Things to do in Bucktown, Chicago

By Dom Bewley
bucktown

Chicago's your vacation destination, is it? Excellent. May we interest you in one of its many districts, Bucktown? If you don't know about it, don't worry. Sit down, be quiet, and we'll tell you all about the best things to do in Bucktown, Chicago.

Including:

  • Bizarre sports
  • Rundown exploration
  • Theatres
  • Live music
  • Restaurants
  • and more!
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Get Whirly

Let's get this Bucktown show on the road, with something slightly different. Whether you're a fan of sports or not, you might just love this new kid on the sporting block.

What do you get if you combine lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars? WhirlyBall is what you get. This crazy, made-up pastime combines elements of all of these into one awesome game. Get together a few friends, grab a few delicious craft beers at the bar, and try your luck on the WhirlyBall court. There are three of them onsite, along with bowling lanes, laser tag, and the aforementioned bar. Careful if you go to WhirlyBall at the start of your vacation. You may very well never go anywhere else.

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You're the Explorer

Want to touch some grass, experience great views of the Chicago skyline, and explore some abandoned architecture reclaimed by nature? Then you'll want to check out The 606. This abandoned railway line worms its way through many of Chicago's districts, including Bucktown. So, feel free to get on at any point, explore a bit, and then 'hop off' at a different location and look around.

If that wasn't enough, you'll also find a myriad of events going on there, from bake sales to outdoor yoga. Whether you saddle up or use your feet, you've got quite the adventure ahead of you. So, what are you waiting for?

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Showtime!

How about a little theatre to dramatize your vacation? Bucktown's got a bunch of performance venues that'll happily accommodate your bum in one of their seats.

Gorilla Tango Theatre is a community-led bunch that ensure every penny they make goes back into further productions. That includes sets, props, and other items that might otherwise be wasted. It sounds like a tall order, but they've already produced over one thousand awesome shows with this business model, and they have no intention of stopping. This model also allows them to give exposure to local theatrical artists, ensuring the city's scene continues to thrive. So, if you want to see what sustainable theatre looks like, go check them out!

Or, if you want to see American takes on tough European plays, give Trap Door Theatre a go. They use expressionism and absurdism to recontextualize well-known works, so you'll never see a performance quite like it! Having moved around the European scene, they've not settled in Chicago, where'll they'll happily blow your mind!

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Gigging

Speaking of performance, why don't we throw some live music into the mix? Bucktown's got its fair share of concert venues.

Hideout takes its name quite literally, as it can be hard to find without a map. However, those of you with the know-how to seek it out are in for a treat. It's in the heart of Bucktown's industrial area, but you'll find nothing but country within. With a host of regular country-rockers, as well as a variety of touring artists, you'll love listening to some bluegrass twangs will sipping cheap beer and tapping your cowboy boot.

Switching gears a little, Subterranean is where you'll find Bucktown's alternative music scene. With regular rock, rap, and metal gigs going on throughout the year, as well as club nights every week, it's the hip-happeningest place around.

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

No, it's comics. Specifically, a great comic shop with countless issues of the best comics and graphics novels around! Challengers Comics + Conversation pride themselves on their expertise, as well as their ability to talk with their mouths. That means you can expect to get great advice on any comic or graphic novel you're looking for, or recommendations for ones you've never heard of. All that, and just some pleasant conversation to boot. Brilliant.

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Eats

Let's move on to food now, as you're doubtless hungry after all that sweet information we've given you. As you'd expect, Bucktown has some great eateries for you to eat in, just like the rest of Chi-Town. Here are our faves!

The Bristol twists American classics with a New American style. They make everything fresh, right in the kitchen, so you can expect great-tasting food all day, every day. Why not order a pasta dish with, yes, freshly made pasta, and pair it with a lovely cocktail from their menu?

Want to try some Central American cuisine you may never have had before? Get Costa Rican at Irazu, and try some traditional treats in this delightful spot. Just bring your own booze if you want to drink. Don't worry; they're okay with it.

Got a sweet tooth? Never you worry, friend. Margie's Candies is here for you. Inside, you'll find ice cream, sweet treats, and milkshakes, all hand-made with care. A delightful stop on your Bucktown tour if you just need a sweet fix to get you through the day.

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Drinks

Let's end this list with a drink or two. If you're looking for a night out, Bucktown's got you covered. Here are our picks for the hottest spots to wet your whistle.

Part performance venue, part drinking establishment, Gallery Cabaret has a bar rammed full of beers, spirits, and everything in between. It pairs all that with a wealth of live entertainment, from jazz music, open mic nights, and blues bands all the way to bingo. It could be the perfect night out for you, as long as you like the entertainment!

