Things to do in Wicker Park Chicago

Things to do in Wicker Park, Chicago

By Dom Bewley

Feeling hip? Chicago's Wicker Park is one of the coolest places in the city. If you're visiting Chi-Town from out-of-town or simply a local who doesn't know, why not find out why? Here's our guide to Wicker Park, which highlights some of the best things to do!

Including:

  • Exploring the outdoors
  • Classic arcade fun
  • Refreshing beverages
  • Poignant performances
  • Comedy clubs
  • and more!
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Go exploring!

Firstly, if you're new to the area, get out there and explore! There are plenty of green spaces that are worth your time.

Wicker Park is a park named after Wicker Park the place. Once you've wrapped your head around that one, you'll find one of Chicago's coziest but classiest outdoor spaces. Pack a picnic basket and go enjoy the ambiance! Lots of events also occur throughout the year, like film screenings, markets, and live performances.

Or, for a more urban escape, follow the abandoned 606 train tracks. The 606 has become a tourist destination in its own right, with a winding walk that will take you past some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's also full of creative street art for you to check out, and put on your socials if you crave the attention of others so incessantly. Alongside the fantastic views, there are a wealth of events on all year round, from bakesales to outdoor exercise classes. So, go explore. Right now!

Play on, player

Fancy trying your hand at some retro arcade video games, air hockey, and other '80s entertainment? Then check out Emporium at Wicker Park!

Bring some friends along and get to grips with some classic arcade games. Then, when you've lost all your lives, hop on a pool table and play a few rounds, challenge them to a spot of foosball, or get clinking at one of the many pinball tables. Then, to wet your whistle, grab a refreshing craft beer from the bar, or maybe a bite to eat if you need to refuel. They even have live music on occasion, if you need some tunes to get your pinball fingers pumping. Emporium is awesome, and easily one of the best things to do in Wicker Park if you're visiting Chicago!

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Grab a drink

After all that activity, you might want to just sit back, relax, and get a refreshing drink or two down your gullet. Well, Wicker Park has got you covered, with a wide variety of relaxed watering holes that'll help you take the edge off.

One of Wicker Park's most popular is Phyllis Musical Inn, a saloon-style pub with countless beers on tap, live music, and a massive garden where you can soak up the rays when the weather's good.

Or, if you want to stuff it down with brown, head to Whiskey Business. Besides a delightful and grandiose selection of whiskeys, they also serve a mean cocktail, local craft beers, and you can enjoy it all on their vibrant rooftop!

Or, if you fancy something fancy and a little pricier, check out The Violet Hour. This stylish, sophisticated joint has a bevy of master craftsmen who can whip you up whatever you desire, all paired with delicious bites.

Catch a secret show

If you like your music raw, and your favorite acts unheard-of, then wade through the cool and pull up a pew at Hideout. This Wicker Park hang spot features local acts and up-and-coming artists from the world of alternative music.

On any given week, expect to see post-punk one day and then acoustic indie the next. If you like your venues grungy, your music noisy, and your beer just the way it should be, head down to The Hideout and see if you discover your new favorite artist. Just don't expect they'll have any merch. That's for posers, bro.

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Have a laugh

We all like the giggle. It's said that laughter is the best natural way to gain a six-pack. And you don't even have to do anything, just laugh. How awesome is that? If you want to work on your six-pack and laugh till your sides hurt, why not check out The Comedy Clubhouse? Widely thought of as the premier Chicago comedy club, it's one of the best things to do in Wicker Park.

You'll find a slew of shows on there, from stand-up gigs to improv shows. Many comedians you find on cable comedy greats like Parks and Rec and The Office cut their teeth at this very club, so you have some idea of the quality you can expect when you visit. Pair all them funnies with some refreshing drinks and delicious pizza, and you've got yourself a night out right there.

Dig in the crates

This one's for the collectors. If you're a muso and big into vinyl, do yourself a favor and check out Reckless Records. Inside, you'll find wall-to-wall rare vinyl from bygone eras, new EPs from up-and-coming artists, and even old movies if you're so inclined.

