The Wicker Park/Bucktown Top Ten List

Like many Chicagoans, I feel a fierce loyalty to the neighborhood in which I live. So, take it with a grain of salt when I say that the Wicker Park/Bucktown area is by far the best place in Chicago to live, eat, drink, play, and be merry. I swear.

I just love the hustle and bustle of the six corners at both 5pm and 3am. I love the patios on Division Street in the summer, and the eclectic mix of wig shops and trendy boutiques on Milwaukee. I love the speed of the blue line, the accessibility of the North bus, the convenience of the Ashland bus. I love that I’ve seen an impromptu break dance show outside Flash Taco and that I can get gourmet tacos from a walk-up counter at Big Star. I love that movies are filmed and dogs walked on the same streets—an amalgamation of superstardom and ordinary life. And, of course, I love the food and drink available just blocks from my doorstep.

So, in celebration of my favorite ‘hood and all its glory, I give you my favorite Wicker Park and Bucktown haunts. (Note, I tried to make this a top five list, with 1 being the best place, but I could not decide at all what would be #1, so I put them all on equal footing. Oh, and I couldn’t stop after five, so  you’re getting my ten favorite places.)

• Café Absinthe. Only in Wicker Park would you find a hidden, fancy French restaurant with fabulous food. You have to enter through the stinking alley, but that does not, at all, hint at the beautiful decadence of the food within.

• Elotes. What, you’ve never heard of this place? That’s probably because it’s not really a place; Elotes is a food cart near the corner of Milwaukee and Ashland. The sweet lady who owns it sells the biggest tamales under the sun for just $1 each. Easily the cheapest dinner around.

• Skewerz. How can you not love meat on a stick? But it’s not just the tasty, charcoal-y chicken, shrimp, and filet mignon that they have going for them. The grilled artichoke appetizer is among my favorite things to order here, and the yucca fries are quite yummy as well.

• Crocodile. I don’t care what anyone says. I love their pizza. Love it. The thin, wood fire crust, the peppery, garlicky tomato sauce, the gooey cheese… the simplicity of it is beautiful, but the layers of flavors are even more exquisite.

• Birchwood Kitchen. No one makes a more perfect sandwich. No one. The fresh ingredients, expert flavor profiles, and casual vibe make this place a winner. Burgers on Wednesday nights are great also.

• Piece. Nearly everybody has been to Piece at one point. The beers are great and the pizzas are yummy, but next time you go, please, try the mashed potatoes on your pizza. You won’t regret it.

• Francesca’s Forno. I actually don’t eat Italian food very often. Yes, I love pasta, but it just feels so regular. So familiar. So—oh, not special. But I do love the Francesca’s restaurants, and Forno does not disappoint. Hint: go on Tuesday nights when 3 courses are only $22. It’s a steal.

• Wing Stop. If you know me, then you know that after 12 years of vegetarianism, I gave in to meat. And not just any meat—true blue Buffalo-style chicken wings. I get my wing fix at Wing Stop—the traditional Buffalo style are great, but the parmesan garlic cannot be beat. Seriously.

• Bin. I go here for the wine and cheese flights. Always amazing.

• Bristol. Seriously, have you had the deep fried olives stuffed with sausage ? No? Really? Then you have not lived. Their menu changes often, so I cannot guarantee you will get the chance to live, but you might as well try.

There you have it folks. This list was so hard to create. I left off many other amazing restaurants in the ‘hood, but I thought you might get bored with my “Top Fifty” list. So, what are your favorites?