Welcome to West Town
Diverse community area with eclectic global influences.
West Town is a community area on the West Side of Chicago with an artsy vibe drawing on eclectic global influences. Much of the area was once part of Chicago’s historic Polish Downtown. Ukrainian Village is a Chicago Landmark District within West Town with many authentic East European businesses and cultural attractions. Other West Town neighborhoods include East Village, Eckhart Park, Pulaski Park, Noble Square, and south Wicker Park. Chicago Avenue in West Town’s main commercial hub with lots of trendy dining, hip nightlife, and unique shopping.
West Town’s real estate mix covers all bases. The neighborhoods comprising West Town feature contemporary and classic townhouses alongside loft conversions in renovated industrial warehouses and stylish condos in chic new developments.
What to Love
- Multicultural neighborhoods
- Diverse global dining scene
- Wide-ranging real estate mix
- Many annual events
People & Lifestyle
West Town’s diverse and eclectic atmosphere has been forged through many waves of immigration. Italian, Jewish, Mexican, Polish, Puerto Rican, Russian, and Ukrainian cultures have all shaped West Town’s modern multicultural makeup. This diversity is reflected in the area’s many restaurants and cultural attractions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
West Town is a diverse community area with an eclectic mix of businesses. Bustling Chicago Avenue is lined with hip restaurants and cafes. Kai Zan is a great BYOB spot serving creative sushi rolls and omakase tasting menus. Artisanal steampunk-themed coffeehouse Dark Matter offers delicious fresh roasted espresso beverages alongside tempting pastries and treats. Ann’s Bakery and Deli also serves great coffee alongside soups, sandwiches, and scrumptious cakes. All Together Now is a bistro and bottle shop pairing gourmet cheeses and smoked and cured meats with an extensive selection of wine and beer. Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery is Chicago’s first botanic craft beer brewery.
Forbidden Root’s sublime brews are served alongside a fine selection of gastropub eats. Varja is an innovative contemporary Indian restaurant with an extensive menu of creative specialties including lobster Malabar curry, tandoori venison, deconstructed samosa chaat, and naan bread stuffed with gruyere cheese. Varja’s unique cocktails are infused with spices, chilies, and floral liqueurs. Whichever of Chicago Avenue’s excellent restaurants you choose to dine at, the handcrafted pies at Hoosier Mama Pie Company are always a great choice for dessert. West Town is also full of hidden gem shops stocked with unique merchandise. Check out the refurbished antique furnishings of Urban Remains on Grand Avenue or Salvage One on Hubbard Street. West Town’s nighttime entertainment options include nightly live performances at Ukrainian Village’s influential music venue The Empty Bottle.
Things to Do
On the west side of West Town, Humboldt Park is a sprawling greenspace covering 207 acres. There are lots to see and discover at Humboldt Park including a landmark 1890s stable and receptor, formal gardens, statues, and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. The smaller 8.85-acre Eckhart Park in the heart of Noble Square offers a huge variety of sports facilities. These facilities include an athletic field, baseball diamonds, a boxing center, an indoor swimming pool, and a children’s playground with a spray water feature.
A few blocks north of Eckhart Park, the Polish Museum of America has exhibits and cultural events celebrating Polish American art, heritage, and history. In Ukrainian Village, the Ukrainian National Museum provides similarly fascinating exhibits on Ukrainian and Ukrainian American history and culture. AIRE Ancient Baths are a unique West Town attraction offering traditional baths similar to those used in ancient Rome, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire. West Town hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Highlights include West Town Winterfest’s celebration of small local businesses, live music and family-friendly activities for Do Division Street Fest, the craft beer-fueled Dancing in the Streets party, and fine arts vendors and live music for West Fest.
Schools
West Town is served by the City of Chicago School District.
- Wells Community Academy High School, Public, 9-12
- Clemente Community Academy High School, Public, 9-12
- Chicago High School for the Arts, Public, Magnet, 9-12
- Golder College Prep, Public, Magnet, Charter, 9-12
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