Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Image courtesy of The Monarch.

All you craft beer fans know Chicago Craft Beer Week kicked off last Thursday with over 250 establishments participating throughout Chicago. And the festivities continue through this Thursday.

But for Chicago Blackhawk Fans, we know you'll want to catch the game tonight too. So where can you do both?  How about The Monarch, Fat Pour, 6 Degrees,  Bar Bar Black Sheep and more.

 

For the full schedule and details for >>> Chicago Craft Beer Week Events. <<<

image courtesy of chibeerweek.com

Welcome to the 5th Annual Chicago Craft Beer Week taking place from May 16th - May 26th.

The goal is to encourage people to explore the depth and breadth of local craft beer and honor those who enrich the community of beer lovers.

It’s expected that more than 250 venues will participate this year, offering special $4 tastings of rare beers and other special events throughout the week. Festivities will begin with the “Beer Under Glass” event at Garfield Park Conservatory and end with the closing party at Revolution Brewing’s new production facility.

Want to know who's participating in Wicker Park & Bucktown?

There an incredible number of special events happening throughout the neighborhood at Bangers & Lace, SmallBar, FatPour, EasyBar, Hot Chocolate, Bar Bar Blacksheep and more.

 

For all of the events >> Chicago Craft Beer Week. <<<

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we stepped out today to see what was happening at the shoot for NBC's Chicago Fire, we had no idea that Lottie's Pub (1925 W. Cortland ) was being featured. In the scene we saw being filmed, there's a fire in Lottie's and our tv firemen are breaking in. We could actually hear glass breaking as the firemen entered Lottie's with smoke billowing from the building.

Can't wait to see it when it airs on NBC. For  a few additional photos.

Let the festivities begin. Tonight head to Club Lucky (1824 W. Wabansia) where you can enjoy their beautiful award-winning decorations while sipping on delicious martinis for only $6 bucks. Martini Party.

 

Also tonight. Don your best (ugliest) holiday sweater and head to the Division Ale House (1942 W. Division Street) for a few selections from Petaluma, California’s Lagunitas Brewing Company. Ugly Sweater Party.

 

>>>Are you following us on Facebook & Twitter? Do it and you'll never miss a thing.<<<

September 13, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

This weekend a number of beautiful art galleries are hosting opening receptions for new exhibitions, FatPour is having their official Grand Opening Party, Milwaukee Avenue will be closed for 15 blocks to host "Open Streets", Neon City takes place on Friday to celebrate the Polish Triangle with art and music, the Bucktown 5k kicks off on Sunday ...and so much more. There are also fantastic opportunities for live music this weekend and there is always neighborhood news to share.

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. Have a terrific weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

        

 

 

 

  BARS

       

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

The Annual Bucktown 5k is this weekend. Sponsored by RAM Racing, join your neighbors, friends, and family at our annual neighborhood race! Sunday, September 16 line up outside Burr Elementary School and race friends to the finish line...or at least finish the little over 3 mile course. And enjoy a Taste of Bucktown directly following the race: Bucktown 5k.

 

Wicker Park has had its share of 'celebrity' news this week. First, Mayor Rahm Emanuel made an appearance at this year's Renegade Craft Fair on Saturday around 1pm and we bumped right into the Mayor just outside of Moonshine. Secondly, The Mob Doctor spent all day on Wednesday filming inside of Zakopane. And last but certainly not least, Lady Gaga also made an appearance in Wicker Park this week; and even stopped by Salud at 1471 N. Milwaukee Avenue for a shot of tequila.

 

 

Neon City - Lights Up The Polish Triangle

This sounds like it will be a fun event this Friday in the Polish Triangle located at Ashland, Division and Milwaukee Avenue. From 5pm -10pm, the space will be transformed using public art + music and will come to life with color through neon paint, sweatbands, glow sticks, special lighting and the livelihood of people enjoying the festivities. Neon City.

 

 

 

 

Open Streets is heading to Wicker Park this weekend. Initially launched in the Loop last year, Open Streets has expanded their reach to include the Wicker Park & Bucktown neighborhoods. 15 blocks of Milwaukee Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic although bicycles and skateboards will be allowed. An impromptu urban park will be set up for a few hours. Sounds like fun but if you park on Milwaukee Avenue on Sunday, your car will be towed. Open Streets.

 

 

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - This Sunday at 11am. The season is winding down and there's only one show after this one. So when you stop by the Farmers Market this Sunday, be sure to stop by the playground. Magic Boat Puppet Show.

 

 

 

  MOVIES

 

Home Movies and The Avant Garde

In honor of the tenth anniversary of Home Movie Day, the Northwest Chicago Film Society will be screening two programs of avant-garde films that exalt, appropriate, and reshuffle home movies. Co-sponsored by Chicago Film Archives. Don't miss the first of these this Sunday at 7:00pm. The Avant Garde.

