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Chicago
Neighborhoods
Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago, IL

Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago, IL

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27 Photos of Wicker Park / Bucktown

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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

Division Street

20s / Anything goes / Artists / TVs

Party Earth Review For lazy warm-weather days, Division Street in Wicker Park is an excellent place to while away the hours with a late brunch, drinks in a crowded game-day sports bars, some window shopping ... more

1600–2100 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622

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The Violet Hour

30s / 40s / Ambient / Bar / Blouses

Party Earth Review Camouflaged behind a colorful plank façade adorned with an ever-changing display of graffiti art, The Violet Hour offers an unexpected touch of upscale luxury to a neighborhood better ... more

1520 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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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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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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Moonshine

20s / 30s / 40s / 80s Music / Bar Food

Party Earth Review Dinner, daily specials, freshly brewed beer, sports, and DJs – Moonshine delivers it all under one roof. Except the dog-friendly patio – that’s outside ... more

1824 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622

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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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The Charleston

20s / 30s / 40s / 90s Music / ATM / Bar / DJ

Party Earth Review Centered on a residential stretch of Hoyne Avenue, The Charleston is a mellow neighborhood bar with a vintage feel that provides a welcome haven for midweek relaxation and low-key weekends ... more

2076 North Hoyne Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

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Lottie's Pub

20s / 30s / 40s / 90s Music / Bar Food

Party Earth Review Having gone through multiple owners, names, and clientele over the course of its long history, Lottie’s Pub opened in its current incarnation in 2002, bringing a sporty but casual hangout ... more

1925 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60622

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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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Double Door

20s / 30s / 40s / ATM / Balcony / Bar / Club

Party Earth Review Named for its two separate entrances – one for the fans and one for the bands – Double Door is a simple club where music undeniably takes center stage. With its single long bar the ... more

1572 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

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The Bristol

20s / 30s / Affluent / Ambient / Bar

Party Earth Review Seasonal cocktails and a unique Mediterranean menu that changes daily have made The Bristol a popular neighborhood eatery where laid-back foodies and young professionals go for a taste ... more

2152 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

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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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