With historic homes steps from Lake Michigan, Margate Park is a popular neighborhood for renters and buyers.
From its pocket of buzzing Uptown, the neighborhood blends quiet residential living with the excitement of the big city. Offering plenty of green space, spending time in nature doesn’t need to be a special occasion. And, with Lake Shore Drive, CTA buses, and the Red Line, getting around Chicago is a breeze!
Margate Park Neighborhood Guide
While Margate Park is quiet except for some stores, bars, and restaurants along Sheridan Road — the greater Uptown area definitely isn’t. Featuring some of Chicago’s top music venues, restaurants, and theater, Uptown is a citywide destination. So whether they are sampling great restaurants at the exciting “Asia on Argyle” corridor or seeing a rock band at the Aragon Theater, Margate Park residents have top options at their fingertips.
Local Eats
Margate Park residents can stroll from their homes to the restaurants along Sheridan Avenue, the neighborhood’s main drag. The strip features affordable options including casual Vietnamese cafes, including La Bahn Mi Hung Phat, and Chinese cuisine at China Cafe. To the north-west, “Asia on Argyle” is a great stretch of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian restaurants and shops. Other great Uptown restaurants include Tweet, a great local brunch spot, Demera, for Ethiopian cuisine, and 3 Squares, an upscale American diner.
Margate Park Shopping
Margate Park is smack dab in the middle of Uptown’s thriving shopping scene. In addition to the two-story Target on Broadway and familiar grocery chains like Jewel and Aldi, local boutiques and specialty grocery stores are also available. A local favorite is Milk Handmade, focusing on handmade women’s clothing and accessories. Looking to try something new? The Middle Eastern Bakery and Hoa Grocery will expand your palate and are easy on the wallet.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re a fan of live entertainment, whether it be comedy, music, or theater — the Margate Park area has you covered. Just to the west, The Riviera Theater and The Aragon Ballroom host touring bands across all genres. Both venues opened in the 1920s and are great examples of beautiful pre-war architecture. Local theater companies include the Black Ensemble Theater, celebrating black cultural icons, and The Neo-Futurist Theater whose “To Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” is a Chicago classic.
Nightlife
While the days of Al Capone and Frank Sinatra are long over, Uptown’s lively bar and club scenes persist. The crown jewel of the area might just be The Green Mill, a Chicago classic featuring live jazz music and retro decor. Other favorites include the Uptown Arcade Bar, where a hand-crafted cocktail comes with free games, and step into the 1940s at Fat Cat Bar.
Parks and Recreation
Margate Park’s greatest strength might be its easy access to nature. The area is a beach town, just a short walk east and residents will find themselves at the beautiful northern stretch of Lincoln Park. Park features include Montrose Beach and Harbor, acres of open land, and a miles-long lakefront trail. If that wasn’t enough, the area has Clarendon Park. With an outdoor dog park, sports fields, and a fieldhouse equipped with a gymnasium and fitness center, the park is an area gem. For children, the Park District offers sports, arts, and summer camp programs.
Margate Park History
Early History
Margate Park’s modern history begins in the early 1900s. In those years, Uptown was a high-society destination for its ornate theaters and smoke-filled jazz clubs. The center of Chicago’s entertainment industry, movie stars like Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson could be found in the area. Wedged between the bustle of Broadway Avenue and the tranquility of Lake Michigan, the historic mansions and luxury high-rises of Margate Park were built.
Decline and Modern Resurgence
Like much of Chicago, Margate Park went through difficult times from the 1930s-1950s. The Great Depression and World War II dried out the entertainment industry and many affluent residents moved to the ‘burbs. As a result, many historic residences were sub-divided or fell into disrepair.
In the 1970s, the area’s fortunes turned around as many immigrants revitalized the area. Today, most of Margate Park’s historic homes have been rehabbed. And, while not quite as glamorous as the 1920s golden age, Uptown has re-emerged as a thriving entertainment hotspot.
Margate Park Homes
Margate Park’s housing market consists of historic mansions, vintage condominiums, and high-rise condominiums and apartment buildings. Many of these residents include pristine views of the lake and Lincoln Park. While the market tilts towards historic rehabbed buildings, a few new construction condominiums are also available. While the sprawling mansions fetch a pretty penny, the area as a whole is quite affordable.
Renters and buyers have been flocking to the lovely beachside Margate Park. Come check it out!
