Timeline
11:00
Visit the Polish Museum of America. Explore the library and exhibitions on Polish heritage, including the collection dedicated to Ignace Paderewski. The museum opens at 11:00 on weekdays, making it the perfect quiet start to your day.
11:45
Walk 15 minutes to Alliance Bakery & Café. This historic bakery has been a neighborhood staple for over 80 years. Stop in for a tart, cupcake, or coffee. The window display alone is worth the visit, featuring whimsical frosting swirls and gingerbread fortresses.
12:30
Head to Dusty Groove, a short 10-minute walk away. Browse this record shop, widely regarded as one of the best in the country for R&B, soul, and jazz. It is a great place to pick up a soundtrack for the rest of your day.
Local tip
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Alliance Bakery is open until 21:00, and Dusty Groove stays open until 20:00, so you have plenty of flexibility, but arriving at the museum at opening time ensures a peaceful experience.
Check before you go
- The Polish Museum of America is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Alliance Bakery & Café is closed on Sundays.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).