The Complete Guide to Living in Old Town, Chicago
About Old Town, Chicago
Old Town is near Lincoln Park and North Side Chicago, Illinois, and it is the home of many of Chicago’s older, Victorian-era buildings, such as St. Michael’s Church. If you don’t know about St. Michael’s church, it is among the buildings that weren’t destroyed in the great fire. The Old Town is a local neighborhood overflowing with tradition and vitality. With origins dating back to the 19th century, Old Town is traditionally “old” but with a youthful spirit.
The Ambiance of the Neighborhood:
It is widely known for those who like architecture and appreciate the buildings of the Victorian era. The Old Town has Tree-lined Wells Street that boasts the legendary Second City Comedy Club, an old-school bar, trendy bars, coffee houses, and boutique shops. The Old Town has a clean, vibrant, and sophisticated ambiance loved by most.
Transit Options:
- 37 bus: You can easily find the line 37 bus from Jackson & Chicago River. Price: $3
- Subway: You may take a subway from Quincy to Sedgwick Purple Line Price: 4 – $8
- Subway via Chicago Union Station; Price $5
- Taxi: taxi is easily available in Old Town Chicago Price: $11 – $13
- Uber: Finding an Uber is fairly easy. Price $8 – $11
- Walk
Restaurants and Bars:
You can find diverse restaurants and bars in the Old Town, Chicago. Whether you are looking for a casual night out or a sophisticated date, you can find the restaurants as per your liking.
- Chicago Q: If you are looking for a good southern barbeque, then Chicago Q should be on your list. they provide high-quality meat and house rubs that are made with a hint of southern recipes. While you might find them pricey than most, their quality will blow your mind.
- Boka: At Boka, you can find high-end American food. It is not pricey, and if you compare the price to what they are offering, you won’t be disappointed. The upscale atmosphere is perfect for all occasions,
- Salpicon: If you are looking for the best Mexican food, then you no longer have to wait. Chef Priscilla Satkoff and her husband serve you with food that you keep wanting more. Salpicon has several award-winning cuisines that you must try.
Pump Room: Award-winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s reinvented Pump Room classics, where he serves all his classic dishes to make all your occasions worth remembering.
What People Love About the Neighborhood:
The Old Town is where many contemporary American improvisations were born. People love Old Town for its retro style, trendy boutique shops, and late-night chatter. The Old Town has given Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Key & Peele, Aidy Bryant, Chevy Chase, Mike Myer, Cecily Strong, Chris Farley, Jane Lynch, and Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and John Belushi to the world. People love the Old Town for art history it holds and its retro vibe.
What People Dislike About the Neighborhood:
Since the Old Town is so popular among people, many visitors are welcome to the Old Town neighborhood. Some people who like a quiet area hate that they cannot get that peaceful environment in the Old Town.
Which part of Old Town is Perfect For You:
Located between N Hudson Ave and N Halsted Road.
Within just a few short minutes of three parks, a movie theatre and less than a mile away from Goose Island, a man-made island home to GooseNeck Brewery with great river views perfect for jogging and walking.
Points of Interest
- Bauler Mathias Park
- Hudson Chess Park
- Floating World Art Gallery
- ArcLight Cinemas
- The Royal George Theatre
Restaurants & Bars
Located east of N Hudson Ave, this area borders the shore of Lake Michigan and includes a stretch of greenery home to national parks, zoos, the Chicago History Museum, a nature conservatory and more. It’s less than a mile from North Avenue Beach which is known for its lively atmosphere with street artists and live music.
Points of Interest
- Chicago History Museum
- A New Leaf Florist
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Farm In Zoo Petting Zoo
- Lakefront Trail
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Equinox Lincoln Park
- North Avenue Beach
- The Second City Comedy Club
- Park West Music Hall
- The Royal George Theatre
Restaurants & Bars
- Nookies Well
- Ranalli’s Pizza
- J. Parker Lounge
- Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Located west of North Sedgwick Street and South of 64. Sedgwick metro station is conveniently located here on the brown and purple line. A short walk from Seward Park, Stanton Park, Target and ArcLight Cinemas.
Points of Interest
- Chicago History Museum
- Seward Park
- Stanton Park
- Target
- Apple Lincoln Park
- The Sono Chicago Hotel
- ArcLight Cinemas
Restaurants & Bars
- Panera Bread
- Mariano’s
- Jewel Osco Grocery
- Tabaq
This area borders the gold coast and also shares easy access to Sedgwick metro station. You can enjoy a 10-20 minute walk to the beach and jog or walk along the 18-mile long Lakefront Trail. It’s also near neighboring finds like Dave & Busters.
Points of Interest
- Lakefront Trail
- Oak Street Beach
- Franklin Fine Arts Center
- Shred 415 Old Town Fitness
- FFC Old Town Fitness
- SoulCycle
- Near North Chicago Public Library
- Dave & Busters
Restaurants & Bars
- Happy Camper Pizzeria
- Starbucks
- Insomnia Cookies
- 3 Arts Club Cafe
- Broken English Taco Pub
- VIG Chicago
- Benchmark
- Orso’s
- 80 Proof
- Small Cheval Walls