Old Town
Good times can be heard all around the main drag of Wells Street in Old Town. Between the cutting edge comedy of Second City and lively chatter from the al fresco dining, it is easy to see how Old Town has been a social hub of the city. Once the main market street in the late 1880s, it became the hub of hippies in the 1960s. Today, it offers endless opportunities for fun for its residents and visitors.
A buffer between the mansions of the Gold Coast and the high rises of New City, Old Town architecture features walk ups, single family homes and the classic three flats found throughout Chicago. Commute access is easy, being so close to DuSable Lake Shore Drive , the Red and Brown Lines and the Clark Street bus. And the beauty of Lincoln Park is Old Town’s backyard.
From market street to counter-culture hot spot to luxury living, Old Town’s streets have seen it all. The neighborhood is a gathering place for all Chicagoans to come together and enjoy the best the city has to offer. Why not live in the middle of it all?!
Here’s a guide for you to learn more about Old Town!
Food
- Kamehachi
For over 40 years, this sushi bar has been introducing sushi to Chicagoans. - Corcoran’s Pub
A fun traditional Irish pub directly across the street from Second City. - Orso’s
One of Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurants, there is an old world charm about this place. - La Fournette
This quaint French bakery serves traditional croissants and the best macarons. - Old Jerusalem
This no frills Mediterranean restaurant offers tasty shwarmas of all kinds.
Shopping
- House of Glunz
Chicago oldest liquor store offers a rare collection of spirits and wines. - Village Cycle Center
Get your next Trek or Electra bike at this knowledgeable shop. - Judy Maxwell Home
It’s a “one gift for you, two gifts for me” mentality at this boutique. - Old Town Gardens
Create a jungle wonderland in your home, buy this whole store! - The Fudge Pot
Marvel at the chocolate masterpieces, grab a few bon bons. Fudge out.
Music
- Park West
This venue offers a range of acts in a modern auditorium setting. - Burton Place
Not only does this bar offer local music, but open mic nights and intense trivia. - The Salt Shed
One of the newest venues, you can party in the iconic Morton Salt factory. - Joe’s on Weed St
There are not many country places in the city, but this one is pretty good! - Old Town School of Folk- Lincoln Park
Music classes galore are found at this satellite location.
Things to Do
- Zanie’s
Emerging and established comics doling out wit, snark, deadpan, wacky and more. - Second City
Chicago’s iconic improv- either take classes or just go in for a laugh! - International Museum of Surgical Science
This weird museum is full of medical odds and ends. - Lincoln Park
Chicago’s largest park offers a beach, zoo, boat harbor, kayaks, and more. - Kings Bowling
Appetizers, drinks and alleys full of pins. There are even private lanes!
Art/Culture
- Red Orchid Theatre
70-seat theatre offering classics, new, and off-Broadway plays for all. - Chicago History Museum
Learn about how Chicago came to be. - Floating World Gallery
New and classic Japanese art in a sleek gallery setting. - Art on Sedgwick
Arts organization helping bridge the divide between Cabrini and Gold Coast. - Steppenwolf Theatre
This iconic venue has constantly put Chicago on the theatre map.
Explore Old Town
