Looking for a couple of great Monday night specials in Wicker Park & Bucktown? We can help you out.

Tonight you can Build Your Own Delicious Burger at Cortland's Garage at 1645 W. Cortland Avenue in Bucktown for just $5. And the short rib nacho's aren't too shabby either. But that's not all. If you're looking for something in Wicker Park, head to Bangers & Lace.

 

On Monday nights at Bangers & Lace - 1670 W. Division Street-  you'll find fried chicken, beer and a shot of Malort for just $10. A great deal.

 

Tell em we sent you.

 

And for updates throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. 

 

 

May 4th 2012
 

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

The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo arrive this weekend and there are many events and parties planned throughout the neighborhood. But that's not all. We've also included community news, art gallery celebrations, new restaurant openings and more. If you'd like to receive information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We would love to include you. 

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

 

   Bars

   Cinco de Mayo- Kentucky Derby Parties

This weekend Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby land on the same day. So we've included Cinco de Mayo street festivals, Kentucky Derby parties and those celebrations that will include both. We're adding a few more parties so if you're looking for fun and festive options in the neighborhood, we've got em right here.

 

  Community

   Do Division Update 

More bands have been announced so be sure to check for the line-ups to date right here. Sounds like there will also be food trucks at the Polish Triangle over the weekend. We will keep you updated. 

 

   Movies in the Park - Bucktown

The Bucktown Community Organization announced their Movies in the Park line-up this week. So, which movies are heading to Churchill Park this Summer? Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Wizard of Oz and The Lorax. And they're free. Stay tuned for the dates. As soon as they're announced, we will let you know. 

 

   Wicker Park Farmers Market

It's coming....the highly anticipated Wicker Park Farmers Market will reopen in Wicker Park proper at 1425 N. Damen Avenue on June 3rd. For those who may not know, the market is located at the corner of Damen & Wicker Park Avenue. We will see you there!

 

   Wicker Park Plant Sale & Fundraiser

Don't miss the Annual Plant Sale & Fundraiser this weekend in Wicker Park. Experienced gardeners and designers will help you pick the plants that are best for you. Proceeds are donated to the 10,000 square foot Wicker Park Gardens and lecture series.

 

  Galleries/Art

     Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Arts N Spirits
Want to do something different this weekend in honor of Cinco de Mayo? Head to Arts N Spirits at 1921 N. Damen Avenue in Bucktown with your friends and drink of choice. (They're BYOB). You'll have a great time and come home with artwork ready for framing. Details for how to sign up are right here.  

 

    Park Schrek's 1 Year Anniversary
Park Schrek Gallery is celebrating their 1st Year Anniversary with an opening reception tonight from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Featured work will include Jonathon Stein and the one and only Dan Schrek & John Park. Congratulations on a terrific 1st year.

 

 

 

 

  Music 

    Better Than Something - Film Screenings
The Empty Bottle will be hosting 2 film screenings this weekend for Better Than Something:  a feature documentary about the controversial and prolific garage rock icon Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, better known to the world as Jay Reatard.The portrait of Jay's life is captured just months before his untimely passing. Public Works Gallery - 1539 N. Damen Avenue.

    Local H - This Saturday

Hailing from Chicago, Local H is a two-man wrecking crew; a powerhouse invigorated by former Triple Fast Action drummer Brain St. Clair and driven by the distinct lyric and melodic vision of guitarist/vocalist Scott Lucas. Get your tickets now. Keep your eyes open on our facebook and twitter pages. We're giving away FREE tickets for this show later today. Double Door- 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

 

Rockin' For Rescue Fundraiser

Mark your calendars. The Annual Rockin' For Rescue Fundraiser for the Trio Animal Foundation heads to the neighborhood May 19th. Food will be provided by a top Chicago Caterer featuring signature items designed and served by Hot Doug's Chef.  There will also be an open bar, 2 VIP areas, and a fabulous silent auction and raffle. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

 

 

 

  Restaurants

 

 

 

  Real Estate

Every foreclosure we publish sells within a week or less. The 1 bed + den we mentioned last week was under contract in couple of days. But you have another chance. This 3 bed/2 bath is in Ukrainian Village is current listed for $341k. We've also included a banner on our website which links to foreclosures. Don't wait on these if you're interested. 

 

  Retail/Shopping

     Mother's Day Gift Baskets- $25

Looking for a gift for Mom? Head to Greenheart Shop. You'll find beautiful gift baskets that extend beyond physical and cultural borders. Support fair trade and empower mothers everywhere. Starting at only $25. 

