Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Wicker Wire: There aren't a lot of details accompanying this announcement. However, according to a news release, a new "craft cocktail concept" will be opening in the former location of Bucktown's The Bluebird at 1749 N. Damen Avenue. The new bar, Presidio, is owned by Patrick Cullen former attorney for Rockit Ranch and Drumbar. 

The target timeframe for Presidio to open their doors in Bucktown is sometime this Winter.

Presidio to Openin Former Bluebird Spot in Bucktown by Winter [DNAInfo] 

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