Welcome to Wicker Park
Popular multifaceted haven with a hip, bohemian attitude
Tucked northwest of The Loop, Wicker Park’s vintage architecture with trendy dive bars, esoteric art galleries, cool restaurants, and chic boutiques has made this ultra-popular residential enclave a hub for hipster culture, palate-pleasing dining, and glitzy nightlife. Its four-acre namesake park is a go-to neighborhood hang-out spot featuring a spray pool, walking path, and baseball loops.
Over the years, Wicker Park has been a vibrant oasis of recreation, appealing to people from all walks of life. Its tremendous real estate and commercial development make it one of Chicago’s most expensive destinations, drawing in a crowd of Millenials and Gen-X’ers enchanted by Wicker Park’s near-perfect weather, buzzing entertainment scene, and walkable amenities. With easy access to the expressway and a number of bus routes, commuting to Chicago’s CBD is purely a cinch.
Explore century-old brownstones with modernistic condominiums and spacious Victorian duplexes on the charming, tree-lined streets of Wicker Park, offering residents a perfect blend of vintage and contemporary properties exuding luxury and fine craftsmanship.
What to Love
- Live concerts at Wicker Park
- Gorgeous murals and public art around the city
- Trendsetting restaurants, dive bars, quirky shops
- Excellent schools
- The active performing arts scene
- Terrific accessibility
Local Lifestyle
Great for young families, Wicker Park’s spirited creativity lures in a populace of trendy hipsters, artists, and business professionals with a knack for the whimsy, glitzy aspects of life. Cool bars seduce bon vivants with nights of fun, music fans constantly visiting lovely spots like the Subterranean while families enjoy the time of their lives throwing spontaneous picnics or getting on rides at the neighborhood’s festivals! With numerous local businesses and entertainment establishments, Wicker Park provides a convenient location to explore so much without stepping far from your home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The main shopping arteries of Wicker Park—Milwaukee, Damen, and North Avenues—radiate with activity, enchanting locals of this gritty neighborhood with finds from eclectic stops. Whether you’re looking for a hip store or sassy boutique, charming gift shops, and antique furniture showrooms, Wicker Park’s got you covered. Browse the racks at Una Mae’s for trendy shirts or vintage wear, and head over to Kokorokoko to grab something from a colorful collection of 80’s and 90’s accessories. At Saint Alfred’s, you truly want to step up your sneaker game with the latest styles from imports like Visvim and the Adidas collab line with Yohji Yamamoto. Get Pinterest-worthy home décor from Gather Home + Lifestyle and pick up used books at the three-tier Myopic Bookstore.
Wicker Park’s food scene is just as spectacular as its retail landscape, touting global restaurants with menus that delight even the pickiest eaters. Stop in for assorted tacos and micheladas at the funky hangout spot that is Big Star, and visit Robey for daily brunch and fancy cocktails. Violet Hour is a sophisticated cocktail bar serving small bites like cheeseburger sliders and fries tossed in roasted garlic butter. Be sure not to miss out on the burgers and shakes at Small Cheval—a retro-style joint with a stripped-down menu of popular comfort foods!
Things to Do
Make a trip to the lush Wicker Park with your friends for a stroll through the scenic gardens, a match on the athletic fields, or even a picnic on the grass. Summers come with movie nights in the park, while the Wicker Park Farmers Market runs here every Sunday throughout October, so prepare to grab some organic meats, fruits, and flowers from the local vendors!
Set out with your bike for a ride along the Bloomingdale Trail on Saturday morning—a moderately trafficked stretch of the 606 Trail, and mark your calendar for the highly anticipated Wicker Park Fest in summer, with bands spilling onto the streets in a celebration of the neighborhood’s effervescent culture and unique character.
Schools
Wicker Park is served by the Chicago Public Schools, renowned for its excellent institutions and great extracurricular programs. Some of the neighborhood’s top opportunities include:
