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Bars and Restaurants in Bucktown and Wicker Park, Chicago
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Bucktown and Wicker Park

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...crack down, strollers up

We’re going to spare you the diatribe about Bucktown and Wicker Park’s gentrification.

Ubiquitous hipsters—especially those that have moved here only a few years ago, after the “yuppies” had already settled in—will give you an earful of that conversation anytime, anyplace, and sometimes without notice, whether you’re finishing the last bite of your seitan burrito at Earwax, picking up the latest Joe Meno from Quimby’s or even lounging in the lazy glory of Wicker Park.

The truth is, even after all the rent hikes that priced out the original ethnic populations and drug addicts; even after the seven—count ‘em, seven—nail salons moved into the four-block strip on Division, the area still appeals to a hip, young crowd, both during the day and at night.

So what if there are more SUV-like strollers than you can shake a stick at? Places like Reckless Records, Flash Taco and the late-night vortex Estelle’s, plus events like the Around the Coyote Festival, exemplify the artsy, independent vibe that drew so many people to this ‘hood in the 90s.

Of course, with so many “condo seeds” yielding high-priced, quickly-built lofts, it may be only a matter of time before the personality of this ‘hood goes elsewhere. But we’ll save that tirade for a Goose Island-fueled night at Pontiac.

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Known for:

Artistic hipster scene

Main drag:

Triangle where North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenue meet

Bucktown and Wicker Park blogs and events

Unique Gifts and Clothes for Babies

They also have hand painted furniture, shoes, baby shower gifts, toys, burp cloths that have that homemade special touch with beautiful fabric sewn on. The prices are high, but quality shows.

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Apartments in Bucktown and Wicker Park