Thursday, January 15, 2009

Best Kept Secrets of 60655

Got this as a comment:

Hey 60655, How about an open post where locals share what they consider the"Best Kept Secrets" in 60655. Restaurants, businesses, and any other selling point. I just got married and my wife is new to Mt. Greenwood. Help me show her why this is the BEST area of the city for raising a family.

57 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love Wonderburger .They actually originated from the east side South Shore HS area in the 50's Bill Grant started it & his son continues the business . Its an original

Anonymous said...

Off topic, but has anyone checked the increase in county taxes they are now paying??? I am paying an extra 675.00 a year now in taxes!! I cant think about what I get from the county that makes me want to live here or continue paying? I dont have a nice park, I dont have useable schools or high school. Forclose it all I dont give a fu%$!

inandaround60655 said...

My taxes almost doubled. I went from $1800 a year to $3400...believe me, I feel your pain!

Anonymous said...

S & T Provisions on 111th Street and approx Hamlin is a real gem in Mt. Greenwood. Their sausages, pizza set-ups, and Italian foods are awesome!

Anonymous said...

Mt. Greenwood hardware 111th & Troy. It's like you travel back in time 50 years when you go in there. If your home is over 50 years old, this is the place you go to first for anything you might need.

Anonymous said...

I think that the neighbors themselves are the real gem here. My husband and I moved to Mt Greenwood almost 4 years ago and absolutely love our block. I love walking the dogs and seeing all the people around. People are usually really friendly but it also feels safer then many neighborhoods...maybe it's all the cops and firefighters LOL

Anonymous said...

Umm...Mount Greenwood's not big enough to find a "real gem" or "best-kept secret." There just aren't that many businesses or places that people haven't heard of.

Plus, many of them just aren't worth it. That's why
I head to Beverly if I'm looking for ANY type of entertainment or culture. They just don't exist in MG.

By the way, why does everyone who responds list himself as Anonymous? Can't we get some more people who aren't afraid of using their real names?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Charles D. resides in 60643. He probably still holds grudges from his childhood when C.K & Barnabas got dominated by Christina & Martyrs

Anonymous said...

Give me a break Dwyer. What entertainment has Beverly got that Mt. Greenwood doesn't, besides the North end of Beverly along 95th st. (east of western) which has all sorts of "entertainment"? Culture? Care to expound? What the Beverly arts center? Please. The only thing Beverly has that Mt. Greenwood doesn't is a bunch of people that think their shit don't stink. Now that's entertainment.
*

Anonymous said...

anonymous jan 15th 5:28

i'm peeing in my pants! you took the words right out of my mouth!

Anonymous said...

Why should we even share our best kept secrets with those from 60643 and beyond. 60643 has been on life support for awhile now. There's still some hope for 60655.

Anonymous said...

Actually, all you "Anonymouses," I live in Mount Greenwood. And to Anonymous #5: Unless you're 15 years old, please move on from your weird obsession with Catholic grade school sports.

Maybe you could talk about the adult hobbies you engage in. Is there anything you're competitive at these days, or was it just back when you were still a chunky little fifth-grade bully whose dad was a sergeant with CPD and whose mommy knew all the gossip in the neighborhood?

And to the owner of this blog: I encourage you not to post comments that use swears in them, such as those comments that Anonymous #6 made.

Anonymous #8: You mention that there's still hope for 60655. Like what? What sort of entertainment do we have, except for the well-worn juke boxes at the countless Irish bars on 111th Street? Please, give me something else to do!

Anonymous said...

Charles D. I have a very good suggestion that will even make Mt. Greenwood and 60655 even better 'move'! The administrator of this blog does an excellent job keeping us informed and bad attitudes like yourself need not apply! I feel fortunate not to have a neighbor that's a malcontent like you but I do feel for those who are!

inandaround60655 said...

