Metropolitan meets coastal living in Edgewater, Chicago. Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood gives you the best of both worlds. Whether you want a lakefront oasis or prefer the vibrant city, it offers diverse lifestyles for many.
Our Edgewater, IL neighborhood guide dives deeper into this unique community with its top highlights, the most popular attractions, and why residents love living here.
Where is Edgewater in Chicago?
Edgewater is located on Chicago’s North Side shoreline. It’s a few miles north of Chicago’s central business district, also known as, The Loop. Edgewater is also on the northern endpoint of Lake Shore Drive.
Edgewater, Chicago, IL: Neighborhood Highlights & What It’s Like to Live Here
People move to Edgewater, Chicago, for the many benefits it offers residents. Here are the top neighborhood highlights that locals love.
Close Access to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
As one of Chicago’s most popular boroughs, you have proximity to plenty of Chicago Transit Authority stations to explore the Windy City easily. The Bryn Mawr Metra station is located in the heart of Edgewater, allowing you to get around Chicago via the Red Line. Other popular Edgewater, Chicago CTA train stations include Thorndale and Granville.
There are also many bus stops scattered throughout the area, including:
•Edgewater & Clark via Bus 50
•Clark & Hollywood via Bus 22
•Ridge & Ardmore via Bus 84
Walkable Coastal & City Living
If you prefer to avoid public transportation, Edgewater is rated 100% for walkability to residence and job locations. Many bike ride shares are also available with designated lanes. While it’s a lakefront community, it also extends into the city, offering both walkable city and coastal living.
5 Fun Things to Do in Edgewater, Chicago
Now that you know the top neighborhood highlights, here are the five most popular things to do in Edgewater, Chicago.
1. Explore the Bryn Mawr Avenue Historic District
The Bryn Mawr Historic District is known for its vintage architecture. As a registered historic area, you can sightsee buildings built and preserved from the 1890s.
You’ll find mixed-use 20th-century properties with storefronts on the first floor and residences on the upper floors featuring vintage-urban landscapes. Its architectural designs include the Italian Renaissance, Art Deco, and French Romanesque influences.
Some of the most famous destinations are the Bryn Mawr Apartment Hotel (5550 N. Kenmore Ave) and the Belle Shore Apartment Hotel (1062 W. Bryn Mawr Ave), which are Chicago landmarks.
Bryn Mawr Avenue is also a major strip of shops, restaurants, and bars. If you like artisan crafts, Edgewater Candles is a locally-owned candle boutique with recycled mason jar soy wax candles, custom fragrances, and candle-making classes. SOUNDOFF® is a clothing store from a local designer, with premium streetwear and seasonal graphic collections.
Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District is located between North Broadway and North Sheridan Rd. The Bryn Mawr Metra takes you directly into the district via the Red Line. Multiple bus stops are also in the area, including Broadway & Bryn Mawr/Ridge via Bus 36 and Ridge & Wayne via Bus 84.
2. Enjoy a Live Performance at The Raven Theater
If you like live performances, The Raven Theater has vast events, including concerts, dance performances, musical theater, and plays. They also offer community educational programs and summer camps taught by credible theatre artists.
The Granville Metra station is a three-minute walk away via the Red Line. The Clark & Granville bus station via Bus 22 takes you directly to the venue’s entrance
3. Visit Osterman Beach
One of the most popular lakefront beaches in Edgewater, Chicago, is Osterman Beach because it’s along Lake Michigan. Beyond soaking in the sun, it offers water sports rentals like kayaking and canoeing, designated grill areas, and free Wi-Fi.
Osterman Beach is a historic LGBTQIA+ destination with inclusive community events. It was founded by politician Kathy Osterman, who advocated for gay rights in the 1980s.
You can get off Bryn Mawr Metra station via the Red Line, which is less than a five-minute walk. There are three CTA bus routes at 84 Peterson, 147 Outer Drive Express, and 151 Sheridan. There’s limited street parking available which connects to Lake Shore Dr.
Osterman Beach also connects to northern Lincoln Park if you want to travel to other popular Chicago neighborhoods.
4. Shop at the Vintage Shopping District
Edgewater is well-known for its vintage shopping district with vast retail options, like antiques, furniture, and vintage designer clothes. The largest and oldest antique store in Edgewater, Broadway Antique Market offers vintage jewelry, vinyl, and furniture.
Architectural Digest recognized Vern + Vera as one of Chicago’s best vintage furniture stores. They offer upscale vintage furniture from the 1950s to 1960s Italian and American designers, featuring contemporary pieces in quality condition.
Since both vintage shops are located on N Broadway, the closest Metra station is Thorndale via the Red Line, which is a 10-minute walk or less for each.
5. Eat Your Way Around the World Locally
As mentioned above, Edgewater, Chicago, has many diverse dining options with cuisines you may not have tried.
Some of the best places to eat locally include:
•Ethiopian Diamond: Authentic Ethiopian restaurant, bar, and caterer with vibrant dishes. From delicious African beers to homemade honey wine and sauteed spicy lamb, you’re sure to experience a flavor explosion.
•Kyoto Black: A coffee shop specializing in dark-roasted Brazilian and medium-roasted Guatemalan cold brew. Their Kyoto-styled cold brew is steeped for up to 24 hours for a strong, sweet, thick, and smooth taste.
•Brasserie by C&C: A French-Mexican fusion restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and upscale tasting menu dining. Their oysters Rockefeller and lamb ragout with fresh fettuccine are some of their most notable dishes.
Beachside & City Apartments in Chicago’s Edgewater Neighborhood: Rent Your Perfect Place
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