REAdB11-12 @properties

10 New Hotspots On Our Radar in Wicker Park & Bucktown

With so many new restaurants and bars opening soon in Wicker Park & Bucktown, we wanted to provide a brief summary - and friendly reminder- of 10 new spots looking to open very soon. You'll find everything from arcades to ice cream to pizza to tapas and doughnuts with a few new seasonal menus and a 100 person garden patio thrown in for good measure. Red Door in Bucktown is opening today. So be sure to check them out. For additional information about any of these new hot spots, just click on the photos ... and enjoy.

 

   Bars

        Emporium Wicker Park's New Bar-Cade

The neighborhood has been patiently waiting for Wicker Park's newest bar-cade to open and we're sorry to say, everyone is going to have to wait a little longer. Emporium Arcade will be opening soon at 1366 N. Milwaukee Avenue. At this time, the owners are waiting for the city to approve their license and they say it's going to be a couple more weeks. Once the city approves this new bar, you'll find  20+ craft beers, a full bar and over 30 arcade games and pinball machines dating from the 1970's -1990s.

 

        Fat Pour to Open This Summer 

We've been reporting on the opening of Fat Pour for many months and it looks like the owners of this new 7,000 square foot sports bar (who also happen to own the very successful 404 Wine Bar Co, Jack's Bar & Grill and the Irish Oak) are looking to open at 2005 W. Division Street in July. We've got the details here. 

 

 

Restaurants

      Antique Taco - Opens May 16th

We weren't sure what to make of this new Mexican eatery when we first heard the name but Antique Taco will combine the owners' passion for cooking with that of - you guessed it- antiques. Antique taco is open at 1360 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

 

           Black Bull Tapas Wicker Park

When Angels & Mariachis closed for remodeling in January, we had no idea they were going to remodel themselves into an entirely different concept. But they have. What can you expect? Simple surprising Spanish food and a warm inviting atmosphere. Black Bull Tapas looks to open in May. Expect a couple more weeks here.

           Caffe De Luca To Close - Grass Fed to Open

After almost 13 years, Caffe De Luca announced they will close their Bucktown location at 1721 N. Damen Avenue at the end of May. The official date is May 20th. Moving in to the space will be Grass Fed LLC. Not surprisingly, Grass Fed will be a steakhouse focused on organic and sustainable meat. 



        Glazed & Infused Doughnuts

When Francesca's Forno closed at 1576 N. Milwaukee Avenue to remodel their restaurant and revamp their menu last year it was reported that owner, Scott Harris, was also planning on opening a doughnut shop there. That doughnut shop is almost ready. Glazed & Infused will be opening on the West side of Francesca's Forno facing the Blue Line and the Wicker Park location will be the first to open. Look for Glazed & Infused to open at Francesca's in early - mid May.

 

        Hot Chocolate Closed for Renovations

Yes we know Hot Chocolate isn't new but they sure seem new. With a new look, simpler menu and new name, Hot Chocolate is open again for business.  

        Nanda Milano Trattoria on Division

Nanda Milano Trattoria opened this week in the space formerly the home of Dee's Place at 2114 W. Division. That's right. They're located between Via Carducci and Enoteca Roma in Wicker Park and are serving traditional Italian fare

 

      Pizano's Pizza & Pasta Heads to Crust

If you love pizza, you'll be happy to hear Pizano's Pizza & Pasta is moving in to the space formerly the home of Crust at 2056 W. Division Street this Summer. This will make the 5th location in the area for Pizano's who will be bringing their award-winning deep dish pizza to Wicker Park.

 

       Purple Cow Ice Cream Cafe & Sandwich Shop

This family-owned ice cream parlor has moved locations from Uptown to Wicker Park and is working hard to open as quickly as they can. The Purple Cow specializes in hand-dipped cones, shakes, malts and sundaes. With the additional foot traffic they'll find at 1740 W. Division Street, they're looking at adding a few items to the menu. And we recently noticed a service window which will open on to Division; perfect if you happen to be walking your dog but still want to grab that ice cream float.

 

       Red Door Bucktown

Red Door Bucktown opened May 3rdd in the space the former home of Duchamp 2118 N. Damen Avenue. Here you'll find globally inspired pub fare in this combination restaurant/bar with dishes inspired from regions all over the world. They've also opened a huge 100 person patio/garden that rivals Prasino's. 

 

    The Trenchermen

We've been reporting on the highly anticipated Trenchermen for many months and it appears that this upscale bar/restaurant will be opening mid-late May. We recently received an invitation for their Preview Party scheduled for May 17th so we can expect The Trencherman to officially open their doors shortly thereafter. Food & Wine Best New Chef Mike Sheerin, his brother Patrick and Matt Eisler & Kevin Heisner (co-owners of Bangers & Lace) are behind this new restaurant.

 

 

 Skewerz, Chicago, IL    Wicker Park's Skewerz Shutters

As reported by the RedEye last Wednesday, this cheap eats staple, located at 1560 N. Damen Avenue for years, the space is dark and the phone and website are gone. Look for a new business to open this Summer. And we, of course, will keep you posted. 

 

For all of the latest news and openings, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Thanks and we will see you in the neighborhood. 

 

Share |
Login to Comment
Share |

Got an Opinion? Leave some feedback!



Captcha Image
Advertise With Us