A lot of it's second-hand, understandably, so make sure to check your purchases before you wreck your purchases. Or, God forbid, they wreck you. If you want to lose multiple hours and come away with a collection to make all of your weird friends froth at the mouth, go check out Reckless Records.

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Get artistic

Need to be inspired? Go check out some of Wicker Park's quirky art galleries!

The Flat Iron Building has a whole collection of galleries where you'll find mind-blowing, or mind-altering, works from local artists.

If you like your art with a hint of street, check out The Vertical Gallery for some thought-provoking pieces on modern life, local culture, and antiestablishmentism.

Or, if you like more experimental art, or are at least open to it, head to Johalla Projects. Step inside, and you'll find a huge gallery space filled with images, sculptures, movies, and paintings. Now that's art, baby.

Grab a bite

And finally, this one's for the hungry. Luckily for you, Wicker Park has a handful of great restaurants to get some chow.

If you want some southern fun with your food, check our Ina Mae's delicious menu full of New Orleans-inspired dishes. Their potato salad is to die for.

Want to go even further south? Try Antique Taco, which offers a selection of gourmet tacos and Mexican appetizers, alongside some tequila-based cocktails to wash it down.

Or, if you want your mind blown with some New American cuisine, a few dollars more will get you a delicious meal at Schwa. Many locals think it's the best restaurant in town. Best you find out for yourself!

And that was our list of the best things to do in Wicker Park when you visit Chicago!

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Things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago

Heading to Chicago this year? Check out Bridgeport. This seaside district of the city has some great entertainment, from cultural shots to tasty bites. Read on and discover our picks for the best things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago! Including: Chicago Maritime Museum Parks Bridgeport Farmers Market Bridgeport Art Center Tasty bites and more! Sea Culture Given Chicago's penchant for the sea, it's no wonder the city has a long history of seafaring. For centuries, traders used boats to shop their wares, crossing the great lakes to smaller settlements to make some coin. But don't take us for our word; go and discover this history for yourself at the Chicago Maritime Museum! You'll find over 6000 artifacts to see, read, and explore, including nautical gizmos from hundreds of years ago, models of ships used back then, as well as images, text, and other displays that detail Chicago's rich nautical history. See how sea travel and trade made Chi-Town the city it's become, and how even today, Chicagoans rely on boats and ships to make it great. For those of you with a passing curiosity in local history, or lovers of boats and the seven seas, this is easily one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago! Park your buns Let's swap the open ocean for some dry, firm land, shall we? If you're looking for a little green space to take a load off, then Bridgeport's got you covered. Palmisano Park used to look somewhat different from its green and pleasant present. For over 130 years, it was a quarry, and when the quarry shut down, the big quarry-shaped hole was used to dump waste. Brilliant. Thankfully, the waste was covered up, and a park was put up on top of it! Now, you can walk around above it all, and see a fishing pond, do laps on the track field, take a picnic on the grass, or simply admire the amazing views of the city! And right next to Palmisano Park is McGuane Park, which has a host of facilities for the athletic types reading this. Head there, and you'll find a big indoor pool, a gym, baseball fields, tennis courts, and even a playground for the little ones! Art for you Do you like art? Do you like supporting the local scene? Do you want original pieces that your friends and family will envy forevermore? Well, head down to the Bridgeport Art Center! Myriad artists work there throughout the year, creating exciting pieces. However, every three weeks, they open the space to the public and let visitors explore their works, and even buy them if they want. So, if you're in the market for some unique art, head down there and beat the competition with your money. Market Life Looking for a little fresh produce for your Airbnb, or simply looking for something tasty to munch on? Just outside the Bridgeport Art Center, you'll find the Farmers Market, right in the adjacent parking lot! Head there on Saturday between 7-11 am, and you'll find a wealth of fresh, locally-sourced produce that'll make your dishes delightful. Get your eat on If you prefer your meals cooked by great chefs and served by excellent staff, then no matter. Bridgeport has some amazing restaurants to sate your hunger. If you like birds of the quacking variety, then go check out the Duck Inn. This cozy, retro eatery puts a DuckTales twist on American favorites. Duck hot dogs, rotisserie duck, alongside non-duck-related greatness like pasta and fried chicken. No matter your cravings, trust they'll be fulfilled at the Duck Inn; it's one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago! Or, if you're in the mood for some Asian deliciousness, hit up A Place by Damao. This traditional Asian cuisine from the Szechuan province of China, pairs national classics like dumplings, noodles, and braised duck, with different levels of spice. Simple but satisfying, go check it out if you like a little heat with your food! Let's end our food journey on bread. Fresh bread is likely a gift from the gods, handed down to man back in ancient times. Probably. If you want the freshest, best bread in all of Bridgeport, head to Bridgeport Bakery. Whether you're picking up a fresh loaf to make your own, in the market for fantastic bacon buns, or looking for something sweet like donuts or pretzels, they've got you covered! Cool off Want to wash all the food down with a few beers, or looking for a destination for your night out? Looking for a sports bar with some delicious, affordable beers on tap? Try Mitchell's Tap. It's a White Sox bar, but even if you don't support the local greats, you'll still be welcomed with open arms. They have some good local brews in the pipes, as well as some international drops like Belgium's Delirium. If you want to supplement your night out with a spot of live music, go check out Bernice's Tavern. Inside, you'll find a mix of local lagers and beers, spirits, and bar snacks, along with weekly acoustic sets and open mic nights. A no-nonsense bar for a no-nonsense night out. And finally, for the gentrified sort, there's Maria's Packaged Goods. With a name like that, you may already know what to expect. Artisinal cocktails, microbrews with kooky names, and a laid-back atmosphere where vintage hats are all the rage. Splash the cash Let's end our list with some shopping, shall we? Bridgeport had a great alternative shopping scene, so if you're looking for bits and bobs, old tech, or collectibles, it'll be right up your street. Let's Boogie Records and Tapes is your classic alternative music shop, where you can find older, unknown LPs alongside modern underground band releases. Just make sure you have a record or tape player, because the name doesn't lie. That's what they do. Or, if you like collectibles from across the globe, check out Monster Island Toys. They specialize in all things Godzilla, from classic Japanese action figures to modern comics and everything in between. But you'll also find other figures from pop culture are represented too. So, if you're a collector, or looking to pick up a gift for your little one, stop by and see what's on offer. And that's our list of the best things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago!
Dom Bewley
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Architecture Tours in Chicago

Chicago is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, from century-old riverside skyscrapers and Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces to movable bridges and the eye-popping sculptural showpieces by Anish Kapoor and Frank Gehry in Millennium Park. Read on for our guide to seeing all these and more on Chicago’s top architectural tours.
Stuart Bak
things to do in river north chicago
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Things to do in River North, Chicago

Heading to Chi-Town for your vacation and looking for things to do? Look no further than River North. It's one of the best areas in Chicago, with something for just about everyone. Read on and discover our top picks! Including: Theater performances Live comedy Arcade fun Nightlife Culture and more! Performances to die for First on our list, let's talk about theater. Chicago has a rich history of performance, from musicians to comics. And thankfully, that includes plays too. There are theater venues all over the city, and even two sublime ones right in River North. Firstly, one that's gone from strength to strength. In under two decades, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater troupe upgraded from the back of a bar to a huge theater on Navy Pier. This Tony Award-winning group may specialize in the great English writer's work, but they also tackle other works and even musicals. Go check out their brilliant performances when you're visiting River North! The other choice on our list wears its influence on its sleeve. The Lookingglass Theatre leans into the hallucinogenic weirdness of Alice in Wonderland by taking well-known literary pieces and putting their own weird, hectic twist on them. Founded by David Schwimmer of Friends fame, they're another Tony Award-winning company that does things differently. Go see what's on when you're in town and catch a show! Split your sides Turn that inevitable frown upside down with a spot of comedy. At The Comedy Bar in River North, you won't just get laughs. Yes, they have a weekly rotation of great local and national comics gracing the stage, bringing you a laugh-a-minute experience, but it's also a great place to go eat, drink, and have a good time. A Gino's East residency means they'll bring some of the best deep dish, Chi-Town style pizza right to your table. They offer a wide selection of refreshing beverages to wash it all down, and they even accept event bookings. In town for a birthday? Go book a table and see what all the fuss is about! It's all fun and games If you're in the mood for more fantastic fun, then River North has got you covered - and then some. If you like your fun tinged in neon and accompanied by the nostalgic sounds of '80s arcades, then get up immediately, leave the house, and head to FTW Chicago. Prepared to be transported back to the prime of the arcade scene, where you'll find old coin-op cabinets with classic games like Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, among other Pac-Man-related games. Challenge your friends and family to a friendly game of air hockey. Fight to the death at the Skee-Ball machines. Or tear your enemies apart on the mini-golf course. You can even win prizes, should you best your enemies utterly and absolutely. All of this fun is backed by a burgeoning bar full of beer and delightfully colored cocktails. Or, check out Beercade, which offers a massive selection of free arcade machines for you and your friends to play. Combine that with an arcade ton of beers, and some tasty treats on the menu, and you've just found yourself the perfect night out. They even show sports, if you like putting your hopes and dreams in the hands of ludicrously-paid strangers. Or, work up a sweat at Lucky Strike, Chicago's premier bowling slash ping pong slash pool slash arcade bonanza. Kitted out in real props from The Big Lebowski, it's the perfect place to blow off some steam, grab a drink or a meal, and geek out. Nights out If you prefer your nights out of the less active variety, then guess what? River North has got. You. Covered. At the Underground Wonder Bar, you'll find delicious Mexican food paired with some brilliant live music from the jazz, blues, and soul scene. They also have rap and R&B-focused open mic sessions each month, and it's open til late. Truly a wonder bar you'll find underground! If you prefer to add a little electronic music to your dance-y night, Rec Room has great DJs spinning records every week, a cozy dancefloor to embarrass yourself on, and great drinks to boot. Art for the heart Let's switch gears to something less heart-pumping and more mind-opening. We're talking about culture, ladies and gents, and by golly River North has a ton to go see. For a great collection of great art from all across the globe, head to Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. It's one of the biggest collections of modern artwork in the country. Step inside, and you'll find comprehensive galleries, a rotation of exciting exhibits, as well as live performances from artists. Then, when you're all cultured out, grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee from the on-site cafe. The Carl Hammer Gallery has a great mix of old and new art styles on display, with paintings, sculptures, and photographs from local artists that will certainly leave you staring and pondering the meaning of life and society. You'll find a similar mix of interesting and exciting art at the Zolla/Lieberman Gallery. Featuring walls of contemporary art pieces that embrace a wide variety of genres, you're sure to find something that draws the eye. You can even support the local community by picking up a piece for yourself, if you're in the market. Bites and delights And finally, let's end our list with some delicious food. Unsurprisingly, North River is full of fabulous eateries. So, if you're visiting Chicago, grabbing a bite to eat is one of the best things to do! For fans of Asian cuisine, there's Sunda Chicago, which features a menu brimming with Asian fusion dishes, sushi, and cocktails. They also have a happy hour menu, and do a brunch every week too, so no matter when you're hungry, you'll be satisfied! Top it all off with a chic, modern design, and you've got yourself a great restaurant. The Smith, on the other hand, will tickle your New American sensibilities, with delicious modern takes on American classics. If the weather's good, you'll find a large garden there with enough table space to spread out and make the most of the sunshine. Or, if you're feeling continental, Ema has delicious, authentic Mediterranean dishes that are sure to hit the spot! And that'll do it for the best things to do in River North, Chicago!
Dom Bewley

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