Best-of list · Neighbourhood Guide
Discover the best bars in Wicker Park and Bucktown, Chicago. A guide to neighborhood cocktail lounges, craft beer bars, and hidden gem drinking spots.
The short answer
10 ranked rooms follow. How we picked is at the end of this guide.
Wicker Park and Bucktown have transformed into one of Chicago's most lively neighborhoods for drinking culture. What began as a creative haven has evolved into a sophisticated destination where neighborhood bars serve as gathering places for artists, professionals, and locals alike. From Division Street's hip cocktail lounges to Milwaukee Avenue's craft beer establishments, these two interconnected neighborhoods offer something for every drinker.
The character of these neighborhoods runs deep. You'll find everything from dimly lit speakeasy-style cocktail bars to casual neighborhood joints where regulars have claimed their favorite stool for years. The scene here feels distinctly different from downtown Chicago, more intimate, more eclectic, and fiercely loyal to quality over flash. The clearest example is The Violet Hour on N Damen Ave, which has no exterior signage and has been serving some of Chicago's best seasonal cocktails since 2007.