Opinions have been stated and tempers are flaring...let's let things go at this. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha good jab Dwyer! There are a lot of Green-ites that are obsessed with their hero grade school days. Get a life losers. As for Beverly and Greenwood there is no comparing the two. Beverly is head and shoulders better nigh life and money worth. The homes are awesome and the lots are huge. "life support" Greenwood has more hillbillies bringing in the crak dealers and project rats then ever! Its your own "billies" ruining your neighborhood from the inside. I like both hoods but dont compare apples to oranges.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Ha ha good jab Dwyer! . . . As for Beverly and Greenwood there is no comparing the two. Beverly is head and shoulders better nigh life and money worth. The homes are awesome and the lots are huge. . . .

January 16, 2009 10:57 AM

Take a ride through Jackson Park Highlands (67th to 71st, west of Jeffrey). It was once a great place to live with beautiful homes, great nightlife along 71st Street, wonderful transportation, and parks, golf courses, and lakefront unlike anything else in the city. Today, most people would hesitate to drive through there, This is where 60643 is headed. Keep kidding yourself!

Anonymous said...

Charles Dywer, since you live in Mt. Greenwood and do like it's current state there are only two things you can do.

1. Do something other than complain about it. Take action to make it better. If you do not have the ability to make it better, like money to open a store, or something like that, stop it from getting worse by action.

2. Move out.

If you do not do one or the other above you have no right to complain.

That goes for everyone one who complains but never does anything about.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha good jab Dwyer! There are a lot of Green-ites that are obsessed with their hero grade school days. Get a life losers. As for Beverly and Greenwood there is no comparing the two. Beverly is head and shoulders better nigh life and money worth. The homes are awesome and the lots are huge. "life support" Greenwood has more hillbillies bringing in the crak dealers and project rats then ever! Its your own "billies" ruining your neighborhood from the inside. I like both hoods but dont compare apples to oranges.

January 16, 2009 10:57 AM

Actually there are WAY more calls for service in Beverly...all the east siders crossing Western.

Anonymous said...

hi ... any good ideas for the building that is now vacant...it once was the casket company???


how about a really nice italian restaurant...???

Anonymous said...

Please neighbors, keep an eye on Lawlors bar. Hearing that he is a bookie. Have him go back to Garfield Ridge. We don't need this in our neighboor hood. He is connected to Sheehan some how and family members are former Chicago policeman. Maybe the state police will investigate.

Anonymous said...

I want casto's back !!!

Bitches In Blue said...

Just wanted every one to know that this website lists crimes that are reported to the CPD in every neighborhood

http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime

Anonymous said...

I didn't even think this rivalry still existed. Not since all the newbies came to this area. I ain't heard so much fuedin' since 1978. I guess there are more natives still living here than I thought. Beverly is still the "Taint" of the south side.

Anonymous said...

Why dont we talk about best and worst coachs. Especially the coachs who are "loudmouths: who try to relive their past glory that never was through their own sons. They call is coaching however they do not let gradeschool kids who are still developing skills get any playing time. You know the type who have to coach in every sport and use the rest of the team as practice for their own sons. May be time to make some changes.

Anonymous said...

I live by the park and hear some of these coaches yelling at the kids like they expect NFL quality. Most of us just laugh at them because they are making fools out of themselves, but on the otherhand, they are trying to teach the kids sports and that's a good thing and they give their time freely. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad! And as far as the entire neighborhood goes, if you want to see honest improvement get rid of dishonest Rugai. Hey Ginger, thanks for the snow fence this year, the snow drifts were great...

Anonymous said...

I like going into Big and little shoes for the kids. Mt Greenwood hardware is also great. My wife likes A relaxed You on Kedzie. There are some nice places around here. Needs to be more IMHO

I have my reservations about going east of Western at night. Cafe 103, Calabria, Starbucks are nice to have, but there is a more likelihood that I would get a gun stuck in my face over that way. Trust me I know.

Anonymous said...

"I have my reservations about going east of Western at night. Cafe 103, Calabria, Starbucks are nice to have, but there is a more likelihood that I would get a gun stuck in my face over that way. Trust me I know.

January 17, 2009 9:15 AM"

Hahahaha! You sound like Brahm Bones warning Ichabod Crane of the Headless Horseman. Sissy.

Anonymous said...

Anyone notice all the projects that go on to improve Beverly seem to move a little quicker than anything to do with Mt. Greenwood. Get rid of Ginger, she is about as usefull to us as the north side of 111th street from Kedzie to Fat Tommys. What a waste.

