Enter an eclectic, art gallery-filled area that meshes artists, hipsters and yuppies together harmoniously. For those who love both upscale boutiques and resale shops, chain restaurants and mom-and-pop joints, dive bars and lounges, this west side Chicago neighborhood is your bread andbutter. Wicker Park has long been a popular community for young, fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants Chicagoans, but in recent years the scope of residents has adjusted to include families and older generations that enjoy the energetic youthfulness and quirky vibe. Wicker Park is teeming with fashionable restaurants bolstering a culinary scene that stretches far and wide, offering options for all palates and budgets. Tucked in between tasty noshing spots are countless retail storefronts, hawking must-have additions to your wardrobe and music collection. If live music is what you seek, Wicker Park nightlife is a hotbed of venues for local bands, national artists and record-spinning DJs to rock and roll.
Here's the deal: Wicker Parkers love to go out. On any given Friday or Saturday night (or Monday or Thursday for that matter) the six-corner intersection of North, Milwaukee and Damen is crawling with bar-hoppers just looking to have a good time. But don't worry -- the massive number of bars in Wicker Park neighborhood ensures that no spot is ever too crowded.
If you are a die-hard music lover, Wicker Park has something for you every night of the week. The historic Double Door (1572 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-489-3160) has hosted many a bands in its thirteen-year history including world-famous rockers Rolling Stones, Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair. The venue continues to showcase bands that are just on the verge of blowing up. And down the street, The Note (1565 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-489-0011) does jazz, reggae, Brazilian and other world music until 4am, 5 on Saturdays.
As long as we're on the subject of late-night neighborhood entertainment, let's jump right in. Knowing your late night options can help you pace yourself, right? Nick's Beergarden (1516 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-252-1155) is a perfect 4am stop if you don't mind a divey patio, California-ish decor, loud music and a great beer selection. Oh, and the "never a cover charge" philosophy doesn't hurt either. Say you've been rockin' it upscale for the night and want to keep it that way, Wicker Park Tavern(1958 W North Ave, 773-278-5138) may be more your bag with their redwood bar, amber lighting, modern jukebox and seven plasma TVs. Long a staple of the hippest six-corner intersection in Chicago, Estelle's (2013 W North Ave, 773-782-0450) isn't trying to be anything but a place to get booze. The biggest frill in this place is a jukebox, so the focus is on getting one last drink before bedtime.
If a dive bar is definitely your style, hit up Beachwood Inn (1415 N Wood St, 773-486-9806). They have cheap drinks, board games, pool, and one of the most eclectic jukeboxes in the neighborhood. On the other hand, if the thought of a dive makes you cringe, head to one of this Chicago neighborhood's nice and neat places. Though Rodan (1530 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-276-7036) is technically a restaurant (with a focus on South American and Southeast Asian cuisine) after 9pm the lights go down, the music goes up, and the hipsters fill the bar. Across the street Debonair Social Club (1575 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-227-7990) aims to be more than just a watering hole. Their emphasis is on arts and culture, and while serving up drinks they show art videos and display projects, all chosen by their resident artistic curator. Debonair brings in nationally-known DJs like Steve Aoki, and has become a popular spot for lovers of house music. Across the street Empire Liquors(1566 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-278-1600) is about as sleek as they come. The windows looking onto the street are covered in black, the bar top is made of concrete, and the walls are metallic. Very hard core.
