The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into University Village

July 6, 2017

Brought to you by Chicago’s Best University Village Movers

A true mix of rich cultures, University Village and its neighbor Little Italy are often considered the same community. Located next to the University of Illinois Chicago, the area offers a range of facilities for its diverse population. It also features long-standing restaurants, bars and cafes, along with up-and-coming ones that show the latest trends. You’ll have no trouble finding what you need here, or exploring more in neighborhoods nearby–and as your Little Italy and University Village movers, we’ll make sure you feel right at home from the beginning.

The University Village and Little Italy neighborhood is home to about 97,000 thousand people, with a few more men than women. They have a median age of 30. About a third of the neighborhood households have children. Average yearly income is around $83k, and residents have a range of educational backgrounds.

Little Italy, specifically the area around Taylor Street, gained its reputation as an immigrant community throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Italian American population continued to grow and thrive in the area throughout the next few decades, establishing businesses along the way. The community shifted significantly in the 1990s, when the University of Illinois Chicago campus was built nearby. The neighborhood is now frequently called ” University Village & Little Italy”, showing how its heritage and new development have created a unique culture today.

Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your best University Village life.

Things to Do in University Village

• Arrigo Park: 6 wooded acres.
• Maxwell Street Market: Sundays year-round. Vendors and live performances.
• Vertiport Chicago: The place for Chicago helicopter tours.
• National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame: Public exhibits and events.
• Festa Italiana: Annual August street festival.
• First Aid Comics: Comic shop offers gaming gatherings.
• West Central Association: For community news and other nearby events.

Best Restaurants in University Village

• Pizza: Damenzo’s. Delivers. Also serves Mexican.
  2324 W Taylor St. | (312) 421-1142
• American Italian: A few of the many great options.
  Pompei: Open since 1909. Cafeteria-style.
  1531 W Taylor St. |  (312) 421-5179
  The Rosebud: Truly old school, sit-down restaurant.
  1500 W Taylor St | (312) 942-1117
• Tuscan: Francesca’s on Taylor: Warm and modern.  
  1400 W Taylor St. | 312-829-2828
• Sicilian: RoSal’s. Zagat rated.
  1154 W Taylor St. | (312) 243-2357
• Japanese: Kohan. Upscale sushi.
  730 W Maxwell St. | (312) 421-6254
• Vietnamese: Lotus Banh Mi. Sandwich cafe on UIC campus.
  719 W Maxwell St. | (312) 733-7595
• French: Chez Joel Bistro. Casual and intimate.
  1119 W Taylor St. | (312) 226-6479
• Brunch: Sweet Maple Cafe. Low key setting for breakfast and lunch.
  1339 W Taylor St. | (312) 243-8908
• Late Night: Jim’s Original. Home of classic sausage sandwiches. Open 24/7.
  1250 S Union Ave. | (312) 733-7820

Best Bars in University Village

• Wine: Davanti Enoteca. Paired with creative Italian food.

  800 Hillgrove Ave. | (708) 783-1060
• Beer: PhD Pub. 77 craft brews.
  1257 S Halsted St. | (312) 226-1010
• Chilling: Drum and Monkey. Sports viewing and events.
  1435 W Taylor St. | (312) 563-1874
• Dancing: Vintage Lounge. 1920s decor and feel.
  1449 W Taylor St. | (312) 526-3647
• History: Little Joe’s Circle Lounge. Comfortable space since 1946.
  1041 W Taylor St. | (312) 243-4233

Grocery Stores in University Village

• Jewel Osco: Two locations. Canal St. store open 24 hours Tuesday-Saturday.
  East: 1340 S Canal St. | (312) 666-5495
  West: 1220 S Ashland Ave. | (312) 733-2837
• Conte di Savoia: Italian specialty products and sandwiches.
  1438 W Taylor St. | (312) 666-3471

Coffee Shops in University Village

• Starbucks: Reliable menu and wifi.
  1430 W Taylor St. | (312) 492-7370
• Peet’s Coffee: Chain with creative menu.
  1328 S Halsted St. | (312) 489-5127
• Cafe Descartes: Local chain.
  750 S Halsted St. |  (773) 442-5353
• The Coffee Alley: European style, serves sandwiches.
  1152 W Taylor St. |  (312) 526-3873

Pet Parks in University Village

• University Village Dog Park: Locally supported.
  1531 S Halsted St. | Daily 6am-11pm

Gyms near University Village

• LA Fitness: Equipment and classes.
  1101 S Canal St. | (312) 379-8631
• Crosstown Fitness
  1031 W Madison St. |  (312) 550-1063

University Village Local Post Office and Delivery

• United States Postal Service
  116 S Western Ave. | M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12:30pm
• The UPS Store
  1074 W Taylor St. | M-F 8:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
• Shipping and Beyond
  1440 W Taylor St. | M-F 9:30am-6:30pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Dry Cleaners in University Village

• Star Cleaners

  1501 W Taylor St.| M-F 7:30am-7pm, Sat 8:30am-5pm
• Spot Cleaners

  1009 W 14th Pl. | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-5pm
• UIC Village Cleaners
  1618 S Halsted St. |  M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm

Parking in University Village

This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new University Village home. As a seasoned University Village moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!

As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book University Village movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest University Village life.

Learn More About Moving in Chicago

• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Uptown
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into West Loop
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into West Town
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Wicker Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Wrigleyville

Page Updated on November 16, 2018