Hip Chicago: A weekend in Wicker Park
Description:
Wicker Park is chock full of edgy boutiques and galleries. It's the perfect spot for strolling with the locals while having great eats and tasty brews. An abundance of venues offer live music and theater galore, and the Russian baths and yoga studios will keep you in top form during your visit. This trip will give you a taste of the hipster Chicago scene without overwhelming you with attitude.
Author: Meghann
Day 1 - Chicago
Enjoy breakfast at the quiet Wicker Park Inn before heading out for a day of browsing and fun. North and Milwaukee Avenues, east of the Milwaukee and Damen intersection, each offer lots of hip boutiques and galleries for casual perusal and impulse-purchasing. Be especially sure to visit Myopic Books (http://www.myopicbookstore.com/), a haven for used book store lovers. When hunger strikes, head into the hip Earwax Cafe, where you can order sprouty salads and scrumptious tuna melts off the flimsy paper menu. Head up Damen Street (again, shopping and browsing is abundant- be sure to check out Eclectic Junction), cutting over to Leavitt Street to Dix Art Mix, a cool gallery space with ever-changing displays. When you're browsed-out, walk over to the Map Room for happy hour. The large list of awesome beers on tap will perk you up in no time. For dinner, walk back down Damen to Silver Cloud; the pot pie is outrageous, and tater tots are always a great addition to a meal. When you're thoroughly stuffed, grab a Chicago Reader (they're free and can be found in most businesses) to check the music listings. Depending on your preference for the evening, you can hit the tunes at the Double Door, the Empty Bottle, or the Hideout. They can all be reached on foot or a quick taxi or bus, but Hideout with its twinkling lights on the ceiling and cozy feel definitely provides the best ambiance.
1
The Wicker Park Inn
Location:
view in google maps1329 N. Wicker Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
2
Earwax Café
Location:
view in google maps1561 North Milwaukee
Between Damen & North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
773 772 40193
Eclectic Junction
Location:
view in google maps1630 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone:
+1 773 342 78654
Dix Art Mix
Location:
view in google maps2068 North Leavitt
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone:
+1 773 384 51425
The Map Room
Location:
view in google maps1949 N Hoyne
At Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone:
773 25276366
Silver Cloud Bar & Grill
Location:
view in google maps1700 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone:
(773) 489-62127
The Hideout
Location:
view in google maps1354 West Wabansia Avenue
Between Elston Ave. and Throop St
Chicago, IL 60622-1519
Phone:
773 227 44338
The Empty Bottle
Location:
view in google maps1035 North Western Avenue
Between Division St. and Augusta Blvd
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
773 27636009
Double Door
Location:
view in google maps1572 North Milwaukee Avenue
At North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
773 4893160Day 2 - Chicago
Start day two by walking down to Division Street for a morning yoga class at Nature Yoga Sanctuary (http://www.natureyoga.com/index.html); you'll leave this warm and welcoming place feeling balanced, positive and ready for a snack from Letizia's Natural Bakery, a cool spot that uses no artificial junk in their sweets. To continue your morning of self-care, spend some time steaming and whirlpool-ing at the Division Street Russian Baths. 30 and 60-minute massages are also available and highly recommended. When you're thoroughly pampered, have lunch at Milk and Honey Cafe. With delicious soups and hearty daily specials, your body will be glad for more goodness. If you're in the mood to shop, browse up and down Division before heading back up toward North Avenue. Happy hour at Piece will easily turn into dinner, with the solid selection of brews and completely decadent pizzas (it's not Chicago-style, but dang it's good). If you're in the mood for theater, check out the Chicago Reader for what's playing at Gorilla Tango (http://www.gorillatango.com/). With a wide range of drama, comedy, and improv to offer, there's always something worth seeing at this small space. If you'd rather go low-key, head up to the Violet Hour (http://www.theviolethour.com/) for a swanky night of sipping 40's-style cocktails like the Tom Collins and Sidecar.
1
Letizia's Natural Bakery
Location:
view in google maps2144 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
(773) 342-10112
Division Street Russian Baths
Location:
view in google maps1916 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
+1 773 384 96713
Milk and Honey Café
Location:
view in google maps1920 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
773 395 94344
Piece
Location:
view in google maps1927 W. North Ave
At Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
773/772-4422