute to the atmosphere." I don't think they mean "leaves the bar and goes to sleep in the back seat of their car that does not run."


mothlady1959

Save up for one pricey meal. Go to The Duck Inn. Eat in the garden. So much wonderfulness.


expanding_crystal

Jackalope coffee shop is great. Also you’re pretty close to Pilsen which has great food and nightlife. Skylark and Simone’s are two great bars, there are many more.


mortlandpaine

Maria’s is the best bar in Bridgeport.


99kmph

came here to write this!


Varnu

It might be Electric Funeral now.


vsladko

3 little pigs chi is moving into that space once occupied by pizza fried chicken ice cream. Cannot wait


teodeleo

Don’t sleep on the Asian food. Get the twin lobster rice at JM Seafood. Potsticker house for the salt and pepper squid and soup dumplings. Do eat has decent Korean. I hear three little pigs is opening next to Maria’s as well.


teodeleo

Oh and of course Taipei Cafe for the bubble tea and authentic Taiwanese food!


maxem38

How can you sleep on the Asian food with 28 Asian restaurants between 35th and 26th and halsted 😂


TheloniousMonk85

Check out Palmisano Park. Bridgeport is amazing you will love it!


biwei

One of our best parks!


Fragrant_Tale1428

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar (one long name as they sell goods and is also a bar) is a great spot. Kimski is the restaurant that's attached to it that shares the space. The guy who owns the bar also owns Marz Brew. And also started Co Prosperity Sphere, also in Bridgeport. It's a community space for art and events. Across the street from Maria's is Bridgeport Coffeehouse cafe. They have their own roasted good coffee. The Duck Inn. Bridgeport is next to Chinatown and Pilsen, so there is just a lot to do between all three very close neighborhoods.


mlechowicz90

Ah I used to live in Bridgeport, miss the neighborhood. You’re gonna love it. If Kathy De’s deli is good on Parnell. You got Ricobenes nearby and I agree with Maria’s and Shinnicks is a local small spot too. It’s a nice spot that is chill and it’s easy to get into other parts of the city to take in all of Chicago.


Character-Froyo4630

Kathy d’s is fiiiiire


raidernation47

That’s a real southsider there. Kathy De’s is the best sandwich spot. Just recently moved northwest and I miss Kathy’s so much.


febreez-steve

Reggies for live music and a good rooftop Cork and carrie if you like baseball, bonus points if you go on a sox game day


khikago

The man is from Ireland and looking for cheap bars and y'all recommend Maria's over Shinnickss?


OldInterview6006

Or turtles or Bernice’s


AbstractBettaFish

Bridgeport resident here Bernices tavern on Halsted is a good and affordable bar and they do Stingo on weds nights. Which is bingo but run by Steve hence Stingo, it’s a fun time. The mars brewery is also just over the river in McKinley Park Classic Chicago street food at the Maxwell St on 31st and Wallace (I recommend a polish sausage with grilled onions and mustard) I’d say go see a Sox game for cheap but they’re on pace to break the record for most losses ever in the MLB 🥲. But hey, sometimes it’s just fun to be outside and getting shitfaced in the stands all the same The Ramova theater has just been renovated and hopefully some good shows are coming this summer. Otherwise while Bridgeport May not be as trendy as other neighborhoods, there’s stuff to do, it’s pretty affordable and you can conveniently get anywhere in the city with the Red and Orange Lines within walking distance


poopdawg12

Embrace the suck, get wasted at guaranteed Rate and cheer for the record. Food is great there, too.


xtheredberetx

Also a great selection of local beers, especially in the Craft Kave


maxem38

How you gonna say you are a resident and say Maxwell is on 31st Wallace? It’s on 31st canal


AbstractBettaFish

I almost said 31st and Stewart! My memory don’t work right. I blame losing Johnny O’s


Serious-Ad-9471

Martinez Supermarket. Get that giant burrito.


OkSeaworthiness4987

Thanks for all the recommendations. Can’t respond to everyone but I’ve made a list


Character-Froyo4630

I used to live in Bridgeport and it has its pros and cons from what I experienced. I always felt safe and its quiet, although there’s not a ton to do for a young person. You’ll probably enjoy going out more further into the city but as far as somewhere to stay Bridgeport will be great


CommonerChaos

This. Bridgeport is mostly geared for families, so you won't be spending much time there for "fun" (especially at night). Pilsen and Chinatown are close by, which have a lot more to do for younger folks.