 

    Spex Grand Opening Party - Tonight

Spex opened their Wicker Park location earlier this year at 1407 N. Milwaukee Avenue and on Friday May 4th they'll be hosting their official Grand Opening Party. With swag bags, refreshments and appetizers, it's sure to be a great time. Be sure to stop by.

 

 

  Theater

   The Mariachi Man Drinks to Cinco de Mayo

For one day only this weekend, in celebration of Mexican Heritage and drinking holidays everywhere, the cast of El Mari Chi Chi will perform an interactive drinking theme burlesque show. The audience may keep up with the characters on stage and take a drink for each time a character takes a swig. Gorilla Tango Theatre - 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter. We'd love to include you.

If you'd like to receive our Weekend Guide each Thursday, here's how you do it. Sign up.

 

 

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

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

You know us. Yeah sure we can list every restaurant and bar in Wicker Park & Bucktown that offer brunch. But what we really like to offer our viewers is the best in the neighborhood. So we asked you about your favorite place for brunch in Wicker park or Bucktown and the feedback we got was phenomenal. There are a number of tasty options out there and each offers something a little different. Not only are there great brunch options available, there's a very good chance you'll find exactly what you're looking for right here because there is such a variety. And with all of these options available, there's no reason to wait in line on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

A very big "thank you" to everyone who participated. If you missed the poll, not a problem. Just provide a comment below and let us know about your favorite. In the interim, have a great time at brunch -- and tell 'em we sent you.

 

Bangers & Lace

1670 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

773-252-6499
Brunch 11am -3pm

Looking for a very different twist on the traditional Sunday brunch? Try Bangers & Lace. The late night spot opens early on the weekend to serve sausage pancakes and hash as well as the Benedict: a favorite featuring eggs, sausage, bacon all sitting on top of brioche for $8.00. We also wanted to add 4 very special words: Build Your Own Biscuit. Yep...and delicious. This gets 2 very hearty thumbs ups from all of the foodies out there.

Our viewers tried most of the menu, however, and loved it all. Special note: the gravy fries ...delish. Favorites on the menu beyond just brunch included the deviled eggs, black truffle/white cheddar grilled cheese and brioche corn-battered Vienna hot dog. Don't forget the Bloody Marys.

 

Birchwood Kitchen

2211 W. North Avenue - Bucktown
(773) 276-2100
Sunday 9am – 4pm

Friendly and comfortable Birchwood Kitchen offers a great atmosphere, terrific attentive service and excellent food. The brunch menu may not be as expansive as other neighborhood establishments but there is a variety to choose from. And the prices are reasonable.

Choices range from the Breakfast Sandwich (vegetable frittata, cheddar, grilled focaccia, roasted potatoes, petit salad) to Quiche to Belgian waffles to Salad to Steak and Eggs + more. You may also want to try the Croque Vert - seasonal vegetables and cheese on sourdough topped with fried eggs and served with a petite salad.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and casual brunch spot with good food and excellent coffee, this just may be your place.

 

The Bongo Room

1470 N. Milwaukee Avenue - Wicker Park
Sunday Hours 9am- 2:30pm.

Super cozy with a diner feeling, the best advice I can give is to get there early. Lines of people are usually forming down Milwaukee Avenue early on the weekends. The food is good --- and original. Pancakes are a favorite here and they range from carrot cake with vanilla bean sauce to cranberry...or even white macadamia ! The standard fare: Omelettes, eggs, french toast are also available. Always good but very busy on weekends.

 

Feast

1616 N. Damen - Bucktown
Weekend Brunch
Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm
(no reservations)

Feast is well-known for their fresh food and variety of delicious options and brunch is no different! Yes, the traditional pancakes are available but there’s so much more. Eggs are the primary focus with build-your-own-omelettes, the grand slam breakfast (eggs, sausage, potatoes + toast). For non-traditional brunch-lovers, why not try the eggs portobello (two poached eggs with spinach and oven roasted tomatoes over a breaded portobello mushroom with hollandaise sauce + feast potatoes) or the crab benedict two poached eggs and crab cakes over jalapeno cheddar corn bread with chipotle hollandaise + feast potatoes.

 

Hot Chocolate

1747 N. Damen Avenue

(773) 489- 1747

Hot Chocolate's brunch includes treats like sweets and warm doughnuts, fresh ricotta & eggs, smoked fish, cheddar melts, buttermilk pancakes, steak and eggs, quiche and much much more. Also available are salads, granola and fruit plates. For a new and fresh twist on your old favorites, be sure to stop by. And don't forget the hot chocolate. It is truly not to be missed.

