6 fun things to do in Wicker Park
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
The neighborhood of Wicker Park is one of my ultimate hangout places to visit in Chicago.
There are so many fun things to do in Wicker Park that it makes for a great day out in the windy city.
A unique item to add to your USA bucket list, the neighborhood is worth visiting when in the city.
Wicker Park reformed
If you’ve never heard of Wicker Park there are several things to know:
- Wicker Park is in the West Town community area of Chicago, which is northwest of the Loop.
- It’s easily accessible from Downtown, with two train stations (Damen and Division) within walking distance.
Around 40 years ago, Wicker Park was a less than desirable neighborhood to live in. Affordable housing, close proximity to the Loop and gentrification changed Wicker Park into the area it is today.
Many Chicagoans consider Wicker Park to be the ‘hipster’ area of the city. It's home to unique buildings, independent coffee shops and secondhand clothing stores.
The neighborhood's also a great local spot to visit if you're planning a long weekend in Chicago.
5 fun things to do in Wicker Park
1. Check out the view from The Robey
If you're visiting Wicker Park by metro take the blue line train to Damen.
Upon exiting the station, turn left and you’ll see a very busy intersection. This is basically where you can decide to go straight to Bucktown or right into the main street of Wicker Park.
Art deco in Chicago
At the corner of W North Ave is The Robey. It was originally built in 1929 to provide office space. Since November 2016 the Art Déco building has been home to a hotel and cafe.
Cafe Robey is open to the public as is the lounge on the second floor.
Follow my lead and start your day with an iced latte and views of the world outside. The rooftop pool opened in 2017, adding another feature to this attractive abode.
The Robey, 2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
2. Go shopping on North Milwaukee Avenue
If you love shopping of any form, North Milwaukee Avenue will probably be your first stop.
The street is literally across from The Robey Hotel and has a lot going on. That said, make sure to wear good walking shoes and to save your appetite.
North Milwaukee Avenue has a good mix of shops, but with notably more independent stores (something I love).
There are several chain stores like Urban Outfitters, Levis and Steve Madden, but I personally find the independent stores more interesting.
There are tons of places to shop for vintage/secondhand clothing. To name a few, these include US #1 Vintage Clothing, Store B, Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Underground, Ragstock and Crossroad Trading Co.
For fans of Boho chic, Wicker Park is home to shops like Fab’rik, Emma, Pitaya and Free People.
Belmont Army and Mildblend Supply Co. specialize in utility chic such as army surplus and Doctor Martins. For lovers of modern urbanwear, check out Una Mae’s and Transit Tees.
Men's clothing stores
Wicker Park doesn't just cater to the ladies; it's also home to some great shops for men. Styles range from t-shirts to more upscale brands. Iridium Clothing Brand stocks more unique urbanwear while Saint Alfred is the place to go for designer pieces.
Guys should also check out the Chicago-inspired t-shirts on sale at Transit Tees and Rapha Chicago.
Shoe shopping in Wicker Park
From sky-high heels to ballet pumps and sneakers, North Milwaukee Avenue has styles to suit every budget.
I particularly like Steve Madden, but those with more adventurous tastes might prefer the selection at John Fluevog Shoes. Some of the shops mentioned above also sell shoes along with other accessories.
Map of downtown Chicago
3. Browse the miscellaneous shops
North Milwaukee Avenue also has a range of other stores ranging from selling furniture to record shops.
Reckless Records isn’t just great for browsing, the shopfront is also cool to photograph. Also in the area is Myopic Books. The store also has a striking shopfront and an interior that is a book lover's dream.
4. Stop for a bite to eat
There are so many great restaurants around Wicker Park that rather than list them all, I’ll mention my favorites.
For tacos bursting with epic flavor, make a note of Antique Taco. They’re pricier than those you’d find in a Mexican taqueria but they're still very good.
Oiistar is a modern take on Japanese tapas like snacks. The pork belly buns are to die for and you'll want to order more than one.
Kanela Breakfast Club serves up all your favorite American breakfast food stuffs. You can also dine outdoors (weather pending) on their dog-friendly patio.
