Are you planning a trip to Chicago and looking to explore an area with a bit more grit and excitement? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Step inside Chicago’s colorful and artistic neighborhoods that offer a diverse range of places to eat, drink, and explore. Wicker Park and Bucktown are two of the city’s most well-known communities on the West Side of the city. A decade or so ago, these areas were considered a bit more rough and tumble than they are today. Now, you’ll find that they have an edgy spirit while buzzing with life and an energy that is both infectious and captivating. This guide has everything you would want to know when planning to spend a day or a weekend hanging out in this artistic corner of Chicago.
As someone who grew up exploring and living in Chicago, I was excited to finally write this post. Wicker Park has been one of my most visited neighborhoods in all of Chicago, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching the community change and evolve over the years. I started coming down to Wicker Park after I toured a few universities in downtown Chicago. One of my mom’s closest friends (a long-time Chicago native) brought me to one of her favorite pizza places after one of our visits in order to show me the ropes in case I picked that particular university. That afternoon, I had one of my most memorable meals in a restaurant that I have visited countless times over the past almost 20 years of my life. While I didn’t end up attending university in downtown Chicago, I did end up finding a special spot in the city where I’ve been fortunate enough to celebrate many significant moments in my life.
Enough about me; let’s get into the good stuff about Wicker Park and Bucktown.
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Where To Stay
If you plan a trip to Chicago and decide to make this area your home base, you’re in luck. Not only does the West Side of the city offer easy access to the Blue Line, but it’s also not too far from the Loop or the other popular neighborhoods, making it the perfect location for anyone looking to explore the city while visiting. This guide includes the top places to stay for easy planning purposes.
The Robey (4-star, $$$): This 1929 office building turned historic hotel is located in the heart of Wicker Park and close to all this neighborhood has to offer. The space has a modern, urban feel with hardwood floors, industrial accents, and a rooftop with an unforgettable view of the city. There are a variety of rooms that sleep anywhere between 2-4 people, in addition to an onsite restaurant, bar, and a pool. The Robey is the perfect spot to stay for those looking to experience an Art Deco paradise while exploring Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Hyatt Place Chicago / Wicker Park (3-star, $$$): Another classic hotel option a few blocks off the main intersection in Wicker Park is the Hyatt House. This hotel has all the comforts you expect from a Hyatt while offering a more modern design to fit the city’s vibe. There’s a complimentary breakfast every morning, a rooftop bar, and a fitness center for those looking to keep up their fitness routine while traveling. The best part? The Hyatt House is dog-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to book a stay when traveling to Wicker Park and Bucktown with a furry friend.
Wicker Park Inn (3-star, $$$): For those looking for a boutique B&B experience, Wicker Park Inn will be your top accommodation choice when visiting Wicker Park and Bucktown. This vibrant inn was originally built in 1886 and was previously a historic home tastefully converted into a cozy place to stay. Each room has a unique curated style, exposed brick, a private bathroom, and a decorative fireplace (talk about a vibe). You also cannot beat the location of this B&B, which makes it a fantastic option for those looking for a unique stay.
The Hotel & Athletic Club at Midtown (4-star, $$): If you’re a fan of fitness and boutique hotels, this is the accommodation for you. The Hotel & Athletic Club at Midtown is a trendy and modern hotel that offers an enormous amount of wellness-related amenities, including tennis courts, yoga studios, a boxing gym, fitness classes, indoor and outdoor lap pools, a full-service spa, saunas, and steam rooms. The rooms have artistic designs on the walls that are simultaneously captivating and calming. Each room has a TV, robe, comfortable seating, and a spacious bathroom.
Apartment Rentals: Another fun way to stay in Wicker Park and Bucktown like a local is to rent an apartment or condo. There are many rentals in all shapes and sizes available in this area, depending on the number of people you’re traveling with. My top recommendations are this apartment, this apartment, and this apartment.
Things To Do in Wicker Park & Bucktown
Now that you’ve planned your visit and booked your hotel or accommodation in Wicker Park and Bucktown, it’s time to plan how you will spend your time in the neighborhood. Below are my top choices that I’ve compiled in this Wicker Park and Bucktown blog post.
Grab a Rooftop Drink at The Robey Hotel
Pull up a chair and enjoy a cocktail with one of the city’s most stunning views as your backdrop. The Robey Hotel is not only a top place to stay when visiting Wicker Park and Bucktown, but it’s also home to one of the bars with the best views in the city. The Up Room is the official name of the bar on the 13th floor of the hotel. Since The Robey is one of the tallest buildings in the area, the views are unmatched. At night, you get a spectacular sight of the city lit up by the street lights and buildings. It’s definitely worth grabbing a drink in this well-known Wicker Park spot.