 

Las Palmas

1825 W. North Avenue - Wicker Park

(773) 289-4991

For something completely different, put a Mexican spin on your Saturday (or Sunday) morning brunch. Tucked away on North Avenue, Las Palmas is a favorite of the neighborhood and one of Wicker Park & Bucktown's best kept secrets. For starters, how about two eggs sunny-side up smothered in salsa ranchera and served with refried black beans, rice, avocado, crema Mexicana & warm tortillas? Not a bad start to the day. Many many brunch options wait for you. The brunch menu is right here: Brunch.

 

Letizia's Natural Bakery

 2144 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

(773) 342-1011

First of all, you have to love the fact that Letizia's wesbite is superyummy.com. That being said, Letizia's is one of Wicker Park's best kept secrets. Off the beaten path on the West end of Division, you might miss it if you don't know it's there. And if you're looking for fresh natural ingredients, head to Letizia's. You'll also find a full espresso bar, pastries, muffins, panini and more. In the Summer, the patio in the back is like an oasis. For hours and more.

 

 

Milk & Honey

1920 W. Division - Wicker Park
(773) 395-9434

One of the earlier brunch spots in the neighborhood, you head to Milk & Honey at 8am on Saturday or Sunday and brunch is open until 2:00pm. What can you expect to find at Milk & Honey? Buttermilk granola pancakes, orange brioche French Toast with almonds, scrambled egg burritos or smoked salmon on a toasted bagel. Those are just the starters. There are many more optins, fresh juice and you won't break the bank at $7 or less. The full Brunch Menu.

 

 

Prasino

1846 W. Division Street - Wicker Park

Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, Prasino was almost immediately voted as a neighborhood favorite for brunch. This eco-friendly hotspot features organic and locally-sourced food when available. The brunch menu is unconventional and not your traditional Sunday morning breakfast and eggs. Here you'll find lobster stuffed avocados with mango salsa, chili beurre fondue or the honey chicken salad sandwich – arugula, grapes, pecans, celery, honey yogurt dressing, pretzel croissant. For breakfast, you'll also find gluten-free pancakes. For the full brunch menu: Prasino Brunch.

 

 

 

 

Riverside Cafe

1656 W. Cortland - Bucktown

 (773) 278-3354

This small little neighborhood gem is tucked away on Cortland Avenue far away from the beaten path and hectic pace of North, Damen and Milwaukee. For those looking for a quiet respite in the heart of the city, the Riverside Cafe is for you. The large patio is very private. The Sunday brunch is a huge spread of about 50+ items were you'll find: fruit, eggs, pierogis, pancakes, cereal, steak and so much more. The regular menu is not available but this is a great deal (and a great deal of food) for $12.95 a person.

Riverside is cash only.

 

 SAVE $5 OFF Riverside Cafe Brunch thru Feb 26th

 

 

The Bristol

2152 N. Damen Avenue - Bucktown

Sunday Brunch Hours: 10am - 2pm

Seasonal and locally sourced food reigns supreme here at The Bristol. What can you expect on a Sunday? Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and large menu with a lot of variety. A few items to get you thinking about heading to The Bristol this Sunday: glazed doughnuts and maple sausage. Those are just for starters. Once you head to the heart of brunch, you'll find buttermilk pancakes, house made biscuits with a poached egg, braised pork chilaquiles with fried egg, eggs benedict with smoked ham & mustard hollandaise and much much more. The full menu is right here: Bristol Brunch.

 

 

The Southern

1840 W. North Avenue
Weekend Brunch
773-342-1840

 

The Southern has quickly become know for its outstanding brunch and amazing Bloody Marys. Although a bar, The Southern is a true contender for great food in the neighborhood. On Sunday morning, try the fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits or eggs sardou.  Our viewers give this Sunday morning hot spot a great rating and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.  The word everyone uses to describe The Southern Brunch: delicious.

 

Have a favorite who's not included? Let us know. We're happy to add them.

Caffe De Luca has been a neighborhood staple for almost 13 years serving some of the best coffee and food in the neighborhood. This cozy and comfortable spot featured an Italian ambiance with clotheslines - fully adorned with the clothes.