The BEST ice cream
There’s only one place to go for ice cream in Wicker Park and it’s at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. They make their own waffles in store and the ice cream flavors are so heavenly that you'll want to return the next day.
I tried the salted peanut butter flecks and roasted strawberry flavors. What's more, you can also try before you buy. One of the best things to do in Wicker Park, it's no surprise why many customers keep coming back.
5. Make time for a coffee
Again, Wicker Park has so many good places to choose from so I’ll just list my favorites.
For a delicious and different coffee served on tap, head to La Colombe Coffee Roasters. It’s a fast-growing chain and one I wish we had in Europe.
The Draft Latte is so good and its chilled frothy full-bodied coffee is served in a takeaway tumbler.
Another must-visit coffee shop is The Wormhole. Nostalgia in a coffee shop, its decor pays homage to 1980s movie memorabilia.
Expect Pacman style fonts on the menu board and very good coffee in this local favorite hangout.
The final noteworthy coffee shop is Filter Cafe. Rugged and slightly ripped vintage sofas line the cafe, with complimentary WiFi and of course, good coffee.
6. It's time for drinks
From day to night, there's a seamless transition to a buzzing nightlife in Wicker Park. The area's synonymous for its plentiful and lively bars.
Start with a beer or drink of choice at the Publican Anker. It’s located at the top of North Milwaukee Avenue and is a popular choice for many locals and visitors too.
Retro arcades
Get your arcade on at the Emporium Arcade Bar Chicago. Here, you can play all your favorite childhood arcade games such as Double Dragon and Baywatch (!) as well as grab a beer with friends.
The bar also has over 60 whiskeys to choose from — so book that taxi in advance.
For something a little more on the intimate side, Davenport’s Piano Cabaret fits the bill. Enjoy some live music or join in the fun at one of their karaoke events that takes place every Friday night.
Where to stay in Wicker Park, Chicago
In the instance you prefer to walk home after a night's drinking, The Robey is nearby and a great hotel in Wicker Park.
What do you think of this guide to the best things to do in Wicker Park in Chicago? Which of these activities would you most like to do? Leave me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I've been to the States a couple of times but have yet to visit Chicago. Looks like Wicker Park is a great place to relax and unwind with the variety of cafes and restaurants to rest and savour a fabulous meal, or just shopping along the strip!
It's a great place Nathan, which is why I always go there when I return! Hope you get to visit one day soon 🙂
Wow! This place is amazing 🙂 I would love visiting this place next time! Keep posting 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
Shopping, eating and walking at Wicker park all looks fun here. I loved the painting of Antique Taco, as it is so colorful and inviting. Lots of branded shop options are here which makes it more favorable place to explore around.
It's a great area, and I love going back to Antique Taco too 🙂
My brothers has been in Chicago before and he loved it! You gave great tips and I'm very excited to visit too!
Great to hear Verena! Hope you get to visit one day too.
Wicker Park looks a pretty hot spot to chow down. Nice bars too. I love the wall design on the Antique Taco place too.
Antique Taco is really good, and the decor is nice inside too!
I used to frequent Chicago a lot while I was younger because my relatives resided there, but I really can't remember if I visited Wicker Park... maybe I did, and I just didn't know the name at the time. I would like to visit Chicago again, it's been too long. I too start my day with coffee so Café Robey would be first on my list to visit followed by a definite stop at North Milwaukee Avenue since America always has cheaper prices than Canada
Cafe Robey is a good start to the day, and Wicker Park and the Bucktown area is really my favourite part of the city 🙂
I have never been to Chicago but hopefully one day and when I do Wicker park sounds like the place to be! However I dont like shopping but the rare occasion when do I usually do it in a second hand shop so I might find something even for me! And the buns looks very yummy and to be honest I think I could eat more than 4!
Oh yes, I ate 2 and really wanted more but didn't want to look greedy! It's a cool area and a lovely part of Chicago where the locals go.
I had never been to Chicago but I plan to go next year. I didn't know Wicker Park is called the hipster place. The food joints and ice cream parlour makes it a place not to miss. I’d love to check out Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
It's a very cool area, and one that deserves to be seen if in Chicago. Jeni's Ice Cream is divine!
Ooh, Wicker Park seems like a fun place to be! I've never heard of this suburb of Chicago, but it sounds like a great place to get out and try some yummy restaurants. I'd love to check out Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. I'm a sucker for homemade waffle cones and interesting flavors of ice cream. It looks like there's so great street art as well, judging by your pictures!
Thanks Rachelle, Jeni's ice cream is amazing and I wish there was one in London, it's sooo good!
There is so much for a food lover here! Loved the look of the ice cream... made me drool. I would love to keep a day aside for Wicker Park when I am in Chicago next!
You must! The area is really great, and that ice cream...just wow!
I lived in Chi-town for awhile. I liked the Linkin Park area too. They have these cool retro arcade places where you can drink craft beers and play 90s arcade games
I went there! They were so much fun, and made me feel very nostalgic 🙂
What a lovely neighborhood to stop in Chicago, definitely on my list! Need to try all the food in here. Thanks for your tips
You're welcome! I hope you get to visit for yourself one day 😀
I love seeing neighborhoods come back when they were once deemed undesirable. This area of Chicago actually reminds me of one of my favorite areas of my city (Oklahoma City). I'll definitely have to check it out next time I'm there.
That's great to hear, and I agree with you too. There are some downsides to gentrification of course, but that's unfortunately part of the process to improve areas.
Interesting read. I love hearing about areas in popular tourist cities that locals hangout in. On my list for next time!
Excellent, glad to hear it! Let me know if you like it 🙂
Looks like a great suburb. I wonder how the locals feel about the gentrification of the suburb though. I feel like it's always a double-edged sword, because it increases the livability of a place, but also drives up rent prices and makes it no longer affordable for many locals.
Unfortunately you're right about gentrification, as Wicker Park used to be an undesirable neighbourhood. I think now the prices are going up, but that's all part of the process.
I am a food lover and this place looks perfect for me. I can spend a whole day here just eating and exploring new food. I totally loved your pictures. Thanks for sharing
You're welcome, thank you for your kind comments! I hope you get to see it for yourself one day!
I instantly bookmarked this post 😀 Chicago is one of the first places I want to go to when I get around to do my USA tour, I have never heard of Wicker park before but will definitely be checking it out now. I also love the way you've laid this post out 😀
Thank you! I'm so encouraged to read this. Wicker Park is very cool, and will have you feeling like a local 😀
I wish I saw this before I went to Chicago earlier this year! I've heard good things about Wicker Park but didn't know where to start so I never made it over there - will have to keep this guide handy for future reference!
Ah that's a shame, but you now have a reason to go back. P.s. Jeni's ice cream really is amazing!
I haven't been to Chicago . . .yet. This looks like a great place to spend the day cafe surfing and checking out the second hand shops for a vintage beauty. I also love street art and different designs for signs . I've saved your post for future reference
That's wonderful to hear, thank you 🙂 Wicker Park is so much fun especially for new travellers.
North Milwaukee Ave sounds like a super trendy spot! From shops to tasty food...really what more could you want? 🙂
Yes, there's lots to see and do there, it's a shame I live so far!
I love wicker Park, one of my favorite neighborhoods! I live in Chicago, and love to go there!
Aw that's great to hear! Lucky that you're so close to Jeni's ice cream too 🙂
Looks like just the place to visit with all the shops, restaurants and bars. I'm sure the vibe must be amazing. I have never been to Chicago but will surely refer back to your post if I plan a trip in the future. Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome! It's a great place to shop, eat and explore. One of my faves in Chicago.
We’ve been in Chicago once but, unfortunately, we missed out the Wicker Park! I love your list of food, cafes and restaurants to go to. The ice cream looks very tempting!! I wish I’ve read your blog before we went to Chicago. I'll take note of these for when we return. 🙂
No worries Jen, you can bookmark it for the next time you visit! Jeni's ice cream is sinfully good, I'm glad, but also not at the same time there isn't one closer to me!
I've never heard of Wicker Park although I visited Chicago a couple of years ago. Are the hotels cheaper in this area too? I like the idea of the nightlife here and if I stayed in the area it would make getting home afterwards easier! The coffee shops would be good for the morning after!
Honestly, I didn't spot many hotels apart from the Robey, but that said, I'm sure there's plenty of great Airbnbs in the area. Yes, the nightlife there is really great, and varied too 🙂
Is Wicker Park where they have "the taste of Chicago"? I feel like this is the Central Park of Chicago. So many bars, Restraunt's and delectable treats!
I think the taste of Chicago isn't far from there, it's in Logan Square I believe! Wicker Park is wonderful and does feel like the central park of the city 🙂
Chicago is one of my all-time favorite cities, yet despite visiting a dozen times, I still haven't checked out Wicker Park! Thanks for all of your helpful insider info. You'll definitely find me at Publican Anker at night and The Robey during the day! 🙂
Excellent! You need to really visit, it's definitely more of a local feel, and people are always surprised to find a traveller there 🙂
Thanks for introducing us to this hipster neighborhood. It sounds like a really cool hangout! We usually hang out on or around the Navy Pier when we're in Chicago. We will surely visit Wicker Park next time we visit. Would love to have some of that delicious Jeni's ice cream!
I also never heard of the place until my brother moved there from Amsterdam! So, it was a great way to explore the area. Jeni's is amazing!
I have read many great things about Chicago. Wicker Park is an interesting neighborhood and it definitely sounds like a must-visit. The street art and the dining landscape has piqued my curiosity too! I would love to try out these restaurants you've listed!
Ooh you must! I didn't even list all the other great places - for example, there's allegedly the best ramen in Chicago, but I didn't try it because it was too hot! Oh well, next time 🙂
so cool! i love the layout and of this post and it's well written. I am already intrigued by those independent boutiques as I love shopping. Great read and cool pictures. A nice new perspective on Chicago too.
Thanks Bee! It's such a great neighbourhood, I almost feel at home there.
Thanks for the tip for those who are unfamiliar with Chicago! I'm unfamiliar with the whole of American continent! Yet to get there!
Shoe shopping of heels to unique shoes at all budgets? Sign me up!!! Lolz..
Hehe the shoe shopping is so tempting, and the whole neighbourhood in fact! Make sure you get there one day 🙂
Wicker Park near Chicago sounds interesting and cool place to hangout. Also Milwaukee Avenue would be great for shopping. This place tempts me to do loads of shopping and Jeni's ice-cream looks delicious too.
It's really great, and the shops are very tempting. But Jeni's is a close second!
I've never explored Wicker Park in Chicago but I'm curious why people think it's so hipster! Is it because of the great food and bars? Personally, I would love to try out that ice cream shop and the coffee houses. Sounds right up my street!
The first time I went there, a local said it's hipster because many of the people wear ripped jeans and have piercings. That really made me laugh. I live in London, and hipster here means pink tutus with yellow wellington boots and a Hello Kitty jumper on a Monday afternoon! Still, I love Wicker Park and its energy!
Got to be honest - if I visited Wicker Park I'll be spending most of my time in the coffee shops and restaurants having read your post! Those pork belly buns look amazing (and yes I could eat a few I'm sure!) Now - a question - would I be able to get a flat white coffee in any of the coffee shops you mentioned? I've always struggled to find them when I've been in the US?
The pork buns are amazing!! Honestly, I can't answer your question because I don't know either! I usually have a cappuccino or latte, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a simple flat white! I'll look out for you the next time I'm there!
Looks like a fun neighborhood to hang out in. All the restaurants and bars do give it a bit of a hipster vibe;). Love the Antique Taco mural!
It's always one place I return to when in Chicago! Antique Taco is yum, I recommend it to everyone 😀
I'm going to Chicago next month and will have to check this out! I've never even heard of this place. That ice cream looks so good, I'm sure my daughter will love it!
You won't be disappointed! Jeni's ice cream is soooo good, and I wish there was one closer to me! Have fun and wear good shoes for exploring the area!