Goose Island - Chicago, IL Area Guide

The land that Goose Island rests on was initially purchased by Charles Taylor in 1832 for $100. Residents originally referred to Goose Island as Ogden Island, and the area remained separated from the Near North neighborhood until the late 1850s. Chicago's first mayor, William B. Ogden, was credited with commissioning the dredging of the canal. Goose Island was originally inhabited by Irish Immigrants, and the area contained multiple residential streets. However, the end of the 19th century witnessed an increase in poverty. As industry grew in the 20th century, the residential community shrank steadily.

The Goose Island neighborhood lacks a strong museum and arts culture. However, the nearby downtown area has multiple museums and arts galleries. Other nearby neighborhoods also provide the Intuit: The Center For Intuitive and Outsider Art, and the Chicago History Museum. Annual events in Goose Island include the Farm Roast and the Black Friday Bourbon County Stout.

Goose Island has a limited number of restaurants located physically on the island. Although the area lacks quantity, Goose Island makes up for this minor drawback in quality. The restaurants located physically on the island provide a five-star experience and rank highly as some of Chicago's best dining locations. The central location for restaurants border Halsted Street.

The chefs at The Dining Room at Kendall College prepare fine dining options that do not pinch the pocketbook. The chefs at this restaurant consist of culinary arts students with a master chef supervising each dish that leaves the kitchen. However, the meals prepared by the students can be arguably served at one of Chicago's most reputable dining locations. Popular menu items include duck breast, short ribs, foie gras and duck leg confit. The Dining Room combines an upscale feel with professional presentation. The restaurant provides three-course lunch and dinner options that guests value.

Another popular restaurant, Goose Island Shrimp House Chicago has built a reputation for preparing some of the best shrimp in Chicago. This restaurant holds a reputation for excellent deals, quality seafood and freshly prepared menu items. Goose Island Shrimp House has reasonable prices on pounds or half-pounds of not only shrimp, but catfish nuggets, clams and fried scallops. This Shrimp House provides large portions of food that guests highly recommend.

Flaming Wok 'n Grill serves an ethnic cuisine that guests commend for authentic flavor and traditional recipes. Flaming Wok prepares Indian and Pakistani dishes that include chicken boti, tandoori masala and vegetable biryani. This restaurant stays open 24 hours and has a convenient location that guests suggest add value to the dining location. Flaming Wok 'n Grill has a casual dining environment and reasonable prices, which add to the appeal of the location.

Nightlife in Goose Island has a quiet and laid-back atmosphere. This neighborhood provides a couple of nightlife locations that include dance clubs and lounges; however, for a more diverse and energetic experience, residents visit downtown Chicago or surrounding locations.

Goose Island has a high walkscore, which means most errands can be accomplished on foot. This neighborhood also has a reliable bike infrastructure that incorporates several bike lanes. Goose Island has solid public transportation and transit options. Public transportation in this area consists of multiple bus lines provided by the CTA, which include routes 70 Division and 8 Halsted.

Uber, RelayRides and Zipcar prove popular car-sharing services that serve this area for residents without a vehicle. Local taxis operate frequently throughout the area and have a call-in-advance feature that guests find appealing. Parking in this neighborhood consists of metered street parking, permit parking and customer parking lots. For access to nearby locations, residents use Interstate 90 or Division Street for effortless access to nearby locations.

The only neighborhood park in the Goose Island area, Stanton Park sits on 6.5 acres of land, and features basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground for children and an indoor swimming pool. Visitors can enjoy seasonal sports in the field-house or exercise in the open green space. Stanton Park provides after-school programs during the school year for children and a popular six-week day camp during the summer. Most programs require registration and an applicable fee. In addition to annual programs, the park also has interactive special events during the year for the entire family that include concerts and community picnics.

The cost of living in Goose Island runs about 29 percent higher than Chicago. A one-way fare on CTA bus lines costs $2.25, and the average rental rate sits at $2,329. Gas sits about 10 percent higher than the national average, and residents should expect to pay $4 for a domestic beer at a local bar.

Shopping options in Goose Island remain limited, and consist of niche boutiques and speciality shops. This neighborhood has close proximity to a couple of department stores and chain retailers that residents use for clothing, grocery and home essential needs.

A popular boutique, HMR Designs provides party and event planning complete with floral arrangements and consultation. This boutique receives praise for excellent service and insightful recommendations. HMR Designs maintains a reputation for understanding the needs of the client and creating an enjoyable planning experience. The botanicals come highly recommended by multiple guests.

Khloros Plants provides landscaping and florist options in the Goose Island neighborhood. Khloros Plants has beautiful flowers and arrangements ideal for weddings or any special occasion. This business provides professional landscaping for organizations and creative work for individuals. Khloros Plants has a knowledgeable staff that gives guests helpful suggestions and unique floral solutions.

For grocery needs, residents can shop at nearby Whole Foods Market, Target or the Restaurant Depot. Although Whole Foods and Target have basic home essentials and groceries items, the Restaurant Depot in Goose Island sells grocery items in bulk. This wholesale option requires a membership, however, guests find value in the stores diverse selection. The Restaurant Depot has a guest-friendly layout and sells liquor, meats, cookware, canned foods, fresh vegetables, flowers and much more.

The closest farmers market, Lincoln Park Farmers Market, rests in nearby Lincoln Park. The market opens every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through October. The Lincoln Park Farmers Market has seasonal produce, foods, prepared goods, cheeses and flowers.