Wicker Park & Bucktown Neighborhood Guide by Barbara Harrington

2014

Wicker Park & Bucktown NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

WELCOME TO WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN SPONSORED

Welcome to Wicker Park Bucktown! Sophisticated and historic, the neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of old and new. Visitors will find a wide spectrum of offerings from high-end restaurants to taco stands, high-fashion boutiques to vintage shops and much more. Taking a walk through the neighborhood is like strolling through a work of art. The lighting of the streets, cafes, window shopping, neon signs, the movement of the elevated trains, the accelerating pace of urban change — all these add up to more than idle spectacle. This guide was sponsored by the WPB Special Service Area #33 and Wicker Part Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.

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Get an insider’s scoop and make the most of your visit to Wicker Park and Bucktown by following curated itineraries. The itineraries include a recipe for the perfect Sunday, a cocktail tour, a vegan tour, the local caffeine buzz, local art highlights and so much more! Check out the “Stuff to Do” tab at wickerparkbucktown.com and explore what’s in store. Car, bus, train, bike and foot easily reach Wicker Park and Bucktown. We look forward to seeing you in Wicker Park and Bucktown!

RESTAURANTS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

level of a former bank boasts one of the coolest restaurant interiors in recent memory. The menu oﬀers a burger, of course, a grilled Gruyere and cheddar sandwich, hanger steak with tots, and a toned-down, creamy, and perfectly cooked version of the stuﬀ chef Mark Steuer was onced plied on the Southern Mac Truck.

5 BIG STAR 1531 N. Damen, 773-235-4039, bigstarchicago.com, Lunch, dinner: daily. Open late: Sat till 3, other nights till 2. Big Star – Eric Futran

1 ALLIANCE BAKERY 1736 W. Division, 773-278-0366, alliance-bakery.com. Mon–Sat 6 AM–9 PM, Sun 7 AM–9 PM.

Photo Credit: Azzurra Enotavola – Amanda Areias

At one time a Polish bakery, Alliance now turns out wonderfullooking (and aﬀordable) French pastries in addition to cupcakes, cookies, and, in a nod to the neighborhood, kolacky. The wellmaintained 1930s interior is warm and charming, and the coﬀeehouse space next door has free WiFi.

crushed olives and pine nuts, and nearly two dozen others, all piled on the plate like textbook examples of the importance of simplicity in good Italian food.

3 BANGERS & LACE 1670 W. Division, 773-2526499, bangersandlacechicago. com. Dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: Sat till 3, other nights till 2.

Paul Kahan and company’s Big Star is a sureﬁre, low-cost, high-value good time. If you’re not in the mood for a well-engineered cocktail, you can slum it with a one-buck Schlitz shorty. If you can’t decide between a mixed drink and beer, try a Michelada: Tecate in a salt-rimmed glass, with lime and house-made salsa. Either way, pop for a platter of guacamole with chips and drop an extra buck for chiles torreados, a small bowl of ﬂavorful peppers.

BIRCHWOOD Bangers & Lace, a sausage-and2211 W. North, 773-276beer joint, evokes a traditional 2100, birchwoodkitchen. hunting lodge, complete with a deer com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: Tue–Fri. Sat & Sun brunch. head on the wall and other stuffed game animals scattered about. Our hands-down favorite menu item is There’s not a cheap shortcut the breakfast sliders—bangers on to be found at this ambitious English muffins with eggs, creamed sandwich shop from former spinach, Gruyere, and hollandaise. A Pastoral cheeseman Daniel Sirko few sides—onion rings, skin-on fries and partner Judd Murphy (also of 2 with Taleggio dipping sauce, spiced Pastoral). Birchwood lives by the corn nuts, Bavarian-style pretzels mantra of “local,” “seasonal,” and with house-made chocolate-stout “sustainable,” and the hot and cold AZZURRA ENOTAVOLA mustard—round out the menu. sandwiches—plus a make-your-own 1467 N. Milwaukee, 773-278option with house-roasted meats 5959, azzurrachicago.com. (turkey, ham, beef)—are served on Dinner: daily. Open late: Fri & 4 Labriola and Red Hen breads. Sat till 11. Sat & Sun brunch. THE BEDFORD 1612 W. Division, 773-235-8800, Chef Katie Kelly’s hands-on 7 bedfordchicago.com. approach is applied to everything Dinner: Mon-Sat. THE BRISTOL from sausage to yogurt to Open late: Sat till 3, 2152 N. Damen, 773-862pasta, with items “fatti in casa” other nights till 2. 5555, thebristolchicago.com. helpfully emboldened on the list Dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. of offerings. Most formidable is a Open late: Fri & Sat till 11. This contemporary American long list of shareable small plates: restaurant and lounge in the lower sweet, tart carrot caponata with WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER 3

RESTAURANTS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

8 CAFE ABSINTHE 1954 W. North, 773-278-4488, cafe-absinthe.com. Dinner: Sun, Tue–Sat. Open late: Tue–Sat till 11. Cafe Absinthe has secured a niche as a classic neighborhood restaurant through an unpretentious combination of well-executed food and expert service. A popular starter is the ostrich ﬁllet with potato-tomato concasse; changing soups range from corn chowder to spring pea. An apple-raspberry crisp sent us into that blissful coma haze every indulgent meal should end with.

A multipurpose butcher shop, restaurant, and bar in the shadow of the Wicker Park Blue Line stop, the Chop Shop succeeds by doing a lot with a little. Retail oﬀerings feature deli meats and cheeses, antipasti, a refrigerator case of sausages, and lovely hunks of meat. Its dining room, too, has an appealingly simple menu, showcasing just four meaty cuts from the butcher, plus Italian sausage and peppers, roast chicken, seared salmon, a burger, and ricotta gnocchi.