Unknown said...

I love all the people hear criticizing Ginger, but don't have the balls to put your name on the post.

Anonymous said...

I like Mt greenwood the idea of it is nice and pleasent. City workers last resort kinda thing. But, no neighborhood has survived on city workers alone, not any of the southside parishs. That why Beverly is nice, they have a downtown working crowd and city workers mixed bag, black and white ALL WORKING, no lazy rats. I root for Greenwodd because it is my neighbor and if it sinks then Beverly sinks. Same goes for Beverly. If it is "on life support" then kiss your precious dream Mt greenwood goodbye! They buffer each other, as does the suburbs on both sides.
Cant we all get along?? If not ...then Fu%k it all.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Please neighbors, keep an eye on Lawlors bar. Hearing that he is a bookie. Have him go back to Garfield Ridge. We don't need this in our neighboor hood. He is connected to Sheehan some how and family members are former Chicago policeman. Maybe the state police will investigate.

January 16, 2009 2:55 PM

Hey if you don not like Lawlors ... fine ... but unless you have proof of illegal activity then you should not slander the guy...I mean if you want to throw stones then talk about TR's ... where gambling does go on ... ie. the night the police sgt. got hurt ... the big card game in the back that goes on almost every week unchecked ... or McDuffy's underaged beer parlor every Friday and Saturday night ... McNally's home the fake ID on Western Ave. same goes for Mckells and Lanigans ... try Dingers on Western too ... Is the drinking age 18 there ???? Better yet call the city and find out how many of these places have been cited for under age drinking .... having said all that .... can I get the Ravens for 5 ... with the under ????

Anonymous said...

"Hey if you don not like Lawlors ... fine ... but unless you have proof of illegal activity then you should not slander the guy...I mean if you want to throw stones then talk about TR's ... where gambling does go on"

thats right: read the Southwest Observer. they said that there was a poker tourney that night at tr's and that it was full of cops and firemen. i have not read that anywhere else, but it sounds like it's true.

Anonymous said...

Hey 2:55pm - The Ravens and 5 is better than Vegas is giving since they are setting the line @ 4! I like the Steelers to win and cover!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Brian said...
I love all the people hear criticizing Ginger, but don't have the balls to put your name on the post.

January 17, 2009 1:51 PM



hey "brian", where are your balls?
they must be in ginger's pocket!

Anonymous said...

Who do you think was hosting the poker toruney at TR's.... Shane Lawlor! The Area Dicks already questioned him in regards to the off duty sgt. We know there are problems with every liquor establishment, but when his gambling us causing problems in the neighborhood and he feels he is above the law, leave! Keep your joint in Garfield Ridge with all the archer trash.

george said...

DWYER:
That's why
I head to Beverly if I'm looking for ANY type of entertainment or culture. They just don't exist in MG.

HAHAHAHAHA

If by entertainment or culture you are referring to witnessing or being victimized by the predators who burglarize/rob/rape/shoot and murder those who live in and patronize MG's "buffer zone" then yes, DWYER, I would agree with you that Beverly is the place for YOU to look for ANY and ALL types of entertainment and culture.

Anonymous said...

Lawlor's is a great bar and they ACTUALLY card there. Maybe you should get your head out of your ass and check out all the other bars that have countless underage drinkers, gambling, bar fights and whatever else you can find. And why does it matter that the owner has family in the police dept? What does that have to do with anything? It's obvious that u have a beef with him because u are making up bogus rumors and u know that he is from Garfield Ridge. Your son must've been turned away at the door. PLEASE! Get a life! Maybe you're still upset because the dive bar that use to be there is gone. Walk down to TR's if u want to hang with all the drunks.

Anonymous said...

We miss Casto's!

Anonymous said...