 

 

 Photo Credit: Eater Chicago

The following was published on Caffe De Luca's Facebook page: 

Dear Friends and Family,
You may have heard by now that our beloved cafe has been sold and will be closing by the end of May or early June, which would mark our 13th anniversary serving the Wicker Park/Bucktown communities. We want to thank everyone for making caffe De Luca an amazing place for both our guests and our staff. Opening in our location is a green-minded steakhouse and it is possible you may see some familiar faces behind the bar or greeting your table. On behalf of the cafe and its staff, we wish to thank everyone for your years of patronage and for helping us create a place where coming to work was anything but a dreadful experience! In addition to our weekday fare, join us this weekend and those few to follow for extra special specials and some amazing coffee. Again, thank you all so much for joining us these past 13 years!

Sincerely and with much love,
caffe De Luca

 

The new spot per the Eater Article will be Grass Fed; a steakhouse with a focus of sourcing the best organic and sustainable meat.

 

[Cafe De Luca Closing Closing Late May To Make Way for Grass Fed: Eater Chicago]

Have you tried Mai Chi Restaurant and Lounge?

1401 N. Ashland Avenue - Wicker Park, IL

773-489-5600

http://www.mcrestaurantandlounge.com/

Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 11pm
Friday - Saturday Open late
Monday Closed

Meals served: Lunch,Dinner

Outdoor seating: Yes

Bar: Yes

We love Riverside Cafe. This cute, cozy, family owned (Latin and American) -cash only - Bucktown BYOB deli located at 1656 W. Cortland in is tucked away on a quiet street in Bucktown.

This is not a gourmet eatery but a mom & pop shop dedicated to servicing the community for 27 years.

Open for breakfast and lunch, this is one of the few spots where you can grab a real breakfast (as in bacon and eggs) for less than $6. Soups, sandwiches, salads and more are also available for lunch. And on Sunday?

A huge brunch that can include everything from eggs and waffles to french toast to pasta and corned beef hash....plus coffee. Riverside was recently voted as a favorite brunch spot by our viewers. In the Summer, a beautiful and private patio waits for you. A secret little neighborhood gem that's off the beaten path and family-friendly. When you're at Riverside Cafe you feel like you've been transported out of the traditional hustle & bustle of the neighborhood.

Looking for a great party spot? Contact Riverside Cafe.  They also have a huge party room and you can take advantage of the beautiful patio. Easy street parking makes it a perfect event space.

Students get 15% off with a valid school ID. 

Recently voted one of the neighborhood's favorite BYOBs.

You can also save on that incredible brunch through April. Sunday Brunch.

Good Sunday morning- We're expecting temperatures close to 50 degrees today and it will be sunny. Here are some great things you can do today when you're out and about in Wicker Park and Bucktown today:

 

Sunday Brunch !

Pumpkin pancakes, french toast, vegetable frittata, crab benedict, italian omelettes and more. Where can you find a delicious twist on brunch? Right here. Favorite Wicker Park and Bucktown Brunch.

Plus this morning you can Save $5 off Riverside Cafe's massive 50+ item brunch spread.

 

FREE Yoga

You can still catch a free yoga class at Buctkown's Lululemon (1627 N. Damen Avenue). But you have to hurry! Classes start at 10am.

 

Logan Square Farmers Market

You can grab fresh produce, cheeses, meat and a variety of bakery items every Sunday at the Logan Square Farmers Market. It's just a few blocks away and it's held every Sunday.

 

Planting Workshops for the Kids

Mew & View - Movie Fundraiser at Treehouse Humane Society

February 26th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Treehouse Humane Society - 1629 N. Ashland Avenue

September 30, 2011
 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide. Although it's hard to believe it's October already, a great Fall weekend is ahead and we're happy to share information about the many terrific events planned throughout the neighborhood. This weekend is Festival Weekend and includes: Oktoberfest, The Coyote - Festival of the Arts, The Backyard Film and Music Fest, Moonshine's Rib-A-Que and The Empty Bottle's 5 day Adventures in Modern Music taking center stage but that's not all. You'll also find new gallery exhibitions, lectures, jazz and so much more. We also have a few exciting updates regarding new bar and restaurant openings just for good measure. Know of any others? Just let us know and we'll include them.

    Bars

Moonshine's 4th Annual Rib Fest is the Saturday and it's going to be a fantastic event. Last year over 500 people attended and this year, we expect even more. With Prasino, Frontier Grill, The Smoke Daddy, The Bedford and more incredible chefs participating it's going to be a fun and delicious event. A perfect Fall Fest. This week, we've also included an update on new bars opening soon. The focus is on Division Street. Gourmet burgers and signature cocktails are heading our way. Last but not least, if you missed it last week, our top picks for fun Oktoberfest celebrations are included below. 

