Business Corridors

ROAD

Cermak Road honors Chicago’s mayor from 1931-1933. On February 15, 1933, an assassin took aim at then-President Franklin Roosevelt during a rally in downtown Miami. Killed instead was Chicago’s mayor, Anton J. Cermak, who was in Florida visiting the President while he vacationed before his inauguration.

Anton J. Cermak, a Czech immigrant, helped create a diverse Democratic party. In his honor, the city renamed 22nd street as it passed through Czech-American neighborhoods in Pilsen and Lawndale on its way west to Cicero and Berwyn, both home to large Czech populations at the time. Stop by the Chicagoland Czech-American Community Center and see how it keeps the active Czech community connected. The streets you walk and drive everyday house so many shops and restaurants people near and far love. They may also have centuries of stories worth hearing. Take Cermak Road, long heralded as Berwyn’s Main Street. Today, Berwyn’s Cermak Road corridor boasts locally owned small businesses, national favorites, a rich history, and a bright future.

Cermak Plaza 1957

Anton J. Cermak

Today, Berwyn is home to a growing Latinx, African-American, and Asian-American population - everyone’s taste buds benefit! Guadalajara Grill & Bar is a prime location for residents looking to enjoy the Cermak Corridor. With daily beer and lunch specials, karaoke nights, live Mariachi, and sports entertainment - you’re sure to indulge yourself every visit. Test out their delicious and authentic menu items today!

The rich Czech influence, along with many savings and loan businesses, earned Cermak Road the nickname “The Bohemian Wall Street.” Today, spots like the beloved Vesecky’s Bakery, where savvy locals have popped in for houska and rye for more than a century, carry on that tradition.

Old Fashioned Candies

Cermak Plaza Today

Other independent businesses have been famous Cermak Road staples for generations. Old Fashioned Candies, family-owned since 1969, is famous for their delicious holiday creations and chocolate-covered strawberries.

World’s Largest Laundromat, honored by the Guinness Book of World Records, not only boasts 13,500 square feet of space but also runs on the thermal power of 36 solar panels!

For more than a decade, Craig’s Shoes has fitted men, women, and children to which customers owe credit to the knowledgeable and friendly staff and array of top-named brands.

World’s Largest Laundromat

BERWYN BUSINESS DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT: ROAD Roosevelt

In May 1919, the road formerly known as 12th Street was renamed Roosevelt Road in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. During the 1920’s, Berwyn was the fastest-growing Chicago suburb. The Ritz movie palace solidified Roosevelt Road as a premier entertainment destination.

With a booming music, dining, and shopping scene, there’s a palpable energy about Roosevelt Road. A street scape improvement plan invested millions into making it an even more enjoyable area for residents, visitors, and touring musicians alike.

FitzGerald’s Nightclub & Sidebar is TripAdvisor’s #1 place to visit in Berwyn, and for good reason! The legendary music venue – once a Bohemian hunting lodge – has been in its current form since the 80’s and remains known for its laidback environment and booming musical variety that continues to bring more visitors from out of town every year. With their latest addition of BABYGOLD BARBECUE adjacent to Fitzgerald’s, visitors can enjoy a handpicked menu developed by beloved Chicago chef and Berwyn resident, Chef John Manion.

Berwyn 1907

More than just an entertainment hub, the Roosevelt Rd corridor is adorned with mouthwatering eateries, new and familiar. Autre Monde’s tasting menu including phenomenal brunch spreads and an exciting seasonal menu of creative farm-to-table Mediterranean fare shines from this scratch kitchen. For seriously delicious street-style Thai fare, look no further than Bodhi Thai Bistro. An expansive menu includes vegetarian and vegan options galore. The famous Turano Baking Company has provided authentically European breads to markets and restaurants. With its national headquarters on Roosevelt Road, you get to enjoy that delightful scent - and you can pop into Mamma Susi’s Bakeshop for a pick at the best baked goods fresh out the oven.

Since the 1940’s, three generations of owners at Dan’s Bike Shop have helped kids and adults find the right bike and keep their bikes in good repair. Recipients of the 2020 George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence, they are known for their knowledgeable staff and helpful service.

