Elmwood Park

About Elmwood Park, IL

Local Lifestyle

There’s an older Italian community here in Elmwood Park, giving the neighborhood a sense of history — and some great Italian cuisine! Family and friends gravitate to community-building events like the annual 4th of July Parade and the Taste of Elmwood.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Elmwood Park is known for its diverse dining scene, with a variety of local restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, and other cuisines.

From Johnny’s Famous Beef and Sandwich and Italian Ice, where the line regularly snakes out the door, to Jim and Pete’s, one of Chicagoland’s oldest and most established Italian restaurants, there are ample Italian cuisine options throughout Elmwood Park. 

Over at Trattoria Peppino, you’ll feel personally taken care of by the friendly staff. They care just as much about their entrees, pasta, and pizzas, from their savoy bruschetta to their mussels Provencale. 

Founded in 1930 in Elmwood Park, Russell’s Barbecue is a long-standing tradition in the neighborhood. Fill up on BBQ sandwiches, ribs, smoked-meat nacho platters, and more, leaving room for Eli’s Cheesecake. At Donny G’s Ristorante & Bar, feast on entrees prepared with ingredients from local farmers’ markets, including fresh salads, capellini siciliana pasta, and lamb shank osso buco.

Elmwood Park’s residents love to gather and celebrate - the Annual 4th of July Parade and Celebration is no exception. This time-honored and community-building family tradition is a long-time favorite. Later, the party continues at the Elmwood Park High School, culminating with fireworks at dusk. 

Food reigns supreme in Elmwood Park, so naturally one of the biggest annual events is the Taste of Elmwood Park. The Annual Taste takes place in Central Park and showcases some of the village’s finest restaurants, as well as The Mayor’s Cup Bocce Tournament, The Taste Lounge, Yoga in the Park, musical entertainment, games, rides, arts, and crafts. 

Families and residents seeking outdoor recreation will find it — and many other fun pastimes - through the Village of Elmwood Park Recreation Department. The Community and Recreation Building boasts three golf simulators with a driving range and more than 7,300 courses to “play,” as well as four bocce courts. If you get hooked, you can join one of the weekly leagues.  

Looking for an enriching weekend activity? Find it at the Cernan Earth and Space Center, a public planetarium on the campus of nearby Triton College. Or, wander through the fragrant flora of the Triton College Botanical Garden. Illuminate the kids’ imaginations at the Wonder Works Children’s Museum, full of colorful, interactive exhibits.

Education

Elmwood Park has its own public school district and several private schools, providing families with a range of educational options.