PLACES TO EAT

La Brochette, 1401 N. Ashland - Official Web Site

Amidst the plethora of exotic cuisines to be found in Wicker Park/Bucktown, La Brochette stands out for its commitment to authentic and flavorful ethnic fare. This restaurant offers French-influenced Moroccan food at an affordable price, and throws in ambience for free!

Settle at one of the tables in this small, cozy restaurant. Take in the boldly colored Moroccan décor and soft, cheerful music. Return the waiter’s smile, open the menu and feel yourself relax as enticing aromas waft towards you from the kitchen.

Here at La Brochette you can choose from a menu full of hearty yet healthy dishes. Start your meal with some rose tea; this cleanses the palate and whets the appetite. Next, try the grilled seasoned chicken or the roasted potatoes with rice; both are simple meals that satisfy a large appetite. For something a little spicier, the Moroccan meatballs are delicious, as is the beef stew with mushrooms. For a lighter meal, have some couscous with roasted vegetables, with a side of chicken noodle soup.

Many dishes at La Brochette are served with fresh vegetables, making your meal not only filling, but heart-friendly as well!

Café Wicked, 2151 W. Armitage - Official Web Site

“The whole point of dinner is dessert.” This line, found painted along the windows of Café Wicked, sums up the establishment perfectly. Dessert is what this place does well. They don’t serve you tiny, fancy desserts that are more presentation than portion; when you order a chocolate cake, they give you a large hunk of it, with chocolate pudding in between the layers, with chocolate drizzled upon it. They call it the Spoon Lovin’ Chocolate and it comes highly recommended; you will be full after only a few bites, so make sure you share!

Not into chocolate? Try the Key Lime Cheesecake for the freshest tasting dessert around. As you take your first bite, you are surprised by the cool, sharp taste of lime mingling with the decadent, heavier taste of cheesecake. It is an experience you owe yourself.

For a different take on fruit, try the Caramel Granny Apple; this is an apple custard made with caramel and toffee on a shortbread crust. Try it with a scoop of ice cream and you’ve made it to heaven.

Not only does Café Wicked offer the full array of desserts, including mousses, brownies, tarts, pastries, pies and ice cream, but you can also find excellent sandwiches, soups and salads. Their Roast Beef Panini is by far one of the tastiest sandwiches in the city, made with artisan bread and stuffed with roast beef, crisp lettuce, onions, fresh tomatoes, peppers and Swiss cheese. The light, flavorful bread allows the flavors in the sandwich to really come through, including that of the mayonnaise, which is a unique blend of garlic and herbs. This roast beef masterpiece sets the bar high for every other sandwich, everywhere.

Visit Café Wicked, sink into one of its many comfy sofas, and order pure bliss from the menu. You absolutely will not want to leave!


BARS/CLUBS

Phyllis’ Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division - No Official Web Site

This small but legendary bar was the first venue for live music in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Its stage has seen all kinds of music; many popular bands once performed here, and it is definitely the place to go to hear the newest music first. Cover songs are not tolerated much; rather, the establishment encourages new and original music. Music aficionados know that they can discover the newest gems right here at Phyllis’.

Decorated in a somewhat funky fashion, with a mural on one wall, a fish tank on another and seating ranging from bar stools to old theater seats, Phyllis’ Musical Inn has a reputation for being eclectic and non-condescending. It is a simple place that strives to bring beer and music to the people. At one end of the narrow room is the stage. Nearby is a door that leads to the private beer garden; here you can sit in the dim light of night, listening to the music from within and staring up at the stars. You can even play a game of basketball or two, since there is an inexplicable basketball hoop standing tall on one side of the beer garden.

Phyllis’ is open until 2 am Sunday-Friday and until 3 am on Saturday. Call ahead for poetry night and open mic, both of which happen occasionally. There is a DJ as well on nights that there is no live music; for more information, contact the bar directly.


PLACES TO STAY

Wicker Park Inn, 1329 N. Wicker Park Avenue - Official Web Site

The ideal alternative to a large, impersonal hotel, the charming Wicker Park Inn will make you feel right at home. There are seven guest rooms, each with a character all its own. Every guest room has a private bathroom, wireless internet access, satellite television, luxury sheets and several other amenities. Guests also enjoy a continental breakfast that includes pastries, fresh fruit and coffee. Services that can be requested of the inn include babysitting, baby gear and flower delivery.

The owners of the inn, Laura and Mikky Wright, have dedicated themselves to making sure their guests receive the peace, comfort and personalized service of a Bed & Breakfast, as well as benefiting from the convenience of being only minutes from Downtown Chicago. For a memorable stay in the Windy City, this enchanting little inn is worth a visit.

For reservations, please call 773.486.2743 or visit www.wickerparkinn.com .

TOURS

CAF Wicker Park Walking Tour - Official Web Site

Known for its wide range of walking tours, the Chicago Architecture Foundation(CAF) has one that will guide you through Wicker Park and show you precisely why this neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk among mansions and learn of the historic figures who once occupied these homes and made their fortunes in 1800’s Chicago.

Each tour is led by a CAF docent who is specially trained to give you a truly memorable experience. Feel free to ask questions and learn about the Wicker Park neighborhood firsthand!

The tour is two hours long and is offered on certain Sunday afternoons. Cost is $10 for non-members, $5 for seniors and students and free for CAF members. For more information, please contact the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

For your convenience, the locations of all the businesses mentioned in this article are shown on our Wicker Park-Bucktown Neighborhood Map.

Other Resources:

• See More Shopping Wicker Park-Bucktown Shopping Guide