We all post anonymous because it's the irish mob here in MG and you will be "taken care" of if you speak out. Sort of like what happened at TR's. As far as Lawler's and TR's gambling habits........it's not like the Fed's don't already know. Speak out about politics and Ginger and her crew will "take care" of you and your little dog too!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Tata's has a great pizza but also has a great patio area. We'd love it if you would expand and come down by Mt Greenwood Park. How about the lot next to TR's? You have the high school and the park traffic not to mention St Xaviers expanding. A great business who invested in our community!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Who do you think was hosting the poker toruney at TR's.... Shane Lawlor! The Area Dicks already questioned him in regards to the off duty sgt. We know there are problems with every liquor establishment, but when his gambling us causing problems in the neighborhood and he feels he is above the law, leave! Keep your joint in Garfield Ridge with all the archer trash.

he was not even there at TR's you boob ... you must owe him some big money or he had you thrown out of his place ,,, more lies

Anonymous said...

if anybody on this blog voted for sheehan on this blog you can't complain about rugai. if anyone has common sense he ran to split the mt.greenwood vote. am i wrong?

Anonymous said...

Oldstyle - Great beer by the way! I feel very lucky as both a resident of Mt. Greenwood since 1990 & a 19th ward resident that we have Ald. Rugai as our civic leader in city council. And before you or anyone else makes any not so nice comments, keep in mind I use to reside in the 18th ward before moving to Mt. Greenwood and watching a once great neighborhood there completely go to hell whereas Mt. Greenwood grow stronger and stronger I thank Ginger for her leadership! I mean this honestly and respectfully!

Anonymous said...

I've been a resident here for 44 years. Like it or not, Mrs.Rugai has nothing to do with Mt. Greenwood getting stronger. It has everything to do with the honest hard working people that reside here that are making a difference. Some people don't like to hear this, but if wasn't for the city worker residency rule, Mt. Greenwood & Beverly would have been a ruined decades ago by the people who keep voting Ginger Rugai back into office time and time again. We need fresh blood in that office. Someone who will work to improve the whole ward, not half of it.

Anonymous said...

i never said she was a terrible alderman. just a typical one. when it took me 2 years to get my sidewalk done by the 50/50 program and several departments either losy my paperwork or failed to notify the other that i made payment. i made several phone calls to these departments with no success. my final option was to call the alderman's office. and when her assistant told told me told there was nothing he can do. how would you feel as a homeowning taxpayer?

Anonymous said...

La Fiesta is really the only Wooderville restaurant I find consistently good, with some class, cleanliness, and good food. The rest are just greasy spoons, fast food dives, and hang-outs for mopey kids. Good luck to J.R.BOZE's on 111 & Homan, a really cute looking little place, and unique.
Most of the Mt. Greenwood Taverns are not checked enough by the police, there are too many alcohol fueled losers floating around, especially on weekend nights. T.R.'s Pub, 111 & Springfield, would be a good lace to start the Cleanup of drunk goofs, in, and around that area. Then work your way east on 111 St.

Anonymous said...

Nippsey - I respect your opinions however I respectfully disagree with some of your points. I do agree it's strong solid people that make a strong solid neighborhood like Mt. Greenwood, Beverly, & West Beverly which we do have in the 19th Ward, but without strong leadership like we have with Ald. Rugai, Rep. Joyce & Sen. Maloney 60655 could have gone the route of St. Thomas More,St.Denis & St. Bede's in 60652. Mt. Greewood Park has an ice rink, White Sox sponsored Baseball Fields and finally new playground. The High Schools like Marist, McCauley & Br. Rice are all very vibrant as well as the Parishes and SXU. Also in the 2007 Alderman election all 3 candidates live east of Western!

Anonymous said...

Only supporting the Catholic schools in the area is a problem. What if you not Catholic? CHSAS is a great school and with the economy the way it is we need the percentage of neighborhood slots to increase. What kind of support is being given to the public grammar schools which are filling up rapidly? The politicians you mentioned have done good for our community but neglect the voters who are not catholic or do not have the means. I looked into another comment on this blog, and yes the politicians do serve on the catholic school boards. They all attended catholic schools. So are they going follow the catholic school lobbyists and not improve, expand or build more public schools here? If they did help the public the schools it would decrease enrollment in these private schools...so the public schools will get no help ever. Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?

Anonymous said...

