Located on the southern end of Chicago, Beverly is one of the city’s most striking neighborhoods.
Known for its lush green spaces, endless streets lined with historical architecture, and numerous shops and restaurants showcasing the community’s storied history, Beverly is a charming place to spend a day, or to call home.
What should be on your “bucket list” of things to see and do in this South Side haven for food, history, and all things Chicago? Here are ten of the “can’t miss” experiences that make Beverly so unique:
1.) Grab a Frosty Treat at The Original Rainbow Cone
Since it was founded all the way back in the 1920s, The Original Rainbow Cone has been serving up unique sweet treats that draw visitors from all across Chicagoland. Best known for its namesake treat — which contains layers of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, and pistachio ice cream underneath a scoop of orange sherbet — the Original Rainbow Cone at 92nd and Western also serves up a wide variety of ice cream flavors, shakes, cakes, and more.
To look at a menu or learn more about what makes this iconic ice cream joint so special, you can visit Original Rainbow Cone’s official site, here.
2.) Get a View of Robert Givins’ Irish Castle
A true castle, in the middle of Chicago? At first glance, it’s easy to mistake Robert Givins’ Irish Castle, located in the heart of Beverly, as a fantastical mirage brought on by too many episodes of Game of Thrones. But make no mistake, this historic piece of architecture is very real. Inspired by a real Irish castle located along the River Dee, between Dublin and Belfast, Givins’ Castle was originally built as a family home in the late 1800s under the direction of Robert C. Givins, a local real estate developer. The legendary structure has changed hands a few times since then, and today, it’s the home of Beverly Unitarian Church. Visitors can explore the outside of the castle, and the site is regularly opened to the public for viewing.
To learn more about the history of this Chicago landmark, read on here.
3.) Take a Walk Through Nature
When you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Beverly is full of charming green spaces that are always worth a visit. On the northern end of the neighborhood, you’ll find Dan Ryan Woods. This 257-acre span, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, boasts plenty of great trails, lots of shady trees, and some impressive views of the Chicago skyline on clear days. In the heart of the Beverly community, Ridge Park has been drawing visitors since the early 1900s. This 10-acre park is home to an indoor pool and fitness center, as well as baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a large playground, and plenty of walking paths.
4.) Taste a Local Microbrew at a Beverly Brewing Company
Chicago has long been a favorite destination for serious craft beer lovers, and the Beverly neighborhood does not disappoint. This historic area is home to some truly forward-thinking spots for grabbing a pint, including Horse Thief Hollow and Open Outcry Brewing Company. Located on Western Avenue, Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Company serves up a diverse array of award-winning brews, as well as a food menu focused on bold, southern-style cooking. Head south toward Morgan Park, and you’ll find Open Outcry Brewing Company, a modern brewery offering inspired drafts alongside wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches.
5.) Get Your Coffee Fix at Beverly Bakery & Cafe
What makes Beverly Bakery & Cafe paradise for serious java lovers? Maybe it’s the 21 varieties of global coffee on sale, all freshly roasted in small batches every single day. Maybe it’s the extensive breakfast menu, which includes classics that pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. Or perhaps it’s the charming interior and famously welcoming service. Whatever the secret is, Beverly Bakery & Cafe has earned rave reviews over the years, and is a true must-visit for anyone looking for a perfect pour or a morning “pick-me-up” in the area.
To learn more about this local coffee roaster, visit Beverly Bakery & Cafe’s official page, here.
6.) Find Local Art at a Beverly Gallery
Beverly is a neighborhood with deep roots and a strong sense of community — and that includes carving out spaces for local artists to shine. Throughout the area, you’ll find plenty of spots to discover new and classic works from Chicagoland artists, including Heritage Gallery, a spot showcasing paintings of Chicago-area landmarks and landscapes, as well as locally made crafts and home goods. Nearby, the John H. Vanderpoel Art Association, located in the Ridge Park Fieldhouse, offers a permanent collection featuring the works of its namesake artist, as well as ro
7.) Explore Some of the Most Historic Architecture in Chicagoland
For fans of architecture and Chicagoland history, Beverly is home to one of the highest concentrations of historically significant homes you’ll find anywhere. This area is home to the Ridge Historic District, the Longwood Drive Historic District, and the Walter Burley Griffin Place Landmark District, where you’ll find a large collection of Prairie-style houses, many of which were designed by noted local architect Walter Burley Griffin. Throughout these historical districts in Beverly, you’ll also find a significant collection of homes designed by Frank Llloyd Wright, including the Guy C. Smith House, the H. Howard Hyde House, the Raymond W. Evans House, and the William & Jessie Adams House.
8.) Enjoy the Classics at Top Notch Beefburgers or Janson’s Drive-In
Chicagoland’s food scene has always been about looking to the future, while celebrating the classics. And it doesn’t get much more classic than a juicy burger, Chicago-style hot dogs, or dipped beef sandwich, served up at a spot that’s been slinging them for more than half a century. In Beverly, you’ll find a few truly legendary spots that have been perfecting their recipes for decades, including Top Notch Beefburgers, which has been delighting diners since it opened in the 1940s, as well as Janson’s Drive-In, a retro spot that’s been serving up Chicago staples since the summer of 1960.
9.) Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the South Side Irish Parade
Every March, revelers from across Chicagoland flock to the streets of Beverly to celebrate the area’s rich Irish heritage and cultural legacy. For more than 40 years, the South Side Irish Parade has been entertaining families with its annual display of bagpipes, floats, and more, while also organizing the community to raise money and awareness for charitable causes. Since the 1980s, the parade has kicked off from 103rd and Western, and proceeded south down Western Avenue to 115th Street.
To learn more about the history and traditions of the South Side Irish Parade, you can visit this famous celebration’s official site, here.
10.) Discover Your Passion at the Beverly Arts Center
The Beverly Arts Center brings education, art, and entertainment to the community. This sprawling arts complex boasts a large theater, art galleries and exhibition spaces, large rental rooms, music and dance studios, and classrooms. Each month, the Arts Center leads community outreach events, hosts a wide variety of arts education classes, and stages countless events, ranging from comedy shows to film screenings.
To learn more about the Beverly Arts Center’s mission or see a calendar of upcoming events, you can visit its official site, here.
Want to Keep Exploring?
To discover even more about what makes this community so special, please visit our official guide to Beverly’s real estate market, available here.
