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Culinary traditions are holding strong in a changing neighborhood.
Tortello

Wicker Park’s Best Restaurants

Near West Town and Bucktown, Wicker Park offers several great spots for dining

by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated
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Culinary traditions are holding strong in a changing neighborhood.
| Tortello
by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated

It’s easy to lament the Wicker Park is what it used to be in the ‘90s when derelicts like High Fidelity’s Rob Gordon hung out at the Double Door and Reckless Records. The area is more family friendly even though bars like Estelle’s and Nick’s Beer Garden continue to serve as cornerstones along Milwaukee Avenue.

While the area keeps changing, there are still plenty of things to eat. There’s even an outlet of deep-dish champion Lou Malnati’s. While Lou’s didn’t make the list, there’s more than enough delicious pizza to pick from in the area. Walk through Wicker Park’s Six Corners intersection for a tour of the neighborhood’s best.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Handlebar

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A neighborhood anchor since 2003, Handlebar is known for its sumptuous lineup of vegan and vegetarian comfort dishes delivered with an effortlessly cool vibe. Grab a seat at brunch for tofu scrambles and breakfast burritos, or swing by at dinner for fried avocado tacos and meat-free Nashville hot “chicken” sandwiches.

2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-9546
(773) 384-9546

Also featured in:

Lost Larson

Copy Link

Pedigreed pastry chef Bobby Schaffer has kept the spirit of Swedish baking alive at his adorable Andersonville bakery that in 2021 expanded into Wicker Park with a bustling location on Division. Customers tend to form long lines for top-notch cinnamon rolls and moist lingonberry almond cake, so it’s a good idea to place orders in advance.

2140 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 770-9015
(773) 770-9015

Also featured in:

Cafe Istanbul

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Turkish food gets the spotlight at this local favorite with fancy kebobs and more. The service goes beyond a standard shawarma shack and there’s plenty for light meals or dishes that will satisfy the most robust eater. Meat fans will love this place.

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-9487
(773) 661-9487

Also featured in:

Paulie Gee's Wicker Park

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Owner Derrick Tung decided to shake things up when he expanded his Logan Square pizzeria into Wicker Park, where his team specializes in long, foldable New York-style slices. Varieties include Big Bad Wolf (red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon jam) and Onion Jawns (garlic, mozzarella, caramelized onions, ricotta, black pepper, basil).

1566 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-6793
(773) 661-6793

Also featured in:

Dove's Luncheonette

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This Tex-Mex diner from One Off Hospitality (Publican, Big Star) is a popular standby for Wicker Park residents who harbor a hankering for breakfast and brunch indulgences like burnt ends hash and chicken fried chicken.

1545 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

Also featured in:

Taxim

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A pioneer for Greek food away from Greektown, Taxim is one of the best restaurants in the area with a charming rooftop. The duck gyros are a staple, but don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar.

1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1558
(773) 252-1558

Also featured in:

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen

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Chef Rodolfo Cuadros’s daring upscale vegan restaurant uses small plates to make a compelling argument that vegetables can surprise and even excite diners with a range of dietary preferences. Cuadros, also behind pan Latin hit Amaru and vegan Mexican spot Don Bucio Taqueria, was long-listed in 2022 for the James Beard Foundation’s best chef: Great Lakes award.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 363-3110
(312) 363-3110

Also featured in:

Piece Brewery

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Piece is usually packed with a high-energy atmosphere which makes it kind of a chore to find a table on the weekends. This is a proper brewpub with IPA and lagers available in growlers for home consumption. But wait, should we talk about the pizza? Customers will find New Haven-style pizza. Pies can be inconsistent during high-volume times, but when it’s on, it’s on.

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-4422
(773) 772-4422

Phodega

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Some would say Phodega is the best pho in Chicago away from Argyle Street. But this spot’s appeal goes beyond pho with a menu of habit-forming Viet dip sandwiches and a combo fried chicken/Hainanese chicken plate. It’s also a great spot to pick up oyster sauce and Korean honey butter potato chips. Owners Nate Hoops and Anthony Ngo previously operated outposts in Wicker Park and Pilsen, but in 2023 consolidated the locations into a much larger space on Division.

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8187
(773) 687-8187

Also featured in:

Artemio Bakery

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This Mexican bakery is a sweet experience for customers of all ages. Start by grabbing a tray to pile high with crunchy conchas and other delights.

1443 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-0757
(773) 342-0757

Also featured in:

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

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Chef Brian Jupiter (Frontier) and the folks behind Lottie’s Pub created a festive ode to New Orleans in the former Beachwood dive bar, winning over neighbors and Chicagoans all over town with fried catfish and oysters, po’boys, and boozy Southern cocktails.

1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-8320
(773) 360-8320

Also featured in:

Tortello

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Tortello delights neighbors with fancy pasta made just inside the restaurant’s front window. The restaurant is a boon for locals who can buy fresh pasta to cook at home but also caters to dine-in customers who can also slurp handmade noodles while sitting on the Division Street patio.

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1293
(773) 360-1293

Also featured in:

The Delta

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The Delta is special with strong drinks, fun tamales, and friendly service. There’s a small back patio and it also serves a gym shoe tamale, taking the beloved South Side sandwich to new heights.

1745 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1793
(773) 360-1793

Also featured in:

The Coach House by Zubair Mohajir

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The Coach House is one of America’s most dynamic Indian restaurants. James Beard-nominated chef Zubair Mohajir, who cooks food from a South Indian Muslim perspective, offers a unique (and pricy) tasting menu with variations of aged duck cooked using a centuries-old recipe book, a wonderful expression of the Midwest relish tray that uses Indian flatbreads, and a world-class momo with a stuffing that changes seasonally. Originally, Coach House shared the space with casual restaurant Wazwan, but in fall 2023, Mohajir replaced it with Lilac Tiger, a cocktail bar with food and a collaboration with restaurateur Ty Fujimura (Arami) and chef Won Kim (Kimski). The chicken nuggets are stellar, and so is the duck-fried rice.

1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 722-6911
(312) 722-6911

Also featured in:

Antique Taco Wicker Park

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This counter-service taqueria is among the most stylish and creative Mexican spots in the neighborhood, featuring delectable dishes like crab and shrimp flautas, crispy fish tacos with spicy tartar sauce and smoked cabbage, and horchata milkshakes topped with whipped cream. Owners also operate an outpost in Bridgeport.

1360 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8697
(773) 687-8697

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Alliance Bakery

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Pastry competition is fierce in Wicker Park, and classical French heavyweight Alliance Bakery is easily among the top contenders. Experts at both flavor and aesthetics, its bakers whip up elegant cakes, immaculate macarons, flaky croissants, and much more. In 2023, owner and veteran pastry chef Peter Rios expanded Alliance to a second outpost in West Town.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Also featured in:

Bonchon Division

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Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has a veritable cult following, and three years ago, Wicker Park residents found out why: perfectly crunchy chicken (wings, drums, and strips) slathered in soy or spicy glaze. Patrons can expect other familiar Korean and Japanese options including bulgolgi, japchae, chicken katsu, and takoyaki. Other locations are open in Chinatown and suburban Glenview.

1732 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-7460
(773) 360-7460

Tous Les Jours

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Massive Korean-French bakery chain Tous Les Jours has earned the adoration of locals for its laminated pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. The lovely cafe is a treat for the eyes, too, with colorful creations lined up inside a glowing pastry case.

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-8227
(773) 697-8227

Also featured in:

Falafel & Grill

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A reliable and unfussy storefront destination for generous portions of shawarma, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and gyros, Falafel & Grill has sated fans for a dozen years on Milwaukee Avenue. A second location is open near the border of Lakeview and Ravenswood. The salads are great and the meat gets a satisfying char from the flattop.

1317 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 292-8888
(773) 292-8888

Chengdu Impression Wicker Park 成都印象

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A Sichuan favorite in its home neighborhood of Lincoln Park, Chengdu Impression launched a second outpost in 2021 on Milwaukee Avenue — an area with limited options for Chinese cuisine. Menu hits range from Chinese American dishes like Mongolian beef to stewed rabbit, dry-chili chicken, and spicy mapo tofu.

1300 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-6767
(773) 661-6767

Tacos & Burrito Express #3

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Recently moved, this is one of the most reliable Mexican restaurants for a late-night meal. Forget about the overrated burritos at the hyped place a few blocks south, Tacos & Burrito Express has moist, delicious steak that turns first-time diners into regulars.

1512 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-1830
(773) 489-1830

Schwa Restaurant

Copy Link

A low-fi Michelin-starred restaurant where there’s no delineation between the back and front of the houses, Schwa has a habit of sparking vigorous discussion. While Schwa isn’t quite as wild as it was in the early years, the restaurant retains a rebellious streak in the fine dining world.