 

 

  MUSIC

Berkley's - The Memorials - This Weekend

Thomas Pridgen, the former drummer of the Latin infused-prog group The Mars Volta, arrives with his newest project The Memorials this weekend. The Memorials, a collective of Pridgen and two of his best friends from before his Volta days; singer Viveca Hawkins and guitarist Nick Brewer will be at Double Door for an early show on Saturday. The Memorials.

 

Riot Fest - The Offspring, Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello & More

Every once in a while a great event pops up just beyond the borders of the neighborhood...and we just have to mention it. Riot Fest is one of those events. This year Riot Fest is being hosted by The Congress Theater on Friday and will take place in Humboldt Park on Saturday/Sunday. Great acts like Elvis Costello, The Offspring, Iggy Pop, The Jesus & Mary Chain and more will be heading to Riot Fest. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, you better hurry.

 

 

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Carriage House - Opens September 18th

Wicker Park's newest Southern eatery is all set to open on September 18th at 1700 W. Division Street in the space formerly the home of Edge at Division Street and Paulina. This will mark the 2nd Wicker Park restaurant for the team behind The Bedford and Chef Mark Steuer will be a the helm once again. The Carriage House.

 

 Grass Fed Opens for Lunch

Bucktown's Grass Fed located at 1721 N. Damen Avenue has quickly established themselves as the go-to steak restaurant in the neighborhood. And now they're open for lunch. Serving up fresh salads, burgers and sandwiches Grass Fed is open for lunch Monday - Friday starting at 11:00am. And there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. Take a look at their brand new Lunch Menu right here: Grass Fed.

 

 Pizano's Opening Soon

The paper is off the windows. The staff has been in training this week. And when we spoke to Pizano's Corporate Office this week, they told us they're just waiting for Chicago's final blessing. Can't wait for a big slice of deep dish pizza. How about you? Coming soon to 2056 W. Division Street. Pizano's Pizza.

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

Deals, Sales & Special Offers

Don't forget the Wicker Perks! We update our deals every week so keep your eyes open for new special offers- like $2 slices of pizza- or existing offers ending soon like ORA Dental's new patient special for $129 which is ending at the end of September. We'd hate for you to miss a really great deal: Wicker Perks.

 

 

Temple Beautiful's Book Club Meetings, Belly Dancing + More

Wicker Park's Temple Beautiful offers a wide variety of classes for overall health and well-being. From inspirational, motivational book club meetings to modern belly dancing classes, you can find it at Wicker Park's Temple Beautiful 1901 W. Division Street.

 

Those are the highlights for the week.  And as always, if you'd like additional information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

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

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

September 6th, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Our apologies for the delay. Technology can be temperamental. In any case, we hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend. It's hard to believe Summer has unofficially ended because there is so much happening in the neighborhood this month and the weather is just fantastic. This week we're featuring new art gallery exhibitions, great music, fests, fairs, new restaurants and more. There is so much to do in the park this month but our annual Summer events are winding down. So be sure to take advantage of them while you can.

 

For up-to-the-minute updates throughout the week be sure to follow us via Twitter and/or Facebook.

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

 

Jackson Junge Gallery asks artists to render their vision of an apocalypse and, more importantly, portray their ideas of what a new world might resemble following this apocalypse.The artwork chosen for the upcoming exhibit showcases this duality. “APOCALYPSE 2012 : GENESIS 2013”, at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, runs from September 14th to October 28th, 2012. Apocalypse 2012.

 

 

  BARS

       

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

It's back! The Annual Bucktown 5k is almost here. Have you registered? Sponsored by RAM Racing, join your neighbors, friends, and family at our annual neighborhood race! Sunday, September 16 line up outside Burr Elementary School and race friends to the finish line...or at least finish the little over 3 mile course. Enjoy a little Taste of Bucktown directly following the race: Bucktown 5k.

 

 

Open Streets is heading to Wicker Park next weekend. Initially launched in the Loop last year (and this weekend), Open Streets has expanded their reach to include the Wicker Park & Bucktown neighborhoods. It should be a lot of fun but also please be aware that 15 blocks of Milwaukee Avenue will be closed next Saturday from Division Street to Western Avenue. So if you live in the neighborhood, plan accordingly. Open Streets.

 

 

This is such a fun event and even more special now that Renegade Craft no longer has a store on Division Street in Wicker Park. This  DIY extravaganza features more than 300 indie-craft artists from across the U.S. selling handmade wares, from jewelry and clothing to rock posters to bath products to plush toys and more. Great music, food and drink also abound. A don't miss. Renegade. 

 

Summer's Last Hurrah

It's hard to believe another Summer packed with Movies in the Park, Garden Walks, Summer Festivals and swimming pools has come and gone. But there's still time to enjoy a little more of the park before the weather gets cool. Be sure to catch these 10 End of Summer events while you can. Summer Wind Down.

 

 

  MOVIES

 

Tony Scott's UNSTOPPABLE on 35 mm

The untimely death of director/producer Tony Scott has left an irreparable scar on Hollywood cinema and this weekend you can catch Scott's last film in spectacular 35mm at Cinema Borealis at 1550 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The will be 2 screenings. However, seating is very limited so please arrive early. Unstoppable.

 

 

 

  MUSIC

FREE 93XRT Everest Show Tonight

Tonight 93XRT and Corona Extra are teaming up to provide a free show for the LA-based band Everest. What does it mean to be ownerless? is the band's newest album and you can catch them for free tonight.  93XRT Presents.

 

Exit Ghost - Pyro Fighter- Rah Rah & More

On Saturday, you can catch 4 bands for just $10 at Wicker Park's Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The 4 bands offer a wide mix of genre including: country tinged indie rock, folk, straight up rock and electro-pop duet Pyro Fighter. A great deal at just $10. Double Door.

 

Metro Chicago & Big Star Present The Dust Up

Metro Chicago and Big Star have teamed up for The Dust Up, a free music festival happening this Saturday in the Big Star parking lot. The fest will include music, DJs, a record fair, and of course good food and good drinks. Read on for complete details: The Dust Up.

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Carriage House Targets Mid-September

Wicker Park's newest Southern Belle The Carriage House is still on track to open mid-September at 1700 W. Division Street in the space formerly the home of Edge at Division Street and Paulina. This will mark the 2nd Wicker Park restaurant for the team behind The Bedford. The Carriage House.

 

 Covo Gyro Market Is Open

Covo Gyro Market is now open at 1482 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. What can you expect? Authentic traditional Greek gyros and salads from the team behind Prasino. We arrived for the opening but there was a slight delay and haven't had the time to head back. If you've been there, we'd love to know what you think. Covo Gyro Market.

 

 

 

Nameless Japanese Eatery Opens in Bucktown

A new Japanese Fusion Restaurant in Bucktown has opened at 1613 N. Damen Avenue and they contacted us to let us know they're hosting a contest to Name That Restaurant. If your name is selected you'll receive $100/month in free food for a year. Japanese Fusion.

The Lazy Parrot is Open

A number of restauranteurs have decided to open 2nd businesses in Wicker Park this Summer and The Lazy Parrot is another one of those spots. From the team behind Bucktown's Cafe LaGuardia, you'll find a mix of Carribean and Cuban food at The Lazy Parrot; located at 2257 W. North Avenue. Initial reviews have been very positive and we're hoping to head there later this week. The Lazy Parrot.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

Fashion's Night Out- Tonight

From 6pm - 10pm tonight, you can enjoy wine, snacks and great deals. Merchandise will be on sale with 50% off all Summer clothes and 20% off all new arrivals. Today only. 1534 N. Milwaukee Avenue Sip Shop and Save.

 

Go Inspired Green Heads to Wicker Park

If you've been wondering how to reduce energy expenses in your home. Well, we may just have an idea for you. Go Inspired Green is a new consulting business that has moved into the space formerly the home of Casa De Soul at 1919 W. Division Street with a focus on how to reduce energy expenses and live in a healthier environment. For additional information contact Go Inspired Green. They are officially open for business. Inspired Green.

 

 

Organic Spa Party - Tonight

Looking for a little tlc? Then head to Elevenzees' Temple Beautiful tonight for their Organic Spa Party. Relax and enjoy being pampered. Space is limited. Feel free to BYOB. The details: Organic Spa Party.

 

 

The great deals at Wicker Park's ORA Dental continue this month. Not only can you score a ZOOM Whitening treatment for only $169 (regular price is $599), new patients can also take advantage of their current offer which is only $129. ORA books up early so schedule your appointments now before these great deals end. ORA Dental Specials

 

Those are the highlights for the week. We're currently planning our Halloween Edition so stay tuned for all of the very best Wicker Park & Bucktown events heading our way. If you have a Halloween Event coming up, be sure to send them to us. We'd love to include you.

 

 

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

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

August 30, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

This weekend is Labor Day Weekend; the unofficial end of Summer. But we have many fantastic Fall events heading our way far beyond this weekend and into September. So here's your preview of what's in store for Fall. As always, we have lots of information and great Insider deals to share. If you'd like to receive information throughout the week be sure to follow us via Twitter and/or Facebook.

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. Have a great Labor Day Weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

 

Jackson Junge Gallery asked artists to render their vision of such an apocalypse and, more importantly, portray their ideas of what a new world might resemble.The artwork chosen for the upcoming exhibit showcases this duality. “APOCALYPSE 2012 : GENESIS 2013”, at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, runs from September 14th to October 28th, 2012. Apocalypse 2012.

 

 

  BARS

         

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

It's back! The Annual Bucktown 5k is almost here. Have you registered? Sponsored by RAM Racing, join your neighbors, friends, and family at our annual neighborhood race! Sunday, September 16 line up outside Burr Elementary School and race friends to the finish line...or at least finish the little over 3 mile course. Enjoy a little Taste of Bucktown directly following the race: Bucktown 5k.

 

 

Did you know that when the Bloomingdale Trail is finished it will be the longest elevated park in the world? True story. Paris and New York City also have elevated parks but ours will be the longest. You can find the details and ABC's video report right here: Bloomingdale Trail. 

 

 

This is such a fun event and even more special now that Renegade Craft no longer has a store on Division Street in Wicker Park. This  DIY extravaganza features more than 300 indie-craft artists from across the U.S. selling handmade wares, from jewelry and clothing to rock posters to bath products to plush toys and more. Great music, food and drink also abound. A don't miss. Renegade. 

 

 

Back to school takes on a whole new meaning with Elena Chicago. Join Elaine Winer for new Fall classes and learn Spanish in a casual and relaxed environment. Elaine's reviews have been outstanding and you can grab a glass of wine and enjoy Club Lucky's ambiance while learning. Hurry! Classes start next week. Spanish Classes.

 

 

 

  MOVIES

 

Tony Scott's UNSTOPPABLE on 35 mm

The untimely death of director/producer Tony Scott has left an irreparable scar on Hollywood cinema and this weekend you can catch Scott's last film in spectacular 35mm at Cinema Borealis at 1550 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The will be 2 screenings. However, seating is very limited so please arrive early. Unstoppable.

 

 

 

  MUSIC

 

Avenue N Guitars Rock For Kids Showcase Tonight

Tonight Avenue N Guitars located on North Avenue in Wicker Park is hosting a free showcase to benefit "Rock For Kids". The doors open at 7:00pm and the showcase begins at 8:30pm. For additional information including bands in the showcase: Rock For Kids.

 

 

Metro Chicago & Big Star Present The Dust Up

Metro Chicago and Big Star have teamed up for The Dust Up, a free music festival happening on September 8th in the Big Star parking lot. The fest will include music, DJs, a record fair, and of course good food and good drinks. Read on for complete details: The Dust Up.

 

 

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Blue Star Bistro and Wine Bar Opens For Lunch

Off the beaten path, Blue Star Bistro & Wine Bar offers fresh delicious food and an impressive selection of wine. They are also now open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. With a large patio and easy street parking during the day, head to Blue Star Bistro and enjoy a delicious lunch presented beautifully. Blue Star Bistro.

 

 In Search of The Best Pisco Sour

As long-time neighborhood residents and true Insiders, we have insight you just can't find anywhere else. We look beyond the hip and trendy to what's truly good and share information you should know. So here's a little Insider information for where you can find a great authentic Pisco Sour. You won't see this in other publications but you will find it here...enjoy! Pisco Sour Tour.

 

Wicker Basket Cafe' - What You Should Know

Another great Insider tip for the day... is Wicker Basket Cafe'. After venturing in for our Saturday Sandwich feature, we just can't wait to head back. The sandwiches there are de-licious and after writing our feature, we heard from others that their egg salad sandwich is addictive. Off the beaten path at 2113 W. Division Street, Wicker Basket Cafe' has a nice patio, solid service and tasty food. Wicker Basket Cafe'.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

David's Tea To Open in Bucktown

DAVIDsTea is quickly expanding and is opening 3 new locations in Chicago; 924 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park, 1645 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown and 3530 N. Southport Ave. in Lakeview. in Chicago. Look for Bucktown's shop to open October 13th. DavidsTea.

 

 

Final Sale at NEW'D - Most Items $5

Thursday and Friday will mark NEWD's final 2 sale days so be sure to stop by. Everything must go and most items are listed at $5. NEW'D has been a great spot at 1917 W. Division Street in Wicker Park and we wish them all the best. NEWD Sale.

 

 

Labor Day Sale with 70% Off at STA

Wicker Park's Second Time Around is kicking off a Labor Day Sale this weekend with 70% Off All Summer Merchandise and 20% off new Fall arrivals. STA sells designer clothing, accessories and shoes at a fraction of their original price. Be sure to check out their sale. You'll find some incredible values here: Second Time Sale.

 

 

THIS is an incredible value! If you book an appointment with ORA Dental in September, you can score a ZOOM Whitening treatment for only $169. The regular price is $599. What are you waiting for? They book up early so be sure to schedule your appointments now...before this deal ends. Zoom Whitening Deal.

Those are the highlights for the week. Hope you have a terrific Labor Day Weekend! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

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

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide