West Polk St, Garfield Park

Polk Street has a short section located in the loop, slightly off the beaten path and quite charming with its shops and cafes. This is a great area to go if you are waiting for a train at Union Station and have some time to kill.

There are some cute bookstores that are independent and much quieter than the bigger chains you find downtown (Borders, Barnes and Noble). I'd recommend visiting Polk Street in the summer and fall, as the seasons only add to its picturesque charm.