Autre Monde Cocktail & Entree

Bhodi Thai

Dan’s Bike Shop Turano Baked Goods

BERWYN BUSINESS DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT: DepotDISTRICT

A vibrant, walkable, and accessible city center is a perk of living and visiting Berwyn. The Depot District is lined with amazing eateries of all varieties. Pubs, lounges, family restaurants, and more – the Depot makes for a perfect day out anytime of the year!

Berwyn is, as many residents will attest, all about community. To bring people together, the Depot District hosts several signature events. Come spring, adults can enjoy an afternoon of putting and sipping at favorite taverns and restaurants during the Mini-Golf Pub Crawl. When summer comes around, it’s time to toast two nights of fun during Berwyn’s famous Oktoberfest. Celebrate with the community in 2022!

Depot District 1924

MacNeal Hospital 1940

Oktoberfest

Lavergne’s Tavern opened in 2016 and quickly became a hometown favorite. A seasonal food menu is matched by upscale bar options. With a restored tin ceiling and hardwood floors as well as a historic bar rebuilt with reclaimed wood, it blends the best of old-world style and modern dining.

Beer and pizza just go great together, especially at Flapjack Brewery. Located in the Depot District, this crowd favorite serves up wood-fired pizza along with a rotating menu of small-batch beers.

Breakfast is always a good idea, and always available at Connie’s Family Restaurant & Cocktails. Don’t worry; you can also get delicious lunch and dinner at this casual and family-friendly spot known for a daily menu of homemade soups.

Berwyn’s Depot District hosts MacNeal Hospital (acquired by Loyola Medicine and Trinity Health in 2018) which is Berwyn’s largest medical facility and employer. As big as MacNeal Hospital is now, it once had humble beginnings inside Arthur MacNeal’s home on 33rd St and Oak Park Ave. The hospital has undergone many changes since its creation in 1919 and is now a huge medical center that takes up an entire village block in the Depot District. The hospital has received several awards for its excellence in service and state of the art equipment.

Lavergne’s

Lavergne’s Flapjack Brewery Beer Selection & Pizza

Ogden BERWYN BUSINESS DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT: AVENUE

As Berwyn and other suburbs began booming in the 1920s, a new numbered highway system was sprouting across America. Route 66 was one such road, and – in the century since – it’s become an icon of progress and connection. In Berwyn, Ogden Avenue is a vibrant reminder of times that have passed, and a present-day nod to all our town continues to offer.

As part of Route 66, known as The Mother Road. It’s no surprise that Ogden Avenue is home to several top-notch, car-related businesses.

For those looking for a new or used ride, Berwyn Kia has earned its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy dealership. Buying a car can be a stressful process, and the sales and service team at Berwyn Kia is known for being helpful and patient.

Over three generations, proud owners have relied on Ogden Top & Trim for their superior craftsmanship. Since 1919 (yes, before Ogden Avenue was part of Route 66), this awardwinning upholstery and trim shop has serviced custom cars, restorations, and repairs alike.

Beyond buying cars, Berwyn loves to celebrate cars too! The Berwyn Route 66 Car Show is back after its two-year hiatus, and it features hundreds of classic and custom vehicles. Save the date for August 27th, 2022 to attend!

RT66 Car Show 1996

RT66’s Birthday 1993

Cigars & Stripes BBQ Lounge is another neighborhood gem. Filled with otherworldly memorabilia, this Rt 66 paradise offers smokey meats and in house sides that are ready to be washed down with on-tap craft brews. Patrons love the wide range of events, from movie screenings to open mic comedy nights, and as the name suggests, it’s also a fine place to snag a quality cigar!

Paisans Pizzeria and Bar’s award-winning pizza, burgers, salads, and wings are delicious reasons to stop. It’s a family favorite not just for great food but for a Route 66 inspired ambiance complete with custom motorcycles and a dragster on display. While cars are good enough reason to cruise Ogden Avenue, there are plenty of unique shops and restaurants along the way that are well worth a visit. Aptly located in an old Chevy dealership, Berwyn’s Toys & Trains has been treasured since 1992 for its trove of new and vintage toys.

Cigars & Stripes

Paisans Pizzeria & Bar