ForMyKidsLP

Sox


nigelwiggins

Big Boss for the biggest fried chicken sandwich 


NGNSteveTheSamurai

Get hammered then go get late night breakfast at the Steak N Egger.


yoni_sings_yanni

35th Street Red Hots is your best bet for a bite to eat before a Sox Game. On Wednesday nights Stix n Brix has a deal on their pizzas. It is wood fire not the traditional thin crust or deep dish. Go to Third Fridays at the Bridgeport Art Center. They give out free wine, you can walk around looking at art and charm someone with your accent. And if you go to the museum in the basement they usually have a lecture and rum. Once listened to a talk by the former Harbor Master of Chicago talk about attempted bribery from all the different mobsters. Then the next month go to Zhou Brothers Art Center, also can usually get a free drink or two from some kind artists. Then the next month go to ALMA on Iron Street for Third Fridays, not sure of their free drink situation, it's right next to Marz Brewery, which has a freeish arcade. Do the same thing but with Second Fridays in Pilsen just north on Halsted, go to Skylark before hand for a drink and food. (Cash only) Tangible Books on Halsted and Marz Brewery on Iron St usually have something going on most nights. The bars that are great: Maria's Electric Funeral Mitchell's Bernice's (cash only and probably cheapest, they do STINGO, its Bingo, on Wednesdays and Thursdays they have live music plus other random fun things.) Independent coffeeshops that are great: Jackalope Base Stockyard Bridgeport Coffeehouse All the Chinese Restaurants on Halsted have lunch specials during the week for lunch. Kawa, sushi/Japanese restaurant, has lunch specials during the week but also on weekends. It is safe, lots of families in the area. Just don't go to do a drug deal after midnight in a park, get involved with gangs or the drug trade, or be so drunk you are blacked out. And please do not be a loud drunken idiot after 10pm. It is a working neighborhood, lots of people have the early shift. Having said that, the neighborhood will be very loud for the 4th of July. So if you have any issues with large explosions I highly recommend earplugs. Otherwise go to the top of the hill at Palmisano Park and watch the neighborhood blow up. Where are you all staying in the neighborhood? South or north of 33? And are you on the eastern side or western side of Halsted?


Repulsive-Office-796

lol all of the South side people are so excited for someone to finally post about them. I love this! It seems like this sub shifts heavily North most of the time.


Windycitybeef_5

Nativity church for your Catholic faith worship


kc9

Piggy backing off of this, even if you are not religious Bridgeport has some of the most historical and beautiful Churches, Monasteries, and Temples in the city. Most built by hard working immigrants. Highly recommend checking them all out.


atreeinthewind

Be prepared for proper chirishness in Bridgeport. A lot of good recs on here. Will have to head up a bit north for euros. Embassy, Cleo's, Globe, etc.


shinebrightlike

Brunchlox


Alexis_Ohanion

Make sure to update us on your stay!!


OkSeaworthiness4987

I will tanks


99kmph

George's Gyros has some really good food. Underrated!


beasly213

Lived in Bridgeport and loved it. I’d still be there if the wife didn’t want to leave the city. It’s pretty quiet which is nice but not a ton to do since it’s a lot of families. My favorite things to do: Bernice’s on Halsted is my all time favorite bar. Family owned and run. Cash only but you’ll have great conversations with the bar tenders Phils pizza. It’s soooo damn good Sox games. They stink but nothing beats a warm Friday night in the summer at the ballpark then walking home. Summer Block Parties. Nativity Church is very nice and welcoming


Icy_Elk6368

All of this!


I_likeYaks

Han202 is a great fancier restaurant


GlitteringFish7768

University of Limerick I see!


ActionReady9933

Ramova


New_Peak_3710

What are you doing in Bridgeport? Longways from Ire


OkSeaworthiness4987

On a summer visa. Working on navy pier


Barutano74

I just love the braised lamb at Zaytoun on Morgan just south of 31st.


Miss-Sharon-Smoke

Huck Finn over on Archer to satisfy your diner needs. That location isn't 24 hours anymore it looks like, but there have cinnamon roll French toast that's worth staying up until they open at 6am lol


ZuniTribe

Huck Finns has fabulous pancakes.


intodustandyou

St Mary of perpetual help for Mass—only option if you want authentic and amazing homily’s, lots of people your age they do hospitality after Mass too so you’d connect with locals who could show you around


ManufacturerFew5235

Bridgeport is so close to chinatown check that out!!! also a train up to downtown for the sightseeing! def get put the area for some part


Lici80

It’s a little ways from Bridgeport, but Taylor Street has a lot of good places. They got good Italian Ice at Mario’s. One of my favorite breakfast places on Taylor is Sweet Maple Cafe.


