Guidebook for Chicago

Dátus & Stacey
Dátus & Stacey
Guidebook for Chicago

Food Scene

Great tacos, great margaritas, great patio. The "scene" in the area. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun and kick back. The Al Pastor tacos are the bomb.
1176 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
1176 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great tacos, great margaritas, great patio. The "scene" in the area. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun and kick back. The Al Pastor tacos are the bomb.
BYOB Costa Rican restaurant. Get the oatmeal shake.
109 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
1865 N Milwaukee Ave
109 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
BYOB Costa Rican restaurant. Get the oatmeal shake.
Deeeeeeelicious fresh, inventive tacos. Great salads too.
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee Ave
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Deeeeeeelicious fresh, inventive tacos. Great salads too.
Awesome gourmet doughnuts and coffee.
Glazed and Infused
1553 North Damen Avenue
Awesome gourmet doughnuts and coffee.
Yummy fancy doughnuts and coffee.
209 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen Ave
209 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Yummy fancy doughnuts and coffee.
Awesome cyclist-friendly veggie restaurant. Great food and cheap drinks. Try the black bean maduro!
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Handlebar
2311 W North Ave
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Awesome cyclist-friendly veggie restaurant. Great food and cheap drinks. Try the black bean maduro!
Great lunch or casual dinner spot. Seasonal menu, and the entrees are solid sandwiches. Everything is delicious and reasonably priced. I go for the atmosphere and off the beaten path persona.
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Birchwood Kitchen
2211 West North Avenue
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great lunch or casual dinner spot. Seasonal menu, and the entrees are solid sandwiches. Everything is delicious and reasonably priced. I go for the atmosphere and off the beaten path persona.
Mmmmm self serve fro yo. Pay by weight.
Forever Yogurt & CupCakes
1924 W North Ave
Mmmmm self serve fro yo. Pay by weight.
Our go-to place when we don't feel like cooking. Awesome middle eastern food. Cheap eats. Cash only.
99 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sultan's Market
2057 W North Ave
99 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Our go-to place when we don't feel like cooking. Awesome middle eastern food. Cheap eats. Cash only.
Our standby brunch place. Home of the yummiest breakfast potatoes.
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Feast Restaurant + Bar
1616 North Damen Avenue
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Our standby brunch place. Home of the yummiest breakfast potatoes.
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. Surprisingly intensive cocktail menu. Don't expect luxury, the booths have ripped seats but it's part of the charm.
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Blue Line Lounge & Grill
1548 N Damen Ave
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. Surprisingly intensive cocktail menu. Don't expect luxury, the booths have ripped seats but it's part of the charm.
Great Indian/Nepalese food. Good service and great portions. Get the garlic naan! They have a fantastic all you can eat weekend lunch buffet.
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cumin
1414 N Milwaukee Ave
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great Indian/Nepalese food. Good service and great portions. Get the garlic naan! They have a fantastic all you can eat weekend lunch buffet.
Extremely popular brunch place known for decadent pancakes, etc. Expect long waits on weekends.
199 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee Ave
199 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Extremely popular brunch place known for decadent pancakes, etc. Expect long waits on weekends.
Delicious Mexican food. The margaritas are solid. Pro tip: Check out the back patio in the warm months.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Las Palmas Restaurant
1835 W North Ave
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Delicious Mexican food. The margaritas are solid. Pro tip: Check out the back patio in the warm months.
Great coffee and croissants. No wifi!
162 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
5158 N Clark St
162 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great coffee and croissants. No wifi!
There's a Delorean (back to the future) on the ceiling!
131 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee Ave
131 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
There's a Delorean (back to the future) on the ceiling!
Southwest-style (upscale) diner by the owners of Big Star. Check out the cocktails and the chicken fried chicken!
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen Ave
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Southwest-style (upscale) diner by the owners of Big Star. Check out the cocktails and the chicken fried chicken!
Empanadas with inventive flavors. It started as a food truck. Order at the register and then wait (they cook them to order). Won't fill you up, but a nice midday snack.
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
5411 Empanadas | Wicker Park
2045 W North Ave
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Empanadas with inventive flavors. It started as a food truck. Order at the register and then wait (they cook them to order). Won't fill you up, but a nice midday snack.
High end restaurant w/history. The food and service is exquisite. If you want to attack the menu then we suggest the $50/person prefix. You'll be stuffed, but you won't regret it. Bar is also solid.
59 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Trench
2039 West North Avenue
59 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
High end restaurant w/history. The food and service is exquisite. If you want to attack the menu then we suggest the $50/person prefix. You'll be stuffed, but you won't regret it. Bar is also solid.
Best sushi place in walking distance. The buns and special Maki rolls are delicious. Sake and Sochu selection is solid. Cool atmosphere and a close walk.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Enso Sushi & Bar
1613 N Damen Ave
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Best sushi place in walking distance. The buns and special Maki rolls are delicious. Sake and Sochu selection is solid. Cool atmosphere and a close walk.
Delicious Chinese food. They also have a Japanese kitchen. Note, the portions are very large. You could probably get away with splitting an entree and appetizer.
Papajin Chinese & Sushi Bar
1551 N Milwaukee Ave
Delicious Chinese food. They also have a Japanese kitchen. Note, the portions are very large. You could probably get away with splitting an entree and appetizer.
Super casual ramen joint. Communal seating and usually cool music playing. The broth is spicy and delicious. Recommended for quick cheap eats.
52 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Furious Spoon Wicker Park
52 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Super casual ramen joint. Communal seating and usually cool music playing. The broth is spicy and delicious. Recommended for quick cheap eats.
Our favorite ramen place. They have chicken tikka masala flavored ramen! Don't knock it til you try it. Casual, cool vibe. Order the fried garlic chicken Sambal style to share. Thank me later : )
48 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Oiistar
1385 N Milwaukee Ave
48 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Our favorite ramen place. They have chicken tikka masala flavored ramen! Don't knock it til you try it. Casual, cool vibe. Order the fried garlic chicken Sambal style to share. Thank me later : )
Often-busy "New Haven style" pizza. They also brew their own beer. Big hang out spots for watching any of the local sports teams. Watch out for the crowds.
488 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Piece Brewery
1927 W North Ave
488 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Often-busy "New Haven style" pizza. They also brew their own beer. Big hang out spots for watching any of the local sports teams. Watch out for the crowds.
Greek tapa-style restaurant. Everything is delicious and the service is fantastic. They now have an AMAZING rooftop, the only one along this busy strip of Milwaukee Ave.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Taxim
1558 N Milwaukee Ave
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Greek tapa-style restaurant. Everything is delicious and the service is fantastic. They now have an AMAZING rooftop, the only one along this busy strip of Milwaukee Ave.
Pizza by the slice. They specialize in crazy flavors like mac and cheese and smores, but you can always get a plain slice of cheese or pepperoni. Their crust is the best!
25 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dimo's Pizza Wicker Park
1615 N Damen Ave
25 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pizza by the slice. They specialize in crazy flavors like mac and cheese and smores, but you can always get a plain slice of cheese or pepperoni. Their crust is the best!
LA-based burger place. Lots of people love it, others think it's overhyped. Try it for yourself and decide. The Chicago-Style burger was pretty rad.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Umami Burger Wicker Park
1480 N Milwaukee Ave
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
LA-based burger place. Lots of people love it, others think it's overhyped. Try it for yourself and decide. The Chicago-Style burger was pretty rad.
Butcher/Bar/Italian Restaurant/Event Space. This multipurpose joint has it all. Also has a roof bar.
27 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Chop Shop
2033 W North Ave
27 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Butcher/Bar/Italian Restaurant/Event Space. This multipurpose joint has it all. Also has a roof bar.
Southern fare and good drinks. Huge outdoor space and deck. The fried oyster poyboy is delicious. you may hate yourself afterwards.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Southern
1840 W North Ave
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Southern fare and good drinks. Huge outdoor space and deck. The fried oyster poyboy is delicious. you may hate yourself afterwards.
Great for desserts and brunch but also serves dinner. Chef has a James Beard Award!
108 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen Ave
108 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great for desserts and brunch but also serves dinner. Chef has a James Beard Award!
Cute, intimate and extremely delicious little French bistro. Cozy and friendly European atmosphere. $1 oysters Fridays at the bar. Get the onion soup!
56 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Le Bouchon
1958 N Damen Ave
56 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cute, intimate and extremely delicious little French bistro. Cozy and friendly European atmosphere. $1 oysters Fridays at the bar. Get the onion soup!
Rick Bayless's newest venture is right here in Wicker Park. Fast service, great tortas, superb churros and chocolate.
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fonda Frontera
1471 North Milwaukee Avenue
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rick Bayless's newest venture is right here in Wicker Park. Fast service, great tortas, superb churros and chocolate.
Great neighborhood restaurant for old school red-sauce Italian food. Sit out on the patio when it's nice out to people watch on this mostly quiet, residential street.
54 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Club Lucky
1824 W Wabansia Ave
54 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great neighborhood restaurant for old school red-sauce Italian food. Sit out on the patio when it's nice out to people watch on this mostly quiet, residential street.
Our top choice for bbq around here. We love the pulled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. Get it with the coleslaw on top. Also has a nice patio for experiencing the Division street "scene".
116 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division St
116 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Our top choice for bbq around here. We love the pulled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. Get it with the coleslaw on top. Also has a nice patio for experiencing the Division street "scene".
A good choice if you want to try Chicago deep dish while you're here. There are a few Pizano's in the city, all owned by the famous Malnati family of Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnati's fame.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta
2056 West Division Street
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A good choice if you want to try Chicago deep dish while you're here. There are a few Pizano's in the city, all owned by the famous Malnati family of Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnati's fame.
Barcelona meets Wicker Park! Best for drinks and tapas. Go for the Cava and Martinez Vermut (trust me on this one). Really, just go for the Vermut. One big ice chunk and garnish with a lemon peel.
Bom Bolla
1501 N Milwaukee Ave
Barcelona meets Wicker Park! Best for drinks and tapas. Go for the Cava and Martinez Vermut (trust me on this one). Really, just go for the Vermut. One big ice chunk and garnish with a lemon peel.
A fantastic brunch choice, especially when the line at Bongo Room is too long.
110 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kanela Breakfast Club
3231 N Clark St
110 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A fantastic brunch choice, especially when the line at Bongo Room is too long.
Awesome tamales from this brick and mortar version of the Chicago-famous food truck.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Tamale Spaceship
2296 S Blue Island Ave
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Awesome tamales from this brick and mortar version of the Chicago-famous food truck.
This is our new favorite place. Think of if an English pub had a baby with an Indian restaurant. Awesome food, great beer and cider list, 4 kinds of Pimm's cups, and a rum-spiked mango lassi.
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pub Royale
2049 W Division St
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is our new favorite place. Think of if an English pub had a baby with an Indian restaurant. Awesome food, great beer and cider list, 4 kinds of Pimm's cups, and a rum-spiked mango lassi.
The newest "it" patio in the neighborhood, from the people behind Au Cheval, the city's best burger. Menu is just burgers, fries, and shakes. And booze.
161 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee Ave
161 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The newest "it" patio in the neighborhood, from the people behind Au Cheval, the city's best burger. Menu is just burgers, fries, and shakes. And booze.

