Avondale
Avondale, on Chicago’s Northwest side near Irving Park and Ravenswood, was predominately a Polish neighborhood, complete with several sausage factories in the region. Framed by Addison Street on the north, the Chicago River’s North Branch on the east, Diversey Parkway on the south, and the Milwaukee Road tracks north to Belmont Avenue and over to Pulaski Road on the west, Avondale’s origins coincide with the development of railroad tracks along Milwaukee Avenue. Plants and brickyards that sprang up near the railroads were responsible for the initial wave of Polish, German and Scandinavian immigrants. By 1930, 33% of the population was Polish. Today, this low-key, blue collar community of European origins touts a large Hispanic population.
Avondale’s population has increased nearly 24% from the previous decade, to about 43,000. The demographics are 40% Caucasian and 22% Hispanic.
The notorious Abbey Pub Bar Club is a major point of interest in Avondale. The pub is equal parts well-known watering hole, music club and gathering place for fans of European rugby matches. On weekends, stop in for an authentic Irish breakfast, or come by any time for the shepard’s pie or fish ‘n’ chips.
