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An aerial view of Wicker Park.
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Where to Eat and Drink in Wicker Park

The neighborhood has changed but top-notch restaurants remain plentiful

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An aerial view of Wicker Park.
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It’s easy to lament the Wicker Park is what it used to be in the ‘90s when derelicts like High Fidelity’s Rob Gordon hung out at the Double Door and Reckless Records. The area is more family friendly even though bars like Estelle’s and Nick’s Beer Garden continue to serve as cornerstones along Milwaukee Avenue.

While the area keeps changing, there are still plenty of things to eat. There’s even an outlet of deep-dish champion Lou Malnati’s. While Lou’s didn’t make the list, there’s more than enough delicious pizza to pick from in the area. Walk through Wicker Park’s Six Corners intersection for a tour of the neighborhood’s best.

As of March 2, Chicago restaurants are permitted to serve customers indoors with a 50 percent maximum capacity per room, or 50 people — whichever is fewer. At the same time, despite winter weather, a number of Chicago restaurants continue to offer outdoor seating. Regardless, the state requires reservations for indoor and outdoor dining. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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The Delta

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The Delta is special with strong drinks, fun tamales, and friendly service. There’s a small back patio and they also serve a gym shoe tamale, taking the beloved South Side sandwich to new heights. It’s also to note that this is one of the only Black-owned food and drink options in the area.

Southern charm is the name of the game at the Delta.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Kennedy Rooftop

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Rooftop bars are relatively uncommon in Wicker Park, so the Kennedy’s opening last July on the seventh floor of the newish Hyatt Place Hotel on North and Ashland avenues was a big deal for the neighborhood. It’s ideally positioned for panoramic views of the Willis Tower, and pairs food and drink with a retractable awning, fire pits, lounge chairs, and more outdoor toys.

A rooftop patio bar.
The rooftop space has a retractable covering.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Piece Brewery

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Piece is usually packed with a high-energy atmosphere which makes it kind of a chore to find a table on the weekends. This is a proper brewpub with IPA and lagers available in growlers for home consumption. But wait, should we talk about the pizza? Customers will find New Haven-style pizza. Pies can be inconsistent during high-volume times, but when it’s on, it’s on. Check out the weekday lunch special.

This family-run Filipino restaurant serves top-notch lumpia. Sure, lumpia is always great, but the lumpia at Cebu is worth daydreaming about. Other favorites include bam-i (Cebuano-style pancit), longanisa buns, and halo-halo.

The corner of a simple dining room space with wood floors and white walls.
Cebu features a menu packed with Filipino treasures.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Paulie Gee's Wicker Park

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New York import Paulie Gee’s has opened a second local outpost after garnering legions of fans at its original Chicago location in Logan Square. The new Damen Avenue shop specializes in N.Y.-style pies like the “I’ll Pork You,” (citrus-roasted pork, pineapple habanero sauce, cilantro sauce, garlic, pickled red onions, mozzarella) and egg sandwiches for breakfast.

A pizza counter with pizzas.
Paulie Gee’s Wicker Park outpost features New York-style pies and slices.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Phodega

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Some would say Phodega is the best pho in Chicago away from Argyle Street. But this spot’s appeal goes beyond pho with a menu of crispy shrimp rolls and a combo fried chicken/Hainanese chicken plate. It’s also a great spot to pick up oyster sauce and Korean honey butter potato chips.

A pioneer for Greek food away from Greektown, Taxim is one of the best restaurants in the area with a charming rooftop. The duck gyros are a staple, but don’t be afraid to venture out.

Dove's Luncheonette

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This charming Tex-Mex diner from One Off Hospitality (Publican, Big Star) has become a popular standby for Wicker Park residents with a hankering for breakfast and brunch indulgences like burnt ends hash and chicken fried chicken. Dove’s currently remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic so stay tuned for a reopening date.

A quaint diner-style space with a long metal counter and lots of stools.
“Mex-Tex” diner Dove’s Luncheonette is a smash hit.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Tacos & Burrito Express #3

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Recently moved, this is one of the most reliable Mexican restaurants for a late-night meal. Forget about the overrated burritos at the hyped place a few blocks south, Tacos & Burrito Express has moist, delicious steak that will make you return.

Schwa Restaurant

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Schwa sparks conversation, as a low-fi Michelin-starred restaurant where there’s not delineation between back and front of the houses. While the restaurant isn’t as wild as it was when it was younger, the restaurant retains a rebellious streak in the fine dining world.

