Dining 101:Getting to know Bucktown/ Wicker Park

October 19, 11:18 AMChicago Restaurant News ExaminerDiana Kelter

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Some cities have a night scene, some a historic scene and others offer a city full of culture and art. The Bucktown/ Wicker Park area gives a taste of it all, 365 days of the year. I recently wrote an article on the Chicago Food Planet Tour of Bucktown/ Wicker Park which highlights various aspects of the neighborhood as you taste different food establishments. However, one article is simply not enough to describe Bucktown/ Wicker Park and the various restaurants it has to offer.

Where to Start:

1) Getting there could not be easier- Coming from a person who is not good with directions, getting here is essentially flawless. If you’re coming from the loop you just need to simply find a blue line ‘L’ and take that to Damen and you’re put right in the heart of the neighborhood. By car coming from I 90/94 / Kennedy Expressway you will exit on the Armitage Avenue exit.

2) Take a Tour- If you know nothing about Bucktown/ Wicker Park I highly suggest you start with the Chicago Food Planet Tour, which gives you a historic and current view of the city. Since the tour covers a great deal of walking you can get a grasp of the area without the fear of getting lost.

3) Don’t be afraid to ask a local- The area is filled with highly publicized restaurants, as well as hidden gems that locals will have the best grasp on. With such a vibrant night scene, locals will know where to find the best deals and hottest spots on any given day.

4) Follow the crowds- Certain places will draw your attention simply by the line outside the door. For instance, The Bongo Room draws a huge line for weekend brunch. However, as my tour guide on the food tour told me, if you’re an early bird going early is the best bet to avoid a line, as the area is filled with night owls.

Bongo Room is located at 1470 North Milwaukee Avenue

Three spots to look for:

Hot Chocolate- If you thought marshmallows could only come from a bag; you will have an entirely different view after trying a homemade marshmallow here. That is only the beginning of the fabulous pastries/ desserts you can find here. Pastry chef Mindy Segal is one of the most prominent pastry chefs in Chicago and has won the accolade from the James Beard Foundation, as well as being named Pastry Chef of the year by Chicago Magazine. Hot Chocolate also features a full brunch, lunch and dinner menu of seasonal items.
Hot Chocolate is located on 1747 North Damen Avenue

Feast- Just reading the menu here makes you hungry. Located right on Damen Avenue, Feast offers some classic dishes with a twist. From curried chicken quesadillas to a brushetta trio there is definitely a collaboration of cultural influences taking place here. Feast is open from breakfast to dinner, and has another location in the Gold Coast.
Feast is located on 1616 North Damen Avenue

The Violet Hour- Have you ever seen those hidden, dark and swank bars in the movies and on television and imagine what it would be like to go to one? Then the Violet Hour is the place to go. It is so hidden that there is no sign and it blends into the background. Nearly all of the reviews from patrons and the press find the cocktails to be worth the higher price and the atmosphere as very intriguing. Since Bucktown is known for its hipster and swank crowd this is a bar that truly resembles the culture.
The Violet Hour is located on 1531 North Damen Avenue

Two things to look for this week:

Opening of Crepe Crave in Wicker Park- What is there not to love about a crepe? They are versatile from sweet to savory, can be eaten any time of the day and of course they are delicious. This makes the opening of Crepe Crave a wonderful addition to Wicker Park. The Crepe Crave is opening Wednesday, October 21 at 8a.m. To make it even better, all- natural artisan gelato will also be on the menu. What could be better?
Crepe Crave will be located on 1752 West North Avenue

Pumpkin Carving at Silver Cloud- The Silver Cloud is known by many as having the best comfort food in the city, which makes it a great place to host the traditional fall comfort of carving pumpkins. On Tuesday, October 20 they will be hosting a pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins will be on sale for $5.00 and carving tools are provided. All you need to bring is your creativity and an appetite. Call (773) 489- 6212 for more details.
Silver Cloud is located on 1700 North Damen Avenue

Bucktown/Wicker Park on Twitter:
@piecechicago
@BucktownPub
@peacelovegoat
@ourwickerpark
@feastrestaurant
@crepecrave