Guidebook for Chicago

Michelle
Guidebook for Chicago

Wicker Park, East Village FOOD Scene

Sharing restaurants and coffee houses that are nearby and special to us. We hope it guides you and enhances your exploration of the neighborhood.
We love this place. It's a mid-tier, casual Italian restaurant with a GREAT outside dining area in the summers (in the back, off the street.) Full bar.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Enoteca Roma
2146 W Division St
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
We love this place. It's a mid-tier, casual Italian restaurant with a GREAT outside dining area in the summers (in the back, off the street.) Full bar.
Intimate, authentic - amazing. Make a reservation. A little pricier. Great outdoor area in the summer. Order the sage-butter gnocchi!
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
a tavola
2148 W Chicago Ave
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Intimate, authentic - amazing. Make a reservation. A little pricier. Great outdoor area in the summer. Order the sage-butter gnocchi!
Best people watching in Chicago. Sit outside. Drink the marguerites. Soak it in. If it's a sunny day - get out there! Fab tacos. CASH ONLY.
1174 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
1174 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Best people watching in Chicago. Sit outside. Drink the marguerites. Soak it in. If it's a sunny day - get out there! Fab tacos. CASH ONLY.
The BEST restaurant in the neighborhood. Fantastic steak joint - incredible tartare, salmon....plan ahead for a reservation.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
BoeufHaus
1012 N Western Ave
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The BEST restaurant in the neighborhood. Fantastic steak joint - incredible tartare, salmon....plan ahead for a reservation.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Philz Coffee
1640 W Division St
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Colectivo Coffee
1211 N Damen Ave
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
You just might think you’re dining in Madrid at this lush Spanish restaurant. Have a glass of Sherry on the patio and even take home some imported and house-made conservas from their gourmet market. Make sure you check out Bordel—their second-floor cocktail bar and cabaret!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mama Delia
1721 West Division Street
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
You just might think you’re dining in Madrid at this lush Spanish restaurant. Have a glass of Sherry on the patio and even take home some imported and house-made conservas from their gourmet market. Make sure you check out Bordel—their second-floor cocktail bar and cabaret!
Great spot to explore creative American brunch cuisine! Have a cup of coffeeand try some chicken and waffles in a clean modern atmosphere.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Yolk - Wicker Park
1819 W Division St
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Great spot to explore creative American brunch cuisine! Have a cup of coffeeand try some chicken and waffles in a clean modern atmosphere.
One of the newest additions to Division Street! Come here for a handmade pasta and casual dining experience. We pick up fresh pasta and sauce and heat it up at home and enjoy. Can also do take out.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tortello
1746 W Division St
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
One of the newest additions to Division Street! Come here for a handmade pasta and casual dining experience. We pick up fresh pasta and sauce and heat it up at home and enjoy. Can also do take out.
If you come to Chicago and don’t eat a Chicago Dog, we’re you even in Chicago? Luckily for you, Fatso’s is right down the street. Make this hole-in-the-wall a destination or stumble upon it late-night after a fun night out!
62 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fatso's Last Stand
2258 W Chicago Ave
62 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
If you come to Chicago and don’t eat a Chicago Dog, we’re you even in Chicago? Luckily for you, Fatso’s is right down the street. Make this hole-in-the-wall a destination or stumble upon it late-night after a fun night out!
ENTRANCE IN THE ALLEY OFF CORTEZ ST. Oh, my. So, so good. OPENED IN THE SUMMER OF 2020, PIZZA FRIENDLY PIZZA IS A ROCK INSPIRED CASUAL NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY16” ON CENTER AND CHEF NOAH SANDOVALOFORIOLE, KUMIKO, AND KIKKO. THE MENU FEATURES SICILIAN-STYLE PAN PIZZAS AVAILABLE BY THE SLICE OR WHOLE PIE, SPECIALTY SANDWICHES, AND SIDE DISHES ALL MADE WITH LOCALLY SOURCED, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS. WE'RE A LAID-BACK NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT, AND WE'RE CURRENTLYOPEN FOR LIMITED PATIO SEATING AND A WALK-UP WINDOW WHERE GUESTS CAN PICK UPCARRYOUTORDERS OR GRAB A SLICE OF PIZZATO-GO.
Pizza Friendly Pizza
1039 N Western Ave
ENTRANCE IN THE ALLEY OFF CORTEZ ST. Oh, my. So, so good. OPENED IN THE SUMMER OF 2020, PIZZA FRIENDLY PIZZA IS A ROCK INSPIRED CASUAL NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY16” ON CENTER AND CHEF NOAH SANDOVALOFORIOLE, KUMIKO, AND KIKKO. THE MENU FEATURES SICILIAN-STYLE PAN PIZZAS AVAILABLE BY THE SLICE OR WHOLE PIE, SPECIALTY SANDWICHES, AND SIDE DISHES ALL MADE WITH LOCALLY SOURCED, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS. WE'RE A LAID-BACK NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT, AND WE'RE CURRENTLYOPEN FOR LIMITED PATIO SEATING AND A WALK-UP WINDOW WHERE GUESTS CAN PICK UPCARRYOUTORDERS OR GRAB A SLICE OF PIZZATO-GO.
Modern Filipino concept with very good breakfasts, lunches and Michelin Starchef Genie Kwon baker. WOW. Great coffee, tea. Opens at 9a. About 1 minute walk.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kasama
1001 North Winchester Avenue
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Modern Filipino concept with very good breakfasts, lunches and Michelin Starchef Genie Kwon baker. WOW. Great coffee, tea. Opens at 9a. About 1 minute walk.

Drinks & Nightlife

Swank & Sexy. This speakeasy isn't easy to find - the door is hidden beneath ever-changing street art. Once inside, it's very intimate and the drinks are awesomely unique.
355 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave
355 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Swank & Sexy. This speakeasy isn't easy to find - the door is hidden beneath ever-changing street art. Once inside, it's very intimate and the drinks are awesomely unique.
Ol' Chicago dive bar. With music. Go have fun. Meet people!
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Phyllis Musical Inn
1800 W Division St
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ol' Chicago dive bar. With music. Go have fun. Meet people!
This saloon-styled, craft cocktail bar is a must try for gin, rum, and scotch aficionados. With its dark wood, cozy interior, Queen Mary is the perfect nightcap to any night out on Division street.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Queen Mary
2125 W Division St
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
This saloon-styled, craft cocktail bar is a must try for gin, rum, and scotch aficionados. With its dark wood, cozy interior, Queen Mary is the perfect nightcap to any night out on Division street.
Pub-style beer and cocktail spot (now with to-go drinks). Their sausages make a good bar snack while you enjoy a drink on the patio.
99 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bangers and Lace
1670 W Division St
99 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pub-style beer and cocktail spot (now with to-go drinks). Their sausages make a good bar snack while you enjoy a drink on the patio.

Essentials

Nice, large grocery store. Plenty of free parking. Big beer and liquor department. Nice produce and meats. PHARMACY on location.
866 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago Ave
866 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Nice, large grocery store. Plenty of free parking. Big beer and liquor department. Nice produce and meats. PHARMACY on location.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Foxtrot Market
1722 W Division St
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Target Grocery
1664 W Division St

Everything Else

Manicure/Pedicure. $45 for the combo. Pretty fast.
Pinky Nail Chicago
1400 W Grand Ave
Manicure/Pedicure. $45 for the combo. Pretty fast.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Juko Nail and Skin Rescue
2130 W Division St
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni

Arts & Leisure

You will be amazed by this art gallery. It's modern, it's well curated, edited and inspiring! You will definitely be greeted by a local artist. $5 donation at the door. Enjoy this visit on your way to Shokolade Pastry shop!
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ukranian Institute of Modern Art
2320 W Chicago Ave
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
You will be amazed by this art gallery. It's modern, it's well curated, edited and inspiring! You will definitely be greeted by a local artist. $5 donation at the door. Enjoy this visit on your way to Shokolade Pastry shop!
Closest entrance: Damen & Bloomingdale TrailAKA The Bloomingdale Trail—this 2.7 mile long, elevated trail is quite literallythe scenic route. Whether you’re traveling by bike, blades, or even baby carriage—you’ll enjoy the landscaping and art installations along with historic Chicago greenway.
241 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The 606
1805 North Ridgeway Avenue
241 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Closest entrance: Damen & Bloomingdale TrailAKA The Bloomingdale Trail—this 2.7 mile long, elevated trail is quite literallythe scenic route. Whether you’re traveling by bike, blades, or even baby carriage—you’ll enjoy the landscaping and art installations along with historic Chicago greenway.
SWAN BOATS What’s a more blissful afternoon than paddling around in the Humboldt Lagoon on a Swan Boat?
Wheel Fun Rentals - Humboldt Park
1301 N Humboldt Dr
SWAN BOATS What’s a more blissful afternoon than paddling around in the Humboldt Lagoon on a Swan Boat?
473 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Umgangatho wezulu
201 E Randolph St
473 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni