Your perfect weekend: Bronzeville

After a night out drinking, do yourself a favor and hit up Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles for breakfast. Is there any better sweet/savory combo than poultry and maple syrup?

Get a taste of Bronzeville's rich artistic tradition while perusing the latest exhibition at Gallery Guichard. Founded in 2005, the gallery specializes in art from the African diaspora. Gallery Guichard features a new artist every six to eight weeks, so there's always something new to see. 

It wouldnt be summer in Bronzeville without a trip to 31st Street Beach, one of Chicago's most beautiful beaches. This South Side beach features amazing views of the Chicago skyline in addition to a harbor for small boats. A nearby park includes a picnic area and a public fishing dock. 

Dig into Senegalese cuisine—including spicy lamb stew and sautéed shrimp—at BYOB-friendly Yassa. The chef at this eatery uses slow methods of cooking mingled with the flavors of West African spices to make Old World, yet innovative, dishes. 

Soak up South Side tradition at timeless jazz club, Room 43. Though it sits on Muddy Waters Drive, this South Bronzeville/North Kenwood club is far more bop than blues. It plays host to the Hyde Park Jazz Society on Sunday nights ($10, students $5), an under the radar option for traditionalists. 

Pop into Ain't She Sweet Cafe and pick up Da Steve, a deliciously simple turkey sandwich that always hits the spot. But you can't go wrong—with sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies abound to pick from, you can create your own or pick from their lineup.

Head to the Illinois Institute of Technology to tour modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's buildings, including the spectacular S.R. Crown Hall. Meet inside Perlstein Hall (10 W 33rd Street) to tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Close our your weekend in Bronzeville with a pick-me-up at neighborhood café Sip and Savor. After that big lunch and lots of walking, you may need a little extra caffeine. With ample tables and Wi-Fi available, find a spot to sit or belly up to the bar and pick your favorite latte (the shop's specialty). Our favorite? The chai tea latte.