.png)
Bucktown
Profile
Bucktown kind of feels like the neighborhood equivalent of sitting on a comfy couch in front of a fireplace. Sitting just on the edge of Wicker Park, this little corner of the city has a more mellow energy than its neighbor — but still has plenty of things to do, and it’s also nestled among a bunch of other great neighborhoods. It’s your own little hideaway in the middle of everything.
There’s a mix of restored brick homes, modern remodels, and boutique buildings, depending on what you’re looking for. A lot of the housing sits along tree-lined streets and quiet corners, but walk just a couple blocks in any direction to find clusters of restaurants, shops, and cafés. You can grab a morning coffee from Electric Mud, or a pastry from the original Goddess and Grocer. Walk the pup through Churchill Field Dog Park, or go for an after-work run on the 606. End the day with a nightcap at cozy neighborhood spots like Lottie’s, Lemmings, or The Charleston.
Bucktown is like a soft sweater and your favorite pair of jeans. It’s dropping in at your favorite lunch spot, where the staff knows your name. It’s stopping for just a second to admire a gorgeous old church before you run to catch the train. It’s a hot breakfast sandwich on a cold day, and an afternoon pint with your best friends.
Backstory
Rumor has it Bucktown was named for the huge numbers of goats — often called bucks — that were raised here by its early residents.
In the mid-1800s, the area was home to a largely Polish population, and you can still find a few Polish cathedrals here today. From the 1950s-1980s, many others immigrated here from places like Germany, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
The 90s saw an exploding artistic community in Bucktown and Wicker Park, which led to renewed interest in the area, and further development in the 2000s. Since then, the neighborhood has gradually grown into the more upscale and developed Bucktown we know today.
Local Fare
- Etta - A fun, casual spot with wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and their much-loved bubbling shrimp. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the mural of a chicken running for its life.
- Le Bouchon - Both Julia Child and the Obamas love this little French bistro, which has been around since the early 90s. People lose their minds over the French Onion Soup, and on Mondays you can snag ½ price bottles of wine.
- Irazu - This family-owned Costa Rican restaurant is known for their traditional Casado, topped with an over-easy egg. They also serve an unusual but delicious oatmeal shake, which is a special family recipe. Irazu is BYOB, and yes, they have mixers.
- The Bristol - Rotating, seasonal new american cuisine, an inventive cocktail list, and an incredible wine program.
- Map Room - The tap list changes weekly, with tons of beers from the Midwest, and all over the world. There’s no kitchen, but they do serve coffee and pastries in the morning — and the walls are lined with old National Geographic magazines.
- En Hakkore - If you’re craving Bibimbap, En Hakkore nails it. But also, for something a little different, order the paratha tacos. Yep, flaky, delicious paratha bread stuffed with spiced pork. Don’t confuse this spot with En Hakkore 2.0 in Wicker Park, which serves (also delicious) poke and sushi burritos.
Things to Do
- Take a walk along the 606 - Once an abandoned railway line, this 2.7-mile elevated trail is great for walking or cycling. Grab a coffee from Ipsento (the lavender honey latte is a good choice).
- Gallery Cabaret - A venue and dive bar for music, comedy, and artwork. They’ve been pouring beers and hosting open mics since 1988.
- Whirlyball - Tucked away on the north corner of Bucktown, just across the river from Lincoln Park, you’ll find a large building with a small sign. Inside, you’ll find bowling, laser tag, a full bar, and…Whirlyball. If you’re not familiar, think indoor lacrosse — while driving bumper cars. Just go check it out.
- Trap Door Theatre - Avant-garde plays on an intimate stage, hidden in an alleyway, right across from Bucktown Pub (which is supposedly haunted, and also worth a visit).
Sights to See
- Holstein Park - The 3-acre site is crammed with sports facilities, has an outdoor pool, and is perfect for families with kids.
- St Mary of the Angels - The Polish churches and cathedrals are beautiful here in Bucktown, and St Mary of the Angels is breathtaking. (Fans of The Dresden Files will recognize St Mary’s – yes, it’s the same one.)
Transportation
Bucktown has both Metra and L stations, which is kind of a super power. You have multiple options to commute into the Loop, and with Milwaukee Ave nearby, other popular neighborhoods like Logan Square are a quick bus or bike ride away. There are also plenty of bus routes to head down to Pilsen, up to Roscoe Village, or east toward the lake.
- the Loop: ~35min by public transit
- the Lake (North Ave. Beach): ~25 min by bike; ~40-45 min by public transit
- O’Hare: ~45min via Blue Line
- Fulton Market: ~25 min by bike; ~35 min by public transit