Restaurants & Entertainment

Restaurants & Entertainment

The Near Southside’s amazing renaissance has made it a regional destination for great restaurants, nightlife, theater, and live music. The area is home to dozens of eclectic and locally-owned eateries, pubs, and art & music venues. The last several years have seen a consistent progression of new openings, and there are many more attractions on the way.

You’ll find it all on the Near Southside, whether you’re looking for fine dining, a sidewalk café, hanging at the coffee shop, a drink after work, live theater, or a show by one of the region’s best bands.

Check out a list of options.

Near Southside Guide Listing

Magnolia Avenue Restaurant Row

Of all the Near Southside’s attractions, Magnolia Avenue’s eclectic selection of locally-owned restaurants ranks at the top for many visitors. And the selection grows more diverse every year as the street’s reputation and appeal attracts new restauranteurs.

Funky sophistication and delicious food dominate Magnolia between Hemphill and 8th Ave. You won’t find a better collection of talented chefs than those at Lili’s Bistro, Shinjuku Station, Nonna Tata, Ellerbe Fine Foods and Cat City Grill. The best vegetarian restaurant in the country happens to be in Cowtown, too; it’s right here on Magnolia at Spiral Diner.

Park Place Restaurant Row

The short stretch of Park Place just west of 8th Avenue has long been a favorite spot for locals from the nearby Berkeley, Mistletoe Heights, Fairmount, and Ryan Place neighborhoods. This pocket village is home to several of the Near Southside’s most popular restaurants. Soon the street itself will more closely match the quality of its great restaurants as FWSI and the City complete a full reconstruction, complete with new, wider sidewalks, street trees, historic lampposts, and upgraded utilities.

Other Near Southside Eateries

Finding a great restaurant that’s off the beaten path is always rewarding. The Near Southside offers several hidden gems that are worth the hunt. The locals know them well and keep them busy.

Pubs & Coffee Shops

The district has plenty of spots to enjoy a beverage — hot or cold. The last several years have seen the arrival of new pubs, taverns, and coffee shops along Magnolia Avenue and throughout the district. And the long-standing local favorites that have been around longer have only become more popular.

It’s no longer just a restaurant scene in the Near Southside; watering holes and coffee shops now offer spots to unwind before or after a great meal.

Music, Theater, & Art

The Near Southside is home to a large concentration of artists and musicians, as well as a community that embraces and encourages creativity. That community passion is regularly on display in various venues throughout the district. Live theater, great music, gallery exhibits, and instructional classes of all kinds are easy to find.