Wicker Park & Bucktown NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SPONSORED
WICKER PARK HISTORIC TOURS 5/25, 6/29, 7/27, 8/31, 8/28, 10/26, 1–3 PM | Purchase tickets online at tickets.architecture.org DO-DIVISION STREET FEST & SIDEWALK SALE 5/30, 5–10 PM, 5/31–6/1, noon–10 PM | Division from Ashland to Leavitt | More info at do-divisionstreetfest.com WICKER PARK FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 5/11–10/26, 8 AM– 2 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen TUESDAYS AT THE TRIANGLE Tues, 5/20–9/2, 6–8 PM | Polish Triangle, intersection of Milwaukee, Ashland and Division | More info at polishtrianglecoalition.org STRING QUARTET MUSIC SERIES Sun, 6/1, 7/13, 8/10, 9/14, 11 AM–12:30 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen YOGA IN THE PARK Mons, 6/2–8/25, 6:30–7:30 PM | Schiller Grove in Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen HOOPING WITH CARLY HOOPS Weds, 6/4–8/27, 6:30–7:30 PM | Schiller Grove in Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | More info at carlyhoops.com GREEN RESOURCES FAIR 6/14, 10 AM–1 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | Free event | More info at wickerparkbucktown.com
LEARNAPALOOZA Sat, 6/21 | Wicker Park Field House, 1425 N. Damen | More info at learnapaloozachi.com GREEN MUSIC FEST 6/22–23, noon–10 PM | Damen from North to Schiller | More info at greenmusicfestchicago.com WICKER MIC 6/27, 7/25, 8/29, 9/26, 6–9 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | Free event MOVIES IN THE PARK 6/26, 7/17, 8/7 at dusk | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | Free event
JULY–AUG
BUCKTOWN TREE & GARDEN WALK 7/12–13, 11 AM–5 PM | Welcome tables are located at Club Lucky, Wabansia and Honore | More info at bucktown.org SOUND SYSTEM BLOCK PARTY 7/19, noon–10 PM | Evergreen at Milwaukee | More info at thesilverroom.com WICKER PARK FEST 7/26–27, noon–10 PM Milwaukee from North to Paulina | More info at wickerparkfest.com PATTI RAIN & FRIENDS Sun, 8/17, noon–1:30 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | Free event BUCKTOWN ARTS FEST 8/23–24, 11 AM–7 PM | Senior Citizen’s Memorial Park, 2300 N. Oakley | More info at bucktownartsfest.com
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SEPT–DEC
RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR 9/6–7, 11 AM–7 PM | Division from Damen to Paulina | More info at renegadecraft.com 10TH ANNUAL BUCKTOWN APPLE PIE CONTEST 10/19, 2–5 PM | Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2300 N. Oakley | More info at bucktownapplepiecontest.com BOO-PALOOZA 10/25, 10 AM–2 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | More info at wickerpark.org FOUNTAIN DECORATING SOCIAL 11/15, 9 AM–4 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | More info at wickerpark.org HOLIDAYS IN WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN Kickoff weekend 12/6–7 | More info at wickerparkbucktown.com
FRI–SAT of each month
ORANGE DOT FIRST FRIDAYS IN WPB First Fri of each month, 6–10 PM | Various locations | More info at flatironartists.org GARDEN TENDING & HORTICULTURAL TRAINING Sat, 10 AM–1 PM | Meet at Fountain Court | RSVP to wpgarden@aol.com
Photo Credit:
MAY–JUNE
WICKER PARK CHORAL SINGERS 6/15, 11 AM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen
FESTS READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
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BUCKTOWN ARTS FEST Sat 8/23–Sun 8/24: 11 AM–7 PM, Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2238 N. Oakley, bucktownartsfest.com.
DO DIVISION STREET FEST 5/30–6/1: Fri 5–10 PM, Sat–Sun noon–10 PM. Division between Damen & Leavitt, do-divisionstreetfest. com, $5 suggested donation.
The festival showcases various artists, musicians, poets, performers, and dancers. Proceeds go to developing and funding arts education programming at Holstein Park and to Bucktown/ Wicker Park neighborhoods.
2 CHICAGO FASHION FEST Sat 8/23–Sun 8/24: noon–10 PM, Division between Ashland & Damen, chicagofashionfest.com. The two-day Wicker Park festival is an “outdoor shopping experience” with runway and fashion shows, plus booths from local shops.
