In North Center, most of the action centers at the six-way intersection where Irving Park Road meets Lincoln and Damen Avenue. Spread all around are options to suit just about any fancy: casual pubs where locals gather for drinks and sports, theater if you’re a fan of the stage or live music at a club that books both small weekly gigs and nationally-known artists. And for every cuisine, try one of the neighborhood standbys for your fill of Irish, German, Chinese and more. Bakeries, coffee shops and delis round out the offerings.

Influenced heavily by the early European immigrants that settled here, the community retains a classic charm in its architecture. Stroll the quiet residential areas and you’ll find well-kept brick homes, tree-lined streets and large picturesque parks.