Around Chicago: North Center

By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 10, 2015 5:00AM

This post is a sponsored collaboration between Jameson and Gothamist staff.

A city is defined by its people and what they build, create, and celebrate. Chicago, itself a kaleidoscope of America's complicated past, is a great example. Look at your community and, because it's Polish, African-American, Puerto Rican, Irish or a little of everything, you'll see the country by way of the city.

North Center is a dichotomy. On one hand you've got families, taking advantage of the peace and quiet the neighborhood affords. On the other, you've got young people moving in to get away from the madness of downtown without giving up all the options they're used to. Either way, they've all got something to do on a holiday that's ironically come to represent us all: St. Patrick's Day.

How does that make sense? Think about it: St. Paddy's is bigger here than it ever was in Ireland. Americans of every background have made it into their own celebration of friendship, indulgence, and the opportunity to unwind. How does it change from person to person, neighborhood to neighborhood, and what does it say about us?

In North Center, upscale pubs serving up gourmet takes on Irish fare meet bar crawls from edge to neighborhood edge, somehow all existing at once in an area that could easily suffer from the drama of rowdy vs. settled. Just keep the Jameson flowing—and the noise down!

In a toast to Chicago, we've taken a look at four neighborhoods to get a picture of their past and present. First was Logan Square; today we discover North Center.

Maps in this series by Keith & Co.

Dan Polyak is a graphic designer living in Roscoe Village/North Center, and is currently Art Director at Metro and SmartBar, and the head designer for Downwrite, a startup site that sells custom made music. We asked Dan about his neighborhood, what it means to live there, and whether there's anything he'd like to share with the rest of Chicago. You can check him out here and here.

It's St. Patrick's Day—let's talk about drinks! Let's say you find yourself buying a round of shots for your table. What's the occasion? What isn't the reason? I am the king of buying a round of shots just for fun.

Where are you from originally? I'm a born-and-raised Chicagoan who grew up in the Portage Park neighborhood.

You live in North Center now. What's your favorite thing about your neighborhood? I like that it's in the thick of the city but maintains a residential aspect.

Do you think anything sets North Center apart from other neighborhoods? I think the family aspect sets it apart from a lot of the surrounding neighborhoods. A lot of these families want to stay city dwellers yet want to be able to get away from the crowds of people in the more popular neighborhoods.

What's a misconception about your neighborhood that you want to put to rest? That it’s boring. There's a ton of great food options—Thai, brunch, Southern, BBQ, traditional American, Italian. On top of the bars, gyms and shops, there is always something to do.

Do you think anything really defines North Center? Architecturally, North Center is defined by European influences and its very eclectic grouping of businesses. It's also the home of my two favorite food fests, Burgerfest and Ribfest.

How would you tell an out-of-towner to spend a day in your neighborhood? First I’d suggest grabbing brunch followed by some thrifting up and down Belmont. After working off that brunch, I’d suggest a pit stop for some brick oven-pizza or gelato for something sweet. I’d end my night by catching a show at one of the venues on Belmont.

What's something that strikes you as “home” when you come back from being away? I think growing up in residential Chicago, North Center gives me that nostalgic feeling. The neighborhoods are homey and lined with families.

So, got any plans for St. Patrick's Day this year? House party-hopping featuring drinks and shots of Jameson. Avoiding Wrigleyville.

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and, deep down, it's a holiday that's more American than Irish. What better represents our nation of scrappy upstarts than a holiday both nostalgic for home and proud to have built a new one? And really, what's more Chicagoan?

Jameson invites you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the spirit of community the most authentic way—with a shot of triple-distilled Irish whiskey in your hand. Whether you're toasting from a bar stool, your favorite restaurant or a nearby park: long live the neighborhood—and long live the shot!