CR Magazine - Summer 2018

Roosevelt Road.” Big Guys Sausage Stand,
and popular seasonal spot Gina’s Italian
Ice, featured on “Chicago’s Best” for its
frozen dessert.
If you’re in the market for goods, The
Craft & Vintage Market is open every third
Saturday of the month between 10 AM and
4 PM at the Friendly Coffee Lounge, one of
Berwyn’s top coffee shops.
Cermak Road – Berwyn’s
Main Street
While an eclectic mix of retail and
restaurants dominate Berwyn’s Main
Street, it was once known as the center of
Czech life and culture in the Chicago area.
Some traces of its Bohemian roots are
still apparent, such as The Chicagoland
Czech American Cultural Center and
Vesecky’s Bakery on Cermak Rd. Going
down Main Street during any themed
holiday, one store will catch your eye due
to its heavy door traffic: Old Fashioned
Candies, popular for offering “Chicago’s
Best Sweet Treats” and chocolate covered
strawberries.
The strip is also home to the unusual
tourist destination: the 13,500-square foot
World’s Largest Laundromat, honored by
the Guinness Book of World Records. The
father-and-sons’ business is also famous
for its award-winning green initiatives, like
a 36-panel solar thermal system—one of
the largest installations in the state.
And, Berwyn’s Cermak Plaza, off the
Harlem Ave. and Cermak Road intersection,
was a filming location for the iconic
Wayne’s World comedy.
With Berwyn’s award-winning corporation
and business incentives, there’s been rapid
development in Berwyn near the North
Riverside border. Popular national chains
and emerging chains want a piece of Main
Street. Starbucks, Chipotle Mexican Grill
and Five Guys Burgers and Fries moved
in recently, with others, including Panera
Bread, opening soon.
But the main attraction on Main Street
is in line with the heart of the town:
small businesses. La Lupita Restaurant
competes with some of the best tacos in
town, but its Pozole is considered the best
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