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Chicago
Neighborhoods
Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago, IL

Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago, IL

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Dotted with independent vintage boutiques, trendy restaurants, and small fair-trade coffee shops, Wicker Park/Bucktown is a mecca for young artsy types and alternative post-grads, evident in the fact that more artists call the area home than anywhere else in Chicago.

The area’s Flat Iron Arts Building houses more than fifty galleries that keep the city’s burgeoning artistic spirit alive and well, but creativity can be found even outside the galleries in the form of everyone from tattoo artists to glass blowers.

Though just a few short train stops northwest of the downtown Loop, the bohemian neighborhood can seem miles from the big city, especially at the myriad cafés and brunch spots, small galleries, crowded pizza joints, and independent shops that pepper the sidewalk on Milwaukee Avenue, and that are usually bustling with youthful young professionals and relaxed hipsters.

Somewhat surprisingly, the area isn’t all about vegan bakeries and hemp clothing, however – in fact, its namesake park is dotted with enough restored mansions, refined cocktail lounges, and classy fusion restaurants to keep the trendy types happy too.

Although Wicker Park/Bucktown tends to be laid back during the day, the district comes to life at night when partygoers both casual and dressed to impress flock to the clubs and upbeat bars on Division Street and further north along the Damen/Milwaukee/North Avenue intersection.

Music lovers should be sure to check out the annual Wicker Park Fest – usually held in late July or early August – which draws tens of thousands of revelers into the streets for two days of cutting-edge bands.

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What to Do in Wicker Park / Bucktown

Danny's

20s / 30s / Anything goes / Casual

Reviewed by Maria S.

"I'm a big fan of this place. Not only are the drinks affordable ($4 for well drinks, with a good selection of specials as well), but the music (initia ..." more

1951 West Dickens Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

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Big Star

20s / ATM / Artsy / Blues / Cash Only

Party Earth Review Just a few steps from the lively Wicker Park intersection of North and Damen Avenues, a large black and red star shines over what looks like a former gas station – and that’s because ... more

1531 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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Subterranean

20s / 30s / ATM / After Work / DJ / House

Party Earth Review The only “subterranean” thing about this popular live music venue is the string of prohibition-era tunnels secreted away beneath the hundred-year-old building’s foundation, long forgotten ... more

2011 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

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Bangers & Lace

Alternative Music / Ambient

Party Earth Review One of the first stops along the hopping Division Street stretch, Bangers & Lace is a cozy, hops-focused bar popular with young beer lovers looking for craft brews and the savory sausages ... more

1670 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622

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Map Room

20s / 30s / 40s / Alternative Rock

Party Earth Review Self-styled as a place for weary travelers to kick back and share tales of the road, Map Room is indeed a relaxed and comfy hangout popular with both daily regulars and adventurous ... more

1949 North Hoyne Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

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Exit

20s / Anything goes / Barbeque / DJ

Party Earth Review Under the skull-and-crossbones sign and past the crowd of Mohawk-rocking punks, a small graffitied door leads to Exit, Chicago’s self-proclaimed original punk bar since 1981. Once inside ... more

1315 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642

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Piece

20s / 30s / 40s / After Work / Bar / Beer

Party Earth Review A blend of microbrewery and pizzeria, Piece has helped revive the popularity of thin crust pizza in a deep dish city, all the while serving an extensive list of in-house craft beers ... more

1927 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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Debonair Social Club

20s / 30s / 40s / Artists / Bands / Bar / DJ

Party Earth Review Situated inside the massive 88,000-square-foot Flat Iron Arts Building, Debonair Social Club features a roster of rotating theme nights and performances that aim to blend art, music ... more

1575 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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The Hideout

30s / Cover charge / Creative / DJ

Party Earth Review Literally hidden down an industrial alley and sandwiched between a sea of factories and abandoned brick buildings, The Hideout has been doling out liquor and live beats since the ... more

1354 West Wabansia Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642

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Rodan

30s / Ambient / Artsy / Asian Food

Party Earth Review Science fiction buffs will easily recall that “Rodan” was the name of a mutated pterosaur made famous in the Godzilla movies. The refined hipster patrons at this upscale lounge of the ... more

1530 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60622

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Emporium Arcade Bar

30s / 40s / Alternative Music / Fun

Party Earth Review Entering Emporium Arcade Bar is like taking a step back into childhood, where frustrations brewed over unsaved princesses, Q*bert blew projectiles out his nose, and the only way to ... more

1366 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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The Bongo Room

20s / 30s / Acoustic / Ambient Jazz

Party Earth Review Originally opened in 1993 as a quaint deli, The Bongo Room has since evolved into one of the city’s most recognized brunch spots. Nestled among the record stores and vintage clothing ... more

1470 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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