1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1466
(773) 252-1466

Also featured in:

Kennedy Rooftop

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Rooftop bars are relatively uncommon in Wicker Park, so the Kennedy’s 2020 opening on the seventh floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel was a big deal for the neighborhood. It’s ideally positioned for panoramic views of Willis Tower and pairs food and drink with a retractable awning, fire pits, lounge chairs, and more outdoor toys — including cozy igloos for cold weather. Those who understand that they’re here for the view will have a good time.

1551 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 270-6770
(773) 270-6770

Also featured in:

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Handlebar

2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

A neighborhood anchor since 2003, Handlebar is known for its sumptuous lineup of vegan and vegetarian comfort dishes delivered with an effortlessly cool vibe. Grab a seat at brunch for tofu scrambles and breakfast burritos, or swing by at dinner for fried avocado tacos and meat-free Nashville hot “chicken” sandwiches.

2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-9546
(773) 384-9546

Lost Larson

2140 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Pedigreed pastry chef Bobby Schaffer has kept the spirit of Swedish baking alive at his adorable Andersonville bakery that in 2021 expanded into Wicker Park with a bustling location on Division. Customers tend to form long lines for top-notch cinnamon rolls and moist lingonberry almond cake, so it’s a good idea to place orders in advance.

2140 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 770-9015
(773) 770-9015

Cafe Istanbul

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Turkish food gets the spotlight at this local favorite with fancy kebobs and more. The service goes beyond a standard shawarma shack and there’s plenty for light meals or dishes that will satisfy the most robust eater. Meat fans will love this place.

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-9487
(773) 661-9487

Paulie Gee's Wicker Park

1566 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Owner Derrick Tung decided to shake things up when he expanded his Logan Square pizzeria into Wicker Park, where his team specializes in long, foldable New York-style slices. Varieties include Big Bad Wolf (red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon jam) and Onion Jawns (garlic, mozzarella, caramelized onions, ricotta, black pepper, basil).

1566 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-6793
(773) 661-6793

Dove's Luncheonette

1545 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

This Tex-Mex diner from One Off Hospitality (Publican, Big Star) is a popular standby for Wicker Park residents who harbor a hankering for breakfast and brunch indulgences like burnt ends hash and chicken fried chicken.

1545 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 645-4060
(773) 645-4060

Taxim

1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A pioneer for Greek food away from Greektown, Taxim is one of the best restaurants in the area with a charming rooftop. The duck gyros are a staple, but don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar.

1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1558
(773) 252-1558

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Chef Rodolfo Cuadros’s daring upscale vegan restaurant uses small plates to make a compelling argument that vegetables can surprise and even excite diners with a range of dietary preferences. Cuadros, also behind pan Latin hit Amaru and vegan Mexican spot Don Bucio Taqueria, was long-listed in 2022 for the James Beard Foundation’s best chef: Great Lakes award.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 363-3110
(312) 363-3110

Piece Brewery

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Piece is usually packed with a high-energy atmosphere which makes it kind of a chore to find a table on the weekends. This is a proper brewpub with IPA and lagers available in growlers for home consumption. But wait, should we talk about the pizza? Customers will find New Haven-style pizza. Pies can be inconsistent during high-volume times, but when it’s on, it’s on.

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-4422
(773) 772-4422

Phodega

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Some would say Phodega is the best pho in Chicago away from Argyle Street. But this spot’s appeal goes beyond pho with a menu of habit-forming Viet dip sandwiches and a combo fried chicken/Hainanese chicken plate. It’s also a great spot to pick up oyster sauce and Korean honey butter potato chips. Owners Nate Hoops and Anthony Ngo previously operated outposts in Wicker Park and Pilsen, but in 2023 consolidated the locations into a much larger space on Division.

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8187
(773) 687-8187

Artemio Bakery

1443 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This Mexican bakery is a sweet experience for customers of all ages. Start by grabbing a tray to pile high with crunchy conchas and other delights.

1443 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-0757
(773) 342-0757

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

Chef Brian Jupiter (Frontier) and the folks behind Lottie’s Pub created a festive ode to New Orleans in the former Beachwood dive bar, winning over neighbors and Chicagoans all over town with fried catfish and oysters, po’boys, and boozy Southern cocktails.

1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-8320
(773) 360-8320

Tortello

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Tortello delights neighbors with fancy pasta made just inside the restaurant’s front window. The restaurant is a boon for locals who can buy fresh pasta to cook at home but also caters to dine-in customers who can also slurp handmade noodles while sitting on the Division Street patio.

