Welcome to Wicker Park & Bucktown
Chicago’s “jack-of-all-trades” neighborhoods bursting with trendy dining spots and upscale boutiques
Contemporary, urban living meets vintage boutiques and charming residential spaces in the unique Chicago neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown. Home to trendy coffeehouses and art galleries, Wicker Park boasts some of the best streets for unique and electric shopping and dining opportunities. Whether renting or buying, Wicker Park is the ideal neighborhood, thanks to its spacious residences, quiet streets, and upscale lofts or renovated Victorian mansions dotting the outskirts of local parks. A great place for those of all walks of life, Wicker Park offers an abundance of things to experience in a small pocket of Chicago.
Bucktown, just north of Wicker Park, feels young and inviting and with so many new boutiques and restaurants to explore, Bucktown’s up-and-coming nature certainly puts it on the map as one of the top destinations to visit in Chicago. Enjoy walkable areas overflowing with shops and restaurants and take a casual stroll along the popular 606 trail to take in the stunning scenery of the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods.
What to Love
- Trendsetting and palate-pleasing dining spots
- Urban living at its finest with dozens of entertainment opportunities between both neighborhoods
Local Lifestyle
From large brick mansions to updated luxury apartments, residential spaces in Wicker Park and Bucktown range in style, taste, and historic construction. Residents enjoy an energetic, bohemian, and trendy lifestyle in Wicker Park and Bucktown and take advantage of its illustrious reputation as one of Chicago’s best destinations for diverse eateries and boutique shopping. These neighborhoods offer the perfect blend of charming, tree-lined streets and vibrant downtown spaces with plenty of opportunities.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
For homestyle, hearty meals in a 1940s atmosphere, visit Club Lucky in Bucktown. Enjoy Chicago classics like Chicken Vesuvio and Italian creations of homemade pasta (with fresh sauce made daily) and relax in the expertly decorated dining space. With large portions and affordable prices, Club Lucky is the premier Bucktown destination for excellent food in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
A taco-slinging honkey tonk in the middle of Wicker Park, Big Star is certainly the unique spot of the neighborhood. Bourbon and beer-focused with an eclectic menu and energetic atmosphere, Big Star sits in a 1940’s gas station and offers an immense outdoor space that sparkles during summer nights. A community staple for over 10 years, Big Star is the go-to destination for authentic Mexican fare in Wicker Park.
Looking for a taste of nostalgia mixed with over 115 different whiskeys? Look no further than Whiskey Business, an 80s and 90s inspired bar offering diverse drinks, creative cocktails, and delicious food offered on an expansive rooftop bar. Catch a game on one of the movie theater-style screens on the weekend or stop by for yoga and brunch — possibilities are endless at this fun and entertaining venue!
Sophisticated and familiar, Etta celebrates seasonal, rustic cuisine over a wood-fired hearth. Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner options like crave-worthy pizzas, special wood-fired picnic meals, and delectable cocktails, along with an extensive wine list. Etta is a stunning spot to enjoy a casual meal with friends.
Things to Do
The 606 Bloomingdale Trail is 2.7 miles of multi-use trail space for hikers, walkers, runners, and cyclists along an old railway line on Chicago’s west side. With art displays, street-level parks, outlook points, and observatories along the route, this scenic, elevated trail is loaded with beautiful scenery and parks for all ages to enjoy.
Wicker Park Fest is the community event of the year! Held on Milwaukee Avenue, the festival runs over three days and features dozens of local and regional artists on two stages. Come for the music, but stay for the excellent food provided by local vendors. Wicker Park Fest is also the top event to browse local art collections from top Chicago artists.
The neighborhood’s namesake, Wicker Park is a 4.5-acre park located in the West Town community area and features a field house, full-size gymnasium, playgrounds and splash parks for kids, a dog play area, beautiful, well-maintained gardens, and multiple basketball and tennis courts. Specifically known for its lush gardens, Wicker Park is a dense green space boasting gorgeous foliage and the host of summer events each year.
For the best homegrown and homemade goods, visit the Wicker Park Farmers Market, held from June through October outdoors on Wicker Park Avenue and Fairview each Sunday. Browse the stalls for beautiful produce and snag your next homemade gift or trinket from one of many local vendors. The perfect opportunity for the community to learn more about farm-to-table practices, the Wicker Park Farmers Market is the can’t-miss weekly event during the summer and fall.
Chicago’s #1 comedy club, The Comedy Clubhouse, showcases scripted, improv, and stand-up comedy nights in an intimate and inviting club on Ashland Avenue. Delivering laughs since 2015, The Comedy Clubhouse is the ultimate destination for laugh-till-you-cry entertainment.
Schools
There are several high-achieving schools in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods. Some include:
