Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

January 27, 2012
 

Good morning and welcome to this week's edition of your Wicker Park & Bucktown Insider Weekend Guide. We're sorry to report Plan B officially closed their doors last weekend. We remember when Plan B first opened on Milwaukee Avenue in Bucktown and wish our friends the very best. On a happier note, we've included news and great events happening throughout the neighborhood starting with tonight. We've included everything from planning meetings for Bucktown's newest park, to movies, jazz, martini parties, magic and more. For full details about any event, just click on the photos. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

   Community

Many people don't realize that the Treehouse Humane Society has a branch right here in Bucktown. The address is 1629 N. Ashland and there are many cats and kittens looking for homes. This weekend, they will also be hosting a Mew & View. For just $5 you can watch Where the Wild Things Are. Fun for all ages and for a good cause. 

 

           Logan Square Farmers Market

If you're missing the Wicker Park Farmers Market. We understand. But each Sunday the Logan Square Indoor Farmers Market is open from 10am -2pm and is held at the Congress Theater. You can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more and it's just a few blocks away.

 

      Chicago Athletic Club in Wicker Park & Bucktown The Wicker Park Athletic Club will be ending their pre-sale promotion shortly. So if you're interested in signing up, you may want to do so soon before the membership fees increase. We've also learned that a 2nd Chicago Athletic Facility is planned for Bucktown. The details are here.

 

 

   Galleries

This weekend, please join LVL3 at the opening reception for their newest exhibition: Hold Onto Something Slippery. The exhibition features a number of artists who express the creation process through a variety of  mediums and materials. Opens this Saturday.

 

 

  Music 

Picture a large marching band who thinks it's a rock n roll band - with a punk influence - and a few cheerleaders thrown in for good measure. Perfect. Now you have an idea of what Mucca Pazza is. One of the most fun and entertaining acts around, you can catch them this weekend at Double Door.

  

Jazz Weekend Arrives in Wicker Park in February. And because this event is event is a combination of music and fundraiser, we're providing a little extra notice. Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 10th and grab your tickets to see the very talented Kahil El Zabar and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble for a weekend packed with jazz in Wicker Park.

 

 

  Restaurants

        Club Lucky's Monthly Martini Party

Don't miss Club Lucky's Monthly Martini Party next Wednesday in Bucktown. You can enjoy your Stoli Martini for only $6 and can pair them with any appetizer or entree that is only Club Lucky.

        Most Romantic Restaurants

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we thought it might you might be thinking about romantic places to take a date. Well, we do have a few suggestions for you, should you need them, that include everything from Le Bouchon to Cafe Absinthe. All great spots so you may want to make those reservations early.

If you've ever ventured in to J. Wellington's, you know they have great burgers and sweet potato fries and we're sorry to report that they have closed their Wicker Park location. The RedEye is reporting that their lease has expired and they're looking for a new spot. Stay tuned.

 

 

  Shopping

       Planting Workshop - Saturday at Kids Rule

This weekend is expected to be cold but you can still head out and have fun with the kids this Saturday at Wicker Park's Kids Rule. Each Saturday in January, Kids Rule has hosted a Planting Workshop for kids of all ages. You'll find plants, recycled pots, lots of eco-friendly material and when you're all done you can take it home. Did we also happen to mention that it's FREE ?

 

      20% OFF at Futurgarb - Every Wednesday

The very cool and hip FuturGarb announced today they're offering 20% off everything every Wednesday. So be sure to mark your calendars for next week. And we'll be sure to remind you.

    $10 Off Craniosacral Therapy

Have you ever considered Craniosacral Therapy? We've just started the process and it is a fascinating experience. We'll be sharing our experience with you later. If you're interested in giving it a try now, you can save $10 with Wicker Park practitioner Lindsay Burch.

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. Here are great picks for the weekend:

 

  Death & Harry Houdini - The Chopin Theatre

Don't miss the story of history’s most famous magician and his life-long war against Death features the deadly escape The Water Torture Cell, performed by award-winning magician Dennis Watkins. 

