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Berwyn is a city of about 55,000 people directly west of Chicago, between Cicero and Oak Park. Developed in the early 1900s, it grew rapidly in the 1920s as Czech and other Central European families moved out from the city, building thousands of brick Chicago bungalows that still define its quiet, tree-lined streets.
Historic Route 66 passes through Berwyn along Ogden Avenue, and the small Berwyn Route 66 Museum celebrates the Mother Road with memorabilia and an annual car show. The city's bungalow neighborhoods are among the largest concentrations of the style anywhere, and several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today Berwyn is known for an easygoing, diverse community, the Depot District around the Metra station, live music at the long-running FitzGerald's nightclub and old-school Czech baking at Vesecky's Bakery. Proksa Park offers green space and a playground. Downtown Chicago is about 25 minutes away by Metra or car, and Oak Park's Frank Lloyd Wright sites are just to the north.
A small volunteer-run museum on Ogden Avenue, the historic Route 66 alignment, filled with signs, photos, maps, souvenirs and stories from the Mother Road. Staff are happy to share travel tips for the rest of the route. Opening days are limited, so check ahead, and look for the annual Route 66 car show.
Berwyn has one of the largest collections of Chicago-style brick bungalows anywhere, mostly built in the 1910s and 1920s with low roofs, art glass windows and deep front porches. Several blocks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk or bike the side streets and respect the privacy of residents.
The lively area around the Berwyn Metra station, near Grove and Oak Park Avenues, with restaurants, bars, coffee shops and small businesses. It is the easiest place to start a visit if you arrive by train from Chicago. Come in the evening for dinner, then walk over to a show at a nearby music venue.
A beloved roadhouse-style music venue on Roosevelt Road that has hosted blues, roots, rock, zydeco and jazz since 1980. Its annual American Music Festival around the Fourth of July is a local tradition. Shows range from intimate to packed, so buy tickets in advance for popular acts and arrive early.
A long-running family bakery that reflects Berwyn's Czech roots, known for kolacky, houska braided bread, coffee cakes and other Central European treats alongside cakes and cookies. Go in the morning for the best selection, especially on weekends and before holidays, when lines can be long.
A well-regarded neighborhood restaurant in Berwyn's Depot District serving seasonal Mediterranean dishes, small plates and creative cocktails, with a pleasant patio in warm weather. It is popular with diners from across the western suburbs, so reserve ahead for weekend evenings and check current hours before you go.
One of Berwyn's main parks, with shade trees, walking paths, a playground and open lawns, plus space for community events in summer. It is a relaxing place to let children play or take a short walk among the bungalow neighborhoods. Restrooms and facilities vary by season, so plan accordingly.
A long-established shopping center at Cermak Road and Harlem Avenue with everyday stores and services. It became known for its unusual public art, including the famous car-spike sculpture Spindle, which was removed in 2008. Today it is mainly a practical stop for shopping and errands on the edge of Berwyn.
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