Bucktown

The bustling and youth-oriented neighborhood of Bucktown is the perfect blend of contemporary city living (boutiques galore, delicious and varied restaurant options, art galleries, bars) and old-school Chicago looks (sturdy, brick-flats, clattering El lines, tree-lined and neighborly residential streets). This combo of new meets old and a great central location just northwest of Chicago's downtown gives residents plenty to do; and any given day the streets and sidewalks are filled up, as shoppers and diners alike embrace what Bucktown has to offer.

For most visitors to this neighborhood, the journey starts at the Damen Blue Line stop. Once on the street level a visitor finds a wide offering of dining options: falafel, pizza, comfort food, fine dining, all within mere blocks of each other. If shopping is what you're looking for then head to the tasteful and unique shops lining North Avenue. And for the thirsty, Bucktown offers a range of options: from high-end cocktail lounges to the classic dive bars of a Nelson Algren story.

In addition to the thriving shopping and dining opportunities, Bucktown offers year round activities, highlighted by annual festivals, such as the Wicker Park Fest every July and a number of smaller art and music festivals throughout the neighborhood.

Read, Learn, Discover at the Chicago Public Library. Search programming and event information at your neighborhood branch.