Belmont Cragin As one of Chicago’s lesser known community areas on the Northwest side, Belmont Cragin has transformed itself over the decades - from a tiny outpost town with a saloon to a labor-intensive area filled with industrial plants to finally, a primarily residential neighborhood with strong roots in hard-work and community. Sitting on ancient prairieland and a ridge formed by a glacier, Belmont Cragin was settled by immigrant farmers who cultivated the land. Generations later, many bungalows, Cape Cods, and two-flats can be found throughout the neighborhood. Today, residents have access to two different branches of the Chicago Public Library system, several schools, and many parks and playlots. Additionally, very walkable Belmont Cragin is home to a diverse collection of restaurants. Lovers of the performing arts can easily visit the Aguijón Theater thanks to the good public transportation available in this part of the city, as well as taking advantage of it to explore Chicago’s other neighborhoods on a slow weekend. Things to Do: Chicago Public Library branches: Portage-Cragin & West Belmont Several neighborhood parks: Hanson, Riis, Aiello, Grape, Blackhawk, & Cragin Restaurants: Sol de Mexico, La Chilangueada, Barbakan, D’Cuba Restaurant, Hong Huah, & La Esquina del Sabor (food truck) Nightlife: JC Martini Club & Stereo Nightclub