Wicker Park, located just 6 miles from downtown, is truly a hidden gem. You’ll find streets lined with beautiful murals, quaint shops, vintage and thrift stores, and some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. Check out our top 10 best things to do in Wicker Park!
1. Grab brunch at Bongo Room
First things first, you must eat brunch at Bongo Room aka “the best brunch spot in Chicago.” This lively brunch restaurant serves classic breakfast and brunch items with creative twists. The ambience is fun and hip with friendly service. We recommend their chocolate tower french toast and mimosas.
For a full list of our favorite Wicker Park restaurants, click here.
2. Sip on a coffee at The Wormhole Coffee
Looking for the best cup of joe in Wicker Park? Make sure to stop at The Wormhole Coffee, an ’80s themed rustic coffee shop in the heart of Wicker Park. It receives an A+ for friendly atmosphere and great locally roasted coffee.
3. Grab a taco at Big Star
Whether you’re looking for a great margarita or some local tacos, Big Star is the place to be in Wicker Park.
During the summer, crowds form outdoors and indoors to listen to music and hang out with friends.
For more restaurant suggestions in Wicker Park, click here!
4. Explore the local street art
Wicker Park is the perfect neighborhood to simply wander. During your exploration, you’ll find beautiful street murals randomly dispersed in back alleys and storefronts. Walk up and down all the main strips of Wicker Park to discover them all (Milwaukee Ave and North Ave).
5. Go thrifting
Wicker Park is filled with thrift and vintage stores. You can find Chicago-themed souvenirs for cheap, dining decor, or eclectic clothing for every season. Some of our favorites: Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading, and VIntage Underground.
For a complete list of best thrift stores in Chicago, click here.
6. Walk or bike the Bloomingdale Trail (or the 606 to locals)
The 606 trail runs east-west for a nice 2.7-mile walk or bike ride across the city. There are various stops along the trail to have a picnic or stop to admire street art.
How to get there? Get off the Western Blue Line stop and walk to Western and Bloomington.
7. Get lost reading in Myopic Bookstore
This multiple-level bookstore in Wicker Park is a hidden gem. With used books of every genre, you could spend the day reading. There are chairs to relax and read. Come to study, read a book, or explore rows of bookshelves.
8. Relax in Wicker Park
Wicker Park is often overlooked, an urban park with multiple sports fields and playgrounds. It’s a local hangout where residents come for meet-ups and picnics. If you’re new to the area, grab a snack, a good book, and a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the grass.
9. Enjoy a cocktail at the Blue Line Lounge
If you want a unique, local experience, head to Blue Line Lounge named after the CTA line. This 50’s style cocktail lounge has an array of classy beverages serving American fare, perfect for a date night or late night drink with friends.
10. Shop on Milwaukee Avenue
Explore Milwaukee Avenue and shop ’til you drop. There are a mix of independent-owned and commercial stores like Nike and Levis. If you want to get away from the hectic shopping culture of downtown and casually shop, head to Milwaukee avenue.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Wicker Park? Favorite shop? Favorite restaurant? *comment below*
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