When most people talk about the south side of Chicago, they think of McCormick Place or U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago actually goes as far south as 135th Street. I spent last weekend in the 100th Street area, where I grew up.
The once thriving area has taken a hit since the closing of the steel mills that employed the majority of the residents. Fortunately, there are some positive signs. The famously scenic Lake Shore Drive has been extended down to 95th Street. The lakefront area is just as beautiful, although far less developed than the in-demand North Side lakefront. This area could (and should) easily become hot property in the future.
The other famous road is the Chicago Skyway, a 7.8-mile toll road which connects the Indiana Toll Road with Chicago’s main south expressway. Technically, it is a toll bridge (legally, they could not construct another toll road at the time of its construction). Therefore, it is a toll bridge with a six-mile-long approach. Either way, it is historic and beautiful, offering a great view as Chicago’s highest road. It is also the most expensive (per mile) tollway in the country at $4.50 (or 57 cents per mile). Several childhood favorites are still thriving.
Calumet Fisheries is not only one of the few natural wood smokehouses, it is the best. Pick any of their seafood items because they are all winners. Our other favorite place is Hienie’s, where the barbeque sauce is the best I have ever tasted, whether it is on their fish, chicken or smothered on their fries. Cookies from Calumet Bakery were always a treat, and they still are. I’m not even a “cookie guy,” but I make the exception for Cal Bakery, makers of the best cookies.
Our trip down memory lane ended with a drive over the 95th Street Bridge, which was famously jumped by the Blues Brothers in their 1980 movie. Unlike Jake and Elwood, we drove over it when it was in the lowered, drivable position. Along with being nostalgically heartwarming, it was wonderful to see these places were just as good as we remembered. It also proved there is far more to the great city of Chicago than just the usual popular spots.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
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