I have written about Wicker Park before, but now that we live in the neighborhood, I love it even more. Plus, I have discovered some local gems. Here are a few places we love in Wicker Park.
Wicker Park Favorites:
The Perch
This family friendly, dog friendly, brewery/restaurant with plenty of outdoor space has friendly waitstaff, quick service, and great food and beers. We go 1-5 times a week. Our go-to menu items are the burger, the Wrightwood Salad, and the rotisserie chicken. Their brunch menu is great too!
Tortello
There is pasta, and then there is fresh pasta. Tortello is a pasta shop and restaurant that sells handmade pastas, imported products from Italy (like burrata), and other specialty food items. They have a large patio where they often have live music. I love their burrata stuffed tortelli with a butter sage sauce, toasted hazelnuts, parmesan, and balsamic reduction and their cacio e pepe. You can order these pastas at the restaurant or get meal kits to cook at home.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a coffeeshop, cafe, and market with locations throughout Chicago - plus a few in Dallas and D.C. They offer delivery and have an incredible curated selection of beer, wine, grocery items, snacks, and local food products. We ate so many of the Bang Bang take and bake chicken pot pies just after Gwen was born. I truly don't know how we would have made it through quarantine with Foxtrot's deliveries. (I have a referral link that will give you $10 off your first order).
Little Victories
A great little bar with a big patio and laid back atmosphere. Charles gives the cocktails an enthusiastic thumbs up. They have a small menu too.
Liquor Park
I go for beer and wine, not liquor. The shop isn't too big, yet somehow their selection is. They have a superb selection of local beer, plus they stock some of my favorite wines, like Scribe. The owner is nice and is very knowledgeable. When I wanted to try something new, he was able to give me suggestions based on our go-to beers and wines.
Bangers & Lace
This pub is our spot for a casual happy hour with Gwen. They have a rotating selection of beers and a solid snack menu. The vibe is comfortable and relaxed. Sometimes people are there playing cards with friends. Often there are a few babies on the patio in the early evening. It's just a nice neighborhood spot.
Smoke Daddy
Home to some of the best barbecue in Chicago. I especially love their burnt ends, ribs, and their mac and cheese. They have a kids menu too!
Parlor
You might not think of this pizza joint for brunch... but their Eggs Benedict Pizza is delicious. We also love how kid friendly the Wicker Park location is.
I am so happy that my local businesses seem to be bouncing back. These restaurants, bars, and shops help to give Wicker Park its personality. We just love living here.
