Why Chicagoans Flock to Beverly for St. Patrick’s Day

Chicagoans will gather Sunday for the South Side Irish Parade, a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition in the historically Irish neighborhood.

The parade started in 1979 with a small group of children marching. Today, the parade brings out more than 200,000 spectators and 10,000 marchers annually, according to the event’s organizers. But the parade has taken a couple of hiatuses between 2010–11 in response to violence and drunkenness, and again a decade later due to COVID-19.

Beverly native Ashley Rayner is raising her children in the neighborhood she grew up in. Raynor shares what to explore in one of the city’s most integrated neighborhoods.

Something to Eat

• 🍔 Nicky’s is a diner serving up burger, fries, lobster rolls, shakes, and vegan food.
• 🍦 The Original Rainbow Cone is a spot Chicagoans travel near and far for the five-flavored cold treat.
• ☕ Afro Joe’s is a coffee shop that hosts various events.
• 🥗 Ain’t She Sweet Cafe has great jerk chicken and tasty salads.
• 🍋 Flippin Flavors is your spot for sandwiches, salads, and lemonade.
• 🍨 Ohana Ice & Treats is a Black-owned spot that sells ice cream and shaved ice.

Something to See

• 🏰 Givins Irish Castle is on one of the few hills in the city.
• 🌳 Ridge Park has a fieldhouse, a pool, and a ceramics space. Pretend you are Serena and Venus on the tennis courts.

Something to Do

• 🛍️ Beverly Dry Goods sells Chicago-themed clothes and candles! Plus, pick up a refreshing alcohol mixer while you’re there.
• 👗 Belle Up Boutique has more cute Chicago clothes and decor — like a “Real Housewives of Beverly” towel! They also sell maternity clothes.
• 💿 Beverly Phono Market has a great selection of records.
• 🚲 Major Taylor Trail, named after the famous cyclist, is a great bike path.