Beverly's going green: Irish flags are flying, cut-out clovers are popping up in windows, and shamrock lights are sprouting all over the place. That can only mean one thing: It's time to prep for Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade with a trip to the home of the South Side Irish.

Beverly Bakery
We're not sure what we like better about St. Pat's Day: all the sweets or all the suds. With the opening of this bakery last summer, it got a lot easier to snag both on the same street. The husband-and-wife owners offer homemade cookies, muffins and cupcakes, full breakfasts, sandwiches on homemade bread and an assortment of coffee drinks. On parade day, pop in for a corned beef sandwich with a pickle and chips ($5), or drop by earlier this week and stock up on Irish soda bread ($3.49) and shamrock cookies (98 cents).

Sean's Rhino Bar
We love when it's time to open this bar's front windows on to Western Avenue. (Spring is just around the corner, right?) There's nothing better than a cool breeze and a cold one. This hang plays host to postwork regulars, college students home for break and, of course, plenty of South Side Irish (and wannabes) on parade day. Grab a bite to eat from the bar menu, and wash it down with one of the spot's daily drink specials; Sunday's it's $4 Absolut Peppar bloody marys. Heads up: Just down the street is new bistro Koda.

Beverly Arts Center of Chicago
Whether you're looking to flex your creative powers or your muscles, this cultural center has something for you. From yoga, music, dance, art and theater classes to performances on the 400-seat main stage, find it here. You can even catch a flick; right now's the tail end of the Seventh Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival, which wraps up March 8 with a closing reception at Cork & Kerry.

My Sister's Knits
We love how Beverly makes you feel like you're part of a close-knit community (pun intended). Stop in this shop, opened last summer, and you'll get a warm greeting from owner Carol Oprondek and her two Golden Retrievers. The tiny storefront with a kitchen-like classroom in back offers an array of funky yarns and accessories, plus classes in basic knitting and crocheting, or construction-oriented workshops in purse and sweater making. Get to know your fellow knit pickers on Fridays, when Carol hosts "open knit" night at 7 p.m.

World Folk Music Company
Got a yen to play? Sign up for private lessons ($17-$19 per half hour) in almost any instrument, including the bodhran Irish drum, hammered dulcimer or Irish whistle. Group classes are also available; we think the 10-week Rock Band Class sounds pretty cool ($135). Weekend nights, check out the concert series ($15-$25) featuring folk, jazz and more. The 120-seat concert hall boasts a recently enlarged stage and new graduated seating for a better view.

Calabria Imports
Beverly may be known for the South Side Irish, but don't forget about the Italians, especially this Italian deli/market where you can pick up a fresh, made-to-order meal or sit down at a table with a heaping beef sandwich. On Saturdays you might be lucky enough to get a sample of sausage and mostaccioli so you can try before buying. During Fridays in Lent, pick up specials such as a six-piece shrimp dinner ($6.99), calamari rings ($2.99), pepper and egg sandwich with fries ($3.99), and more. And keep your eyes open for corned beef and Swiss cheese now that St. Pat's is getting closer.

WHERE'S BEVERLY? This 'hood's bounded by 87th Street on the north, Ashland Avenue on the east, 107th Street on the south and Sacramento Avenue on the west.

[ Karen Budell, born and raised on the South Side, is the metromix nightlife producer. ]

Originally published Mar. 3, 2006. Updated May 30, 2006.