Hey 12:45 A.M. Who had to raise the money to get the Mt.Greenwood park playground built? Not Mrs.Rugai. Who paid for the White Sox baseball fields, not Mrs. Rugai. As for the Ice rink, that's a waste of space, you can hardly ever skate on the thing with all the leagues renting time on it. Plus it looks like crap all up close to the street like it is. Joyce & Maloney are hacks just like everybody else that serves under "King Richie". You people have got to open your eyes to what's going on with our elected officials. These people don't give a hoot about us and the proof is right there in front of you. Voting themselves raises when other city employees are working without a contract for example. Come on, get real. I don't even work for the city and I'm pissed about that one. And as for those three Parishes that are "changing". The city worker on the south side has two choices, Beverly or Mt. Greenwood, this is the end of the line unless you want to uproot the family and live on the north side. And with the residency rule such as it is, that's what will keep our property values higher so what happened to all those neighborhoods won't happen here.
I'm done kickin' up dust now. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

8:17AM - Sad reality living in the city is that the Chicago Public Schools are a city-wide problem not just a 19th Ward problem. As a matter of fact some of the CPS in the 19th Ward are pretty good compared to the rest of the city when you look at Babara Vick, Cassell, Keller, Sutherland...but since busing happened city-wide in the early 80's CPS high schools aren't much of an option for city dwellers. And Nippsey, Ald. Rugai worked hard with White Sox Community Relations Director Christine O'Reilly to get those fields built in Mt. Greenwood and not some near-by suburb. The ice rinck is open to the public Wed-Sun. 12:30-7:30pm and availble for rentals and leagues after those hours! My advice enjoy the great things our neighborhood has to offer - mainly the great people!

Anonymous said...

If you go to the Mount Greenwood Park website www.mountgreenwoodpark.com you will see that 1/2 of the $1.2million was put up by Rugai, Joyce and Maloney. The rest by corporate gifts, park district and community fundraising.

Anonymous said...

Thank You 4:28PM - We are truly lucky to have such great leaders as Rugai, Joyce & Maloney and hopefully Matt O'Shea to carry the torch when his time comes!

Anonymous said...

Why should we have to pay one cent. You said Rugai, Joyce & Maloney put up half of the money for that project like it came out of their pocket. That money came out of our pockets not theirs. It's called property taxes.

Anonymous said...

They commited a large chunk of "our tax" dollars to our neighborhood...their aloted $ which has since shrunk, is to spread throughtout their given voting territory but they chose to invest on Mount Greenwood. I know it's hard but try to give a pat on the back when it is deserved. I have many other issues with our ward but at least this was a start.

Anonymous said...

I guess ya' have to throw the dog a bone once in a while.

Anonymous said...

There are lots of great places to shop, dine & socialize all over Beverly, Morgan Park, Mt. Greenwood, Blue Island and many neighboring burbs. Check out my blog for all the info www.beverlymorganpark.net. It's the new year, be happy & always support the independent local business's they need us and we need them!

Bridget D said...

I'm so sad that, when asked for reasons why people should move to the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood, all of the residents tore our neighborhood to shreds. As a young adult raised in Mount Greenwood, I feel like it was a great place to live. I attended both Catholic and public schools and feel that they all have benefited me immensely. While I feel that there are many issues that need to be resolved in the community, I think that one of the most powerful pluses about our neighborhood is the sense of community. Regardless of where you go to school or live, you grow up knowing tons of kids on your block and in your neighborhood. Parents' organizations abound and the neighborhood has such a friendly atmosphere. Mount Greenwood Park and McKiernan Park have both just been redone and they are beautiful. Additionally, both parks offer tons of programs which are great for kids from toddlers all the way up 'til nearly teens. Additionally, Mount Greenwood is convenient for teens and young adults because there are so many job opportunities in the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods/suburbs. As someone who has been incredibly involved in the Mt. Greenwood community, and even attended many ward meetings and dropped suggestions at the ward office, I think Mt. Greenwood is a great place to live and it makes me so sad that so many people seek out the negatives rather than the positives. It's really disappointing that you, my neighbors, are so pessimistic and hostile. It's very sad to think that people like you are shaping our community and for the sake of your children and neighbors, I hope you shape up.

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