South Shore - Chicago, IL Area Guide

At the heart of Chi-town's south side, South Shore's history encompasses many notable former residents that speak to the immigration, migration and changes that have swept through this community.

From its earlier days, South Shore has bred brilliance. From Nobel Prize winner James D. Watson, poet Gwendolyn Brooks and business mogul Larry Ellison to First Lady Michelle Obama to Kanye West, many former residents shine throughout the pages of the neighborhood's history.

Harking back to the 1850s, South Shore began as swamplands. A growing population of mill workers and others drawn by development in nearby Jackson Park helped the community grow. That growth led to the birth of the South Shore Country Club, which would later close its doors amid floods of residents settling in from Europe and from the north.

Residents during that time weren't too sad to see the club go, though, as the South Shore Cultural Center emerged in its place. This 65-acre parcel serves the community in a variety of ways. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama even held their wedding reception here.

Soothe your mind, body and soul courtesy of the blues bands that hit the Cultural Center or Rainbow Beach during the summer. If you are a film lover, Monday Movie Nights are held on every Monday in July. Both present great opportunities to pack a picnic basket and get in some quality time with friends and family.

South Shore doesn't have a boisterous nightlife and provides a quieter dining scene than many of Chicago's abundant dining districts. However, it does feature several tasty eating options, from little cafés to a few good date-night locales.

Join the crowd of locals who know 5 Loaves Bakery offers great food at great prices and never skimps on the portions. The Po'boy sandwiches here remain a South Shore staple for those in the know. Crusty on the outside, the French bread stays soft and airy on the inside. Although the restaurant's interior lacks abundant seating, the daily specials make waiting for a table well worth your while.

Sample the fares of budding chefs on date night at Parrot Cage Restaurant, where Washburne Culinary Institute students prepare steaks, chops and a rotating menu of culinary delights. Locals swear the steaks stay butter-tender and melt in your mouth. Make reservations in advance when heading here. With limited seating and BYOB for only a small fee, the restaurant fills up fast despite being one of South Shore's hidden gems for couples.

For a low-cost meal, head to Seashell Restaurant and enjoy a $7 lunch or dinner. Give your heat meter a workout with crisp and moist buffalo wings that come slathered with plenty of sauce. For a sweet treat, indulge in a cake shake, which combines ice cream, milk and a generous slice of the cake of your choice.

While you can drive in South Shore, public transportation makes travelling a lot easier. Since South Shore spreads out over a good-sized area, Chicago's Transit Authority gives you the best options for traveling around the neighborhood and beyond.

Grab a ride on bus number 71 on 71st Street to where it crosses Exchange and get off just a quick walk away from the lake. If you commute to the Loop by day, you have a few options. Jeffrey Express number 14 and South Shore Express number 26 shuffle people to and fro, but locals prefer the commuter Metra Electric line that connects to Millennium Park Station.

If you decide to brave the streets by driving, traffic can be a little mind-boggling. Parking is difficult as spots stay pretty elusive for even the most savvy of drivers, and traffic at the Cultural Center remains the worst. Be prepared to hike it to the lake if you drive. For commuting in the car, keep your patience handy via any route because Chicago rush hour traffic aims to make life difficult on Lakeshore Drive. Keep change handy if you plan to take the Chicago Skyway, as the toll charges a fee.

While many residents unwisely hop on their bikes to ride along Stony Island Avenue, they'd be better off calling a cab. Given the limited commercial areas, finding a cab to hail is unlikely, but a door-side ride via taxi, Uber or Lyft is just a call away.

Walking doesn't work very well for most outings unless you live close to your destination, but many residents looking for some exercise enjoy the brisk walk to the lake.

Two key attractions keep South Shore residents staying active, soaking up the sun and loving life in their community-centered neighborhood, the South Shore Cultural Center and Rainbow Beach.

Walk along the boardwalk and long walking trails at the Cultural Center on days when you need some solitude or want to commune with nature's landscape, or take in the butterfly garden before cracking open a picnic basket to share a relaxing lunch with someone special. Drop the kids off at a scheduled activity or class, and hit the nine-hole golf course knowing the kids are well-entertained. The center offers something for everyone.

When you feel like hitting the surf, head to Rainbow Beach. This beach gives you the perfect spot to break out the beach ball or stretch out under the sun. If you prefer to get your exercise the more traditional way, this area also offers several jogging/walking paths and a fitness center for South Shore residents.

South Shore residents take advantage of the reasonable cost of living whether they rent or buy. One bedrooms set residents back a mere $800 or so a month, and four-bedroom units, on average, hover just below $1400. Since residents must often travel outside the neighborhood for many amenities, including everyday and entertainment needs, the cost of living for all non-housing elements aligns closely with the city average.

South Shore has limited shopping. If you ask locals, most would describe finding retail stores as a challenge, and many venture as far as Hyde Park or Roosevelt Road to take care of business.

Your best bet for shopping lies in hitting Stony Island Avenue, where newer developments have contributed to several small strip centers popping up with local shops and businesses. Go to the intersection of Stony Island, Jeffery and 71st Street for the big-box stores that serve as the main shopping options in South Shore.

Don't forget to keep Sunday mornings open from June through October. This is when the South Shore Farmers Market sets up shop to pander fresh fruits and veggies to locals.