Rectangular Bridgeview, Illinois, is located a few miles from the Chicago Loop and has a population of more than 16,000. With the village equally divided into residential, commercial, and industrial areas, it truly lives up to its motto as, “A Well-Balanced Community”. What started out as farmland, has now blossomed into a culturally diverse community, with an international venue for sports and entertainment.
The major city of Chicago may be nearby, but Bridgeview has its own beauty, and a sense of small-town togetherness. If you ever find yourself wanting to skip the hustle and bustle of the major city, head to this village and take a breather. Read on to learn more about the best things to do int he area!
1. Be entertained at Toyota Park
Newly opened in 2006, this soccer-specific stadium has also been the venue for concerts, as well as sporting events. Aside from the main area, the stadium also has 42 executive suites, six larger party suites, the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame, Chicago Fire club offices, and a large stadium club/banquet room. In July 2016, two large-scale murals were installed on the east and west walls of the stadium’s stage suites.
Toyota Park
Address: 7000 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois
Contact: +1 708-594-7200, +1 708-594-7700 (Box Office)
Website: Toyota Park
2. Experience different cultures at Harlem Avenue
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
To get a taste of the Middle East in the Midwest, head to this colorful Arab-American neighborhood and take a stroll around. The Arab community has made its presence known in the village, with its Islamic social club (now a mosque), established in 1981. Aside from ethnic grocery stores and dining establishments, there are also a lot of sweet shops and cultural souvenir stores in the area.
Harlem Avenue
Address: Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
3. Have some spooky fun at Haunted Trails Burbank
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located a few miles away, in Burbank, this amusement park is especially great for the kids. Visitors can enjoy the 18-hole mini-golf course, go-karts, rides, and other attractions. Keeping true to its name, the park is quite a sight to see on Halloween. It even has the “Frightmare Haunted House”, which opens every October.
Haunted Trails Burbank
Address: 7759 Harlem Ave, Burbank, Illinois
Opening hours: 11 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Thursday), 11 AM to 12 AM (Friday), 10 AM to 12 AM (Saturday), 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday). Open daily from 10 AM to 12 AM from June to August.
Entrance fee: None, but individual attractions have their respective ticket prices.
Contact: +1 708-598-8580, infoburbank@hauntedtrailsfun.com
Website: Haunted Trails Burbank
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4. Immerse in nature at the Lake Katherine Nature Center And Botanic Gardens
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Truly a sanctuary amidst a fast-paced world, this 85-acre (34.4-hectare) park contains gardens, a woodland, wetlands, a prairie, and a man-made lake. Although it was established in 1988, in 2012, the park underwent a large-scale improvement process. The park, which is within walking distance from Harlem Avenue, is a great place for various outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, and even kayaking.
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
Address: Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, Illinois
Opening hours: All day. The Frank Passarelli Nature Center has specific operational hours.
Entrance fee: None
Contact: +1 708-361-1873, +1 708-361-2978 (fax)
5. Experience the nightlife
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bridgeview may not be large, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the nightlife. X’s and O’s is a traditional sports bar and grill, with down-to-earth ambiance. Along with its comforting, small town vibe, they also serve trademark American dishes, like burgers and wings.
Another one to check out is Lolly’s Wine Cafe & Slots, which also has gaming machines, adding to its casino vibe. Winnie’s Bistro, a hidden gem near Toyota Park, also has gaming facilities. This dive bar, while not really specialized in food, is great for a quick bite on the way to a match at the stadium.
X's and O's
Address: 7801 W 79th St, Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM (Monday to Thursday), 7 AM to 3 AM (Friday), 11 AM to 3 AM (Saturday), 11 AM to 2 AM (Sunday)
Contact: +1 708-728-9696
Lolly's Wine Café & Slots
Address: 7310 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM (Sunday to Thursday), 7 AM to 3 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +1 708-546-0340
Website: Lolly’s Facebook Page
Winnie's Bistro
Address: 7267 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM
Contact: +1 708-929-4251
Website: Winnie’s Facebook Page
6. Live your talent show dreams at Chet’s Melody Lounge
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For musical types, there is a place a few minutes away from Bridgeview, where you can showcase your skills. Chet’s Melody Lounge is located across from the Resurrection Cemetery, but don’t let that spook you. It has live music to keep you entertained, while you’re sipping cocktails. They also have karaoke on Friday nights, so if you’re in the mood to sing your lungs out, just head to this gem in front of the cemetery.
Chet’s Melody Lounge
Address: 7400 Archer Rd, Justice, Illinois
Opening hours: 11 AM to 2 AM
Contact: +1 708-496-9202
Website: Chet’s Melody Lounge Facebook Page
7. Take a stroll through the parks
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Whether you’re into watching fireworks, walking your dog, or practicing your football skills, Bridgeview has places like Founders Park and Commissioners Park, that let you do your thing.
But if you’re looking for something a little more scenic, there is the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, located a few minutes away, in Willow Springs. It was established as a schoolhouse in 1886, the building was moved to its present site in the 1950’s and reopened as a different kind of school, where children learned about their environment and nature. Nowadays, the center operates as a visitor center with live animals and exhibits, as well as a children’s activity room.
Founders Park
Address: Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
Commissioners Park
Address: 8100 S Beloit Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Address: 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, Illinois
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (March to October), 8 AM to 4 PM (November to February). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
Entrance fee: None
Website: Forest Preserves of Cook County
8. Have a gastro-adventure at Justice
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The neighboring village of Justice is only a two-minute drive from Bridgeview, and its nightlife and dining scene can be just as alive. Davern’s Tavern & Lounge is a lively, family-run bar that serves classic American dishes and has an overall friendly ambiance. Guests have commended the warm staff, who can make anyone feel welcome.
There is also Szarotka, a unique and modern restaurant, serving a variety of traditional European dishes. Thanks to this eclectic gem, you don’t have to go all the way to Europe to get a taste of ethnic Polish cuisine.
Macho Taco is another reputable dining establishment in Justice, and guests can all agree that it serves the best Mexican food in the area.
Davern’s Tavern & Lounge
Address: 8527 W 79th St, Justice, Illinois
Opening hours: 7 AM to 2 AM
Contact: +1 708-924-6003
Website: Davern’s Tavern & Lounge
Szarotka
Address: 8100 S Roberts Rd, Justice, Illinois
Opening hours: 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact: +1 708-458-1400, +1 708-458-4379 (fax), contact@szarotka.us
Website: Szarotka
Macho Taco
Address: 8350 S Roberts Rd, Justice, Illinois
Opening hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Thursday), 11 AM to 12 AM (Friday), 11 AM to 11 PM (Saturday)
Contact: +1 708-907-5890, +1 708-907-5847 (fax), contact@getmachotaco.com
Website: Macho Taco
Explore an authentic Midwestern village
American small towns have a charm of their own and Bridgeview is no exception. What it lacks in scenic attractions it makes up for with its welcoming community vibe, where everyone is treated like family. If you want to take a break from big city stress, Bridgeview is here to hand you a drink or two.
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