Welcome to Portage Park
Energetic and walkable community
Portage Park is a bustling neighborhood located on the northwest side of Chicago, only nine miles from the Loop. It is easily accessible through public transportation and is an energetic and quickly growing community.
The neighborhood is well-known for its parks and the “Six Corners” intersection of Irving Park Road, Milwaukee Avenue, and Cicero Avenue, which is home to many dining and shopping establishments.
What to Love
- Walkable access to public transportation
- Bustling and hip with lots to do
- Peaceful parks and green spaces
- Abundant dining and shopping
Local Lifestyle
Portage Park is a bustling community in the heart of Chicago. Residents enjoy a community with a dynamic mixture of metropolitan and suburban environments. The area is home to many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks, providing ample opportunities for socializing and outdoor activities. Portage Park is filled with beautiful homes, including many picturesque bungalows and American Four Squares. The community of Portage Park offers the convenience of city life with the welcoming feel of an all-American neighborhood.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Sutherlands is a welcoming neighborhood tavern offering a diverse range of pub cuisine and a broad beer selection. Sutherland’s interior features exposed bricks, warm wood tones, and an attractive tin ceiling, creating a relaxed, retro ambiance. The establishment derives its name from E.B. Sutherland, one of the pioneers of Portage Park, who, in 1841, established the first tavern along what is now known as Milwaukee Avenue.
The Marketplace at Six Corners is a bustling shopping, entertainment, and community events hub. Over 175 businesses have chosen this location due to its high visibility and convenient location. Marketplace at Six Corners is situated at the heart of Portage Park, with the commercial district having seen significant growth in recent years.
Babe’s On Milwaukee is an intimate neighborhood establishment with a close-knit community of regulars. Babes on Milwaukee features a dramatically lit interior with a spacious bar and knowledgeable bartenders. A highlight of the bar for regulars is the daily happy hour, Monday through Friday, from four to six in the afternoon.
Galvin’s Public House is an American-Irish pub that serves beer, cocktails, and traditional Irish fare. Established in 2000, it has become a popular local destination. The restaurant boasts a friendly staff and food that is made from scratch. The pub’s warm and rustic atmosphere is enhanced by a stone fireplace and dark wood tables and chairs.
Things to Do
Portage Park is 38.18 acres of idyllic green space and recreational facilities. The park offers athletic facilities for tennis, in-line skating, biking, baseball, football, soccer, and swimming. Additionally, Portage Park provides recreational, cultural, and athletics classes and programs for all ages.
Portage Theater is a historic movie house originally opened in 1920 as the Portage Park Theatre and was built specifically for film showings. The theater underwent an extensive redesign in 1940 and was redecorated in a sleek Art Deco style. Today, the Portage Theater is home to the Silent Film Society of Chicago and hosts various film festivals, including the Chicago Silent Film Festival and the Chicago Polish Film Festival. Perhaps most interestingly, the theater was used as a filming location for the 2009 movie Public Enemies.
The Copernicus Center is a former 1930s movie theater transformed into a thriving venue for music, dance, and local community events. Established in 1971 as a non-profit organization, the Copernicus Foundation is a hub for civic, recreational, educational, and entertainment activities in the metropolitan area. The Copernicus Center hosts a range of events and celebrates the diverse heritage of the city's multi-ethnic population, with a special focus on Polish-American culture.
Ridgemoor Country Club is an exclusive, member-owned club that offers golf and social memberships by invitation. The golf course has multiple tee complexes for golfers of all skill levels. The club features a full-sized driving range, a well-manicured short-game practice area, and an off-season golf simulator for year-round use by members. Ridgemoor also offers two outdoor Har-Tru tennis courts and a swimming pool complex with a state-of-the-art heated lap pool. The club has a rich history of fostering camaraderie among members and provides a welcoming environment for those seeking membership.
Schools
The community of Portage Park is served by the Chicago Public School District, as well as several nearby private schools.
