Roosevelt Road

Roosevelt Road is Berwyn’s historic entertainment and dining district, known for its live music establishments like Fitzgerald’s Nightclub & Sidebar, Friendly Community, and Distro Music Hall. The northernmost boundary of the city is also known for its eclectic food scene, including the award-winning Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits and neighborhood favorites like BABYGOLD BARBECUE and Berwyn Chicken Co. With tastes and sounds from around the world, Roosevelt Road draws in visitors and locals alike for a fun-filled evening out.

Originally known as 12th Street, Roosevelt Road began as a thoroughfare that ran from Downtown Chicago to the quickly growing suburbs. In the 1890s, what is today known as North Berwyn was then called South Oak Park, which was branded in newspapers as the “prettiest suburb of Chicago” that was “only a 30 minutes’ ride from the heart of the city.”

In 1901, South Oak Park separated from Oak Park and Cicero Township and joined with growing communities to the south. The area officially became known as Berwyn thereafter, and by 1908 incorporated as a city. While much of Berwyn was undeveloped farmland during this time, business on 12th Street was booming. In 1909, the street had a number of dwellings, as well as services like a blacksmith shop, a paint shop, an undertaker, and other stores.

In May of 1919 12th Street was renamed Roosevelt Road in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. That year, maps show the street was lined with a wagon shop, a drug store, a building supply shop, offices, and the 500-seat Oak Theatre, which later housed entertainment spots like the Oakwyn Theatre, Wire, and the current Distro Music Hall. In the 1920s, Berwyn became the fastest-growing suburb, and the entertainment and entrepreneurship along Roosevelt Road was certainly a major reason why. As the road continued to develop, places like the Ritz Theatre helped put Berwyn on the map as an entertainment destination.

While the theater is no longer here, its still-standing facade (along with the Oak Theatre) is a nod to the street’s entertainment roots, which still thrive today with jazz, country, rock, blues, and much more. Fitzgerald’s Nightclub, a local institution, is now proudly pursuing official historical recognition as an entertainment venue.

Over the years, a stretch of Roosevelt Road noted for its music and dining scene between East and Harlem avenues became known as The Veltway. The Veltway Corporation, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting the area, aims to establish Roosevelt as Berwyn’s Beale Street, calling it the “epicenter for many of the areas’ musicians, culinary artists, graphic designers and photographers” with “exciting and emerging dining enclaves.”

At Fitzgerald’s Nightclub & Sidebar, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., live music is the name of the game, playing host to everything from mariachi bands and swing music to alternative rock legends and its beloved American Music Festival. In the warmer months, the beloved venue’s patio comes alive with free music on the outdoor stage, while inside the historic nightclub drinks flow as well-known touring acts perform. In recent years, the venue has expanded to include the Sidebar — another indoor stage and bar with room for dining (and a great vintage photo booth).

Just a short walk away is Friendly Tap, part of the Friendly Music Community, at 6729-33 W. Roosevelt Rd. Part-bar, part-coffee house, this well-loved destination is a musician’s paradise. From open mic nights to inspiring shows to private lessons, this is a place that lives and breathes music. While Distro Music Hall, 6815 W. Roosevelt Rd., offers something for everyone with live bands, DJs, themed dance nights, and comedians that span genres.

In addition to classic chains like Culver’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Buona, Roosevelt showcases a diverse culinary scene filled with local food inspired by nearly every corner of the globe. From Chinese mainstays like Tasty House and J Wok Chinese Kitchen to Japanese favorites like Sushi Junki and Italian go-to's like Rachel’s Cafe & Deli and Di Nicos Pizza, nearly any international craving can be satisfied here. Just outside The Veltway strip is Bodhi Thai Bistro, a top-rated neighborhood diner with a secret menu and plenty of vegan options.

Two Veltway favorites include the award-winning Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits at 6727 W. Roosevelt Rd., which creates stunning Mediterranean-inspired dishes with ethically sourced, seasonal ingredients, as well as Babygold Barbecue, part of the Fitzgerald’s campus at 6613 W. Roosevelt Rd., which serves up classic American fare with a Cajun twist to hungry music lovers and barbecue appreciators, alike. 

Newcomers to the strip like Berwyn Chicken Co., Stick It Corn Dogs and Boba Tea, and Monse’s Tapas Bar keep the area fresh as more and more restaurants continue to pop up.

In addition to the food and drink menus at Roosevelt Road’s live music venues, the street is home to a handful of hometown bars that offer karaoke, cocktails, pool, and all the charm and character that neighborhood bars are known for.

Let the good times roll with shots and tacos at Scoreboard Sportsbar & Grill. At Mr. Dee’s 12th Street Rag, the beers are cold and the vibes are right for a local night
out, while On The Rocks Cocktail Lounge specializes in creative cocktails that are perfect for a post-show nightcap. 

Those looking to party the night away can head to Mike’s Place Sports Bar & Grill, where themed dance nights, pub food, and cold drinks are all on the menu.

While Roosevelt Road’s legacy as a dining and entertainment destination is strongly cemented, its reputation as a place for family-run businesses and entrepreneurship has helped the area flourish beyond
the music scene.

In 1965, Italian immigrant Mariano Turano and his brothers opened Campagna Turano Bakery along Roosevelt Road, today known as Turano Baking Company at 6501 Roosevelt Road. The bakery has become one of the most famous in the area, instantly recognizable by its tasty breads and tan delivery trucks. Locals also know to visit Mama Susi’s Bake Shop at the factory, which offers cookies, breads, and other delectable treats. Pro tip: Spend $5 and get a free coffee!

Another longtime family-owned business is Dan’s Bikes, 6715 W. Roosevelt Rd., which has served the community’s cycling needs since 1989. The bike shop is known for its wide selection of bikes and for its expert repair work. Plus, its ever-cycling window mannequin named “Woody” is a favorite of passersby.

Perhaps one of the best examples of Berwyn’s entrepreneurial spirit is with the opening of Berwyn Shops at 6931 W. Roosevelt Rd. — a rotating collection of local creatives and makers who set up shop in a colorful enclave of mini-stores. With ongoing events, new vendors each year, and a canopy of string lights, the addition of this business incubator has turned an empty lot into a place where shoppers can support local and small businesses can launch dreams.

Another new addition to the strip, The Pile Bookstore, 7117B W. Roosevelt Rd., has added to Roosevelt Road’s culture of artistic expression, this time through the written word. Stop in for a delicious pastry and browse for your next page-turner.

Those in need of a beauty glow-up can also stop in for a fresh fade at Chicago Barber Co., a relaxing treatment at Face2Face Spa Studio, a new do at Bella Hair Salon, and the perfect outfit to put it all together at Hyfaluten Boutique.