Wicker Park and Bucktown are two Chicago neighborhoods that have blended so well that it’s difficult to tell where one begins and the other ends.
The bordering lines are easily blurred as the two communities are inseparable. Wicker Park is part of West Town, while Bucktown is located on the northern border of Wicker Park, east of Logan Square. Known for trendy restaurants, offbeat galleries, and vibrant nightlife, these artsy neighborhoods attract foodies, art lovers, and bar hoppers looking for a late-night buzz.
Wicker Park was incorporated as part of Chicago in 1837 and was named in the 1870s after developers Charles and John Wicker bought the land after the Chicago fire. Bucktown got its name from Polish immigrants who raised goats (Bucks in Polish); thus, Bucktown was born.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are some of Chicago’s best and trendiest neighborhoods you can live in. Here is a comparison of both and things to do in these hippy neighborhoods.
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Location
Wicker Park is located in West Town, north of Ukrainian Village and East Village, northwest of the Loop, east of Humboldt Park, west of Pulaski Park, and south of Bucktown.
Bucktown forms the eastern boundary of Logan Square and borders Chicago River to the east, Western Avenue to the west, Bloomingdale Avenue to the south, and Wicker Park to the north.
The I-94 (Kennedy Expressway) runs through Bucktown’s middle, making it easily accessible by car. At the southern boundary is Bloomington Trail, “The 606”.
Community and Vibes
Wicker Park is a hippy, urban-suburban neighborhood with one-of-a-kind art galleries, performance venues, record stores, and boutique shops.
Here you’ll find cool coffee shops, vintage stores, trendy taprooms and music clubs, and funky museums in one of the city’s up-and-coming spots. Because of its eclectic vibe, it attracts all kinds of people, from working artists to trendy hipsters and young professionals.
We can’t forget the vibrant urban art on the streets and inside art galleries. If you want to expand your artistic horizons in a fun, lively neighborhood, you’ll not regret moving to Chicago.
Bucktown is quieter and more intimate, a perfect place to decompress after work or raise a family. But don’t let the quiet fool you; the nightlife here is hot. There are plenty of cafes, theaters, pubs, and local bars, giving you plenty of options when choosing somewhere to enjoy a great night.
The neighborhood has maintained historical vintage buildings blended with sleek modern homes and other features like bars and fitness centers. It offers plenty of parks, shopping and dining options, greenery, and vibrant nightlife.
Safety
Wicker Park is one of the safest neighborhoods; 17% safer than other neighborhoods in the US. There’s also a neighborhood watch community, albeit online, but you can rest assured your neighbors will look out for you.
Bucktown is also pretty safe, especially for the LGBTQ community. It also has an online watch community where residents come together to help each other.
Shopping in Bucktown and Wicker Park
The shopping scene in these neighborhoods provides endless options to fill your shopping bags and empty your wallet. The high concentration of a variety of shops, including boutiques, record shops, vintage stores, and much more, will have you enjoying every moment of your shopping experience.
Asrai Garden
Known for its gorgeous floral arrangements and luxurious jewelry, Asrai Garden offers stunning wild and exotic flowers, succulents, and treasure shelves of apothecary products and jewelry. Wander into their shop for one-of-a-kind finds, home decor items, fragrances, confections, and gift sets.
Eskell
Shop “treasures for home and life” at Eskell Chicago. This Vogue-recommended shop sells home decor, furniture, jewelry, kitchen and bar items, apothecaries, clothing, vintage finds, and entertainment items.
Dog lovers will have a great time here as they allow your furry friends to accompany you. Whether you want to design your engagement ring, shop for decor to redesign your home, or clothes for any occasion, go by Eskell. Their printed silk dresses are a favorite to almost anyone.
Penelope’s
Penelope’s offers uniquely-cut clothes, shoes, and accessories. Shop for an edited selection of labels and hard-to-find European brands like Sessun and A.P.C.
Myopic Books
Myopic Books has more than 60,000 books, ranging from art to fiction, cooking, mythology, and children’s books. They also hold improvisational music shows on Mondays and occasional poetry talks and readings.
Moth
Inspired by the beauty and simplicity of Japanese and Nordic designs, Moth houses a collection of jewelry, garments, and house accessories from Finland, Scandinavia, and Japan.
Every item is made with simplicity and high respect for craftsmanship, typical of Nordic and Japanese cultures, and has unique providence. It’s the perfect place to shop for gifts and souvenirs, as most items are not carried anywhere else in the US.
Other places worth checking out include:
- Pistil & Vine for organic flowers and gifts
- Mindblend Supply Co. for premium denim
- Marine Layer for comfy, custom-blended cotton T-shirts
- BFF Bikes for bikes and clothing for cyclists
- The Silver Room for a clothing boutique, gallery, event space, and juice bar.