Or, if you'd prefer a more standard bar experience, then check out The Map Room. This explorer-themed establishment has a wide variety of drink options from all over the globe, which is appropriate, really. Step inside, admire the decor, and then stare in awe at the massive variety of craft beers on offer. It's enough to make your head spin.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Bucktown, Chicago!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago

So, you've chosen your vacation destination. The Windy City. Chi-Town. The real-life Metropolis, minus the superheroes. Chicago is a fantastic getaway destination, full of great food, fun nights out, and plenty of top-level entertainment. But it's a big old town, with multiple districts and areas that crisscross throughout its gargantuan layout. With so many to choose from, which one is right for you? Well, don't let choice paralysis get the better of you! We've done all the research necessary, so you don't have to. Give Gold Coast a go. It's as simple as that. With a wealth of entertainment on offer, it's the perfect vacation spot. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! Including: Oak Street Beach Playboy Mansion Broadway Playhouse Washington Square Park Drake Hotel Bar and more! Hit the Beach Why not ease into your trip with a spot of lounging? After all, you've got the rest of your vacation to go see the sights. Lucky for you, the Gold Coast lives up to its namesake. Head there, and you'll find Oak Street Beach. Of course, you'll find heaps of golden sand, clean sea, and (hopefully) glistening sun - that's what the beach is all about, after all. However, Oak Street Beach is also perfectly placed to visit at any time during the day, as it's just a stone's throw from the city itself. Take a dip in the ocean, go grab an ice cream for the kids - or yourself, who are you kidding - and then check out the nearby patio bar for a cool, refreshing drink. Easily one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast when you visit Chicago. Feel like a Playboy Yes, really. Though you probably know the Playboy Mansion as the once celebrity-laded party mansion near Beverly Hills, it wasn't always there. In fact, the original Playboy Mansion was bought right here on the Gold Coast back in the '50s. The rather less impressive original is well over 100 years old at this point, and has changed hands multiple times. First, Hefner donated it to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when he moved into his legendary LA pad. Then, the institute sold it to a redevelopment firm, and it's now been converted into condos in a rather typical fashion. However, if you want to see a piece of 20th-century American history in the flesh, you owe it to yourself to go and bask in the extravagant opulence of the original Playboy Mansion. Just don't plan on buying one of the condos, unless you've got a few mill to spare. Broadway, baby! If the weather takes a turn, or you just want a couple of hours out of the sun, why not retreat to the bright lights and comfort of broadway? Yes, even in Chicago, you can get a taste of the New York performance mile thanks to Broadway Playhouse! A stone's throw from the coast, you'll find a host of great plays and musicals being shown throughout the year, from all-time classics to the new shows on the block. You might even stumble upon a one-man show, or local play before it gathers steam. Walk in the Park Are you a fan of the color green? Do you like walking? Is the prospect of breathing in fresh air, mingling with trees, shrubs, and grass appealing to you? Answer us these questions three, and we'll give you a place you want to be. At. A park, of course! Gold Coast has you covered in flowers and grass, thanks to Washington Square Park. Go there for the giant 19th-century fountain, stay for the delightful green spaces, picnic opportunities, or simply for a stroll. So, what are you waiting for? Get Risky When you're in Gold Coast, why not grab a drink at a Hollywood monument? Sort of, at least. Featured in the '80s Tom Cruise classic Risky Business, the Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks! But we're not talking about the room service here. We're talking about the Hotel's bar, called the Coq d'Or. This lavish hotel lounge has been warming customers' cockles since the dark Prohibition days. Head inside and find a wealth of drinks, a menu to die for, and enough comfort you'll feel like a marshmallow. A pampered marshmallow. Best Pizza in town Wow, all that doing things, seeing things, and experiences must have made you hungry. Well, Chicago is famous for one thing in the food department, and that's deep dish. The Chicagoan take on the Italian classic is known worldwide for its deliciousness, thanks to its unusual sauce-over-cheese twist. So why not go get some and see if it lives up to its reputation? Lou Malnati's, right in Gold Coast, is arguably the best in town. The name is a staple of the Chicago style, having helped pioneer it in the early 20th century. So go grab a slice of delight and take your tastebuds to pizzatown. Or something. Go Shopping Let's end this list on a shopping, surely many of our readers' favorite pastimes. Thankfully, Gold Coast is full of shops of all shapes and sizes, so no matter what item you seek, you're sure to find it there. However, for those of you with expensive tastes, you'll be looking for The Magnificent Mile. Head there, and you'll find a shopper's paradise. Over 400 stores line the 'Mile', including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vitton, and Tiffany. So, if you're looking for some dear deals and have the cash to splash, you'll be right at home. On top of all that shopping, you'll also find a slew of gourmet restaurants, snug cafes, and much more. So, if that all sounds like heaven to you, go on down and see what's cracking! And that's our list of the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! If you want to know about the other areas of Chicago, check out our thoughts here. Heading to Chicago at the tail end of winter? The beaches might be a no-go, but there's plenty more to do and see!
Dom Bewley
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Visiting Chicago in February