Hit the Vintage Shops
Wicker Park and Bucktown are home to some of the best vintage shops in the city. Throughout the two neighborhoods, you’ll find roughly 20+ vintage shops that sell clothing, vinyl records, furniture, and everything in between. As you stroll south down Milwaukee Avenue, you’ll come across some well-known favorites, including store B vintage, Kokorokoko, and Una Mae’s. Don’t worry, Wicker Park and Bucktown are also home to many stores that sell brand-new clothing, too.
See a Show at Subterranean or Chop Shop
If you get a chance to see a show at one of the music venues in Wicker Park and Bucktown, you’re in for a treat. These intimate venues are some of the oldest in the city and have hosted many talented artists, bands, and DJs. Subterranean is known for its two-floor venue, laid-back energy, and exciting entertainment. Chop Shop is a hybrid restaurant and butcher shop (hence the name) that also doubles as a music venue. In the back portion of the eatery, there is a cozy space designated for artists to play a show for their most devoted fans.
Play Shuffleboard at Royal Palms
When you think of Chicago, a massive indoor tropical-themed shuffleboard venue probably doesn’t immediately come to mind. You’ll find that you’re in for a pleasant surprise if you decide to swing by this lively Bucktown hot spot. Royal Palms is a primarily walk-in shuffleboard club where you can book a court in hour-long increments for you and your friends and family to get your game on. There are multiple indoor courts in the 20,000-square-foot space, in addition to the rooftop courts that are available in the summer months. While you play, you can order tropical beverages and delicious bites from the various food trucks.
Swing By a Street Festival
Wicker Park and Bucktown host some of Chicago’s most popular street festivals. The most well-known is Wicker Park Fest, which is held annually in July. This festival is considered one of the best in the city and draws a large crowd every year. It brings together a solid lineup of bands and performers, food vendors, eclectic artisans, and relators for a truly epic weekend. Some other established festivals worth checking out include West Fest, Do Division, and Bucktown Arts Fest.
Play Games at Emporium Arcade Bar
The Emporium Arcade Bar in Wicker Park is the original Chicago arcade bar and has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 2012. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular place to spend an evening in Wicker Park. There are countless arcade games going back decades, an extensive beer and whiskey menu, and great music and event offerings. What’s not to like? Given its popularity, the company expanded and opened another arcade bar in West Loop and Logan Square to provide more opportunities for entertaining game nights in Chicago.
Purchase Your New Favorite Record
I’ll admit, I’m one of those people who jumped back on the vinyl record bandwagon over the past ten years and haven’t looked back. I’ve been gradually building my record collection, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love Wicker Park and Bucktown since they are ideal neighborhoods for vinyl-obsessed people. These two neighborhoods offer music lovers a choice of several record shops, including Reckless Records, Dusty Groove, Shuga Records, and Torn Light Records. Nothing beats spending an afternoon flipping through the crates and discovering a new artist while enjoying a weekend in Chicago.
Take a Stroll on The 606
Looking to stretch your legs? Then, look no further than The 606. The 606 is an elevated repurposed rail line that connects you to four beloved Chicago neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. On any given day, you’ll find walkers, joggers, and bikers taking advantage of this 2.7-mile trail regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, there is access to the public parks along the trail, art installations, and a few overlooks, making it a great way to spend a little time while exploring Wicker Park and Bucktown.
People Watching & Shopping at Wicker Park Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love strolling through a farmer’s market on a beautiful summer day? If you happen to be in Wicker Park on a Sunday in the summer months, be sure to swing by the Wicker Park Farmers Market. It’s located at 1425 N Damen Ave from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm from May through October, and it’s an ideal place to start your day. Start by grabbing a coffee and then walk through the various vendors, purchasing any food or home items needed for the week ahead. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere and great people-watching that often takes place at a farmer’s market.
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Where To Eat
Now that you know exactly how you want to spend your time while exploring Wicker Park and Bucktown, it’s time to decide where to eat. Honestly, deciding where to eat might be more important than figuring out how to spend your time. Thankfully, you’re in for a treat when dining in these two distinct Chicago neighborhoods. There are a variety of eateries that can satisfy anyone visiting Wicker Park and Bucktown. From bakeries to French restaurants and everything in between, I hope you came to Chicago hungry.
Breakfast
The Wormhole Coffee
If you’ve read any of my blog posts, you know that my day doesn’t properly start without a cup of coffee. Personally, if I were visiting Wicker Park, The Wormhole Coffee would be my first stop for my morning pick-me-up. This 80s-themed coffee shop serves delicious locally brewed coffee in a funky space decorated with vintage mismatched furniture, movie posters, and even a decommissioned DeLorean in the back. Their claim to fame includes the Honey Bear and Koopa Troopa espresso drinks and the fact that they serve Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Puffs. Pull up a bowl and enjoy this lively coffee shop.
Ipsento 606
Another fan-favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood is Ipsento 606. To put it plainly, this coffee shop is a vibe. The exposed brick wall, dark wood-paneled coffee bar, ornate lighting, and the mixture of leather seats and metal high tops make this space an easy place to kill an hour or two in the morning. The menu comprises classic coffee pours, excellent espresso drinks, donuts, muffins, and a few sandwiches. If you’re in the area during the evening, stop by for a cocktail to start your night off right.
Mindy’s Bakery
Mindy’s Bakery is a well-known haven for pastry lovers in Wicker Park. With its artisanal approach, the bakery offers a tempting selection of pastries, breads, and cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee with a flaky croissant or a delectable dessert. Committed to quality ingredients and innovative flavors, Mindy’s has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Dove’s Luncheonette
If you look up where to eat in Wicker Park, the odds are that Dove’s Luncheonette comes up as one of the top recommendations. And there’s a good reason for it. Dove’s serves delicious Southern-inspired Mexican brunch dishes that have a cult-like following. The interior features retro-inspired mid-century diner aesthetics, warm wood accents, stainless steel countertops, and a touch of Southwestern charm. When you pull up a seat, do yourself a favor and order one of their breakfast cocktails to complement one of the flavorful dishes you will undoubtedly enjoy.
The Perch Kitchen and Tap
I would be remiss if I didn’t include The Perch in my blog post. This trendy eatery is part of the 4 Star Restaurant Group, also home to some Chicago staples, including Crosby’s Kitchen and Smoke Daddy. You’ll instantly feel welcomed into the laid-back space with its modern, rustic-industrial interior with exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, and earthy tone accents. An order of the skillet cornbread to start is a must (trust me). You can quench your thirst by ordering from their extensive cocktail menu, wine list, or an in-house brewed beer by Finch Beer Co. In the summer, they have a cozy, dog-friendly patio that is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Sun Rey Cafe
Sun Rey Cafe in Wicker Park is a bright, welcoming spot with a cozy-meets-modern vibe. It has a diner-like aesthetic, colorful tiles, and plenty of natural light. The Latin-inspired menu includes crispy chilaquiles with a runny egg, velvety café con leche, and irresistible house-made pastries. This no-fuss eatery is an ideal place to start your morning and fuel up before exploring the city.
Lunch
The Royal Grocer & Co.
The Royal Grocer & Co. offers a stylish yet laid-back atmosphere that blends vintage charm and a cozy feel, making it the perfect midday lunch spot. The menu features elevated takes on comfort food, like the crispy buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, a fresh and flavorful tuna poke bowl, and their signature RG burger, stacked with caramelized onions and garlic aioli. Pair your meal with a house-made lemonade or a craft cocktail for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up on their lovely string-lit patio.
Big Star
Ah, Big Star. Where to begin with this Chicago classic? Pull up a yellow chair on their expansive patio and be prepared for a memorable afternoon. This Wicker Park hot spot has been a fan-favorite restaurant for locals and visitors alike for over a decade. What initially started as a concept for a low-key bar that serves a limited food menu turned into a full-blown taqueria, bar, and now recording company. Once you secure a table on their sunlit patio, you’ll want to order a beverage. Big Star is known for its pitchers of margaritas, which previously were so strong that you would need to split it between a few friends in order to leave standing upright. Now that they’re on tap, they’ve toned down their alcohol strength. Next up, you’ll grab an order of chips and guac, queso fundido, and several mouth-watering tacos. My personal recommendations are the al pastor and pescado, but you can’t go wrong with any of their mouth-watering selections.
Spending a weekend exploring Chicago? Check out my ultimate Chicago neighborhood guide for West Loop & Fulton Market!
Small Cheval
If you’ve ever researched the “best burger in Chicago,” you’ve probably stumbled across the name Au Cheval on several occasions. Due to its ever-growing popularity, this West Loop burger joint has expanded into smaller fast-paced operations around the city that can serve an abridged version of their famous menu. The Wicker Park Small Cheval is the perfect spot for an easy and appetizing lunch. The interior operates as a simple counter service, while the outdoor patio offers a cozy spot to sit at one of their picnic tables and enjoy a wonderful afternoon. The menu offers some simple yet amazing dishes, including cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. What more could you ask for?
Dinner
Piece Pizzeria
Do you like New Haven-style pizza, beer, great music, and joy? If so, Piece Pizzeria should be your first stop when visiting Wicker Park. I could probably write an entire blog post dedicated to my love for this local pizza joint, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet for the sake of this blog post. Piece opened back in 2001 when the owner was unhappy with the choices of thin-crust pizzas in the city of deep dish. When you step through the door of this spacious industrial building, you’ll find a long welcoming bar with great beer on tap, wooden tables, TVs for watching the local games, and guitars as a nod to the co-owner, Rick Nielsen from the band Cheap Trick. On the menu, you’ll find classic pizza options, along with their featured pizzas and unique toppings that you won’t find at other pizzerias around the city. My personal favorite combination is a red pizza with ricotta cheese and mashed potatoes (yes, you read that correctly). Piece Pizzeria is one of my happy places, and I hope you can check it out while exploring Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Etta
Another beloved Bucktown restaurant is the neighborhood Italian eatery, Etta. It’s hard not to fall in love with Etta. As you enter the space, the vibe is warm, welcoming, chic, yet laid back—a hard combination to pull off. The outdoor patio on the second floor is the perfect spot for an evening meal in the summer months. The menu changes with the season, but the dishes are always divine. The house-baked focaccia and ricotta pillows are two staple items on the starter menu that cannot be missed. Their pizzas and pastas are both equally delicious, and ordering one of the wood-fired dishes is never a bad idea. You can wash down your meal with one of their signature cocktails or a glass of wine from their solid wine list.
Tortello
If you’re looking for a casual spot for some fantastic fresh pasta, Tortello in Wicker Park is calling your name. This family-owned pasta shop and restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, marble countertops, and handmade pasta drying in the window. It’s like a little slice of Italy tucked away in Chicago. It’s the perfect place for a cozy and indulgent meal. Their menu highlights fresh, handcrafted pasta dishes like the rich buttery burrata-filled tortelli, the perfectly al dente cacio e pepe, and seasonal specials that showcase the best local ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of Italian wine or a classic espresso, and soak in the relaxed, old-world charm that makes Tortello a true neighborhood gem.
Oiistar
If you’re visiting Chicago during one of the cooler months in the year, you might be in the mood for a bowl of ramen for dinner. If that’s the case, you’ll want to carve out time to visit Oiistar while staying in Wicker Park. This simple and modern restaurant serves up savory ramen bowls, various mouthwatering buns, and other Japanese favorites. Their signature tonkotsu ramen and pork belly bao are two must-try items on the menu that pair well with an ice-cold Sapporo beer on draft. Oiistar is a low-key spot for a meal that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Le Bouchon
Le Bouchon is a charming French bistro located in Bucktown that feels as if you’ve transported to Paris for an evening. This intimate restaurant has been voted as one of the best French Restaurants in America by Timeout Magazine and has been a fixture in Bucktown since 1993. The interior features vintage French posters, warm lighting, and tightly packed tables, precisely what you would find in a Parisian cafe. The menu stays true to traditional French cuisine, featuring escargots, steak frites, and indulgent duck confit. To no surprise, the wine list features an amazing selection of French classics, in addition to some delicious cocktails. If you can, book a reservation well in advance to enjoy a meal at Le Bouchon.
Bigsuda
Next up on my list of Wicker Park dinner recommendations is Bigsuda. This colorful Asian fusion spot is known for authentic Korean Mandoo, aka homemade handcrafted dumplings. Yum! The restaurant itself is a smaller and modern space with an open kitchen so you can watch the magic happen. Obviously, the dumplings cannot be missed when dining at Bigsuda. Additionally, the Bibimmen, pork ribs, and Haemul Pajun are all popular dishes that are full of flavor and perfect for sharing. Pair your meal with a cocktail, glass of sake, or an order of hot tea for a truly unforgettable evening.
Mott St
Mott St in Wicker Park is a well-known spot that blends Asian-inspired flavors with a cool, communal dining experience. The space is extremely stylish, with dim lighting, a mixture of white brick and wooden wall panels, and an inviting patio for warmer Chicago months. The menu is filled with must-try items like the iconic Mott Burger, umami-rich kimchi fried rice, and crispy, flavorful everything wings. The portion sizes are favorable, so you’re almost guaranteed to leave full and extremely happy.
Looking for a relaxing and dimly lit place to grab a bite to eat in Chicago? If so, check out my 16 Must-Try Cozy Restaurants in Chicago blog post!
Where To Drink
Now that you’ve enjoyed an incredible meal while exploring the neighborhood, it’s time for a nightcap. Wicker Park and Bucktown are known for having a wide variety of bars at your disposal. From high-end cocktail bars to dive bars and everything in between. These two neighborhoods are famous for their vibrant nightlife, offering some of the best bar-hopping experiences in the city.
The Violet Hour
What once was a more secretive speakeasy destination is now a very well-known and iconic cocktail spot in Wicker Park. Since its opening in 2007, The Violet Hour has established itself as a leader in the craft cocktail scene in Chicago. Located behind an unmarked door, you’ll find a candle-lit, stylish lounge that serves up some of the best cocktails in the city. A few rules to keep in mind: no cell phones can be used while inside, no causal dress is allowed, and be sure to maintain the elegant vibe of the establishment (aka no shots or rowdy behavior).
Bangers & Lace Wicker Park
If you’re looking for an elevated pub with an extensive draft list comprising some of Chicago’s best beers, you’ve come to the right place. Bangers & Lace has somehow pulled off finding a sweet spot between dive bar and high-end lounge with its leather bar stools, exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, and vintage touches. As mentioned above, the beer list is incredible and feels never-ending compared to other bars. They also make a mean bourbon cocktail if that’s more your speed. Food-wise, they’re known for their hot dog if you find yourself craving a classic Chicago treat while sipping on a refreshing craft beer.
Map Room
Map Room is a traditional Chicago bar with a fun travelers’ twist. The space is covered in maps, travel-related posters, and books, in addition to serving an expansive global beer menu. Beer enthusiasts can be transported around the world as they enjoy a delicious German Kölsch or Belgian Tripel. Since it’s a true bar, there is no kitchen, so be sure to fuel up before or after your experience at Map Room.
Dorian’s
Tucked behind the door of a record shop is one of the coolest cocktail bars and speakeasies in all of Chicago. As you arrive at Dorian’s, you’ll see that you’ve entered what appears to be a tiny record shop. But behind the door with the Listening Booth sign above it, you’ll cross the threshold into a dimly lit, cozy cocktail lounge and small music venue. The menu includes incredible cocktails with musically inspired names, a handful of spirit-free cocktails, a few shared plate/snack options, and a small beer and wine list. Given its small size, you might want to arrive early in the evening to secure a seat at this cool little cocktail spot in Wicker Park.
TRUCE
TRUCE is one of the new cocktail bars on the scene in Bucktown. What immediately hooked me is that they claim to help satisfy the need for coffee and then cocktails – pretty relatable some days, if you ask me. The vibe of the bar is exactly what you want from a place that serves coffee and cocktails. Inside, you’ll find exposed brick, a warm wood bar, leather bar stools, and great lighting during the daytime. TRUCE is open in the morning when you need to fuel up on coffee to start the day. They serve local coffee blends, espresso drinks, and a few small bites. When you return in the evening, try one of their seasonal cocktail specials or the Truce cocktail for those who enjoy bourbon and coffee-forward beverages.
Looking to grab a craft beer with your canine companion? Check out my 15 dog-friendly breweries in Chicago post!
The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern
Leavitt Street Tavern is a laid-back neighborhood bar with a welcoming, no-frills energy and a great outdoor patio. Whether you’re grabbing a local craft beer, a classic Old Fashioned, or a bite to eat with friends, this place will immediately make you feel at home. They also serve a pretty tasty burger if you decide to make a meal out of the experience. Be warned, this place can get crowded given its popularity, so be sure to make a reservation if you’re visiting on the weekends.
Remedy
Last but not least is the go-to late-night bar for craft cocktails and chill vibes, with its dim lighting, comfortable booths, and an easygoing crowd. Remedy is the ideal spot for those looking to start their evening with a killer half-price happy hour special from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm every weeknight. It’s also a great spot if you’re out on the town looking for a late-night bar to finish the evening with your friends. Order one of their well-made Asshattens, a playful take on a classic Mattatten, a Rose Quartz, or an El Diablo to really end the night on a fantastic note.
Final Thoughts
While Chicago has many incredible neighborhoods to visit, Wicker Park and Bucktown are definitely two of my favorites. They have a vibrant, artistic energy that reminds me of Chicago’s roots. Both neighborhoods offer visitors and locals plenty to do, eat, and drink, making them ideal areas to explore in the city. As I mentioned above, I’ve spent a lot of time in Wicker Park and Bucktown throughout my life, and I hope you find these areas as special as I do. My hope is that this guide helps you coordinate an unforgettable experience in this part of the city.
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