1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1293
(773) 360-1293

The Delta

1745 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

The Delta is special with strong drinks, fun tamales, and friendly service. There’s a small back patio and it also serves a gym shoe tamale, taking the beloved South Side sandwich to new heights.

1745 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-1793
(773) 360-1793

The Coach House by Zubair Mohajir

1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

The Coach House is one of America’s most dynamic Indian restaurants. James Beard-nominated chef Zubair Mohajir, who cooks food from a South Indian Muslim perspective, offers a unique (and pricy) tasting menu with variations of aged duck cooked using a centuries-old recipe book, a wonderful expression of the Midwest relish tray that uses Indian flatbreads, and a world-class momo with a stuffing that changes seasonally. Originally, Coach House shared the space with casual restaurant Wazwan, but in fall 2023, Mohajir replaced it with Lilac Tiger, a cocktail bar with food and a collaboration with restaurateur Ty Fujimura (Arami) and chef Won Kim (Kimski). The chicken nuggets are stellar, and so is the duck-fried rice.

1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 722-6911
(312) 722-6911

Antique Taco Wicker Park

1360 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This counter-service taqueria is among the most stylish and creative Mexican spots in the neighborhood, featuring delectable dishes like crab and shrimp flautas, crispy fish tacos with spicy tartar sauce and smoked cabbage, and horchata milkshakes topped with whipped cream. Owners also operate an outpost in Bridgeport.

1360 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8697
(773) 687-8697

Related Maps

Alliance Bakery

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Pastry competition is fierce in Wicker Park, and classical French heavyweight Alliance Bakery is easily among the top contenders. Experts at both flavor and aesthetics, its bakers whip up elegant cakes, immaculate macarons, flaky croissants, and much more. In 2023, owner and veteran pastry chef Peter Rios expanded Alliance to a second outpost in West Town.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Bonchon Division

1732 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has a veritable cult following, and three years ago, Wicker Park residents found out why: perfectly crunchy chicken (wings, drums, and strips) slathered in soy or spicy glaze. Patrons can expect other familiar Korean and Japanese options including bulgolgi, japchae, chicken katsu, and takoyaki. Other locations are open in Chinatown and suburban Glenview.

1732 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-7460
(773) 360-7460

Tous Les Jours

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Massive Korean-French bakery chain Tous Les Jours has earned the adoration of locals for its laminated pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. The lovely cafe is a treat for the eyes, too, with colorful creations lined up inside a glowing pastry case.

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-8227
(773) 697-8227

Falafel & Grill

1317 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A reliable and unfussy storefront destination for generous portions of shawarma, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and gyros, Falafel & Grill has sated fans for a dozen years on Milwaukee Avenue. A second location is open near the border of Lakeview and Ravenswood. The salads are great and the meat gets a satisfying char from the flattop.

1317 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 292-8888
(773) 292-8888

Chengdu Impression Wicker Park 成都印象

1300 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A Sichuan favorite in its home neighborhood of Lincoln Park, Chengdu Impression launched a second outpost in 2021 on Milwaukee Avenue — an area with limited options for Chinese cuisine. Menu hits range from Chinese American dishes like Mongolian beef to stewed rabbit, dry-chili chicken, and spicy mapo tofu.

1300 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-6767
(773) 661-6767

Tacos & Burrito Express #3

1512 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Recently moved, this is one of the most reliable Mexican restaurants for a late-night meal. Forget about the overrated burritos at the hyped place a few blocks south, Tacos & Burrito Express has moist, delicious steak that turns first-time diners into regulars.

1512 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-1830
(773) 489-1830

Schwa Restaurant

1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A low-fi Michelin-starred restaurant where there’s no delineation between the back and front of the houses, Schwa has a habit of sparking vigorous discussion. While Schwa isn’t quite as wild as it was in the early years, the restaurant retains a rebellious streak in the fine dining world.

1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1466
(773) 252-1466

Kennedy Rooftop

1551 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Rooftop bars are relatively uncommon in Wicker Park, so the Kennedy’s 2020 opening on the seventh floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel was a big deal for the neighborhood. It’s ideally positioned for panoramic views of Willis Tower and pairs food and drink with a retractable awning, fire pits, lounge chairs, and more outdoor toys — including cozy igloos for cold weather. Those who understand that they’re here for the view will have a good time.

1551 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 270-6770
(773) 270-6770

Related Maps