Sun worshippers look away now. February in Chicago lies in the depths of the Illinois winter. But beyond the building snow and icy temperatures you’ll find Chicago in February remains a top pick for a vacation. How can this be? To begin with, the windy city has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. However, there’s lots to lure you outside too, from public ice skating rinks to Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations. We start though with the all-important weather, so you know exactly what to expect. Chicago weather in February Those movie and TV scenes of people wrapped up like the Michelin man in the Chicago winter are no exaggeration. You’ll want to pack your winterproof clothing, and shouldn’t leave home without a pair of gloves, scarf and wooly hat either. Daytime temperatures average a frosty 34°F and can drop as low as 17°F overnight. At the same time, there’s only around 1.5 inches of rain, spread across seven non-consecutive days. Roughly half the month sees clear skies and sun, making it feel much warmer than the temperature would otherwise suggest. Get all loved up If there’s one day in the calendar sure to raise the temperature it’s Valentine’s Day. Home of the 1929 Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre ordered by Al Capone – the site on North Clark Street is now the parking lot for a nursing home – takes nothing from the annual indulgence of heart-shaped chocolate boxes or the dozens upon dozens of red roses which must be purchased. Reservations at the city’s best restaurants get booked up quickly, so if it’s a candle-lit dinner you’re after make sure to stay ahead of the curve and call in your own booking ahead of time. The same rule applies for anyone who fancies treating their better half to a night at the Chicago Theater. A behind-the-scenes Marquee Tour at the same venue will come a close second, especially during February’s Theater Week. Elsewhere, there’s the chance to snuggle up in one of the glass-bottomed gondolas of the Centennial Wheel, one of several rides at Navy Pier now running throughout February. It’s even possible to make it extra special by reserving one of the VIP gondolas for you and up to three others. Embrace the cold for these epic attractions Long after the outdoor rinks in most other cities have melted away for the year, Chicagoans are still able to enjoy the sensation of gliding across the ice (and the glee of watching others fall over) right through February. Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has the finer location, right in front of Cloud Gate, the gleaming ‘bean’ sculpture which rapidly became a symbol of the city after its installation in 2006. But Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon offers the more unusual experience as it winds through the green space. Whilst many of the parks in Chicago in February are looking a little sorry for themselves, this isn’t the case with Garfield Park Conservatory west of downtown. Having one of the USA’s greatest areas under glass, there’s no shortage of color or tropical warmth amongst the plants of the so-called new conservatory – completed in 1907 – including those of the Palm Room and Fern Room. For sumptuous food without a booking head to Chinatown, which comes alive with the sound of drumming and sight of traditional lion dances during the annual Chinese New Year parade. Indoor attractions you won’t want to miss Visiting Chicago in February doesn’t have to be about wooly hats and insulated jackets though, and you could easily pass several days wandering through the vast collections of the city’s world-class museums. For insight into how the city developed, including after the horror of the Great Fire of 1871, there’s nowhere better to head than Chicago History Museum. Its vast collections include objects from the first street car of Chicago’s L system, to Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed and the table at which the American Civil War was ended. It occupies a fine example of the Federal style of architecture which flourished in the early United States and is one of several styles that can be found in the city. No wonder then that Chicago was chosen as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the twentieth century’s most important building designers. His home and studio of ten years has been restored to echo how it would have looked in 1909, complete with Egyptian motif children’s playroom and open-plan studio where the great man brought to life 125 much-celebrated structures. These include Chicago’s Robie House, one of just a handful open to the public anywhere in the world. Cheer on a local team Rich in sporting heritage, Chicago is also a great destination for sports fans. Mid-February sees the city host basketball’s NBA All-Stars event, bringing some of the best players of the moment to venues across Chicago including Navy Pier. Meanwhile the United Center Arena – shared with the Chicago Bulls – is home to the Blackhawks, one of the six original National Hockey League teams. The atmosphere that develops inside during a match is something no behold, with games taking place throughout February. You might also like to pay a visit to Chicago’s 23,000 foot Sports Museum. Located inside the Magnificent Mile’s Water Tower Place mall, it not only includes artifacts relating to the city’s sporting history but several interactive skill challenges too. Getting the best out of Chicago in February Whether it’s participating in the city’s sporting life, admiring its art or simply spending some time with a loved one, there are so many things to do in Chicago in February you won’t know where to begin! We’d suggest your first port of call is Go City. Travel with us to Chicago in February and you can explore the very best the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Our passes provide incredible savings on admission to many of Chicago’s top attractions so that the only thing you have to worry about is cramming it all in!
Ian Packham

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