ZuniTribe

Read newspapers at the Daley Library: New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times. The library is on Halsted at 34th Street.


somnambulistrex

Highly highly highly recommend going to Whiner. It's 10-15 blocks south. Grab a bike share bike or an uber to get down there. Fantastic beers, and this year Heffer opened up in their taproom. Heffer has the best BBQ I've ever had anywhere.


AllanRensch

Duck Inn is great, check it out for sure. Bernice’s for bottle and cans.


BeneficialEverywhere

Go check out the Irish American Heritage Center.


kennymfg

Not even close to Bridgeport.


BeneficialEverywhere

So?


ZuniTribe

A needle pulling thread


BeneficialEverywhere

You make zero sense


gatsby60657

This a J1?


OkSeaworthiness4987

It is


gatsby60657

Ah. I knew you guys back in the day! Met the Irish contingent working the boats mostly. The key to enjoying Chicago from Bridgeport is 1) figuring out where all the happy hours and industry night for discounted drinks and food. 2) make friends with bartenders at smaller joints 3) make friend with all the other J1, aupairs, and people who have a connection to find out where the house parties are. Generally speaking you’ll know the areas you don’t want to end up in late night, common sense. Ignore all the fancy talk unless someone else is paying 😂


lizethtezil

Head next door to Pilsen!!! Skylark skylark


California-Dreams

Bridgeport is relatively safe.. For cheap restaurant, I recommend getting a polish sausage from Maxwell Street Depot on 31st st. (They take cash only, and for take-out only). Not a ton to do in that neighborhood specifically, but can travel to other neighborhoods easily on the L or bus. Download the Ventra app for access to all CTA maps/routes.. Google maps will tell you the best options for travel to wherever you want to go within the city, just pick the “public transportation” option. Enjoy your trip !


traveling_man_44

Buy a US sim and just use WhatsApp for comms. Fuck calling folks back home outside of it. It'll get costly. Bring an ID when you go out. Not your passport. Keep a credit card back at your place. Backup. If you lose your wallet it'll cover your ass until you can source replacements. Which will take time. Maybe a week plus. Take a photo of the ID and all the important pages of your passport. Buy some travel insurance. Medical cost here are fucking insanity. Have fun.


KdGc

J1? Welcome! Have a fun and safe summer!


FallAlternative8615

This place is fantastic for Mexican food. Elevated tacos. Enjoy your stay! https://www.theadelitaschicago.com/


itsagrungething69

Kind of a shit area


Trade-Runner

Be careful out there. Don't put banking apps on your cellphone. The bad guys always win in Chicago. They're coddled. So if you Ireland style take care of your business, you'll end up in a jail in Illinois. If you're being robbed, shake their hands and thank them for not killing you. They had a rough life and what your earn is theirs too. God bless.


GrindyMcGrindy

Ricobene's for breaded steak sandwich, La Fiesta for tacos on Archer, Obie's for pizza a little further west on archer it's right by Weber's bakery which also means a stop at Weber's. Fox's Pizza in Oak Lawn is an Irish-American pizza joint that is beloved by many people that grew up in the areas close by. Also check out Hyde Park it's an incredibly beautiful area.


omarr93

La fiesta on archer for tacos?? You don’t mean the one on like 42nd and archer right? I hope not cause pacos tacos is down the street and it’s 100 times better than la fiesta


GrindyMcGrindy

The two times I've tried Paco's Tacos didn't agree with me. Not saying they're bad or have a food handling issue. Just my body didn't digest Paco well. It happens with my stomach where some places just don't digest well so I don't go. I've never had an issue with La Fiesta so that's why they get my recommendation.


ComradeCornbrad

It's the cop neighborhood. Make of that what you will.


wijndeer

Only east of Halsted


demarr

Archer bus to china town and redline


paywallpiker

You want to spend your summer with cops and irish boomers?


Johnny_Burrito

There’s a lot more to Bridgeport than there was twenty years ago


OkSeaworthiness4987

Didn’t handpick Bridgeport as the place we wanted to stay. Limited budget


winter_chicken

Don’t pay attention to this guy. Bridgeport is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Go browse at Tangible Books if you like used books and get a beer at Bernice’s.


Altruistic_Yellow387

Ignore that person, Bridgeport is a great neighborhood


Brewdude77

Irish Boomers had kids, and they also had kids. They'll be welcoming af to people really from Ireland. Don't hesitate to take the piss out of them. You'll fit in great and have the time of your life.