Artemio Bakery

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This Mexican bakery is a sweet experience for customers of all ages. Start by grabbing a tray to pile high with crunchy conchas and other delights.

Bread stacked on a tray. Rick Majewski/Eater Chicago

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

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Chef Brian Jupiter (Frontier) and the folks behind Lottie’s Pub have done it again. In renovating the Beachwood — a dive bar on the corner of Beach and Wood that had seen better days — the team has created an ode to New Orleans with fried catfish and oysters, po’boys, and frozen ice.

A bar with stools and a distressed checkered floor.
Ina Mae is named for chef Brian Jupiter’s grandmother.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Mott St

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Mott St was a pioneer along Ashland, bringing stability to a restaurant space that has seen plenty of turnaround. Chef Edward Kim’s most popular item is his burger, and it’s good enough to merit Mini Mott, a spinoff in Logan Square. But the chef’s composed dishes, like imperial rolls and braised cabbage rolls stuffed with pork shoulder, push Korean-American flavors while challenging perceptions.

Mott Street
Mott Street
Mott St [Official Photo]

Antique Taco Wicker Park

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This counter-service taqueria is among the most stylish and creative Mexican spots in the neighborhood, featuring delectable dishes like crab and shrimp flautas, crispy fish tacos with spicy tartar sauce and smoked cabbage, and horchata milkshakes topped with whipped cream. Owners also operate an outpost in Bridgeport.

BIG & little's Restaurant

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For cheap eats, it doesn’t bet much better than this mini-chain with burgers, tacos, and sandwiches that are better than the pricier competition. The Samurai Taco with poke outpace the sushi bowl trend, and it’s much more satisfying. Don’t forget about the fish and chips, which are better than most Chicago pubs.

Craft Pizza

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It’s difficult to define Craft Pizza, a seven-year-old destination for Midwestern-meets-Neapolitan pies and slices on Damen Avenue. That elusive quality is part of its appeal, drawing fans from across the city for options like the Devil in the White City (pecorino, hot capicollo, spicy peppers, peperoncinis, red onions, EVOO) and the white truffle pie with cremini mushrooms.

Bonchon Division

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Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has a veritable cult following, and three years ago, Wicker Park residents found out why: perfectly crunchy chicken (wings, drums, and strips) slathered in soy or spicy glaze. Patrons can expect other familiar Korean and Japanese options including bulgolgi, japchae, chicken katsu, and takoyaki. Other locations are open in Chinatown and suburban Glenview.

Tous Les Jours

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Massive Korean-French bakery chain Tous Les Jours has earned the adoration of locals for its laminated pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. The lovely cafe is a treat for the eyes, too, with colorful creations lined up inside a glowing pastry case.

A glass pastry case filled with brightly-colored pastries and desserts.
Tous Les Jours features Korean-French pastries.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Tortello

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Tortello delights neighbors with fancy pastas made just inside the restaurant’s front window. The restaurant is a boon for locals who can buy raw pasta to cook at home, but also caters to dine-in customers who can also enjoy handmade noodles while sitting on the Division Street patio.

Alliance Bakery

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Pastry competition is fierce in Wicker Park, and classical French heavyweight Alliance Bakery is easily among the top contenders. Experts at both flavor and aesthetics, its bakers whip up elegant cakes, immaculate macarons, flaky croissants, and much more.

Cafe Istanbul

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Turkish food gets the spotlight at this local favorite with fancy kebobs and more. The service goes beyond a standard shawarma shack and there’s plenty for light meals or dishes that will satisfy the most robust eater.

The Perch Kitchen and Tap

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Boisterous brewpub the Perch is well on its way to establishing itself as one of Wicker Park’s top retreats for interesting beers and wood-grilled meats like chops, steaks, and rotisserie chicken. The space, previously home to the Boundary, features a new bar, skylights, and big booths, plus a engrossing sculpture garden.

A high-ceilinged brewpub dining room with high-top tables and chairs.
The Perch has a spacious dining room, sidewalk patio, and outdoor sculpture garden.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Mirai Sushi

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Some may argue that Mirai is a fossil, a reminder of what sushi used to be in Chicago in the ‘90s. And that’s OK, as Mirai is just as satisfying as it used to be with fresh fish and quality service. The only difference is that it’s more family friendly than before, as owners have listened to neighborhood desires.

Lost Larson

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Pedigreed pastry chef Bobby Schaffer has kept the spirit of Swedish baking alive at his adorable Andersonville bakery, and has since expanded into Wicker Park with a new location on Division. Customers tend to form long lines for top-notch cinnamon rolls and moist lingonberry almond cake, so it’s a good idea to place orders in advance.

Mama Delia

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Energetic Spanish spot Mama Delia, the replacement for tapas stalwart Black Bull, debuted in July with a contemporary menu that blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques. There’s also an open-air sherry bar and gourmet market stocked with conservas, specialty olive oils, and dried spices.

A large outdoor patio for dining next to a pink building.
Contemporary Spanish cooking takes center stage at Mama Delia.
Barry Brechceisen/Eater Chicago

The Delta

The Delta is special with strong drinks, fun tamales, and friendly service. There’s a small back patio and they also serve a gym shoe tamale, taking the beloved South Side sandwich to new heights. It’s also to note that this is one of the only Black-owned food and drink options in the area.

Southern charm is the name of the game at the Delta.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Kennedy Rooftop

Rooftop bars are relatively uncommon in Wicker Park, so the Kennedy’s opening last July on the seventh floor of the newish Hyatt Place Hotel on North and Ashland avenues was a big deal for the neighborhood. It’s ideally positioned for panoramic views of the Willis Tower, and pairs food and drink with a retractable awning, fire pits, lounge chairs, and more outdoor toys.

A rooftop patio bar.
The rooftop space has a retractable covering.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Piece Brewery

Piece is usually packed with a high-energy atmosphere which makes it kind of a chore to find a table on the weekends. This is a proper brewpub with IPA and lagers available in growlers for home consumption. But wait, should we talk about the pizza? Customers will find New Haven-style pizza. Pies can be inconsistent during high-volume times, but when it’s on, it’s on. Check out the weekday lunch special.

Cebu

This family-run Filipino restaurant serves top-notch lumpia. Sure, lumpia is always great, but the lumpia at Cebu is worth daydreaming about. Other favorites include bam-i (Cebuano-style pancit), longanisa buns, and halo-halo.

The corner of a simple dining room space with wood floors and white walls.
Cebu features a menu packed with Filipino treasures.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Paulie Gee's Wicker Park

New York import Paulie Gee’s has opened a second local outpost after garnering legions of fans at its original Chicago location in Logan Square. The new Damen Avenue shop specializes in N.Y.-style pies like the “I’ll Pork You,” (citrus-roasted pork, pineapple habanero sauce, cilantro sauce, garlic, pickled red onions, mozzarella) and egg sandwiches for breakfast.

A pizza counter with pizzas.
Paulie Gee’s Wicker Park outpost features New York-style pies and slices.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Phodega

Some would say Phodega is the best pho in Chicago away from Argyle Street. But this spot’s appeal goes beyond pho with a menu of crispy shrimp rolls and a combo fried chicken/Hainanese chicken plate. It’s also a great spot to pick up oyster sauce and Korean honey butter potato chips.

Taxim

A pioneer for Greek food away from Greektown, Taxim is one of the best restaurants in the area with a charming rooftop. The duck gyros are a staple, but don’t be afraid to venture out.

Dove's Luncheonette

This charming Tex-Mex diner from One Off Hospitality (Publican, Big Star) has become a popular standby for Wicker Park residents with a hankering for breakfast and brunch indulgences like burnt ends hash and chicken fried chicken. Dove’s currently remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic so stay tuned for a reopening date.

A quaint diner-style space with a long metal counter and lots of stools.
“Mex-Tex” diner Dove’s Luncheonette is a smash hit.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Tacos & Burrito Express #3

Recently moved, this is one of the most reliable Mexican restaurants for a late-night meal. Forget about the overrated burritos at the hyped place a few blocks south, Tacos & Burrito Express has moist, delicious steak that will make you return.

Schwa Restaurant

Schwa sparks conversation, as a low-fi Michelin-starred restaurant where there’s not delineation between back and front of the houses. While the restaurant isn’t as wild as it was when it was younger, the restaurant retains a rebellious streak in the fine dining world.

Artemio Bakery

This Mexican bakery is a sweet experience for customers of all ages. Start by grabbing a tray to pile high with crunchy conchas and other delights.

Bread stacked on a tray. Rick Majewski/Eater Chicago

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

Chef Brian Jupiter (Frontier) and the folks behind Lottie’s Pub have done it again. In renovating the Beachwood — a dive bar on the corner of Beach and Wood that had seen better days — the team has created an ode to New Orleans with fried catfish and oysters, po’boys, and frozen ice.

A bar with stools and a distressed checkered floor.
Ina Mae is named for chef Brian Jupiter’s grandmother.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Mott St

Mott St was a pioneer along Ashland, bringing stability to a restaurant space that has seen plenty of turnaround. Chef Edward Kim’s most popular item is his burger, and it’s good enough to merit Mini Mott, a spinoff in Logan Square. But the chef’s composed dishes, like imperial rolls and braised cabbage rolls stuffed with pork shoulder, push Korean-American flavors while challenging perceptions.

Mott Street
Mott Street
Mott St [Official Photo]

Antique Taco Wicker Park

This counter-service taqueria is among the most stylish and creative Mexican spots in the neighborhood, featuring delectable dishes like crab and shrimp flautas, crispy fish tacos with spicy tartar sauce and smoked cabbage, and horchata milkshakes topped with whipped cream. Owners also operate an outpost in Bridgeport.

BIG & little's Restaurant

For cheap eats, it doesn’t bet much better than this mini-chain with burgers, tacos, and sandwiches that are better than the pricier competition. The Samurai Taco with poke outpace the sushi bowl trend, and it’s much more satisfying. Don’t forget about the fish and chips, which are better than most Chicago pubs.

Related Maps

Craft Pizza

It’s difficult to define Craft Pizza, a seven-year-old destination for Midwestern-meets-Neapolitan pies and slices on Damen Avenue. That elusive quality is part of its appeal, drawing fans from across the city for options like the Devil in the White City (pecorino, hot capicollo, spicy peppers, peperoncinis, red onions, EVOO) and the white truffle pie with cremini mushrooms.

Bonchon Division

Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has a veritable cult following, and three years ago, Wicker Park residents found out why: perfectly crunchy chicken (wings, drums, and strips) slathered in soy or spicy glaze. Patrons can expect other familiar Korean and Japanese options including bulgolgi, japchae, chicken katsu, and takoyaki. Other locations are open in Chinatown and suburban Glenview.

Tous Les Jours

Massive Korean-French bakery chain Tous Les Jours has earned the adoration of locals for its laminated pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. The lovely cafe is a treat for the eyes, too, with colorful creations lined up inside a glowing pastry case.

A glass pastry case filled with brightly-colored pastries and desserts.
Tous Les Jours features Korean-French pastries.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Tortello

Tortello delights neighbors with fancy pastas made just inside the restaurant’s front window. The restaurant is a boon for locals who can buy raw pasta to cook at home, but also caters to dine-in customers who can also enjoy handmade noodles while sitting on the Division Street patio.

Alliance Bakery

Pastry competition is fierce in Wicker Park, and classical French heavyweight Alliance Bakery is easily among the top contenders. Experts at both flavor and aesthetics, its bakers whip up elegant cakes, immaculate macarons, flaky croissants, and much more.

Cafe Istanbul

Turkish food gets the spotlight at this local favorite with fancy kebobs and more. The service goes beyond a standard shawarma shack and there’s plenty for light meals or dishes that will satisfy the most robust eater.

The Perch Kitchen and Tap

Boisterous brewpub the Perch is well on its way to establishing itself as one of Wicker Park’s top retreats for interesting beers and wood-grilled meats like chops, steaks, and rotisserie chicken. The space, previously home to the Boundary, features a new bar, skylights, and big booths, plus a engrossing sculpture garden.

A high-ceilinged brewpub dining room with high-top tables and chairs.
The Perch has a spacious dining room, sidewalk patio, and outdoor sculpture garden.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Mirai Sushi

Some may argue that Mirai is a fossil, a reminder of what sushi used to be in Chicago in the ‘90s. And that’s OK, as Mirai is just as satisfying as it used to be with fresh fish and quality service. The only difference is that it’s more family friendly than before, as owners have listened to neighborhood desires.

Lost Larson

Pedigreed pastry chef Bobby Schaffer has kept the spirit of Swedish baking alive at his adorable Andersonville bakery, and has since expanded into Wicker Park with a new location on Division. Customers tend to form long lines for top-notch cinnamon rolls and moist lingonberry almond cake, so it’s a good idea to place orders in advance.

Mama Delia

Energetic Spanish spot Mama Delia, the replacement for tapas stalwart Black Bull, debuted in July with a contemporary menu that blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques. There’s also an open-air sherry bar and gourmet market stocked with conservas, specialty olive oils, and dried spices.