Pilsen is the Brooklyn of Chicago.
Pilsen named the Brooklyn of Chicago
August 4, 2026 - Brooklyn Of (brooklynof.com), a travel publication that names the coolest neighborhood in more than 150 cities worldwide, has named Pilsen the Brooklyn of Chicago.
The "Brooklyn of" a city is a metaphor, of course: shorthand for the coolest neighborhood in town, the one where independent culture, serious coffee, and creative energy define the character. Not the old town, not where the hop-on-hop-off bus goes. Every big enough city has one, and the site names exactly one per city. In many cities the pick is close to consensus, the name locals would give without hesitating. In others it picks a side. Chicago's verdict went to Pilsen ahead of Logan Square, Avondale and Bridgeport, which take the runner-up positions.
"We named Pilsen the Brooklyn of Chicago. Murals on every block, an art scene that has been there for decades, and a cultural identity nobody focus-grouped. Chicagoans are welcome to tell us we are wrong," says Per, creator of Brooklyn Of.
The verdict comes with a guide to Pilsen's independent hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and shops: no big chains, nothing sponsored, and placements are not for sale. Selections draw on research and local tastemakers in each city, and readers who disagree are invited to make their case.
The full Chicago verdict: brooklynof.com/chicago
Press contact: Per, creator of Brooklyn Of, hello [at] brooklynof.com
Press kit and images: brooklynof.com/press/chicago
Runner-up neighborhoods: Logan Square, Avondale, Bridgeport
Free for editorial use in coverage of brooklynof.com. Credit: brooklynof.com.
hello [at] brooklynof.com · Per is available for interviews, quotes, and written commentary on this and every city in the index.