The Grid: Park Manor/Chatham’s ‘Black-nificient Mile’

Chicago's city grid map is full of surprises — follow along as we explore highlights from every neighborhood, from the food to the culture.

Park Manor/Chatham’s 75th Street retail and restaurant corridor, where decades-old, multi-generational storefronts abut new businesses, is known by many residents as “Black Wall Street” and “Black-nificient Mile.” Here are some of the favorites of both locals and visitors.

Brown Sugar Bakery

328 E. 75th St.

Owner Stephanie Hart carries cheesecake, brownies, cobblers and banana pudding, but she is most known for her scrumptious caramel cakes. Since opening the business in 2004, Hart has expanded with locations in Austin and Navy Pier. Hart was selected this year as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker.

5 Loaves Eatery

405 E. 75th St.

The Kincaid family’s restaurant is known for its lemon zest pancakes, fried chicken and shrimp and grits.

Shrimp and grits at 5 Loaves Eatery. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Shrimp and grits at 5 Loaves Eatery. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Lem’s Bar-B-Q

311 E. 75th St.

Created in 1968 by the Lemons brothers — Bruce, Myles and James —  Lem’s is a must for barbecue lovers. Order the world-famous rib tips and hot links.

Lem’s Bar-B-Q in Chatham. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Lem’s Bar-B-Q in Chatham. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Original Soul Vegetarian

203 E. 75th St.

Serving vegan and vegetarian food since 1982, this second-generation, family-operated restaurant is known for its house-made seitan that can be served country-fried and barbecued.

Vegetarian nachos at Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Vegetarian nachos at Original Soul Vegetarian restaurant. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Mabe’s Deli

312 E. 75th St.

The sandwich, salad and smoothie shop is named after the grandmother of the owner, a former cop. Try the popular jerk chicken sandwich or turkey chili.

Chicago Wings Around the World

557 E. 75th St.

Chicken wings are fried crisp without batter and tossed in a flavor of the customer’s choice. Choose from over 30 sauces including mango habanero, bourbon or strawberry barbecue.

A & S Beverages

308 E. 75th St.

After working at A & S for 15 years, Eddie El Khatib took ownership of this wine and spirits shop in 2007. The business offers free tastings, cheese and fruit platters and live jazz on some nights.

Eddie El Khatib, the owner of A & S Beverages, pours drink samples. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Eddie El Khatib, the owner of A & S Beverages, pours drink samples. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Fashion Revival Boutique

209 E. 75th St.

This women’s clothing boutique’s motto is “where trendy meets classy.” Owner and stylist Haji Bryant carries a full range of styles and sizes and holds frequent events showcasing the products.

Stylez Caribbean Snack Shop

330 E. 75th St.

William Roland carries imported Jamaican groceries and snacks. Next door at Looks & Style, he carries imported Caribbean apparel, including beach wear.

William Roland is the owner of Looks & Style boutique and adjacent Stylez Caribbean Snack Shop. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

William Roland is the owner of Looks & Style boutique and adjacent Stylez Caribbean Snack Shop. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

The Woodshop

441 E. 75th St.

Since 1974, The Woodshop has provided custom framing and mounting for fine art and photos. With the help of his sons, 84-year-old owner Lawrence Calvin D’Antignac maintains his massive art gallery, promoting the works of African-American, Haitian and African artists. The Woodshop also designs custom cabinetry, desks and bookshelves.

Art gallery at The Woodshop. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Art gallery at The Woodshop. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Everything Premium

454 E. 75th St.

Chatham native J.R. Jackson left sports management to design urban wear and unique t-shirts, sweatshirts, denim jackets and jogging suits emblazoned with cheeky and affirming proclamations like “Chicago Only” and “Spread Love.”

J.R. Jackson runs Everything Premium boutique. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

J.R. Jackson runs Everything Premium boutique. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Fletcher’s 1 Stop Records

457 E. 75th St.

Owner Susan Fletcher continues to run her parents’ legacy record store that opened in 1953. Throwback items here include cassette tapes.

Susan Fletcher runs Fletcher’s 1 Stop Records. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Susan Fletcher runs Fletcher’s 1 Stop Records. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Magick Shop

458 E. 75th St.

This boutique carries vintage items, custom crochet apparel and a full line of natural hair care and skin care. Yahdna Yisrael, Kenya Williams and Amanda Anderson also offer craft events, hair braiding and nail services.

Kenya Williams and Yahdna Yisrael of The Magick Shop boutique. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Kenya Williams and Yahdna Yisrael of The Magick Shop boutique. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

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