FRONTIER 1072 N. Milwaukee, 773-7724322, thefrontierchicago.com. Lunch: Tue–Fri. Dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: Sat till 3, other nights till 2.

HOT CHOCOLATE 1747 N. Damen, 773-489-1747, hotchocolatechicago.com. Lunch: Wed–Fri. Dinner: Sun, Tue–Sat. Sat & Sun brunch. Closed Mon. Open late: Fri & Sat till midnight, Thu till 11.

Dinners of specially ordered pigs, lambs, goats, and wild boars smoked over cherrywood, applewood, and oak are signature events at this lodgy alpine-styled spot. Then there’s Chef Brian Jupiter’s regular menu—it’s easily the most game-focused collection of dishes in town. But Frontier’s not all about wild critters. I’ve eaten some of the ﬁner oysters in the city here. There’s a burger formed from Slagel Farms chuck that Rob Levitt grinds for Jupiter down the street at the Butcher & Larder, and his simple hot-saucemarinated deep-fried lollipop chicken wings also raise the bar.

11 HANDLEBAR 2311 W. North, 773-384-9546, handlebarchicago.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: every night till 1.

9 CHOP SHOP 2033 W. North, 773-537-4440, chopshopchi.com. Lunch, dinner: daily. Open late: Sun-Thu till 10, Fri-Sat til 11.

and tofu sandwiches come with a variety of sides including a respectable vegetarian version of southern collard greens and a smoked Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese I’ll crave on my deathbed.

A cyclist hangout, this is a theme restaurant that doesn’t feel precious. The food is cheap and vegetarian friendly: most entrees are under $10, and the only meat option is ﬁsh. The samosas with tamarind chutney are on par with any you’d ﬁnd on Devon. The kitchen also does a bangup job with comfort food: seitan

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Mindy Segal was initially known for her stints as pastry chef at MK, MK North, Marché, Charlie Trotter’s, and Spago, but at her restaurant Hot Chocolate she offers a small, perpetually rotating dinner menu of locally grown and seasonally inspired creations—roast Gunthorp Farms chicken, roasted rack of lamb with baby artichokes, fiddlehead ferns, and spring garlic barigoule, Israeli couscous, and Green Acres sorrel butter. Segal’s credentials guarantee an impressive dessert list, with confections such as a warm chocolate souffle tart served with house-made chocolatecaramel ice cream and pretzels.

13 JERRY’S 1938 W. Division, 773-235-1006, jerryssandwiches.com. Lunch, dinner: daily. Open late: Sun-Wed till 1, Thu-Sat till 2. I don’t know why a sandwich of smoked salmon, avocado, cheddar, and spicy chutney would be named the “Groucho M.”—or a combo of turkey meat loaf, bacon, cheddar, peppers, and southwest mayo the “Edith P.” I only know that they are

Photo Credit: Cafe Absinthe – Ashley Buziecki; Chop Shop – Amanda Areias; Hot Chocolate – Ashley Buziecki

The seasonal menu at chef Chris Pandel’s beercentric the Bristol promises interesting variety at accessible prices, including a perfect pairing of grilled mackerel and romaine in the Caesar, and “Scotch olives,” a mutation of a Scotch egg and Italian olives all’Ascolana. It’s indicative of Pandel’s guts that he’s unafraid to leave the foot on a roasted half chicken. If that sounds fearsome, there’s plenty here to feed the timid, duck-fat fries and a burger among the options.

RESTAURANTS READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

awesome, especially with a side of smoky mac ‘n’ cheese. There are more than 100 sandwiches on the menu at Jerry’s, 500 or so considering bread choices.

14 LAS PALMAS 1835 W. North, 773-289-4991, laspalmaschicago.com. Dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: Fri & Sat till 11.

Photo Credit: Las Palmas – Ashley Buziecki; Trenchermen –Andrea Bauer

The guacamole is prepared tableside and the traditional steak taco entree is smoky and good, topped with queso añejo and chipotle jam; other large plates include pan-roasted mahi-mahi over purple-potato puree and lamb shank braised in banana leaves. A jumbo margarita on the charming back patio easily carried me through my meal.

PIECE 1927 W. North, 773-772-4422, piecechicago.com. Lunch, dinner: daily. Open late: Mon-Thu till 1, Fri till 1:30, Sat till 2:30, Sun till midnight.

there’s freedom to graze. In the rough-chic atmosphere we ate slim, tortilla-like johnnycakes taco-style with soft, vinegary pork and sweet chow-chow that was served in a little canning jar. Have fun ordering from the wide selection of whiskey, old-fashioned cocktails, and southern beers like Abita’s Turbodog and Southern Star Bombshell Blonde Ale.

Award-winning brewmaster Jonathan Cutler supervises the microbrewery attached to the dining room, where a pizza party rages nightly. The specialty here is hand-tossed thin-crust New Haven-style pizza. Diners create their own, choosing from three bases—plain (tomato sauce, garlic, and Parmesan), white (olive oil, garlic, and mozzarella), and red (tomato sauce with mozzarella)— and toppings that range from mushrooms and onions to clams and bacon.

TRENCHERMEN 2039 W. North, 773-661-1540, trenchermen.com. Dinner: daily Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: MonThu till 11, Fri-Sat till midnight.

oﬀered as a pizza topping or a side with the guacamole.

The subterranean bathhouse that was for many years home to THE SAVOY Spring has been reimagined with 1408 N. Milwaukee, a steampunkish air—in contrast to 773- 698- 6925, savoychicago.com. Trenchermen’s precise, elegantly Dinner: daily. Fri–Sun brunch. Open arranged plates. A dish like late: Sun-Thu till 10, Fri-Sat till 1. aged duck breast with kimchi and mortadella fried rice, pork 15 This nautically decked Wicker Park belly, and plums with bubble MOONSHINE RESTAURANT spot presents the unlikely union of gum overcomes its potential for fish and absinthe. The kitchen did gimmickry with terrific textural & BREWERY well with oysters Rockefeller and an variety and an artful intermingling 1824 W. Division, 773-862outstanding bowl of sunray venus of disparate elements. 8686, moonshinechicago.com. clams in a chorizo, piquillo pepper, Lunch: Fri-Sun. Dinner: daily. and absinthe-spiked broth. Fish Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: 20 entrees are interestingly accented Sat till 3, other nights till 2. with a multinational cast. A cocktail THE WORMHOLE list the like Savoy’s—one totally tied The menu at this casual, 1462 N. Milwaukee, 773-661to absinthe—may be commercially comfortable spot is a collection 2468, thewormholecoffee. risky, but fish does in fact go of the owners’ favorite bar com. Daily 7 AM-11 PM. well with that complex spirit. food: burgers, pizza, and steaks. Freshly mashed guacamole came The cafe’s interior displays a with red, white, and blue corn cultlike devotion to the 80’s 18 chips and a mole-ish dip made pop-culture ephemera—with a THE SOUTHERN of dark roasted chiles. The New DeLorean recalling Back to the 1840 W. North, 773-342-1840, York strip sandwich was cooked Future in the window, as well as thesouthernchicago.com. Dinner: exactly to order and topped with posters for Ghost Busters, The daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open blue cheese. Co-owners John Princess Bride, and The Goonies— late: Sat till 3, other nights till 2. Sanchez and Chris Storey grew but the real crown jewel here is up together in New Mexico, and the original Nintendo system: a southwestern influence comes The Southern’s menu divides up it’s a veritable time machine in through in the fajitas with beef, items under “bar food” and “plates,” the middle of the coffee shop. chicken, or shrimp and the chiles aka appetizers and entrees, but WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER 5

RESTAURANTS: SPONSORED LISTINGS

AZZURRA ENOTAVOLA

1467 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-278-5959 azzurrachicago.com

Rustic Italian cuisine with marketfresh seasonal ingredients. Handmade pastas, house cured meats and cocktails make Azzurra the perfect neighborhood restaurant. COAST SUSHI BAR 2045 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-235-5775 coastsushibar.com

Since Coast Sushi Bar opened in March 2003, regulars and new comers alike have enjoyed top quality sushi in a relaxed but lively BYOB atmosphere. FRONTIER

1072 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60642 773-772-4322 thefrontierchicago.com

Bears in the bar (literally), bison in the kitchen, alligator on your plate and that hard-to-find beer

in your hand. Must be at Frontier. JERRY’S

1938 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 773-235-1006 jerryssandwiches.com

Cosmic sandwiches, burgers and ‘Po Boys amidst one of Chicago’s best craft beer and whiskey bars. Fun for the whole family. LI’L GUYS & MY PIE 2010 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-394-6900 mypiepizza.com

My Pi offers its famous deep dish pizza, thin crust, garlic bread and salad bar. Li’lGuys serves homemade sandwiches.

constantly curated selection of wines from around the world. Allserved with a down-toearth, rock-n-roll style. THE GODDESS AND GROCER

1649 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-342-3200 goddessandgrocer.com

The Goddess and Grocer is a one-stop gourmet deli and bakery serving up the freshest prepared foods, mouthwatering sandwiches, carefully curated retai l products and a discriminating selection of wines and craft beers. THE WORMHOLE

MAX’S WINE DIVE CHICAGO

1462 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-661-2468 thewormhole.us

MAX’s Wine Dive is allabout bringing gourmet comfort food to guests alongside a

The Wormhole Coffee is located in the heart of Wicker Park, and it has a lot of heart. Come into The Wormhole for allyour specialty coffee desires. It serves up Half Wit coffee everyday.

1482 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 maxswinedive.com

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RETAIL

CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

Frill Accessory Boutique – Ashley Buziecki

1 BUFFALO EXCHANGE 1478 N. Milwaukee, 773227-9558, buffaloexchange. com. Daily 11 AM–8 PM. Buy recycled and vintage clothing or sell your own items. Everything is reasonably priced, and those who have the time to dig can strike fashion gold.

5 Specializing in all-natural food, treats, and toys, plus a selfwash spa to keep your furry friend clean. Highlights include gourmet treats, dog biscuits come in truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and peanut butter, banana, and bacon flavors, while cats can enjoy Caribbean Club with chicken and cheese or Bimini Brunch with krill and egg.

Photo Credit: D/Vision – Ashley Buziecki

CAT AND MOUSE GAME STORE 2212 W. Armitage, 773-3844454, cat-n-mouse.com. Tue 10 AM–10 PM, Mon and Wed–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM. Keep your mind sharp with a huge range of jigsaw puzzles, board games, brain teasers, and toys. The store hosts game nights every Tuesday, “yo-yo university” sessions every Friday and Saturday, and a variety of other tournaments and events celebrating gaming all throughout the year.

3 DOGGY STYLE PET SHOP 2023 W. Division, 773-2359663, doggystylepetshop.com. Mon–Thu 10 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 11 AM–7 PM.

FRILL ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE 1747 W. Division, 773-342-8900, frillaccessories.com. Mon–Fri 11 AM–7 PM, Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Sunnoon–5 PM. Owners Afkara Mason and Maureen Longua showcase their love of color and fun in their boutique featuring handpicked jewelry, handbags, hats, and other accessories to match each season.

6 FUTURGARB 1369 N. Milwaukee, 773-2761450, futurgarb.com. Tue–Sat noon–8 PM, Sunnoon–6 PM.

4 D/VISION 1756 W. Division, 773-4894848 , dvoptical.com. Mon – Thu noon– 8 PM, Fri–Sat 10 AM– 6 PM, Sunnoon–5 PM. Eye exams are available seven days a week , and once your vision is checked out, you can chose from a variety of stylish frames from Oliver Peoples, SALT. Optics, Mykita, and more.

This boutique, which recently moved into a new space, features men and women’s clothing and accessories in a variety of different brands, with regular sales and exclusive deals for frequent and VIP shoppers.

7 HI-STYLE FURNITURE 1343 N. Milwaukee, 773-2354601, histylefurnitureco.com. Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM. Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM.

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER 7

RETAIL

CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

Find a wide variety of comfortable and affordable pieces at this family business. Started in 1973 by Joseph Shehade, the furniture store is now run by his kids.

Chicago title for Best Boutique for Men—offers stylish and comfortable clothes for men and women in fun colors and prints.

PISTIL & VINE 1924 N. Damen, 773-698-7287, pistilandvine.com. Tue–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sat–Sun 11 AM–5 PM.

Fresh flowers flow out of bakery troughs in this shop with the hope of re-creating a European floral market in Chicago. Bouquets and arrangements are available for weddings and other events, along with artisan vases, hummingbird feeders, candles, and soaps.

9 MYOPIC BOOKS 1564 N. Milwaukee, 773-8624882, myopicbookstore.com. Daily 9 AM–11 PM. As one of the oldest and largest bookstores in the city, Myopic can seem intimidating at first, but it provides a cozy literary sanctuary, adorable bookstore cat included. Along with a huge selection of new and used books, the store regularly offers poetry readings, concerts, and other literary events.

10 PENELOPE’S 1913 W. Division, 773-395-2351, shoppenelopes.com. Mon–Sat 11 AM–7 PM, Sun noon–6 PM. This boutique—and 2013’s winner of the Reader’s Best of

Specializing in weddings, this floral shop offers a vintage flare to its bouquets and accessories. Flower arrangements are also available for corporate events, parties, and holidays.

14 SPEX 1407 N. Milwaukee, 773-276-2020, spexoptical.com. Mon and Wed– Thu 11 AM–7 PM, Tue 11 AM–8 PM, Fri 10 AM–6 PM, Sat 9 AM–5 PM. This optical store provides eye exams, contact lens fitting, and stylish designer frames ranging from Ray-Ban to Tom Ford.

QUIMBY’S 1854 W. North, 773-342-0910, quimbys.com. Mon–Thu noon–9 PM, Fri noon–10 PM, Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun noon–7 PM. One of the biggest supporters of independent publishing in Chicago, this bookstore specializes in zines, comics, and “unusual publications.” Authors often come through for events, discussions, signings, and just to hang out.

Best of CHICAGO WINNERS: Retail BEST BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN Akira Chicago 1837 W. North akirachicago.com

13 RECKLESS RECORDS 1532 N. Milwaukee, 773-2353727, reckless.com. Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM. Consider this the real-life Championship Vinyl from High Fidelity. A go-to spot for all things vinyl, this record store offers a huge selection of music, will buy your old LPs, and hosts in-store shows and signings from local bands to big, national acts.

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BEST BOUTIQUE FOR MEN Penelope’s 1913 W. Division 773-395-2351 shoppenelopes.com BEST RECORD STORE Reckless Records 1532 N. Milwaukee 773-235-3727 reckless.com BEST BOOKSTORE Myopic Books 1564 N. Milwaukee 773-862-4882 myopicbookstore.com

Photo Credit: Myopic Books – Erin Interrobang; Reckless Records – Sean Davis; Spex – Ashley Buziecki

LARKSPUR 2123 N. Damen, 773-489-2898, larkspurchicago.com. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun noon–5 PM.

RETAIL: SPONSORED LISTINGS G BOUTIQUE

2131 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-235-1234 boutiqueg.com

Lingerie, sex toys and more in this ultra-feminine Bucktown boutique. Voted No. 1 for shopping. Visit gboutiqueparties. com for parties and workshops. JOE’S JEANS BUCKTOWN BOUTIQUE 1715 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60622 773-252-1715 joesjeans.com

Joe’s is a known casual-chic lifestyle brand that offers a complete wardrobe for men, women and kids. LE THRIFT CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

1821 W. Chicago Chicago, IL 60622 312-912-9676 lethrift.com

Designer labels and upscale name brands for women and men. Handbags, clothing, accessories, shoes and vintage home goods. PAPER DOLL

2027 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622

773-227-6950 paperdollchicago.com

The Swett sisters have created a playful cavalcade of handpicked gifts and paper goods, including custom stationery for any occasion. Stop for a visit with lovable house-pug, Rhoda. RADIANCE FINE JEWELRY

2139 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-486-5710 radiancefinejewelry.com

Other jewelers saying “it can’t be done”? We GUARANTEE to find a solution! Specializing in custom designs and intricate repairs. Mention this ad and get a $50 Gift Card FREE! (one per guest, please.) RAGSTOCK

1459 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-252-4880 ragstock.com

Men’s and women’s new and recycled, unique fashion and accessories at an affordable price. SPEX

1407 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-276-2020 spexoptical.com

Spex offers artfully crafted eyewear and sun wear to fashionforward customers. Discover your Spex appeal. Glasses. Eye exams. Sunglasses. Contacts. STORE B VINTAGE 1472 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-772-4296 storebvintage.com

Quality, wearable vintage clothing, jewelry and mid-century decorative accessories. Designer clothing from Yves Saint Laurent, Courreges and Thierry Mugler. SUGAR FLY STUDIO & BOUTIQUE 2409 W. North Chicago, IL 60647 773-661-1541 sugarfly.net

Sugar Fly merges the worlds of fashion and beauty into a sleek ultra-modern retail venture. Fashion boutique and modern salon in one. THE RED BALLOON CO. 1940 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-489-9800 theredballoon.com

The Red Balloon Co. is the place to find unique children’s clothing, toys, books and gifts for ages 0 to 16 years.

