A Chicago institution for over 120 years, this fifth-generation wine and spirit shop is possibly the oldest in Chicago. It sells fine wine from around the world and has a cellar of rare wines.
A famous Chicago restaurant around since 1932, Twin Anchors' slow-cooked ribs and long-term waitstaff have kept customers coming back year after year, including a long list of the famous, past and present.
This is one of the area dining options that’s easy on the budget. Add delicious breakfast dishes plus legendary friendly service, and it’s clear why Nookies has been an Old Town favorite breakfast "nook" since 1973.
Karyn's Fresh Corner features a raw-food fine dining restaurant, juice bar, prepared and packaged food market, and the Inner Beauty Center, which offers classes and other holistic health treatments.
Follow the aroma to this spice shop. Cooks, whether casual or expert, appreciate its variety of hand-selected and hand-prepared spices and herbs, both expected and exotic. Be sure to ask about the Chicago Neighborhood blends.
Gepperth's has been a part of the neighborhood since 1906, serving up homemade sausage and some of the best steaks in the country according to food-wine newsletter, the Rosengarten Report. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
Old Town Ale House has been a neighborhood fixture for many years, and a popular hangout for many of The Second City alumni. Its walls are covered with the owner's paintings of celebrities and regulars.
Known for gourmet thin-crust pizza and salads, Bricks' also offers a large selection of craft and imported beers. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
Since it opened in 2008, Perennial has received praise from around the country for its contemporary American cuisine, impeccable service, and pleasant atmosphere. Named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants in America by Travel and Leisure, their truffle gnocchi is especially popular.
Alinea, consistently rated—5-stars by Forbes Travel Guide and highest in North America by Restaurant Magazine's World's 50 Best—as one of the best restaurants in the country and the world, delivers a fine dining experience.
Nominated for the Time Out Chicago 2009 Eat Out Awards in the categories of Best New Bar and Best Charcuterie Program, Old Town Social is a glamorous bar specializing in cured meats and cheeses.
455 W. North Ave. | 312.266.2277
Sweets on North Wells Street
Food Retail: Desserts
Enjoy a sweet treat at one of several unique shops in Old Town. New to the neighborhood, Delightful Pastries (1710 N. Wells St.) serves baked goods that are low in sugar, along with hot drinks and a small lunch menu. If you’re in the mood for chocolate, try Catering Chocolate (1712 N. Wells St.), which offers a catering service in addition to their chocolate shop, which specializes in truffles, chocolate candies and cane caramel; or the Fudge Pot (1532 N. Wells St.), where for over 45 years the Datallo family has been molding chocolate into over 1000 different shapes and serving it up to its Old Town neighbors. Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact site for more information.
1710 N. Wells St.
Global Dining on North Wells Street
Dining
Taste a range of flavors from around the world on North Wells Street. Sample French specialties at the upscale Bistrot Margot (1437N. Wells St.); inexpensive Lebanese/Middle Eastern favorites at Old Jerusalem Restaurant (1411 N. Wells St.); or authentic and contemporary Mexican cuisine at Salpicon (1252 N. Wells St.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact site for more information.
1531 N. Wells St.
Pre or Post Theater Dining on North Halsted Street
Various
Before or after a show at the Steppenwolf or the Royal George Theatre, dine at any of the popular American and Italian restaurants nearby, including Trattoria Gianni (1711 N. Halsted St.), Landmark Grill & Lounge (1633 N. Halsted St.), Vinci (1732 N. Halsted St.), La Trattoria del Merlo (1967 N. Halsted St.), and Boka (1729 N. Halsted St.).
1729 N. Halsted St.
Italian Cuisine on North Wells Street
Italian
Fans of pastas, pizzas, and other Italian specialties may choose from a handful of excellent restaurants on or near North Wells Street, such as Dinotto Ristorante (215 W. North Ave.), Topo Gigio (1516 N. Wells St.), Trattoria Roma (1535 N. Wells St.), and Orso's (1401 N. Wells St.).
215 W. North Ave.
Old Town Sushi Bars
Sushi Bars
Get your sushi fix from one of the many sushi bars in Old Town. Kamehachi (1400 N. Wells St.) has been around since 1967, making it one of the first sushi places in Chicago. Mizu Yakitori (315 N. Ave.) specializes in yakitori (grilled bird), a staple of Japanese street food. Other great sushi options in the area include Café Sushi [1342 N. Wells St.) and Shiso (449 W. North Ave.).
