Chicago Neighborhood Guide: Wicker Park

The park within Wicker Park is sprawling over 4-acres and a perfect place to spend time with friends and family. There’s plenty to enjoy in the park with events like movie nights  and live music performances.

This charming outdoor space also includes community gardens, a playground, and athletic fields so there are plenty of activities to take part in. From dining to drinking to entertainment, this neighborhood is filled to the brim with new and experimental restaurants and bars that are perfect for a night out.

On a Saturday night, stop by The Violet Hour for a “prohibition-era” drink. Located in the heart of Wicker Park, this cozy spot is serving up artisanal cocktails in an intimate setting complete with candlelit tables and a large marble bar.

The drink menu includes unique options like the Juliet & Romeo (Beefeater Gin, Lime, Grapefruit, St. Germain), Love that About You (Village vodka, Ramazotti Rosato, Grapefruit, Lavender, Cava), and Crocodile Tears (Mezcal, Tequila, Green Chartreuse, Dolin Blanc, Salers).

Looking for a bite to eat? Head to Cebu, a small upscale Filipino restaurant in the neighborhood that’s serving up tasty bites like kinilaw, chicken adobo, and incredible homemade bread. For those warmer fall nights, make sure you grab a seat at the outdoor patio.

Another restaurant with a warm, cozy feel is Etta, a beloved neighborhood spot that’s serving up tasty wood-fired dishes. From fluffy, crunchy pizza to decadent house-made pasta—this restaurant is perfect for family dinners and date nights.

For amazing shopping, there are a variety of independent shops to choose from. Walk along Milwaukee Ave and you’ll come across vintage stores, unique boutiques, record shops and more. Charming shops include Moon Voyage (lifestyle boutique), Gather Home + Lifestyle (minimalist interior design), and Myopic Bookstore (one of Chicago’s oldest and largest used bookstores).

For a night out on the town, there are a bunch of options to choose from—whether it’s arcade bars or live music venues like Hideout, a country-rock roadhouse or Subterranean, a venue for drinks and live music, featured on separate floors.

On a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning, head over to the Wicker Park Farmers Market which features fresh regional goods from a collection of farmers and vendors. The WPFM promotes sustainably-grown and nutritious local foods with a wide selection of vendors including Petals Farm, John Bailey Honey, Nutmeg’s Spreads, among many more.

Whether it’s going out or spending time with family, Wicker Park has proven that it has almost everything for homebuyers looking into the area!