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER 9

BEAUTY

CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

Sun–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–7 PM. You can have your hair cut or your muscles massaged, sure, but you can also get acupuncture or have your numbers read at Ruby Room’s “healing sanctuary,” practice yoga in the second-floor studio, or shop in one of the three boutiques for everything from chakra sprays and Chinese herbs to makeup and Parisian perfume.

7 1 ART+SCIENCE 1554 N. Milwaukee, 773-2274247, artandsciencesalon.com. Tue–Thu 10 AM–9 PM, Fri 10 AM–8 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM–6 PM.

EB and Flow Yoga – Tina Sfondeles/Sun-Times

maintaining an eco-friendly experience for its guests. Stylist work with sustainable product lines, and the design and functionality of the salon itself is an attempt to minimize its carbon footprint as much as possible.

SALONBLONDE 1643 W. North, 773-235-4085, salonblonde.com. Mon–Fri 10 AM–9 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–6 PM. You don’t have to be blond to visit this salon; cuts are offered for men, women, and children of all hair hues along with full color services, texture services, in-salon hair treatments, and makeup application.

The Wicker Park outpost of David Raccuglia and Paul Wilson’s 4 Chicago-based salon offers cuts and color for both men and 8 EB AND FLOW YOGA women plus full service waxing 1834 W. North, 773-227-7740, and wedding coordinator Andrew ebandflowyoga.com. Visit website SPA SOAK for all your bridal beauty needs. 1733 N. Milwaukee, 773-395-9000, for class schedule and prices. spasoakchicago.com. Sun 10 AM–5 2 This studio focuses on Vinyasa or PM, Mon 10 AM–4 PM, Tue–Thu 9 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–6 PM. “flow” yoga, with classes ranging BIEN ASSORTI from gentle and restful pace NAIL SALON This full-service spa offers a range to fast and athletic. For those 2010 N. Damen, 773-394of facials, massages, acupuncture, who want to turn up the heat, 0897, bienassortichicago. and body treatments for hot yoga options are offered. com. Mon–Fri 10 AM–8 PM, relaxation along with hair, nail, Sat–Sun 10 AM–6 PM. makeup, and waxing services 5 to aid in your beauty regimen. Holding claim to the title of RED SQUARE Bucktown’s oldest nail salon, 1914 W. Division, 773-2279 Bien Assorti specializes in 2284, redsquarechicago.com. manis and pedis, with monthly Mon–Fri 8 AM–11 PM, Sat 7 TRIM specials and deals every Monday– AM–midnight, Sun7 AM–11 PM. 1629 N. Milwaukee, 773-276Wednesday along with waxing. 8746, trimwax.com. Mon–Thu 9 AM–10 PM, Fri 9 AM–9 PM, Sat Red Square is a bright, clean, 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–6 PM. comfortable spa where old fellows 3 shout in Russian, scrubbing and CELLAR DOOR beating the holy hell out of each Trim is available for all your SALON AND STUDIO other with birch branches. waxing needs. By honing 1905 N. Milwaukee, 773-227-9223, their specialty and creating a cellardoorsalon.com. Tue and Thu lounge-like atmosphere, staff 6 noon–8 PM, Wed 10 AM–6 PM, manage to make the act of Fri 11 AM–7 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM. ripping deeply rooted hair out RUBY ROOM of your skin feel downright 1743–45 W. Division, This boutique salon offers cuts relaxing and glamorous. 773-235-2323, rubyroom.com. and color services, all while 10 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE

BEAUTY: SPONSORED LISTINGS ATHLETICO

1644 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60647 773-252-2300 athletico.com

Keep on moving, Bucktown and Wicker Park. Physical and occupational therapy services. Come in for a complimentary screening. “Better for Every Body.” DIVISION ST. CROSSFIT

2133 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 847-471-1127 divisionstcrossfit.com

Constantly varied, high-intensity, functional workouts designed to increase your fitness quickly in a fun and challenging community building environment conveniently located on Division Street. EB & FLOW YOGA STUDIO

1834 W. North Chicago, IL 60622 773-227-7740 ebandflowyoga.com

In a large bright, sun-filled studio with polished hardwood floors and expansive windows, the experienced teachers at Eb & Flow Yoga Studio welcome students of all ages and fitness levels. It offers Baptiste Power Vinyasa, Hot, Fusion Styles

and Yin Yoga. The studio’s intention is to create a yoga community where all will feel welcomed and inspired.

chronic pain, neck and shoulder injuries, headaches, low back pain and plantar fasciitis.

FOUR FLOWERS WELLNESS

KAREN MARIE SALON 1859 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60647 773-227-4003 karenmairesalon.com

2225 W. North Chicago, IL 60647 312-404-5882 fourflowerswellness.com

Acupuncture, shiatsu massage and herbal medicine services catered to the individual and designed to return health to its highest potential.

Bucktown’s sustainable salon. Earth-friendly Aveda and Kevin Murphy-trained stylists. First time: receive 20 percent off.

GH FITNESS

NOMOBO SALON

GH Fitness takes the risk out of startinga new fitness program. The GH Method has been clinically tested to increase energy, develop strength and improve health.

Nomobo Salon prides itself on maintaining a creative and modern approach to hair by crafting a look that is true to you.

HEATHER FRAELICK, LMT – BODYWORK AND MASSAGE

1914 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 773-227-2284 redsquarechicago.com

1415 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60622 773-698-8401 nomobosalon.com

1730 N. Western Chicago, IL 60622 773-527-4961 ghfitness.com

2225 W. North Chicago, IL 60647 847-732-0550 heatherfraelick.com

Heather is a massage therapist and bodywork specialist. Her work provides relief from

RED SQUARE

The one and only traditional Russian restaurant, bar and spa in Chicago. Featuring all amenities and services of modern spa with traditional Russian cuisine and Banya. Gentlemen and ladies are welcome.

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER 11

VE. CLEMENTE PARK

11 6

W. CONCORD PL.

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W. CRYSTAL ST.

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N. OAKLEY AVE. W. DIVISION ST.

W. LE MOYNE ST.

W. JULIAN ST.

W. BEACH AVE.

W. BLACKHAWK ST.

W. DIVISION ST.

N. PAULINA ST.

W. HADDON AVE.

N. WINCHESTER AVE.

N. MARSHFIELD AVE.

To:

W. HADDON AVE.

6 2

N. ASHLAND AVE.

W. CORTEZ ST.

N. ASHLAND AVE.

W. HIRSCH ST.

W. LE MOYNE ST.

N. OAKLEY AVE.

W. THOMAS ST.

N. WESTERN AVE. N. WESTERN AVE.

N. LEAVITT ST.

N. HOYNE AVE.

N. DAMEN AVE. N. WOLCOTT AVE.

N. MARION CT. N. HONORE ST.

N. WOOD ST.

N. PAULINA ST. N. HERMITAGE AVE.

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CHICAGO READER’S GUIDE TO

FESTS REFER TO B10 TO VIEW READER’S LIST OF FESTS.

13 SUBTERRANEAN

12 MONIQUE MELOCHE GALLERY

10 JACKSON JUNGE GALLERY 11 JERRY’S

8 GORILLA TANGO THEATRE 9 HEAVEN GALLERY

6 FIRECAT PROJECTS 7 FLAT IRON ARTS BUILDING

3 COLLABORACTION 4 DEFIBRILLATOR 5 DOUBLE DOOR

VENUES | pg. B7-B8 1 ARC GALLERY 2 CHOPIN THEATER

18 SMALL BAR DIVISION 19 VIOLET HOUR

16 RED SQUARE 17 RODAN

14 RAINBO CLUB 15 RED DOOR

13 NORTHSIDE BAR & GRILL

12 MAP ROOM

10 HIGH NOON SALOON 11 LOTTIE’S PUB

8 FATPOUR TAP WORKS 9 THE FLAT IRON

6 EVIL OLIVE 7 EMPORIUM ARCADE BAR

3 CLUB LUCKY 4 DEBONAIR SOCIAL CLUB 5 EASY BAR

BARS | pg. B3-B5 1 BLUE LINE LOUNGE 2 CHOP SHOP

WICKER PARK/ BUCKTOWN RESTAURANTS | pg. 3–5 1 ALLIANCE BAKERY 2 AZZURRA ENOTAVOLA 3 BANGERS & LACE 4 THE BEDFORD 5 BIG STAR 6 BIRCHWOOD 7 THE BRISTOL

8 CAFE ABSINTHE 9 CHOP SHOP 10 FRONTIER

11 THE HANDLEBAR

12 HOT CHOCOLATE 13 JERRY’S

MOONSHINE RESTAURANT & BREWERY

14 LAS PALMAS 15

N. PAULINA ST.

8 SPA SOAK 9 TRIM

6 RUBY ROOM 7 SALON BLONDE

4 EB AND FLOW YOGA W. WABANSIA AVE. 5 RED SQUARE

3 CELLAR DOOR SALON & STUDIO

2 BIEN ASSORTI NAIL SALON

1 ART + SCIENCE

BEAUTY | pg. 10

14 SPEX

RETAIL | pg.7–8 1 BUFFALO EXCHANGE 2 CAT AND MOUSE GAME STORE 3 DOGGY STYLE PET SHOP 4 D/VISION 5 FRILL ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE 6 FUTURGARB 7 HI-STYLE FURNITURE 8 LARKSPUR 9 MYOPIC BOOKS 10 PENELOPE’S 11 PISTIL & VINE 12 QUIMBY’S 13 RECKLESS RECORDS

20 THE WORMHOLE

18 THE SOUTHERN 19 TRENCHERMEN

16 PIECE 17 THE SAVOY

N. HERMITAGE AVE.

W. BLOOMINGDALE AVE.

W. CORTLAND ST.

90/94

W. ARMITAGE AVE.

11 W. MOFFAT ST.

CHURCHILL PARK

N. WOLCOTT AVE.

N. DAMEN AVE.

W. ST. PAUL AVE.

W. WABANSIA AVE.

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N. HONORE ST.

W. MOFFAT ST.

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W. BLOOMINGDALE AVE.

W. WABANSIA AVE.

W. CATON ST.

W. CONCORD PL.

N. WESTERN AVE. N. CLAREMONT AVE.

N. BELL AVE.

N. LEAVITT ST.

N. HOYNE AVE.

N. WINCHESTER AVE.

N. WOLCOTT AVE.

N. HONORE ST.

N. WOOD ST.

SERVICES & VENUES: SPONSORED LISTINGS accounting firm. Serves small businesses and individuals. SUPER DOG WALKING

VENUES: ARC GALLERY & EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Artist-run, internationally recognized exhibition space that has been an integral part of the Chicago art scene since its inception in 1973.

Since 2008. Specializes in trustworthy, reliable, affordable and personal dog-care services. Boarding available.

2156 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-252-2232 arcgallery.org

2153 N. Bell Chicago. IL 60647 630-740-5130 superdogwalking.com

TEA LAKE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

DOUBLE DOOR

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

WICKER PARK INN

HINGE GALLERY

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.

Since 1994. The best in rock, soul, hip-hop, metal, punk, reggae and everything in between.

Award-winning documentarian. Video and media production. Riveting digital communications. Movies that harness creativity with strategy to tell powerful stories.

1572 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622 773-489-3160 doubledoor.com

2029 W. Haddon #2 Chicago, IL 60622 312-217-1946 tealakeproductions.com

WENGER PROPERTIES 1509 N. Wicker Park Chicago. IL 60622 773-252-8818 wengerproperties.com

Specializes in unusual properties. Helps unique and creative buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Wenger’s strength is problem solving.

The Wicker Park Inn is an urban bed and breakfast that offers high quality yet affordable Chicago accommodations in the heart of Wicker Park.

More than 14 years of experience designing the perfect frame for each project and budget. Museumquality custom framing and restoration services.

1329 N. Wicker Park Chicago, IL 60622 773-486-2743 wickerparkinn.com

1261 N. Paulina Chicago, IL 60622 773-988-2768 hingegallery.com

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B 11

SERVICES & VENUES: LISTINGS CHICAGO READERSPONSORED CRITICS’ REVIEWS SERVICES: ART THERAPY STUDIO CHICAGO, LTD. 1579 N. Milwaukee, Studio 210 Chicago, IL 60622 773-992-1110 art-therapist.org

Counseling and creativity workshops, Specializes in grief, 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

Since 1994. Project management, renovation coaching and space lifting. Owner Dina Petrakis helps you achieve your dream home. MAUGE, INC.

1629 N Milwaukee Ave. 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60647 773-395-9919 www.mauge.com

Day-saving, miracle-making, brand-resuscitating, gogetting design, marketing and advertising agency. MB FINANCIAL BANK 1554 W. North Chicago, IL 60622 888-422-6562 mbfinancial.com

Since 1996. Premiere boutique real estate oﬃce. CORE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTER 1850 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60647 773-486-9692 corechiro.com

Chiropractic and wellness services. LITTLEROCK CONSTRUCTION, INC. 1518 N. Leavitt Chicago, IL 60622 773-772-0789 remedelingconsultants.net

All of your everyday banking needs. MB means business. MOBILE MARKETING ACES

2044 N. Western Chicago, IL 60622 773-413-9662 mobilemarketingaces.com

Providing simple solutions. Mobile websites, local marketing, Facebook and SMS. MOBIUS ARCHITECTURE 1735 N. Paulina , Suite 507 Chicago, IL 60622

773-732-4624 mobiusarch.net

Full range of architectural and design services for new construction and renovations. MULTILINGUAL CONNECTIONS

2518 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60647 773-292-7676 ext. 100 getmultilingual.com

Interactive, immersive and culturally rich classes and tutoring in more than a dozen languages. NEAR NORTH MONTESSORI SUMMER PROGRAM 1434 W. Division Chicago, IL 60642 773-384-1434 nnms.org/summer

For ages 3–12. Swimming daily. Experienced staff. Available by the day. SPENADEL TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICES 1304 N. Western, Unit CH1 Chicago, IL 60622 847-226-4895 stastax.com

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B 10 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE

Photo Credit: Gorilla Tango Theater – Ashley Buziecki; Jackson Junge Gallery – Ashley Buziecki; Subterranean – Ashley Buziecki

6 FIRECAT PROJECTS 2124 N. Damen, 773-3425381, ﬁrecatprojects.org. 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.

VENUES

READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

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.

13 SUBTERRANEAN 2011 W. North, 773-278-6600, subt.net.

7 FLAT IRON ARTS BUILDING 1579 N. Milwaukee, 312-3353000, flatironartsbuilding.com. This communal art space houses artist’s studios and performance spaces, featuring the work of tattoo artists, costume designers, filmmakers, musicians, and more. All artists open their studios on the first Friday of each month to share their work with those in the neighborhood and beyond.

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.

11 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.”

9 HEAVEN GALLERY 1550 N. Milwaukee, second ﬂoor, 773-342-4597, heavengallery.com. Sat 1–5 PM and by appointment.

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.

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.

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 773-278-1500 chopintheatre.com RUNNER-UP FOR BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FOR CULTURE Wicker Park

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B 9

1 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, 773-2781500, chopintheatre.com.

VENUES

CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

Collaboracation – Anna Sodziak

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.”

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.

3 COLLABORACTION 1579 N. Milwaukee, 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.”

5 DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-3160, doubledoor.com. 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.

DEFIBRILLATOR 1136 N. Milwaukee, dfbrl8r.org.

Photo Credit: Chopin Theater – Michael Brosilow; Double Door – Ashley Buziecki

B 8 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE

CLUB LUCKY

READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS BARS: SPONSORED LISTINGS CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

FATPOUR TAP WORKS

ARTS N SPIRITS

Laugh. Drink. Paint. Uncork your inner artist while sipping your favorite beverage (BYOB) and creating your masterpiece with instructor guidance.

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 overhead tap system stream over twomiles of beer from a two-story glass keg cooler in the center of the room tothe bar and table taps.

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.

1921 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60647 773-772-3877 artsnspirits.com

2005 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 773-698-8940 fatpourchicago.com

1824 W. Wabansia Chicago, IL 60622 773-227-2300 clubluckychicago.com

Dana Palmer 2153 N. Bell Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

630-740-5130 www.superdogwalking.com

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2518 w. armitage WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B7

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.

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 RED SQUARE 1914 W. Division, 773-2272284, redsquarechicago.com . 14 Mon–Fri 8 AM–11 PM, Sat 7 RAINBO CLUB AM–midnight, Sun 7 AM–11 PM. 1150 N. Damen, 773-4895999, Sun–Fri 4 PM–2 To my regret, I never visited the AM, Sat 4 PM–3 AM. 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. At chef Troy Graves’s gastropub, door number one leads to an elegant, minimalist bar and a little dining area that in its intimacy and low light sort of recalls Danny’s, the bar across

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 by a purple glow from recessed lights. There are a bunch of places to lounge, and a few hightech details, including a huge screen looping video footage and a mirror in the ladies’ room

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: Rainbo Club – Joel Mann; Violet Hour – Courtesy Violet Hour

B 6 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE

Photo Credit: Emporium Arcade Bar – Courtesy Emporium Arcade Bar; High Noon Saloon – Ashley Buziecki; Map Room – Andrea Bauer

7 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. 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 much of a wait. Plus Emporium’s got 27 (mostly really good) beers on tap, so there’s more to entice you than BurgerTime.

8 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

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.

9 THE FLAT IRON 1565 N. Milwaukee, 773-3659000, 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.

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 10 half imports, with regular HIGH NOON SALOON appearances by Stiegl and La 1560 N. Milwaukee, 773-227-9339, Trappe and an especially fine highnoonchicago.com. Mon–Fri 4 selection of Belgian beers. PM-2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM, Sun 11–2AM There’s no cocktail menu, but if you’re missing one, you really ought to consider developing a A redo of People Lounge, High taste for beer, if only so you can Noon Saloon offers a very fully appreciate this Chicago decent selection of draft and treasure. Unaccompanied bottled beers (including several patrons should feel free to treat local ones), plus an extensive the shelves and shelves of old whiskey and tequila list. There’s National Geographic magazines also a handful of cocktails. as more than just decor—I once lost track of time reading one 11 of Jacques Cousteau’s first English-language stories in an issue from the 1950s. 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

13 NORTHSIDE BAR & GRILL 1635 N. Damen, 773-3843555, northsidechicago.com. Sat–Fri 11–2 AM, Sat 11–3 AM

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B 5

1 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.

BARS

CHICAGO READER CRITICS’ REVIEWS

Violet Hour –Courtesy Violet Hour

and thin, diaphanous sheets of luscious guanciale. There are also plenty of beers on tap, as well as both lunch and late-nigh t 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.

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 – Ashley Buziecki

B 4 CHICAGO READER • WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE

FESTS

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Wicker Park Fest

on the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, DO DIVISION STREET FEST BUCKTOWN ARTS FEST acupuncture, or urban sustainability. 5/30–6/1: Fri 5–10 PM, Sat 8/23–Sun 8/24: 11 AM–7 PM, Check out learnapaloozachi.com for Sat–Sun noon–10 PM. Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2238 a complete rundown of classes Division between Damen & N. Oakley, bucktownartsfest.com. and locations. Leavitt, do-divisionstreetfest. com, $5 suggested donation. The festival showcases various artists, musicians, poets, performers, 7 Along with a sidewalk sale featuring and dancers. Proceeds go to RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR the typical summer festival fare, developing and funding arts Sat 9/6–Sun 9/7: 11 AM–6 PM, Do Division offers two stages education programming at Division between Damen & Paulina, of live music curated by the Holstein Park and to Bucktown/ renegadecraft.com/chicago. Empty Bottle and Subterranean/ Wicker Park neighborhoods. House Call Entertainment; the Family Fun Fest, with partners If you always imagined that heaven 2 like the Museum of Science and was a place filled with things Industry and the Shedd Aquarium like handmade stuffed animals, CHICAGO FASHION FEST presenting kid-friendly activities; jewelry carved from wood, and felt Sat 8/23–Sun 8/24: noon–10 PM, and a Fashion Fest, featuring brooches and headpieces, then the Division between Ashland & runway shows and pop-up shops. Renegade Craft Fair sure sounds a Damen, chicagofashionfest.com. lot like heaven. Indie crafters from all over the country come to hawk 5 The two-day Wicker Park festival is their wares at the enormous annual an “outdoor shopping experience” outdoor market in Wicker Park, GREEN MUSIC FEST with runway and fashion shows, plus and we all try not to go broke. Sat 6/21–Sun 6/22: noon–10 booths from local shops. PM, Damen between Schiller & North, greenmusicfestchicago. 3 8 com, $5 suggested donation. WICKER PARK FEST CHILL FEST Sat 7/26–Sun 7/27: time TBD, The Green Music Fest returns to Sat 11/15, time TBD, various Milwaukee between North & Wicker Park this year, its mission to locations, chillfestchicago.com. Paulina, wickerparkfest.com, promote sustainability by introducing $5 suggested donation. attendees to environmentally For the second year in a row, the conscious retailers and service Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber providers. Held on Damen between Milwaukee Avenue hosts DJs and of Commerce hosts Chillfest, a North and Schiller, the festival live bands on three stages sponsored neighborhood-wide celebration hosts two stages of live music. by Subterranean, Smoke Daddy, of the community’s musical and and Small Bar—past headliners cultural heritage. Last year, more have included Ted Leo, Cults, and than 100 local acts—Brett and Julie 6 Cursive—along with performance Meckler, the Lost Cartographers, and installation art; food, drink, LEARNAPALOOZA and Todd Kessler and the New Folk and art vendors; and a Kids Fest Sat 6/21, various times and Band among them—performed featuring games, activities, and locations, learnapaloozachi.com. acoustic sets in storefronts like music for the whole family. The fest Jackson Junge Gallery, Antique strives to not only provide top-notch Taco, and Lomography. Learn how to tango, play a guitar entertainment, but set an example solo, or build your own computer. Maybe attend an educational seminar for sustainability and green efforts. WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN GUIDE • CHICAGO READER B3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY–JUNE 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 | More info at do-divisionstreetfest.com WICKER PARK FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 5/11–10/26, 8 AM– 2 PM | Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen | More info at wickerparkbucktown.com 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