If you are looking for an easy-to-reach neighborhood that offers a unique shopping district where you can find treasure at vintage stores, get a new story at a bookshop, and flip through vinyl at record shops then Wicker Park is for you. On top of all that, if you go beyond the local stores, you can go play arcade games at a bar, compete in a round of mini-golf with friends, or catch a concert.
Getting to Wicker Park
Public Transportation: The “L”
For those of you who are avid rail riders, Wicker Park is located conveniently on the Blue Line with two stops, Damen and Division. The Blue Line is a 24/7 service, however, fewer trains run at night. So, as always, check your schedules before you go.
Buses
The 56 Milwaukee Bus also services this area, going from the Loop to Jefferson Park.
Biking in Wicker Park
As with most of Chicago, biking is a great transportation option. Plus for those of you who are traveling, the area does feature Divvy stations. This neighborhood also connects to the 606, a biking and walking trail that can be used to travel from one neighborhood to the next.
Via Car
There is street parking throughout Wicker Park. We have mostly found spots here, however, on busy days you may be searching and getting a parking space a bit farther than you may like. If you do street parking, I always suggest using the parking app so that you can add time from anywhere! Gone are the days of sprinting to the car to add quarters to a machine.
Shopping
Find unique treasures at Vintage Underground. This shop offers a selection of jewelry, fashion accessories, clothing, and more from the past.
More than a shop, Secret Agent Supply Co. offers a selection of unique and a few local books. This store is part of 826CHI, a Chicago non-profit. 826 CHI focuses on creative writing and tutoring. It is also a publishing center. This storefront sells published work by their students! One of the titles to catch my eye was “Surround Sound” a book about Pitch Fork written by students!
Check out fashions of the past at Store B Vintage. On their racks, you will find high-end vintage pieces. Their store also offers several other fun and unique home goods and knicknacks.
Flip through records at Shuga Records. This store features new and used vinyl.
Kokorokoko is a fun bright store featuring vintage clothing and items from the 80s and 90s. They also have new merchandise from artists as well.
Transit Tees has the best Chicago Suveniors and local gifts. This store features inside jokes that as a Chicagoan you’re like “well, yup, that’s us!” I also have to recommend their Chicago games here. The Loop is a fun card game similar to UNO that is perfect and simple for a quick party starter. However, it is based on the “L.” So if you are a frequent public transit traveler the cards will have you exclaiming “Oh my gosh that’s happened to me.” I have also enjoyed the Tranist game, which is also an “L” based board game. Rush around the city on the “L” getting from one place to another in a fun competition.
Find some tunes at Reckless Records. This store offered a nice selection of new and used records.
Activities in Wicker Park
‘Par’ take in a game at Big Mini Putt Club . This 9-hole mini golf course is located inside a bar venue! Prices start at $10 a person for a round of golf.
If you are looking for a laugh then make sure to catch a comedy show at The Den Theater. From local up-and-coming comedians to big names, this theater has got your entertainment covered.
Are you a Pin Ball Wizard? Then head on over to the Emporium Arcade Bar and see if you can set a new high score. All you need are a few tokens to play here. This bar also offers several events including music bingo and DJ nights.
Wicker (Charles, Joel ) Park is a great green space featuring a dog park. In the summer this park also hosts movie nights and a farmers market.
Dining, Treats & Drinks
Looking for an over-the-top, not your mother’s grilled cheese? Try Cheesie’s Pub And Grub. This restaurant features specialty grilled cheeses including “The Mac” and “The Popper.” Although this location is only open for pick-up or delivery, you can sit down and order a grilled cheese at their sister location, Whiskey Business.
Whiskey Business offers bright cheerful colors and decor that are inspired by the 80s and 90s. Their rooftop also makes for the perfect summertime hangout. Try their burgers and sandwiches starting at $10 or order something from Chessie’s Pub And Grub.
If you are looking to sample new menu items check out Yolk Test Kitchen. Their revolving menu lets you try their new ideas and provide insights before the dishes grace this chain’s multiple restaurants.
Small Cheval is a mini local chain serving up burgers. This location offers a cute patio right near the L.
Grab a Chicago Style Hot Dog at Devil Dawgs. Or try their unique offerings like “Bulldawg” or “Southern Slaw Dog. ”
Walkability in Wicker Park
This area is very pedestrian-friendly. The biggest note I have here is Wicker Park, like several other Chicago neighborhoods, has 6-way traffic stars. Although these intersections try to be as pedestrian-friendly, the shape and amount of crisscross roads can make it a bit wanky. It also makes it a bit of a pain to navigate.
Know Before You Go
I would suggest going to Wicker Park during the afternoon if you are looking to shop. Most stores do not open until 10 or even noon in some cases. If you’re hoping to catch a specific store I would double-check store hours for open days and hours. Some boutique shops will not be open on Mondays or Tuesdays!
The Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch Library is located on Milwaukee Street. I always like to mention this as it is a good place to regroup, relax, warm up (or cool down), use a public restroom, and maybe refill a water bottle.
Pet Friendly
Wicker Park is a great place to take your dog. As we walked through stores, we saw dog owners asking shop staff if it was okay if their dog came in, and most places seemed to say yes. Past the shops, there is also a dog park at Wicker Charles Joel Park and your furry friend might like walking along the 606 as well.
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