Location: Wicker Park
Top Things to do in Wicker Park
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What to do and see in Wicker Park, Illinois (IL): The Best Things to do
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Phyllis' Musical Inn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Moon Voyage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Escape Artistry - The Railcar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 917 reviews
Chicago's Original Escape Games are built by local artists and tell Chicago stories for all to enjoy. The Railcar is Escape Artistry's Flagship escape room game, built in 2015, it has garnered attention from across the world of escape game enthusiasts. Tucked into the maze of art that is the Flat Iron Arts Building, The Railcar itself is an art installation with a twist. Modeled after the EL cars you can see from the studio's windows, The Railcar is built out of recycled materials and is approximately 3/4 the size of a proper CTA train car. This puzzling adventure is a hit for corporate teams, families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, and rainy days. Can your team escape in time?
Reviewed By jcooney711
Our group of four managed to escape the railcar with just over two minutes to spare! None of us were first-timers, and this is my favorite escape room I've tried so far. The train car is a pretty unique setting with a cool story and theme. Big shoutout to our "conductor" Scooter for being welcoming, funny, helpful, and generally a great host. We love you Scooter! The puzzles were interesting and there was a lot of variety between them. I really like that they provide a dry-erase marker so your group can take notes on the train windows. (They ask that you don't bring your phone into the railcar.) The space is smaller than escape rooms I've done in the past, and I feel like it may feel crowded with a group larger than ~8 people, although there are plenty of puzzles for everyone to work on and they're well-distributed around the train car. We would definitely try another one of Escape Artistry's rooms!
4. Escape Artistry - Time Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Chicago's Original Escape Games are built by local artists dedicating to telling Chicago stories for all to enjoy. The Time Gallery is home to five riveting escape room games based on Chicago's rich history: 1908 - Roaring Dan's Pirate Dungeon 1934 - Detective Vs Dillinger 1954 - Duck and Cover Classroom 1982 - The Dollhouse [tomorrow] - Operation G.R.A.N.I.E No matter what the occasion, escape games are a fantastic way to exercise your team's communication skills & brainpower. Work together, play together, laugh together, all while ensuring that history plays out as planned.
Reviewed By KittyAtMyFoot
I played Roaring Dan's Pirate Dungeon with two other friends, all of us escape room aficionados. Between the three of us, we've completed 20+ rooms and Escape Artistry was one of the best I've played in the Chicago area or elsewhere. The host was the most enthusiastic, hilarious, and immersive that I've ever experienced, and the production value was excellent. The puzzles were unique and varied, with unexpected solutions that were still doable within the allotted time. We loved our experience here and will definitely be back to try the other rooms in the future!
5. Wicker Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Wicker Park is the former meca of the Chicago art community and location of the bi-annual "Around the Coyote" art festival. The area has experienced massive economic growth over the past few years and is now home to many boutiques, thrift stores, bars and restaurants and known for its “hipster” vibe.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Wicker Park is all things to all people. One of the fastest rising and trendy neighborhoods in Chicago, it has been recognized as one of the hippest hipster neighborhoods in the country and widely known for its local culture, art community, nightlife, high fashion boutiques, cutting-edge gourmet restaurants and bakeries, European-style cafes, upscale independent grocers and artsy businesses. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Chicago Landmark District, Wicker Park is a convenient place to live for downtown workers due to its proximity to public transportation and the Loop. The area stretches from Ashland Avenue on the east to Western Avenue on the west, from Division Street on the south to the Bloomingdale Trail (or the 606) on the north. Historically, Wicker Park was founded in 1868 by Chicago alderman Charles Wicker. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 spurred the first wave of development and homeless Chicagoans looked to build new homes. At the end of the 19th century, it became a destination for German and Norwegian immigrants. Many of Chicago's wealthiest brewers built mansions on Hoyne Street, which became known as Beer Baron Row. Today, Wicker Park is home to such trendy restaurants as Dove's Luncheonette, Small Cheval, Big Star, Schwa, Handlebar and Cafe Istanbul, from fine dining to tacos to Ramen to sushi to Cajun. Stay at the Robey Hotel or Wicker Park Inn or Ruby Room. Visit the 606, Farmers Market or Flat Iron Arts Building.
6. Flat Iron Arts Building
7. Pint Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
PINT is a semi-traditional Irish pub with an edge. It’s a home away from home, a neighborhood bar + kitchen, and a destination for Irish pub fans serving locals and travelers alike. Founded in 2004 by Chicago-born inventor, philanthropist, and Irish-American entrepreneur Kevin O’Donnell, Pint is located in the heart of Wicker Park featuring 20 taps, a scratch kitchen focused on Irish-Chicago fusion comfort food, and a hip yet unpretentious vibe. The bar menu includes local and seasonal craft beers, American beer favorites, a selection of bourbons + tequilas, and old-school crafted cocktails. The kitchen menu features Irish favorites including Guinness Fish and Chips, Shepard’s Pie, and their signature Dublin Spice Bag as well as angus burgers, sandwiches, salads, house specialties, and comfort finger foods with a twist. The menu also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
8. The Violet Hour
9. The Den Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By LUchicago
It is worth looking for a parking place to enjoy this unique theater. (Spot Hero is very helpful) We were very surprised by the very comfortable bar and spacious , wide open lounge in the lobby with inviting tables and chairs. The polished wooden floor with beautiful area rugs made the space very welcoming. When we return, we will arrive earlier just to enjoy this beautiful space. The intimate 200 seat theater was a great space for "Always, Patsy Cline"...every seat seemed to have a great view of the stage, and the sound was perfect without being too uncomfortably loud. The presentation was a walk back in time with the haunting voice of Patsy. Such a demanding role was made to look easy by Harmony France as she sang non-stop. She managed to emote the essence of Patsy within the 26 songs (!) with the help of Danni Smith who played her friend. The story moves well through the talent of both women. The Den Theater experience was delightful in every way.
10. Red Square
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