Parks and Activities
- The 606/Bloomingdale Trail: The 606 is 2.7 miles of trail and recreational park in an abandoned rail line that runs through Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. It connects several parks and is a favorite for dog walkers, bikers, and joggers.
- Wicker Park: This 10,000 square feet park features an ornamental garden, basketball courts, a baseball field, and a soccer field. It also has a fieldhouse with a gymnasium, a children’s playground, a water fountain, a water spray feature, and a dog-friendly area.
- Holstein Park: Located in Bucktown, it features an assembly hall, club rooms, two gymnasiums, a senior baseball field, a volleyball court, a softball field, and a swimming pool. It also hosts various events like Easter Egg Hunt, aquatic programs, and arts camps.
Other neighborhood parks include Ehrler Playground Park, Churchill Field Playlot Park, Senior Citizens Memorial Park, and The Bucktown Green public space.
Best Bars and Restaurants in Wicker Park and Bucktown
Wicker Park and Bucktown have something for everyone when it comes to restaurants. The food scene here is spectacular, from Filipino to Thai cuisines, old-school classics, to modern favorites.
As for drinks, enjoy craft beers and cocktails in eclectic seasonal pop-ups, rooftop bars, and all-year-round spots with scenic patios.
Schwa
Schwa offers unforgettable dining experiences in Chicago. It’s a perfect joint for celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries or impressing out-of-towners.
The environment is fun and inviting and has great music. Expect a 12-course rotating menu, where the chefs double as servers. It’s also BYOB (bring your own bottle) and drink as much as you want.
Taxim
Taxim is the most exotic Greek restaurant you’ll come across. Ideal for large groups and date nights, they serve delicate and vibrantly spiced dishes like their signature pork sausage in lamb caul, handcrafted desserts, homemade pita, and stellar yogurts.
The atmosphere is vibrant, with cultivated furnishings and wide arches. Try their wood-grilled octopus, red onions, and fennel. Also, check out the rooftop; you’ll love it.
The Bento Box
The Bento Box is a Japanese restaurant in Bucktown. It’s small, with just a dozen seats, but the taste of fresh Asian flavors made from fresh ingredients will keep you coming back. Try the juicy bulgogi or rice noodles in tasty chili-scented Thai broth.
Cabana Club
The Cabana Club is a seasonal rooftop bar on the Robey Hotel’s sixth floor. Sit by the pool and enjoy panoramic skyline views as you sip frozen margaritas in tasty flavors like peach ginger and pina coladas.
Big Star
Big Star’s patio is one of the most sought-after in the city. The space has yellow umbrellas, is surrounded by planters, and is dog-friendly. Walk in on a nice summer day and share margaritas, whisky cocktails, and tacos with friends.
Easy Bar Chicago
This laid-back neighborhood bar is your go-to spot for cheap drinks, with everything going for half price from 5 pm to 7 pm. Easy Bar has indoor and seasonal outdoor seating and is a perfect joint for playing pool, holding private parties, and dog-friendly sidewalk day drinking.
Places to See and Things To DO in Wicker Park and Bucktown
Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods are full of cool places to see and things to do.
- See contemporary dance shows at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
- Explore The 606 trail
- Laugh your lungs out at the Comedy Clubhouse
- Enjoy a fun family day at Wicker Park
- Enjoy live theater performance at The Trap Door Theater
- Play escape games at Team Vs. Time
- Go bowling at the Whirlyball Chicago
- Drink with friends at Danny’s Tavern
- Find rare music at Reckless Records
Experience the Nightlife
The after-dark entertainment scene in these neighborhoods is as good as it can get. It has a mix of dive bars, cocktail bars, and craft beer to keep you going through the night. The center of nightlife in Wicker Park and Bucktown is the North/Damen/Milwaukee Intersection, home to some of the city’s favorite late-night clubs, dive bars, and neighborhood pubs.
Find something to sip in The Map Room, Rainbo Club, Up & Up, Estelle’s, Danny’s Tavern, The Fifty/50, and the craft beer-and-sausage-themed, Links Taproom.
Living and Renting in Wicker Park/Bucktown
If you’re considering moving to Chicago, why not try living and renting in Wicker Park or Bucktown? You’ll love the vibrant atmosphere in Wicker Park and Bucktown’s quiet, peaceful vibe. And if you love the great nightlife, exceptional bars and restaurants, and plenty of places to shop, these neighborhoods are perfect.
You can find apartments for rent in Wicker Park/Bucktown with a reliable partner like June. At June Homes, we’ll help you find entire apartments or shared rooms in the neighborhood of your choice without a hassle. You can choose the house of your choice from our expansive list of rental apartments in Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Contact us today and let us find you an apartment you’ll love living in.