Mooshine's 4th Annual Rib-A-Que

 

  New Bars on Division Street

  Celebrating Oktoberfest

 

   Community

This Sunday don't miss the Bucktown 5k! Great exercise and its a terrific fundraiser for Gilda's Cub. On Monday, Christy Webber will be the speaker for the Wicker Park Garden Club's Lecture series. Buying an old pick up truck in in 1988 and a small amount of lawn mowing equipment, Christy began cutting grass around the Wicker Park neighborhood. With determination and hard work, she has become one of the largest landscape companies in Chicago and you can see her Monday.  Next up? Mark your calendars and hone those baking skills. The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest is just around the corner.

     The Bucktown 5k

     Christy Webber Lecture Monday

      The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest

 

 

   Galleries

At long last, The Coyote: The Wicker Park Bucktown Festival of the Arts is this weekend! For 3 days, 150 artists will be featured throughout the neighborhood and 24 musical acts will be featured at Bucktown's Club Lucky. But that's not all. Two new gallery exhibitions will also be opening this weekend. Element Flux features 53 artists and opens at Jackson Junge on Friday. Also this weekend, Park Schrek's new exhibition Blur opens with a reception Friday night from 7pm -10pm. Park Schrek is just steps from the Flat Iron so if you're heading to The Coyote, be sure to stop by.

New Gallery Exhibition Openings

Coyote - The Wicker Park/Bucktown Festival of the Arts

 

 

    Music 

We have a wide variety of music options available this weekend. First, for something completely different, we love the idea of an evening packed with cool jazz & blues. And this Friday you can enjoy just that at the Blue Star Wine Bar. Reservations are recommended. Also this weekend, as part of The Coyote Festival, Club Lucky will be hosting 24 bands over a 3 day period. So stop by for great food, drink and music. The Lemonheads will be arriving at Double Door very soon and they will be playing the entire "It's A Shame About Ray" record.  Do you have your tickets? And last but not least, "Adventures in Modern Music"  is back at The Empty Bottle this weekend.

 

   Friday Night Jazz & Blues at Blue Star

 

   24 Bands at Club Lucky This Weekend

  Lemonheads - It's A Shame About Ray

 

    Restaurants

A number of new restaurants are heading in to the neighborhood including - you guessed it - more sushi. Nori a Japanese/Sushi spot based in Lincoln Park is expanding into the Wicker Park and Rogers Park neighborhoods and is scheduled to open in mid-October. And unfortunately, MELT's opening has been postponed due to "city issues". Not uncommon. This week we've also included an Allergy-Friendly Directory. Lots of folks are looking for gluten-free and more. So we've compiled a handy guide to those eateries who are sensitive to food allergies. Many thanks to all who contributed to our Directory!

       New Neighborhood Restaurants

    Allergy-Friendly Eateries

 

 

 

    Retail/Shopping

We haven't seen an official press announcement but the word on the street is that the former owners of Wicker Park's Earwax Cafe have signed a lease with billion dollar company Dr. Martens.  The brown paper is officially up on the windows. As additional details become available, we will send them your way.  There have also been a number of new retail (clothing) shops who have opened their doors and we'll provide additional information on those new shops shortly. 

     New Doc Martens Store Coming to Wicker Park ?

 

    Theater

The BackYard Fim & Music Fest is back on the north side this year after a brief hiatus on the south side last year.  And yes founder Fred Koschmann really did set up a projector in his backyard, hung a bed sheet for a screen, put out lawn chairs, and invited some 40 friends over to view two of his short films in 2008 when the fest first started. What can you expect on on Saturday?  From 2pm-6pm 16 local and international short films will be featured at the Wicker Park Arts Center. Additional details follow.  Also don't miss Cyrano. The quintessential Renaissance man is at The Chopin and you'll get your money's worth with a good old-fashioned sword fight included in the price of admission.

 Cyrano at The Chopin

Back Yard Film & Music Fest

These are just a few of the highlights for this weekend and beyond. We have 100s of 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 our 6,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

If you're a business and would like to be featured in the Insider's Guide or would like to renew your spot in 2012, be sure to contact us.  You don't want to miss this outstanding opportunity.  To the many who have already signed up, thanks so much. We're looking forward to a fantastic 2012 !

 

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

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide