Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Fabulous Steaks and amazing appetizers book early the place is super trendy tables go fast.
57 locals recommend
BoeufHaus
1012 N Western AveFabulous Steaks and amazing appetizers book early the place is super trendy tables go fast.
Awesome Brunch on the weekends there is a line out the door on both sat and sun so best to get your place in line early 8:45am
199 locals recommend
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee Ave Awesome Brunch on the weekends there is a line out the door on both sat and sun so best to get your place in line early 8:45am
Caffè Streets
1750 W Division StRoots Handmade Pizza
1924 W Chicago AveGreat Pizza
Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta
2056 West Division StreetGreat double butter crust on the pizza
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago AveAwesome Sushi & Robata
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrThe best Gelato is in town!
The best Chicken Fried Chicken Ever!The adorable southern-inspired Mexican cuisine diner, from the team behind the Publican and Big Star, is open from 9 in the morning to 10 or 11 at night. In the morning, try the grits and blood sausage, while the red chile enchiladas and chicken-fried chicken are worthy orders for lunch or dinner. No matter which meal you're there for, though, you'll want to add a rotating Mexican-inspired slice of Hoosier Mama pie, like the horchata. Yes, even for breakfast.
113 locals recommend
Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen AveThe best Chicken Fried Chicken Ever!The adorable southern-inspired Mexican cuisine diner, from the team behind the Publican and Big Star, is open from 9 in the morning to 10 or 11 at night. In the morning, try the grits and blood sausage, while the red chile enchiladas and chicken-fried chicken are worthy orders for lunch or dinner. No matter which meal you're there for, though, you'll want to add a rotating Mexican-inspired slice of Hoosier Mama pie, like the horchata. Yes, even for breakfast.
Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee AveThe Fish Taco in Town!
It’s not traditionally Indian, but rather a pub food take on classic Indian dishes and flavors.
65 locals recommend
Pub Royale
2049 W Division StIt’s not traditionally Indian, but rather a pub food take on classic Indian dishes and flavors.
Schwa Restaurant
1466 N Ashland AveThe Best fine dine in wicker park and its BYOB
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveOne of the best patios in town with great pork belly tacos!
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveBest burger in town hands down!
Fine dine Asian Fusion done very well, the General Tso's Veal Sweetbreads are a must!
84 locals recommend
Mott St
1401 N Ashland AveFine dine Asian Fusion done very well, the General Tso's Veal Sweetbreads are a must!
Fabulous Patio if it’s 70+ and sunny head to Parlor Pizza Summer is precious here and no city takes advantage of it better.
73 locals recommend
Parlor Pizza Bar Wicker Park
1824 W Division StFabulous Patio if it’s 70+ and sunny head to Parlor Pizza Summer is precious here and no city takes advantage of it better.
Simply the best spicy crab and Nayarit style prawns and its BYOB
18 locals recommend
Alegrias Seafood Chicago
1024 N Ashland AveSimply the best spicy crab and Nayarit style prawns and its BYOB
Dark Matter Coffee - The Mothership
738 N Western AveAmazing Whiskey Barrel Cold Brew Coffee
Alliance Bakery
1736 W Division StGreat pastries and free WiFi
Super trendy coffee shop if you can get a seat great place tohangout tons of locals artisty types studying and writing
47 locals recommend
Filter Cafe
1373 North Milwaukee AvenueSuper trendy coffee shop if you can get a seat great place tohangout tons of locals artisty types studying and writing
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
1746 W Chicago AveLocal Brewery paired with a tasty menu.
Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division StGreat BBQ and live music
Relaxed, rustic-chic eatery with a daily brunch menu, burgers & breakfast at night & a BYOB policy.
63 locals recommend
WHISK
2018 W Chicago AveRelaxed, rustic-chic eatery with a daily brunch menu, burgers & breakfast at night & a BYOB policy.
Yyummy & satisfying breakfasts and lunches that are “also great”, fans flood these “sweet neighborhood spots” serving “innovative” American dishes (think red velvet French toast) and some Greek options alongside smoothies and cocktails they’re “pleasant” and “comfortable” enough for a “quick”, inexpensive bite.
110 locals recommend
Kanela Breakfast Club
3231 N Clark StYyummy & satisfying breakfasts and lunches that are “also great”, fans flood these “sweet neighborhood spots” serving “innovative” American dishes (think red velvet French toast) and some Greek options alongside smoothies and cocktails they’re “pleasant” and “comfortable” enough for a “quick”, inexpensive bite.
Stylish restaurant & bar where vegetables are highlighted in the food & signature cocktails.
11 locals recommend
Clever Rabbit
2015 W Division StStylish restaurant & bar where vegetables are highlighted in the food & signature cocktails.
Upbeat spot for sustainably produced, mostly organic baked goods plus breakfast & lunch. The first full-service joint from the Food Network fixture punk-rock bakery, BHBC's a collab with the owners of adjacent Roots Handmade Pizza and The Fifty/50 that's ultra-calorizing breakfast faves from within its gigantic, vibrantly colored, looks-like-a-'50s-diner-owned-by-a-rock-star digs, whose storefront window offers pedestrians a view of the confectionary process.
72 locals recommend
West Town Bakery & Diner
1916 W Chicago AveUpbeat spot for sustainably produced, mostly organic baked goods plus breakfast & lunch. The first full-service joint from the Food Network fixture punk-rock bakery, BHBC's a collab with the owners of adjacent Roots Handmade Pizza and The Fifty/50 that's ultra-calorizing breakfast faves from within its gigantic, vibrantly colored, looks-like-a-'50s-diner-owned-by-a-rock-star digs, whose storefront window offers pedestrians a view of the confectionary process.
The 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden of this farm-to-table eatery is a perfect spot to soak up the last days of summer.
30 locals recommend
Homestead On The Roof
1924 W Chicago AveThe 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden of this farm-to-table eatery is a perfect spot to soak up the last days of summer.
Both Savory and Sweet pies by a mast baker simply awesome!
76 locals recommend
Hoosier Mama Pie Company
1618 W Chicago AveBoth Savory and Sweet pies by a mast baker simply awesome!
Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen AveSweet & Savory kitchen!
The words best suited to describe the timeless grandeur of Beatnik are eclectic, unconventional, eccentric and personal. Antiques from around the globe are paired with customized creations to capture the kind of spontaneity one could find in the home or atelier of an artist. Food and Drinks are awesome!
78 locals recommend
Beatnik
1604 W Chicago AveThe words best suited to describe the timeless grandeur of Beatnik are eclectic, unconventional, eccentric and personal. Antiques from around the globe are paired with customized creations to capture the kind of spontaneity one could find in the home or atelier of an artist. Food and Drinks are awesome!
Bonchon is a franchise, specialized in Korean-style fried chicken with a variety of savory Asian fusion dishes and Korean specialties.
7 locals recommend
Bonchon Chicken
1732 W Division St Bonchon is a franchise, specialized in Korean-style fried chicken with a variety of savory Asian fusion dishes and Korean specialties.
Trendy, intimate spot with global vegetarian/vegan food, smoothies, cocktails & sidewalk seats.
140 locals recommend
Handlebar
2311 W North AveTrendy, intimate spot with global vegetarian/vegan food, smoothies, cocktails & sidewalk seats.
Be forewarned: You'll need a reservation if you want to snag a table at this red-hot Wicker Park newcomer—and for good reason. The vibe is electric, the menu loveable and the drinks flowing. A smattering of small plates, one pizza and an order of pasta should satisfy a hungry duo. We're particularly fond of the bubbling shrimp, fire-baked focaccia, wild mushroom 'za and bucatini cacio e pepe.
43 locals recommend
etta
1840 W North AveBe forewarned: You'll need a reservation if you want to snag a table at this red-hot Wicker Park newcomer—and for good reason. The vibe is electric, the menu loveable and the drinks flowing. A smattering of small plates, one pizza and an order of pasta should satisfy a hungry duo. We're particularly fond of the bubbling shrimp, fire-baked focaccia, wild mushroom 'za and bucatini cacio e pepe.
Awesome happy hour $1 oysters and $8 martinis Both Brunch and dinner menus really deliver fit for foodies!
Café Cancale
1576 N Milwaukee AveAwesome happy hour $1 oysters and $8 martinis Both Brunch and dinner menus really deliver fit for foodies!
This charming French bistro delivers a fantastic menu all day long! Super nice ingredients and a gorgeous pastry case with a bold local coffee brew. Wednesday nights you can create you only multicourse meal grab a friend and try share six different dishes.
47 locals recommend
Café Marie-Jeanne
1001 N California AveThis charming French bistro delivers a fantastic menu all day long! Super nice ingredients and a gorgeous pastry case with a bold local coffee brew. Wednesday nights you can create you only multicourse meal grab a friend and try share six different dishes.
Good Fortune
2528 N California AveRetro-Styled supper club serving American dishes,
Getting Around
Division station
Divvy Station: Wood St & Division St
Drinks & Nightlife
The bittersweet reality of great little dives is that they often lose charm when overrun by masses of clingers-on. Somehow, this Ukrainian Village spot has managed to remain an underground favorite. The local artists and musicians who frequent it hold on to terra firma with cheap drink in hand, awaiting a turn in the photo booth while nodding to everything from Aesop Rock to Black Sabbath.
81 locals recommend
Rainbo Club
1150 N Damen AveThe bittersweet reality of great little dives is that they often lose charm when overrun by masses of clingers-on. Somehow, this Ukrainian Village spot has managed to remain an underground favorite. The local artists and musicians who frequent it hold on to terra firma with cheap drink in hand, awaiting a turn in the photo booth while nodding to everything from Aesop Rock to Black Sabbath.
Live Music Venue
Indie music venue & bar hosting alternative bands in a somewhat small space with cheap drinks.
208 locals recommend
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Ave Live Music Venue
Indie music venue & bar hosting alternative bands in a somewhat small space with cheap drinks.
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveFantastic craft cocktails
Phyllis Musical Inn
1800 W Division StOld school dive bar with live music most nights.
A posh space filled with globe-trotting decor is the setting for New American fare & cocktails. Packed with plants, lush fabrics, global tunes, antiques Moroccan tiles, plus food from around the world.
Great all-day venue from brunch to late-night nosh!
78 locals recommend
Beatnik
1604 W Chicago AveA posh space filled with globe-trotting decor is the setting for New American fare & cocktails. Packed with plants, lush fabrics, global tunes, antiques Moroccan tiles, plus food from around the world.
Great all-day venue from brunch to late-night nosh!
Awesome lounge for live entertainment, music, dancing and delicious craft cocktails. This popular Spanish speakeasy is located in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Just a few blocks from the Airbnb
38 locals recommend
Bordel
1721 W Division StAwesome lounge for live entertainment, music, dancing and delicious craft cocktails. This popular Spanish speakeasy is located in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Just a few blocks from the Airbnb
Arts & Culture
Salvage One
1840 W Hubbard StUkranian Institute of Modern Art
2320 W Chicago AveFun local place to see some interesting pieces.
Shopping
Damen & Milwaukee/North Ave
Dusty Groove is where you get your vinyl fix! Smartly curated bins are sorted into Tropicalia, Afrobeat, reggae, vintage soul, French pop, blues, jazz and more for easy shopping.
21 locals recommend
Dusty Groove
1120 N Ashland AveDusty Groove is where you get your vinyl fix! Smartly curated bins are sorted into Tropicalia, Afrobeat, reggae, vintage soul, French pop, blues, jazz and more for easy shopping.
Paper Doll
2027 West Division StreetWide selection of cards and stationery
Great shop for watches, leather, bicycles its a great place to pop in and check out the new and cool.
Shinola Wicker Park / Bucktown Store
1619 N Damen AveGreat shop for watches, leather, bicycles its a great place to pop in and check out the new and cool.
The owner has a keen eye for classics with a twist—and a good selection of timeless dresses from brands such as Kay Unger and Luna by Josandra
Mulberry & Me
2019 W Division StThe owner has a keen eye for classics with a twist—and a good selection of timeless dresses from brands such as Kay Unger and Luna by Josandra
One of the street’s best, this shop carries young, hip designers (A.P.C., Sessun), as well as an unexpected selection of housewares, gifts, and jewelry
50 locals recommend
Penelope's
1913 W Division StOne of the street’s best, this shop carries young, hip designers (A.P.C., Sessun), as well as an unexpected selection of housewares, gifts, and jewelry
Essentials
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveLush’s latest outpost recently added a snacks menu, which makes this well-curated wine shop feel a bit more like a sleek wine bar. We really love the free-delivery policy to nearby BYOs. (The wine shop next door, Noble Grape, will deliver all the way to Western Avenue for a mere $2 per bottle.)
43 locals recommend
Lush Wine & Spirits
1412 W Chicago AveLush’s latest outpost recently added a snacks menu, which makes this well-curated wine shop feel a bit more like a sleek wine bar. We really love the free-delivery policy to nearby BYOs. (The wine shop next door, Noble Grape, will deliver all the way to Western Avenue for a mere $2 per bottle.)
Upscale boutique grocery store where you can dine in, take away or even delivery awesome craft beer, wine, spirits, fresh eats, gifts and everyday essentials delivered to your door in minutes.
30 locals recommend
Foxtrot Market
1722 W Division StUpscale boutique grocery store where you can dine in, take away or even delivery awesome craft beer, wine, spirits, fresh eats, gifts and everyday essentials delivered to your door in minutes.
Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections. Just a few block from the Airbnb
35 locals recommend
Target
2901 S Cicero AveRetail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections. Just a few block from the Airbnb
Parks & Nature
Churchill Field Playlot Park
1825 N Damen AveGreat Dog Park
The 606 brings together elevated trails for bikers and runners, art installations, and landscape design to create an urban oasis and a new way to explore.
25 locals recommend
Bloomingdale Trail and Park
West Bloomingdale AvenueThe 606 brings together elevated trails for bikers and runners, art installations, and landscape design to create an urban oasis and a new way to explore.