Drinks & Nightlife

Swanky "speakeasy" cocktail bar. Door is unmarked, at the end of a constantly changing mural. Hit it on an off night (Tue, Wed, or Thur). Weekends there will almost certainly be a line. Only seating.
355 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave
355 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Swanky "speakeasy" cocktail bar. Door is unmarked, at the end of a constantly changing mural. Hit it on an off night (Tue, Wed, or Thur). Weekends there will almost certainly be a line. Only seating.
Datus' go-to no-frills local bar. Always cheap or free pool. Great bar and the crowd is always changing. Keep an eye out for Lady Gaga and her Chicago fire main squeeze.
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lemmings On Damen
1850 N Damen Ave
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Datus' go-to no-frills local bar. Always cheap or free pool. Great bar and the crowd is always changing. Keep an eye out for Lady Gaga and her Chicago fire main squeeze.
Great bar with a cozy yet stylish atmosphere tucked away on a residential street. A true gem.
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Charleston Bar Chicago
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great bar with a cozy yet stylish atmosphere tucked away on a residential street. A true gem.
LINKS: Sausage links and dozens of beers on tap. Casual and located on the happening Milwaukee avenue. Beers are delicious and the crowd is chill.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Links Taproom
1559 N Milwaukee Ave
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
LINKS: Sausage links and dozens of beers on tap. Casual and located on the happening Milwaukee avenue. Beers are delicious and the crowd is chill.
Craft beer/bourbon bar + old school arcade games.
158 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Emporium Wicker Park
1366 N Milwaukee Ave
158 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Craft beer/bourbon bar + old school arcade games.
This is our happy place. The bar lives up to its name: maps, atlases, and flags everywhere. Most importantly, amazing craft beer and free pretzel rods!
119 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave
119 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is our happy place. The bar lives up to its name: maps, atlases, and flags everywhere. Most importantly, amazing craft beer and free pretzel rods!
Great food and cocktails. Not many draft beers, but tons of rotating bottles. They make their own ginger beer. Pro Tip: Check out the patio scene in the warmer months.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Red Door Kitchen + Bar
2118 North Damen Avenue
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great food and cocktails. Not many draft beers, but tons of rotating bottles. They make their own ginger beer. Pro Tip: Check out the patio scene in the warmer months.
The best bar in Chicago. Per NYT. Per Datus. Per Datus' friends. Per Datus. Per Stacey. Per Datus. Go there. Food is also delicious. No reservations.
144 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Billy Sunday
3143 W Logan Blvd
144 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The best bar in Chicago. Per NYT. Per Datus. Per Datus' friends. Per Datus. Per Stacey. Per Datus. Go there. Food is also delicious. No reservations.
German beer haus. Communal tables, boots, weiner snitzel. What's not to love?
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Radler
2375 N Milwaukee Ave
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
German beer haus. Communal tables, boots, weiner snitzel. What's not to love?
Great cajun style bar bites and cocktails.
42 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Analogue
42 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great cajun style bar bites and cocktails.
Late night bar.
106 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Owl
2521 N Milwaukee Ave
106 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Late night bar.
Cocktails and funky music and DJs. Small space, but cool late night.
185 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee Ave
185 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cocktails and funky music and DJs. Small space, but cool late night.
It's where you go when you feel like dancing all night with a bunch of sweaty hipsters. But really, it's fun when you're in the right mindset. Expect lines Friday/Saturday.
76 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dannys
76 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
It's where you go when you feel like dancing all night with a bunch of sweaty hipsters. But really, it's fun when you're in the right mindset. Expect lines Friday/Saturday.

Essentials

Great for basics and beer. Organic and slightly overpriced, but you can't beat the convenience given its <100yds from the apartment.
49 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Go Grocer
2060 W North Ave
49 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great for basics and beer. Organic and slightly overpriced, but you can't beat the convenience given its <100yds from the apartment.
The closest big grocery store.
675 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jewel-Osco
3531 N Broadway
675 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The closest big grocery store.

Shopping

It's an old bank and is positively stunning inside. Check out the vitamin vault downstairs.
246 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Walgreens
3646 North Broadway
246 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
It's an old bank and is positively stunning inside. Check out the vitamin vault downstairs.
Cool, trendy store with a combination of new and vintage finds.
34 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Una Mae's
1528 N Milwaukee Ave
34 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cool, trendy store with a combination of new and vintage finds.
Great used bookstore. So many aisles.
118 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee Ave
118 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Great used bookstore. So many aisles.
Detroit-made watches and other (pricy) goods. Cool to check out, even if just to browse.
Shinola Wicker Park / Bucktown Store
1619 N Damen Ave
Detroit-made watches and other (pricy) goods. Cool to check out, even if just to browse.
One of Stacey's favorite vintage stores. I almost always find something great when I go in.
15 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Crossroads Trading
1519 N Milwaukee Ave
15 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
One of Stacey's favorite vintage stores. I almost always find something great when I go in.
Funky vintage store for unique finds.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Store B
1472 N Milwaukee Ave
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Funky vintage store for unique finds.
It's a chain found mostly in college towns, but Stacey loves it for inexpensive fashion finds. Organized by color.
Pitaya
It's a chain found mostly in college towns, but Stacey loves it for inexpensive fashion finds. Organized by color.
If you're into "zines", comic books, and obscure authors, this is your heaven.
33 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Quimby's Bookstore
1854 W North Ave
33 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
If you're into "zines", comic books, and obscure authors, this is your heaven.
Classic Wicker Park record store. The record store in the movie "High Fidelity" was based on it.
111 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Reckless Records
929 W Belmont Ave
111 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Classic Wicker Park record store. The record store in the movie "High Fidelity" was based on it.
Cool little boutique around the corner from us.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Moon Voyage
2010 W Pierce Ave
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cool little boutique around the corner from us.
Cute little store for picking up gifts, cards, jewelry and other artsy crafty things. They also have BYO art classes in the back.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
One Strange Bird
2124 W Division St
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cute little store for picking up gifts, cards, jewelry and other artsy crafty things. They also have BYO art classes in the back.
Delicious and unique flavors of ice cream. Highly recommended.
131 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee Ave
131 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Delicious and unique flavors of ice cream. Highly recommended.

Arts & Culture

Historic music venue. Check out Soul Summit every third Saturday night.
62 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Double Door
62 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Historic music venue. Check out Soul Summit every third Saturday night.
Music venue that's just around the corner. Weekly events include reggae night on Thursdays and comedy on Fridays.
57 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Subterranean
2011 W North Ave
57 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Music venue that's just around the corner. Weekly events include reggae night on Thursdays and comedy on Fridays.
Cool large art gallery to peruse.
Jackson Junge Gallery
1389 N Milwaukee Ave
Cool large art gallery to peruse.

Everything Else

This is a huge labyrinth-like building filled with artist studios, some theaters, a hair salon, & a comic book store. Go on a First Friday event when artists open their doors and give out free booze.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Flatiron Arts Building
1579 N Milwaukee Ave
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is a huge labyrinth-like building filled with artist studios, some theaters, a hair salon, & a comic book store. Go on a First Friday event when artists open their doors and give out free booze.

Sightseeing

This brand new 3 mile elevated park connects Bucktown to Humboldt Park. Think Chicago's version of NYC's High Line. Closest entrance is at Milwaukee/Leavitt or Damen Ave. Highly recommended.
133 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bloomingdale Trail
Bloomingdale Trail
133 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This brand new 3 mile elevated park connects Bucktown to Humboldt Park. Think Chicago's version of NYC's High Line. Closest entrance is at Milwaukee/Leavitt or Damen Ave. Highly recommended.