 

   The Drawer Boy - The Den Theatre

The Drawer Boy examines the lives of two WWII veterns whose lives are turned upside down when a young actor visits their farm to gather reasearch for a play. What starts off quite innocently unfolds into a powerful journey as the two older men rebuild the story of their lives.

 

These are just a few of the highlights for this weekend and beyond. We have so many special events on our website. So feel free to check in...often ...for the most updated information available. Or for additional neighborhood information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Good morning!  It's only 25 degrees in Wicker Park at the moment but there are many great things going on in the neighborhood. Here are our suggestions for today.

 

Brunch at Blue Star Bistro

Off the beaten path, you're going to love this great cozy spot and the food is

great. Gluten-free is available too.

 

 

Lululemon Bucktown is offering FREE Yoga. 

Starts at 10am at their Bucktown location. Hurry!

1627 N. Damen Avenue

 

 

The Logan Square Farmers Market

Sure it's not in Bucktown but it's just a few blocks north at The Congress Theater.

You can take advantage of fresh produce through March.

 

 

Life's RUFF

Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 2pm

Gorilla Tango Theatre - 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Dog Lovers! Come see this very popular show in Bucktown. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet ... hurry! 

 

Plus GREAT Sales at Elevenzees and Zaraz Collections. Hope you have a great Sunday and we'll see you in the neighborhood !

Good morning. Don't let a little snow keep you indoors. There are great things to do in the neighborhood so we wanted to be sure and spread the word. Have kids? Bring them to Kids Rules' Planting Workshop.

 
There's also The Vintage Bazaar, and wine tastings. And tonight, be sure to celebrate 2 years with Soul Summit. Should be a great time. Here are our picks for some great events this Saturday.

FREE - Kids Planting Workshop Saturdays

Saturdays in January from 10am - 5pm

Kids Rule - 1534 N. Miwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park

The Vintage Bazaar - Gettin' Hitched

January 21st 1pm -4pm

The Empty Bottle - 1035 N. Western Avenue

Wine Tasting

Every Saturday at 3pm-6pm

Life's A Cabernet - 1937 W. North Avenue - Wicker Park

Soul Summit Presents:
Soul Summit 2 Year Anniversary at Double Door

January 21 Doors: 9:00PM Show: 9:00PM

Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue

***SALES***

20% Off Elevenzees

Zaraz Closing Sale - 70% off

***BRUNCH ***

Plan ahead and be sure to start the day tomorrow at Blue Star Bistro. They have an incredible brunch and if you haven't been there yet, you really need to give it a try.

Blue Star Brunch

January 20, 2012
 

Good morning and welcome to this week's edition of your Wicker Park & Bucktown Insider Weekend Guide. As we're writing this, weather forecasts are predicting snow and temperatures of 9 degrees. So be careful out there. Despite the January weather in Chicago, there are fantastic events happening throughout the neighborhood and news to share. We've included everything from free yoga to new art exhibition openings to wine tastings and more. For additional information just click on the photos. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

   Community

       FREE Yoga at Lululemon - Bucktown

Every Sunday Bucktown's Lululemon offers a free yoga class that starts at 10:00am. The class is held right in the store. It's centrally located - 1627 N. Damen Avenue - and a terrific opportunity to meet other residents in the neighborhood.

Many people don't realize that the Treehouse Humane Society has a branch right here in Bucktown. The address is 1629 N. Ashland and there are many cats and kittens looking for homes. Next weekend, they will also be hosting a Mew & View. For $5 you can watch Where the Wild Things Are. Fun for all ages and for a good cause.

 

Conversational Spanish - Additional Classes

Now Beginner Classes and Intermediate Classes are available through Elena Chicago. Additional classes have been added to learn conversational Spanish with veteran teacher and world traveler Elaine Winer. The sessions are being held at Club Lucky. But hurry! They start next week and are filling up quickly. 

