Welcome to Bucktown
Trendy neighborhood with eclectic businesses and homes.
Bucktown is a trendy neighborhood covering a triangular area between Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. The meandering Chicago River forms Bucktown’s northern and eastern boundary while the Kennedy Expressway cuts a parallel diagonal path through the heart of the neighborhood.
Like neighboring Wicker Park, Bucktown is packed with hip businesses ranging from stylish restaurants to happening nightlife spots. The neighborhood’s housing options are similarly diverse. Within Bucktown, you’ll find historic brownstones and graystones, stunning mansions, stylish loft conversions, and contemporary townhouses and condominium developments.
What to Love
- Hip and trendy appeal
- Diverse dining and nightlife
- Eclectic real estate mix
- The 606 biking and walking trail
People & Lifestyle
Bucktown has an exciting and artsy atmosphere with many innovative and off-beat local businesses. Several waves of development have seen Bucktown evolve from an area commonly known as Little Poland in the early 20th century into a haven for artists in the 1970s. In more recent years, Bucktown’s artsy and eclectic vibe has drawn in many young families and urban professionals.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Bucktown is full of trendy spots for dining and drinks. Many restaurants and bars are concentrated around the intersection of Damen Avenue and Armitage Avenue. The Bristol is a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant serving gourmet takes on American classics. Le Bouchon has been a Damen Avenue institution since 1993. This refined French bistro pairs elegant entrees with an extensive list of imported French wines. Other standouts include farm-to-table vegetarian fare at The Royal Grocer & Co., creative sushi rolls at Coast Sushi Bar, and signature Chicago deep-dish pizzas at My Pi Pizza.
Bucktown’s most popular watering holes include elevated sports bars Jack & Ginger’s and Lottie’s Pub, brick-lined tavern 6 Degrees, and global beer bar Map Room. On Oakley Avenue, Gallery Cabaret hosts nightly live music performances plus comedy performances and open mic nights. More businesses can be found along Milwaukee Avenue in Bucktown’s southwest corner. Here you can dine on homestyle Costa Rican cuisine at Irazu, sip cocktails at retro-industrial Remedy, and enjoy gourmet coffee by night and cocktails by night at Ipsento 606. Red & White Wines is a fine local store stocked with small-batch beers, wines, and spirits. Olivia’s Market on Wabansia Avenue is a wonderful neighborhood grocery store offering local produce alongside imported cheeses, wine, flowers, and charcuterie.
Things to Do
Bucktown is a lively neighborhood with lots of entertainment options. The Trap Door Theatre stages some of Chicago’s most cutting-edge theatrical performances in an intimate 45-seat setting. For outdoor recreation, the 606 is an elevated greenway and biking and running trail following the former Bloomingdale railway line.
On the west side of Bucktown, Holstein Park features a swimming and wading pool, a playground with a water spray feature, a volleyball court, and fields for baseball and softball. A variety of afterschool and summer sports programs are held at Holstein Park along with special events such as the Family Valentine Dance and an Easter Egg Hunt. Ehrler Park has a volleyball court and playground while Churchill Field Park features a baseball field and access to the 606.
Schools
Bucktown is served by the City of Chicago School District.
- Pulaski International School of Chicago, Public, PK-8
- Chicago International Charter School, Public, Charter, K-8
- Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart, Private, Roman Catholic, Girls, 9-12
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