3 CHILL FEST Sat 11/15, time TBD, various locations, chillfestchicago.com.
Photo Credit:
Do Division Fest – REP 3 Photography
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For the second year in a row, the Chamber of Commerce hosts Chillfest, a neighborhood-wide celebration of the community’s musical and cultural heritage. Last year, more than 100 local acts—Brett and Julie Meckler, the Lost Cartographers, and Todd Kessler and the New Folk Band among them—performed acoustic sets in storefronts like Jackson Junge Gallery, Antique Taco, and Lomography.
Along with a sidewalk sale featuring the typical summer festival fare, Do Division offers two stages of live music curated by the Empty Bottle and Subterranean/ House Call Entertainment; the Family Fun Fest, with partners like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium presenting kid-friendly activities; and a Fashion Fest, featuring runway shows and pop-up shops.
5 GREEN MUSIC FEST Sat 6/21–Sun 6/22: noon–10 PM, Damen between Schiller & North, greenmusicfestchicago. com, $5 suggested donation. The Green Music Fest returns to Wicker Park this year, its mission to promote sustainability by introducing attendees to environmentally conscious retailers and service providers. Held on Damen between North and Schiller, the festival hosts two stages of live music.
6 LEARNAPALOOZA Sat 6/21, various times and locations, learnapaloozachi.com. Learn how to tango, play a guitar solo, or build your own computer. Maybe attend an educational seminar
on the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, acupuncture, or urban sustainability. Check out learnapaloozachi.com for a complete rundown of classes and locations.
7 RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR Sat 9/6–Sun 9/7: 11 AM–6 PM, Division between Damen & Paulina, renegadecraft.com/chicago. If you always imagined that heaven was a place filled with things like handmade stuffed animals, jewelry carved from wood, and felt brooches and headpieces, then the Renegade Craft Fair sure sounds a lot like heaven. Indie crafters from all over the country come to hawk their wares at the enormous annual outdoor market in Wicker Park, and we all try not to go broke.
8 WICKER PARK FEST Sat 7/26–Sun 7/27: time TBD, Milwaukee between North & Paulina, wickerparkfest.com, $5 suggested donation. Milwaukee Avenue hosts DJs and live bands on three stages of diverse music—past headliners have included Ted Leo, Cults, and Cursive—along with performance and installation art; food, drink, and art vendors; and a Kids Fest featuring games, activities, and music for the whole family. The fest strives to not only provide top-notch entertainment, but set an example for sustainability and green efforts.
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BARS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
Violet Hour – Courtesy of Violet Hour
BLUE LINE LOUNGE 1548 N. Damen, 773-395-3700, bluelineloungeandgrill.com. Mon–Thu 5 PM–2 AM, Fri 11–2 AM, Sat 9–3 AM, Sun 9–2 AM As the name implies, the Blue Line roars overhead; inside, the look is of a 50s rail car. There’s an extensive list of specialty martinis (including something called the Cocaine Lady—Absolut, amaretto, and Bailey’s) and, further down the list, mojitos and $1 Jell-O shots.
and thin, diaphanous sheets of luscious guanciale. There are also plenty of beers on tap, as well as both lunch and late-night menus.
3 CLUB LUCKY 1824 W. Wabansia, 773-2272300, clubluckychicago.com. Mon–Fri 11:30–2 AM, Sat 4:30 PM–3 AM, Sun 3:30 PM–2 AM A fun spot with a retro atmosphere and a mean martini. The wait can be long, the tables close, and the room loud, but this doesn’t deter neighborhood regulars. The large bar in front is often jumping, and the casual 35-seat Club Room is available for private parties.
4 2 CHOP SHOP 2033 W. North, 773-537-4440, chopshopchi.com. Sun–Thu 11 AM–11 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–2 AM. The cocktail program at the bar within this multiuse space lends itself to snacking, and for that the in-house butcher provides a charcuterie board of fatty duck rillettes, pancetta-wrapped pork paté, chicken liver mousse,
DEBONAIR SOCIAL CLUB 1575 N. Milwaukee, 773-2277790, debonairsocialclub. com. Wed 10 PM–2 AM, Fri 7 PM–2 AM, Sat 9 PM–3 AM. Opened by a former Crobar manager, Debonair offers all of the essentials for a night out clubbing (as opposed to simply barhopping)—loud electronic dance music, fancy lights, sexy people. The talent schedule is reliably full of DJs on the verge of enormity. The cool kids know that the real party is in the basement.
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5 EASY BAR 1944 W. Division, 773-227-4644, easybarchicago.com. Sun–Fri 5 PM–2 AM, Sat 5 PM–3 AM. Owned by the people behind Estelle’s and AliveOne, this modest-size bar is furnished with black benches; the fireplace is filled with candles, the lights are dim, and the furnishings loungey. There’s also an eclectic jukebox, unobtrusive TVs, and a pool table right up front (underused, judging from my visit). Cocktails, the specialty here, are strong; they start around $5.
6 EVIL OLIVE 1551 W. Division, 773-235-9100, evil-olive.com. Mon and Wed–Fri 10 PM–4 AM, Sat 10 PM–5 AM. Palindrome-themed bar and dance club featuring drinks such as Yo Banana Boy and Till Lips Spill It. Order olives by the plateful or the skewer and take in a cult classic on one of the flat-screen TVs. Home to the Porn and Chicken dance party, an infamous occasion rife with debauchery, good tunes, porn, and—you guessed it—chicken.
Photo Credit: Chop Shop– Amanda Areias
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BARS READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
a frosted mug. Fortunately this isn’t an option for all drafts; 22 ounces of the Allagash Curieux, a bourbon-barrel-aged tripel that weighs in at 11 percent alcohol, could be dangerous.
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Photo Credit: Emporium Arcade Bar – Joe Smith; High Noon Saloon – Joe Smith; Map Room – Andrea Bauer
Photo Credit: Chop Shop– Amanda Areias
EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR 1366 N. Milwaukee, 773-697-7922, emporiumchicago.com. Mon–Thu 5 PM–2 AM, Fri 3 PM–2 AM, Sat 2 PM–3 AM, Sun noon–2 AM.
THE FLAT IRON 1565 N. Milwaukee, 773-4890011, theflatironchicago. com. Daily 4 PM–4 AM. A cavernous, no-frills venue for drinking until the wee hours. There aren’t any bands or DJs, but there’s plenty of entertainment to be had in watching the place turn into a punk-rocker meat market. The people playing pool tend to be real serious about it, and during the day the window seats are prime people-watching spots.
Emporium is the city’s superior “barcade” option—the craft beers are slightly cheaper, the games are better maintained (though not free), and it’s more comfortable, especially since the bar opened a second room with a wall full of pinball games in July 2013. The expanded space includes a stage and projector, so you can visit with the intention of mastering AC/DC pinball only to, say, catch a set by Philly psych-rockers Bleeding Rainbow or take in the 80s slasher flick Killer Workout. The place can get jammed on weekends, but most other nights it’s easy to hop on arcade cabinets without 10 much of a wait. Plus Emporium’s got 27 (mostly really good) HIGH NOON SALOON beers on tap, so there’s more to 1560 N. Milwaukee, 773-227-9339, entice you than BurgerTime. highnoonchicago.com. Mon–Fri 4 PM-2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM, Sun 11–2AM
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FATPOUR TAP WORKS 2005 W. Division, 773-6988940, fatpourchicago.com. Mon–Thu 5 PM–2 AM, Fri 2 PM–2 AM, Sat–Sun 10:30–2 AM, . Fatpour Tap Works’ standout beer list includes 50 taps and 100 more bottles and cans from breweries including Evil Twin, Jolly Pumpkin, Lost Abbey, and Mikkeller. The website boasts that a two-story glass keg cooler allows you to “watch our tap system stream over 2 miles of beer overhead to the bar and table taps,” and the bar takes its name from its 22-ounce draft pour, served in
A redo of People Lounge, High Noon Saloon offers a very decent selection of draft and bottled beers (including several local ones), plus an extensive whiskey and tequila list. There’s also a handful of cocktails.
11 LOTTIE’S PUB 1925 W. Cortland, 773-4890738, lottiespub.com. Sun–Fri 11–2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM. Lotti’s was opened in 1934 by Lottie Zagorski, a transvestite who, according to the bar’s website, ran a strip club, poker
games, and off-track betting from its basement and was later arrested for hosting a booking den. Today, Lottie’s is a sports bar with a decent tap lineup that feels oddly like it belongs in rural Michigan rather than on a side street of a hip neighborhood. There’s a large patio and a kitchen that turns out bar bites, burgers, and sandwiches till 11 nightly.
12 MAP ROOM 1949 N. Hoyne, 773-252-7636, maproom.com. Mon–Fri 6:30 AM–2 AM, Sat 7:30 AM–3 AM, Sun 11 AM–2 AM. The Map Room honors its name with a huge relief map painted on the wall, flags of the world hanging from the ceiling, and an impressive draft list—26 taps and one firkin—that’s roughly half imports, with regular appearances by Stiegl and La Trappe and an especially fine selection of Belgian beers. There’s no cocktail menu, but if you’re missing one, you really ought to consider developing a taste for beer, if only so you can fully appreciate this Chicago treasure. Unaccompanied patrons should feel free to treat the shelves and shelves of old National Geographic magazines as more than just decor—I once lost track of time reading one of Jacques Cousteau’s first English-language stories in an issue from the 1950s.
13 NORTHSIDE BAR & GRILL 1635 N. Damen, 773-3843555, northsidechicago.com. Sat–Fri 11–2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM
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BARS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
the street. Door number two leads to the patio, a patio to spend a summer on, with wood paneling and dangling light bulbs and a convivial atmosphere. The cocktail list tends toward the fruity—not such a bad thing in summer—and the beer list is impressive. There are also booze snow cones— on one visit, a Templeton rye manhattan, a Bulleit bourbon old-fashioned, and a mojito made with Grey Goose pear.
16 14 RAINBO CLUB 1150 N. Damen, 773-4895999, Sun–Fri 4 PM–2 AM, Sat 4 PM–3 AM.
RED SQUARE 1914 W. Division, 773-2272284, redsquarechicago.com. Mon–Fri 8 AM–11 PM, Sat 7 AM–midnight, Sun 7 AM–11 PM.
To my regret, I never visited the original Division Street Russian Baths, so I can’t compare it to The gorgeous Rainbo is this newly remodeled bathhouse. hallowed ground for successive I can tell you that Red Square generations of musicians, artists, is a bright, clean, comfortable writers (Nelson Algren among spa where old fellows shout in the earliest), and hangers-on, all Russian, scrubbing and beating of whom vie for position on the the holy hell out of each other annual photo-booth calendar—the with birch branches. And, yeah, nonconformist’s equivalent of you can drink. In fact this is the high school yearbook, issued one of the only circumstances every New Year’s Eve. Over I can think of under which it’s the years the reception to new acceptable to drink vodka, faces has veered unpredictably though Red Square does have between warm and chilly, but Rittenhouse 100 behind the no matter your position in the full bar, along with a handful hierarchy there’s nothing quite of Russian beers if you can’t like quaffing a cheap libation bring yourself to that. (You in the chill dark, listening to a can drink in the locker room if rigorously tasteful selection you like, too, on chaise lounges of music and peering around in front of a bank of TVs.) for rock stars and ghosts.
15 RED DOOR 2118 N. Damen, 773-697-7221, reddoorchicago.com. Mon–Thu 5 PM–midnight, Fri 5 PM–2 AM, Sat 11 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–2 AM, Sun 11 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–midnight.
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RODAN 1530 N. Milwaukee, 773-276-7036, rodanchicago.com. Mon–Thu 6 PM–2 AM, Fri 4 PM–2 AM, Sat 11 AM–3 AM, Sun 11 AM–2 AM.
Rodan’s highly stylized space has a silver and blue ceiling set off At chef Troy Graves’s gastropub, by a purple glow from recessed door number one leads to an lights. There are a bunch of elegant, minimalist bar and places to lounge, and a few higha little dining area that in its tech details, including a huge intimacy and low light sort of screen looping video footage recalls Danny’s, the bar across and a mirror in the ladies’ room B 6 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE
that’s like a hologram (it’s fun but makes putting on lipstick tough). After 11 PM, the DJs start playing.
18 SMALL BAR DIVISION 2049 W. Division, 773-7722727, smallbardivision.com. Mon–Fri noon–2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM, Sun 10–2 AM. This cozy establishment was voted the country’s best soccer bar in a 2010 U.S. Soccer Federation poll. It has 21 wellcurated taps of mostly American crafts—you’ll have especially good luck finding limited releases from local breweries like Half Acre, Metropolitan, and Solemn Oath—plus a seasonal selection of adventurous, even playful cocktails and locavore-friendly food from chef Justin White.
19 VIOLET HOUR 1520 N. Damen, 773-252-1500, theviolethour.com. Sun–Fri 6 PM–2 AM, Sat 6 PM–3 AM. Wicker Park’s pioneering Violet Hour is a dark, sumptuously appointed retreat from the harsh world outside, attended by nattily dressed barkeeps who exhibit a balletic facility with jigger, shaker, and glass. Under the remote guidance of “head intoxicologist” Toby Maloney, the seasonal cocktail menu employs house-made bitters, fresh juices and garnishes, and multiple types of ice in different shapes, sizes, and temperatures.
Photo Credit: Emporium Rainbo Club – Joel Mann; Violet Hour – Courtesy of Violet Hour
This neighborhood bar is generally bustling at all hours, which include latenight dining and a weekend brunch featuring good Bloody Marys. There’s a covered patio where it’s usually quieter than inside the bar, perfect for enjoying a frozen margarita.
SPONSORED LISTING
READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS BARS: SPONSORED LISTINGS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
CLUB LUCKY
FATPOUR TAP WORKS
ARTS N SPIRITS
Traditional Italian and cocktail lounge. Good food and fun. Outdoor patios. Now delivering. Book your private party room. Preset family-style menus and bar packages available.
Fatpour Tap Works, in the heart of Wicker Park, offers one of Chicago’s largest selections of draft beers and a diverse American menu. Guests can watch the tap system that streams beer across two miles overhead from a two-story glass keg cooler in the center of the room to the bar and table taps.
Laugh. Drink. Paint. Uncork your inner artist while sipping your favorite beverage (BYOB) and creating your masterpiece with instructor guidance.
1824 W. Wabansia Chicago, IL 60622 773-227-2300 clubluckychicago.com
1921 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-772-3877 artsnspirits.com
630-740-5130 www.superdogwalking.com
Photo Credit: Emporium Rainbo Club – Joel Mann; Violet Hour – Courtesy of Violet Hour
Dana Palmer 2153 N. Bell Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
2005 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 773-698-8940 fatpourchicago.com
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VENUES CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
Collaboracation– Joe Smith
ARC GALLERY 2156 N. Damen, 773-252-2232, arcgallery.org. Wed– Sat noon–6 PM, Sun noon–4 PM. Along with regular gallery showings of emerging artists of all mediums, this womanrun artist cooperative offers a membership program to bring artists together to share ideas and provide exhibition opportunities.
2 CHOPIN THEATER 1543 W. Division, 773-7693832, chopintheatre.com.
This two-stage theater hosts local companies such as the House Theatre of Chicago whose recently staged (and Reader-recommended) Rose and the Rime showcased its “imaginative scenic and aural design and tight-knit ensemble.”
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278-1664, corbettvsdempsey. com. Tue–Sat 10 AM–5 PM and by appointment. Jim Dempsey and John Corbett founded this gallery space in 2004, and it now exhibits work by local artists alongside an in-house bookshop and record store.
COLLABORACTION 1575 N. Milwaukee, room 336, 312-226-9633, collaboraction.org. The mission of this mixed-media company is to explore critical social issues while pushing artistic boundaries. This Is Not a Cure for Cancer, a recent show from the group examining issues surrounding the treatment and prevention of cancer, was described by our critic as a “freewheeling theatrical collage.”
4 CORBETT VS. DEMPSEY 1120 N. Ashland, 3rd floor, 773-
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5 DEFIBRILLATOR 1136 N. Milwaukee, dfbrl8r.org. This gallery promotes the presentation of performance art and the discussion of the medium with the general public. The space also hosts the weekly in-the-dark dance party, No Lights, No Lycra. B8
Photo Credit: Chopin Theater – Joe Smith; Defibrillator – Joe Smith
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VENUES READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS
9 HEAVEN GALLERY 1550 N. Milwaukee, second floor, 773-342-4597, heavengallery.com. Sat 1–5 PM and by appointment.
6 DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-3160, doubledoor.com.
First established in the Flat Iron Arts Building by David Dobie in 1997, Heaven Gallery now has its own multidisciplinary arts space to showcase the work of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and more.
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In 2010 Artist Tony Fitzpatrick converted his studio space into this gallery now run by Stan Klein. The 2014 exhibition schedule includes work from Ellen Campbell, Lou Beach, and Art Shay.
10 JACKSON JUNGE GALLERY 1389 N. Milwaukee, 773-2277900, j2gallery.com. Local artist Laura Lee Junge exhibits her surrealist paintings here year-round, along with guest exhibitions from other local artists.
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Photo Credit: Gorilla Tango Theater – Joe Smith; Jackson Junge Gallery– Joe Smith
Photo Credit: Chopin Theater – Joe Smith; Defibrillator – Joe Smith
JERRY’S 1938 W. Division, 773-235-1006, jerryssandwiches.com.
8 GORILLA TANGO THEATRE 1919 N. Milwaukee, 773-5984549, gorillatango.com. GTT is most famously known for its burlesque/pop-culture mashups such as The Oregon Trail Burlesque: You Have Died of Sexy, and A Nude Hope: A Star Wars Burlesque, which our critic called “more suggestive than raunchy and as concerned with laughs and novelty as with titillation.”
SUBTERRANEAN 2011 W. North, 773-278-6600, subt.net. This rock club, which has recently hosted music from Strypes, ShowYouSuck, and Dan Deacon, is the new home for the city’s legendary stand-up showcase the Lincoln Lodge.
This music club, a Wicker Park institution, has recently hosted acts such as Bloodiest and Classixx and is home to the free monthly dance party Soul Summit.
FIRECAT PROJECTS 2124 N. Damen, 773-3425381, firecatprojects.org.
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This sandwich shop regularly hosts a variety of live music events, including an infamous rap karaoke night hosted by Psalm One.
12 MONIQUE MELOCHE GALLERY 2154 W. Division, 773-252-0299, moniquemeloche.com. Tue–Sat 11 AM–6 PM. Recent exhibits at this art gallery include “#DrunkDictators,” Pedro Vélez’s mixed-media work, and “To Threptikon,” multidisciplinary work by Heidi Norton that explores the cognitive, biological, and spiritual aspects of plant life.
Best of CHICAGO WINNERS: Venues BEST BURLESQUE TROUPE Gorilla Tango Burlesque 1919 N. Milwaukee 773-598-4549 gorillatango.com RUNNER-UP FOR BEST ESTABLISHED GALLERY Corbett vs. Dempsey 1120 N. Ashland, third floor 773-278-1664 corbettvsdempsey.com RUNNER-UP FOR BEST STAGE DIRECTOR Halena Kays, the Hypocrites at Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division 773-769-3832 chopintheatre.com RUNNER-UP FOR BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FOR CULTURE Wicker Park
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SERVICES: SPONSORED CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ LISTINGS REVIEWS ART THERAPY STUDIO CHICAGO, LTD. 1579 N. Milwaukee, Studio 210 Chicago, IL 60622 773-992-1110 art-therapist.org
Individual counseling, creativity workshops, specializing in grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions, safe space for self expression, healing and personal growth. BETANCOURT REALTY 2041 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 773-342-7211 betancourtrealty.com
Betancourt Realty is the premiere boutique real estate office serving the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods since 1996. CARD MAGIC 2436 W. Wilson #1 Chicago, IL 60625 773-774-7470 cardmagic.info
Rob Mendell performs interactive close-up magic entertainment with playing cards, suitable for private parties, corporate events and celebrations such as graduations, bar mitzvahs, birthdays and weddings. CORE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTER 1850 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60647 773-486-9692 corechiro.com
Chiropractic and wellness services catered to the individual. Services include: chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, Webster prenatal, McKenzie and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization. LITTLEROCK CONSTRUCTION, INC. 1518 N. Leavitt Chicago, IL 60622 773-772-0789 remedelingconsultants.net
From project management to renovation coaching and space lifting. In business since 1994. Owner Dina Petrakis helps you achieve your dream home.
Fun and friends for ages 3–12 at this beautiful Wicker Park location. Swimming daily, experienced staff. 50 years of serving Chicago. Available by the day.
MB FINANCIAL BANK
SPENADEL TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICES 1304 N. Western, Unit CH1 Chicago, IL 60622 847-226-4895 stastax.com
1554 W. North Chicago, IL 60622 773-292-7037 mbfinancial.com
All of your everyday banking needs and products to achieve your goals. MB means business. MOBIUS ARCHITECTURE 1735 N. Paulina , Suite 507 Chicago, IL 60622 773-732-4624 mobiusarch.net
Mobius Architecture provides a full range of architectural and design services for all sizes of new construction and renovation residential, commercial and hospitality projects. MOBILE MARKETING ACES 2044 N. Western Chicago, IL 60622 773-413-9662 mobilemarketingaces.com
Providing simple solutions for you: professional mobile websites, local search marketing, Facebook marketing and SMS marketing. MULTILINGUAL CONNECTIONS
2518 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60647 773-292-5500 ext. 100 getmultilingual.com
Connect to your communities and world with interactive, immersive and culturally rich classes and tutoring in more than a dozen languages for adults and kids — and translations as well. NEAR NORTH MONTESSORI SUMMER PROGRAM 1434 W. Division Chicago, IL 60642 773-269-6205 nnms.org/summer
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Spenadel Tax & Accounting Services is an eco-friendly, paperless office accounting firm devoted to serving small business and individuals in Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town. SUPER DOG WALKING 2153 N. Bell Chicago. IL 60647 630-740-5130 superdogwalking.com
Super Dog Walking is an independently owned and operated dog walking and boarding business located in Bucktown that specializes in trustworthy, reliable, affordable and personal dog-care services. Super Dog has been walking dogs and caring for them as if they own them since 2008. TEA LAKE PRODUCTIONS INC. 2029 W. Haddon #2 Chicago, IL 60622 312-217-1946 tealakeproductions.com
Award-winning documentarian; video and media production; riveting digital communications; impact movies that harness creativity with strategy to tell powerful stories. WENGER PROPERTIES 1509 N. Wicker Park Chicago. IL 60622 773-252-8818 wengerproperties.com
Wenger Properties specializes in unusual properties. The staff guides unique and creative buyers and sellers and helps them to make informed decisions. Wenger’s strength is problem solving.
VENUES: SPONSORED LISTINGS ARC GALLERY & EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 2156 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-252-2232 arcgallery.org
ARC is an artist-run, internationally recognized exhibition space that has been an integral part of the Chicago art scene since its inception in 1973. DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-489-3160 doubledoor.com
Since 1994, Double Door has brought the best in rock, soul, hip-hop, metal, punk, reggae and everything in between to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. HINGE GALLERY 1261 N. Paulina Chicago, IL 60622
773-988-2768 hingegallery.com
With more than 14 years of experience designing the perfect framing for each project and budget, Hinge Gallery offers museumquality custom framing and restoration services. HOUSE OF TWO URNS 1239 N. Greenview Chicago, IL 60642 773-235-1408 twourns.com
Since 1991. Charming urban inn offering reasonable rates, free parking, Wi-Fi and full breakfast daily. RAY’S BUCKTOWN BED AND BREAKFAST 2144 N. Leavitt Chicago, IL 60647 773-384-3245 raysbucktownbandb.com
Modeled after small European hotels and spas, Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast includes
private baths with each room, a steam room, sauna, Wi-Fi, HDTV and gourmet breakfasts. VERTICAL GALLERY 1016 N. Western Chicago, IL 60622 773-697-3846 verticalgallery.com
The urban-contemporary gallery focuses on work inf luenced by pop culture, street art, urban environments and illustration with monthly exhibits WICKER PARK INN 1329 N. Wicker Park Chicago, IL 60622 773-489-2743 wickerparkinn.com
The Wicker Park Inn is an urban bed and breakfast that offers high quality yet affordable Chicago accommodations in the heart of Wicker Park. highlighting local, national and international artists.
WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B 11
EL
N. WESTERN AVE.
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W. WABANSIA AVE.
W. ST. PAUL AVE.
W. WILLOW ST.
7
CHURCHILL PARK
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13
12
N. DAMEN AVE.
W. CATON ST.
8
N.
W. CHURCHILL ST.
W. MOFFAT ST.
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W. ARMITAGE AVE.
W. DICKENS AVE.
W. CORTLAND ST.
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18 4
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W. BLOOMINGDALE AVE.
N. WOLCOTT AVE.
W. WABANSIA AVE.
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W. MOFFAT ST.
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N. DAMEN AVE.
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W. CORTLAND ST.
W. HOMER ST.
12
2
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90/94
N. HONORE ST.
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ERHLER PARK
2
W. DICKENS AVE.
7
1 7
MOONSHINE RESTAURANT & BREWERY
14 LAS PALMAS 15
12 HOT CHOCOLATE 13 JERRY’S
11 THE HANDLEBAR
8 CAFE ABSINTHE 9 CHOP SHOP 10 FRONTIER
6 BIRCHWOOD 7 THE BRISTOL
5 BIG STAR
3 BANGERS & LACE 4 THE BEDFORD
1 ALLIANCE BAKERY 2 AZZURRA ENOTAVOLA
RESTAURANTS | pg. 3–5
BEAUTY | pg. 10
8 SPA SOAK 9 TRIM
6 RUBY ROOM 7 SALON BLONDE
4 EB AND FLOW YOGA W. WABANSIA AVE. 5 RED SQUARE
2 BIEN ASSORTI NAIL SALON 3 CELLAR DOOR SALON & STUDIO
1 ART + SCIENCE
14 SPEX
13 RECKLESS RECORDS
10 PENELOPE’S 11 PISTIL & VINE 12 QUIMBY’S
8 LARKSPUR 9 MYOPIC BOOKS
6 FUTURGARB 7 HI-STYLE FURNITURE
5 FRILL ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE
1 BUFFALO EXCHANGE 2 CAT AND MOUSE GAME STORE 3 DOGGY STYLE PET SHOP 4 D/VISION
RETAIL | pg.7–8
20 THE WORMHOLE
18 THE SOUTHERN 19 TRENCHERMEN
16 PIECE 17 THE SAVOY
FESTS REFER TO B10 TO VIEW READER’S LIST OF FESTS.
VENUES | pg. B7-B8 1 ARC GALLERY 2 CHOPIN THEATER 3 COLLABORACTION 4 CORBETT VS. DEMPSEY 5 DEFIBRILLATOR 6 DOUBLE DOOR 7 FIRECAT PROJECTS 8 GORILLA TANGO THEATRE 9 HEAVEN GALLERY 10 JACKSON JUNGE GALLERY 11 JERRY’S 12 MONIQUE MELOCHE GALLERY 13 SUBTERRANEAN
BARS | pg. B3-B5 1 BLUE LINE LOUNGE 2 CHOP SHOP 3 CLUB LUCKY 4 DEBONAIR SOCIAL CLUB 5 EASY BAR 6 EVIL OLIVE 7 EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR 8 FATPOUR TAP WORKS 9 THE FLAT IRON 10 HIGH NOON SALOON 11 LOTTIE’S PUB 12 MAP ROOM 13 NORTHSIDE BAR & GRILL 14 RAINBO CLUB 15 RED DOOR 16 RED SQUARE 17 RODAN 18 SMALL BAR DIVISION 19 VIOLET HOUR
WICKER PARK/ BUCKTOWN
CHICAGO READER’S GUIDE TO
N. HERMITAGE AVE.
W. BLOOMINGDALE AVE.
8
W. MCLEAN AVE.
W. CHARLESTON ST.
W. SHAKESPEARE AVE.
W WEBSTER AVE.
N. PAULINA ST.
N. WOOD ST.
N. HONORE ST.
N. WOLCOTT AVE.
N. WINCHESTER AVE.
N. HOYNE AVE.
N. LEAVITT ST.
N. BELL AVE.
N. CLAREMONT AVE.
ONT AVE.
CLEMENTE PARK
N. WESTERN AVE.
N. HOYNE AVE.
N. LEAVITT ST.
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3 8 14
N. DAMEN AVE.
N. OAKLEY AVE.
N. WESTERN AVE.
W. DIVISION ST.
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W. POTOMAC AVE.
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WICKER PARK
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W. DIVISION ST.
W. BLACKHAWK ST.
W. BEACH AVE.
W. JULIAN ST.
W. LE MOYNE ST.
N. WINCHESTER AVE.
W. CORTEZ ST.
W. HADDON AVE.
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N. PAULINA ST.
W. THOMAS ST.
10
5 16
1
12
N. WOOD ST.
W. CRYSTAL ST.
W. EVERGREEN AVE.
W. SCHILLER ST.
W. PIERCE AVE.
13
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13
N. PAULINA ST.
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N. OAKLEY AVE.
W. HIRSCH ST.
W. LE MOYNE ST.
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W. LE MOYNE ST.
W. NORTH AVE.
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W. CONCORD PL.
W. CATON ST.
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4
6
N. ASHLAND AVE. N. ASHLAND AVE.
N. MARSHFIELD AVE.
N. PAULINA ST. N. HERMITAGE AVE.
N. WOOD ST.
N. HONORE ST.
N. MARION CT.
N. WOLCOTT AVE.
N. DAMEN AVE.
N. HOYNE AVE.
N. LEAVITT ST.
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10
W. HADDON AVE.
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5