 

   Galleries

In the midst of change and protests for change happening worldwide, the artists have been asked "where will 2012 take us"? This exhibition is even bigger than Jackson Junge's recent Angelicies. Revolution 2012 will include 30 artists and mediums will include: painting, sculpture, photography, print, installation, digital and fiber arts.  1389 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

 

  Music 

Inspired by the many soul acts performing throughout the city, the group behind Soul Summit wanted to bring these different artists together in a single show. And now, once a month, Soul Summit hosts a mix of rhythm & blues, funk and soul artists. They're celebrating their 2 Year Anniversary this weekend with a FREE show at Double Door.

  

The Vintage Bazaar is a modern day flea market that pops up in a variety of locations throughout the city. This weekend they will be at The Empty Bottle - 1035 N. Western Avenue - and the theme of the market is  "Gettin Hitched".

 

  Restaurants

   

The 5th Annual Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off next month. From February 17th - February 26th you can enjoy some of the best chefs throughout Chicago with special menus and pricing. Here is the list of participating Wicker Park & Bucktown restaurants. Menus should be posted soon and you should make your reservations early.

 

  Shopping

       Shernett Swaby Moves to Gold Coast

One of the top 5 finalists in Canada's Project Runway, Shernett Swaby is a very talented designer. And because of her talent, she has quickly outgrown her current location in Bucktown. Shernett has opened a production studio on Augusta and is relocating her retail shop as well. We will miss her beautiful shop and wish her all the best in her new location.

 

     Wine Tasting This Saturday

This Saturday don't miss Life's A Cabernet's wine tasting with owner Christopher Libby. You'll love this warm and comfortable wine store centrally located at 1937 W. North Avenue.

 

       The Bar Method Opening Soon

For Wicker Park residents hoping for additional gym and work out options, you are getting your wish. With locations open throughout the country, The Bar Method is scheduled to open one of their newest studios at 1271 N. Milwaukee Avenue this February.

      Up to 70% Off - Final Week

Zaraz Collections announced several weeks ago they would be closing their Wicker Park location at 2036 W. Division and this week they are offering up to 70% off on all remaining merchandise. We wish Zaraz Collections the very best of luck with their New York location.

 

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. Here's a fun pick for the weekend:

 

   Life's Ruff - 1 Show Only

Dog lovers! This Sunday do not miss "Life's Ruff" at Gorilla Tango Theatre. You'll see trained dogs competing against each other in a game show - like format. Very  popular and lots of fun, don't wait until the last minute to get your tickets. They usually sell out.

These are just a few of the highlights for this weekend and beyond. We have so many special events on our website. So feel free to check in...often ...for the most updated information available. Or for additional neighborhood information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Great deal! 1316 N. Oakley - Wicker Park If you're looking for a great deal this just may be your place. Brick gut rehab. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath. Duplex down. Garage spot. Deck. Large kitchen. Asking price: $284,900.

 

MLS Remarks:

This condo has everything . . . spacious gut rehab, great location and all the upgrades: hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops with undermount sinks, whirlpool tub, marble bathrooms, washer/dryer in-unit, garage parking. Close to all the shops and restaurants in Wicker Park, Bucktown and East Village.

 

Interested? Contact:

Thyra DeCicco @properties

1875 N. Damen Avenue

312-498-6066

thyra@atproperties.com

We reported earlier that a new gym was moving in to Wicker Park at 1635 W. Division (Division and Marshfield) in the space previously housing the US Post Office. And it's official. The new gym will be the Wicker Park Athletic Club.

Chicago Athletic Club currently has locations in: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Evanston, Lincoln Square and the West Loop. 

The new gym is 20,000 square feet and is planning to open in the Spring 2012 (specifically March/April).

They're offering a $39/month rate through January and you can use a gym in their network now - until the Wicker Park location opens.

Additional details are here: Wicker Park Athletic Club.

 

January 13, 2012

Happy Friday the 13th and welcome to this week's edition of your Wicker Park & Bucktown Insider Weekend Guide. Although it's January in Chicago, we have great events happening this week and beyond. You'll find everything from plant workshops to where you can learn conversational Spanish to hip hop to book signings, chocolate & wine pairings and more. We also have news to share too. For additional information just click on the photos. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

   Community

   Planting Workshop for Kids

Wondering how to entertain the kids now that the weather's gotten cold? Every Saturday in January, you can attend a planting workshop at Kids Rule in Wicker Park. You can choose 1 of 3 plants and select and decorate a recycled pot that you can bring home with you at the end of the day.

 

Love Wicker Park as much as we do? The Wicker Park Advisory Council is inviting your participating in their planning meeting next Tuesday. And you don't even have to be a resident of the community to participate. All are welcome.

 

 

Habla usted español?

Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish?  With the weather getting colder, it's the perfect time and for a limited time only, you can learn conversational Spanish with veteran teacher and world traveler Elaine Winer. The sessions are being held at Club Lucky. But hurry! These sessions are filling up quickly. 

 

 

  Music 

The Empty Bottle is once again hosting the Handmade Market this weekend. Your dollars go directly to the artisans making the products. 33 sellers are featured and their products include jewelry, clothing, accessories and more.

     Pharoahe Monch

Don't miss American hip hop artist Pharoahe Monch this weekend. Known for the complexity of his style and lyrics. This show is a don't miss at Double Door.

 

  Restaurants

   

Wicker Park's newest restaurant, The Storefront Company,  is preparing to open this month on North Avenue. Owners of Debonair Social Club, Harris and Claudia Gassel have teamed up with Chef Bryan Moscatello and will be introducing a seasonal menu soon. Details are right here.

Your "Favorite" Delivery Guide

If you're looking for a Guide to Neighborhood Delivery Spots, you've found the right place. Yeah sure we could list every bar and eatery who delivers. But what we want to do is provide the best. And just in time for the cold and snow. Did we miss one of your favorites? Just let us know and we'll add them. 

 

   Online Neighborhood Restaurant Directory

Every day we receive questions about restaurants in the neighborhood. So we wanted to extend a friendly reminder to let you know we have over 400 businesses (bars, galleries, shops, theaters + more) included in our online business directory. We also include over 100 restaurants. And we categorize those restaurants by type of cuisine. You find any type of restaurant you want quickly and easily. You can also rate them and/or add your comments. So if you need inspiration, be sure to check our online directory. It's a fantastic resource.

 

 

  Shopping

 Book Signing & Party This Saturday

 Don't miss Melisa Wells this Saturday at Elevenzees. She will be signing her book: Chicken In The Car and The Car Won't Go.  Not only can you meet Melisa in person but there will also be music, Garrett's popcorn and a special appearance by Sweet Ride. 

 

Chocolate & Wine Pairings  

Throughout January and February, Life's A Cabernet will be hosting evenings of Chocolate & Wine Pairing. This should be a very special event and includes dates around Valentines Day which would be a lot of fun. But that's not all ... the chocolate is extremely difficult to buy. So it's an extra special treat.

 

 

   Spex Announces New Wicker Park Shop

We received the official word today that Spex will be opening their newest location in Wicker Park and will be located at 1407 N. Milwaukee Avenue. From the feedback we've received via our social media followers, current Spex customers really love this shop and they're planning their Grand Opening for March.

 

 

  Division Street Transformation Continues

Last week we reported that Crust had closed their doors and by the end of the week we realized 7 businesses have closed on Division Street in the past year. It's been a really tough year for Division. But the good news is many new businesses have also opened their doors this year with additional new businesses to follow. A very large new building, for example, is planned for the spot formerly the home of Pizza Hut. We've included all the details right here. 

 

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. Here's a fun pick for the weekend:

 

The Magic Parlour at The Chopin Theatre

Wicker Park has been very lucky to be the home of the Magic Parlour for many Friday nights and if you haven't seen Dennis Watkins' amazing show, be sure to do so soon. The Magic Parlour will be heading to The Palmer House on February 24th.

These are just a few of the highlights for this weekend and beyond. We have so many special events on our website. So feel free to check in...often ...for the most updated information available. Or for additional neighborhood information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Tonight! Our friends at Do312 are hosting a fun and friendly snow ball fight by the fountain in Wicker Park. We're invited and so are you.

Wicker Park's Division Street is certainly going through a transformation.With the influx of new businesses and a tight economy comes a lot more competition for dollars and we're now starting to see a different Division Street.

Sadly, the following businesses have recently closed their doors: Crust, Dee's Place, Makisu, Pump and Real Naked Food. Renegade Craft will be closing January 31st and Grow will become just an online business.

Yet we've added a few new spots too: C. Dahlstedt, Delish, Frill, Prasino, The Anthem and The Bedford. 

It's interesting to see the many changes underway and there are more changes to come. Fat Pour is a huge 7,000 square foot sports bar planned to open in March 2012 in the space previously host to Adobo Grill and the 20,000 square foot Wicker Park Athletic Club is also scheduled to open around the March/April 2012 timeframe.

But that's not all. A very large building is planned for the Pizza Hut site that will be taller than the CVS Building across the street and will include 2 elevators, 119 condos and commercial space.

No. This isn't the same Wicker Park or Division Street that we moved into now 7 years ago. The one constant is change. And Division Street - and the neighborhood - will continue to evolve and change. This we know for sure.

January 5, 2012
 

Hello and Happy New Year ! We hope your holidays and new year were fantastic. As always, Wicker Park & Bucktown are off to a running start and we're taking full advantage of our incredible weather this year. Hope you are too. We have lots of events and news to share. Thanks, as always, for joining us. And we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

   Community

         Wicker Park Athletic Club Heads to Division

Wicker Park's newest gym is going to be 20,000 square feet and is planned to open in March/April of this year. They're running a special promotion through January with a reduced membership fee for new customers.

 

 

          Missing the Wicker Park Farmers Market? 

We miss it too. But Logan Square hosts an indoor Farmers Market that's open from October - March. It's held in the lobby of the Congress Theater; just a few blocks north of Bucktown. So you can still find fresh produce even in the Winter. 

      Garden Club Lecture Series    This month don't miss the Garden Club Lecture Series. On Monday, January 9th, talented Landscape Architect Gary Lehman will discuss his inspiration, process and designs.

 

 

     Habla usted español?

Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish?  With the weather getting colder, it's the perfect time and for a limited time only, you can learn conversational Spanish with veteran teacher and world traveler Elaine Winer. The sessions are being held at Club Lucky.

 

  Galleries

       First Fridays at The Flat Iron      

This weekend don't miss the Flat Iron's First Friday Event on January 6th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. This Friday you can view the work of these very talented artists throughout the Flat Iron studios and galleries. 

 

  Music 

Want to get involved but not sure how? On Saturday afternoon, The Empty Bottle is hosting a fundraiser to support the Occupy Chicago movement. The show starts at 12 noon.

 

      Secret Colours Record Release

Also on Saturday, Secret Colours will be hosting their record release party starting at 10pm. Secret Colours played the Green Music Fest this Summer and was selected by 93XRT's Richard Milne as one of Chicago's most promising local bands.

 

  Restaurants

   

We're sorry to report that Crust, Dee's Soul Food Real Naked Food have all closed their doors in Wicker Park.

 

  Shopping

     40% Off Hats, Gloves, Scarves and More

The weather has been so terrific that the cold may just have sneaked up on you. Not to worry. If you need hats, coats or gloves head to Greenheart Shop where everything is currently 40% off. Lot of additional merchandise is on sale too for their big clearance sale.

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. Here's a fun pick for the weekend:

 

   True Story: Keeps The Audience Guessing

This weekend only! Writers present a number of short stories to the audience. And you need to guess which of them is actually true. Saturday at 5:30pm only - Gorilla Tango Theatre.

These are just a few of the highlights for this weekend and beyond. We have so many special events on our website. So feel free to check in...often ...for the most updated information available. Or for additional neighborhood information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide