Uptown Fun!
Sightseeing
Great beach to enjoy the sites of the city and cool off on a hot summer day, not to mention it is dog friendly! Visitors can play volleyball, sit under an umbrella or enjoy the free wifi. Amenities: concessions, kayak rentals, watersports rentals, restrooms, life guard first aid station.
297 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Montrose Beach
Great beach to enjoy the sites of the city and cool off on a hot summer day, not to mention it is dog friendly! Visitors can play volleyball, sit under an umbrella or enjoy the free wifi. Amenities: concessions, kayak rentals, watersports rentals, restrooms, life guard first aid station.
A great place to get a view of the vibrant Asian community up north. This market has a ton of bakeries, plant shops, specialty stores and more.
Argyle Night Market
1000 W Argyle StA great place to get a view of the vibrant Asian community up north. This market has a ton of bakeries, plant shops, specialty stores and more.
A great spot for local street art and is located right off the Wilson red line. It has over 24 murals and sculptures curated by an international cohort of artist. Don't forget your camera!!
North Clifton Avenue
North Clifton AvenueA great spot for local street art and is located right off the Wilson red line. It has over 24 murals and sculptures curated by an international cohort of artist. Don't forget your camera!!
Looking for a play or local entertainment? Look no further, black ensemble theater houses amazing artists that put on awesome shows throughout the year.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Ensemble Theater
4450 N Clark StLooking for a play or local entertainment? Look no further, black ensemble theater houses amazing artists that put on awesome shows throughout the year.
Explore the cultural and social history of Haiti at this Uptown museum—the first of its kind in the Midwest—which houses art exhibitions, cultural programming and a library of primary sources and other literature. Visit the space to tour the exhibits on display, attend lectures or take classes; right now, for instance, you can enroll in courses on Kreyol, the national language of Haiti.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Haïtian American Museum
4410 N Racine AveExplore the cultural and social history of Haiti at this Uptown museum—the first of its kind in the Midwest—which houses art exhibitions, cultural programming and a library of primary sources and other literature. Visit the space to tour the exhibits on display, attend lectures or take classes; right now, for instance, you can enroll in courses on Kreyol, the national language of Haiti.
Run by husband-and-wife team Robert and Sonat Birnecker, Koval was Chicago's first new distillery since prohibition when it opened in 2008, producing a variety of small-batch spirits, including whiskey and gin. The distillery recently moved to a new (and much larger) production facility in Ravenswood, not far from breweries like Dovetail and Begyle.
The best feature of the new digs? That'd be the long-awaited tasting room and patio, where guests can enjoy house cocktails, flights, coffee and a small selection of baked goods. The bright, airy space features a bar backed by a display of Koval's products and a row of overstuffed ’70s-inspired Italian leather couches to sink into while you sip an Old Fashioned.
With a mix of classic drinks and original concoctions, the cocktail menu boasts everything from a barrel aged Old Fashioned (made with a bit of rose hip liqueur) to an Almost Negroni, substituing cranberry liqueur and a bitter soda for Campari. A pairing menu allows you explore the flavors of Koval's various spirits alongside a snack, such as millet whiskey and maple nut fudge or vodka and a lemon bar.
While you can't reserve a table in the tasting room or on the patio, you can still book a tour of Koval's distillery if you're curious about how exactly the booze if your cocktail is produced.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
KOVAL Distillery
4241 North Ravenswood AvenueRun by husband-and-wife team Robert and Sonat Birnecker, Koval was Chicago's first new distillery since prohibition when it opened in 2008, producing a variety of small-batch spirits, including whiskey and gin. The distillery recently moved to a new (and much larger) production facility in Ravenswood, not far from breweries like Dovetail and Begyle.
The best feature of the new digs? That'd be the long-awaited tasting room and patio, where guests can enjoy house cocktails, flights, coffee and a small selection of baked goods. The bright, airy space features a bar backed by a display of Koval's products and a row of overstuffed ’70s-inspired Italian leather couches to sink into while you sip an Old Fashioned.
With a mix of classic drinks and original concoctions, the cocktail menu boasts everything from a barrel aged Old Fashioned (made with a bit of rose hip liqueur) to an Almost Negroni, substituing cranberry liqueur and a bitter soda for Campari. A pairing menu allows you explore the flavors of Koval's various spirits alongside a snack, such as millet whiskey and maple nut fudge or vodka and a lemon bar.
While you can't reserve a table in the tasting room or on the patio, you can still book a tour of Koval's distillery if you're curious about how exactly the booze if your cocktail is produced.
Black Ensemble Theater (BE), Founded in 1976 by the phenomenal actress, producer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, has grown from a small community arts organization to a vibrant nationally and internationally renowned arts institution. A leader and innovator in the African-American and mainstream arts communities, Black Ensemble Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, producing excellent musical theater. On November 18, 2011, BE celebrated the Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, the theater’s first permanent home located at 4450 N. Clark Street, in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE is the only theater in the nation whose mission is to eradicate racism. We utilize theater and educational outreach programs to bring races together in a community which embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding and acceptance.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Ensemble Theater
4450 N Clark StBlack Ensemble Theater (BE), Founded in 1976 by the phenomenal actress, producer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, has grown from a small community arts organization to a vibrant nationally and internationally renowned arts institution. A leader and innovator in the African-American and mainstream arts communities, Black Ensemble Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, producing excellent musical theater. On November 18, 2011, BE celebrated the Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, the theater’s first permanent home located at 4450 N. Clark Street, in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE is the only theater in the nation whose mission is to eradicate racism. We utilize theater and educational outreach programs to bring races together in a community which embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding and acceptance.
Seeking a little bit of tranquility? This quiet garden area, located in a small section of Lincoln Park in Uptown's Buena Park neighborhood, features a smattering of native plants among a waterfall, pond and rock garden. Bring a blanket and a book to hang out away from the bustle of the nearby Lakefront Trail.
Peace Garden
4200 Lakefront TrailSeeking a little bit of tranquility? This quiet garden area, located in a small section of Lincoln Park in Uptown's Buena Park neighborhood, features a smattering of native plants among a waterfall, pond and rock garden. Bring a blanket and a book to hang out away from the bustle of the nearby Lakefront Trail.
Nightlife
Uptown is a place where venues are finding ways to safely stage shows for locals and visitors.
Awesome place for a great vibe with live jazz music and drinks! A very personal favorite, you won't be disappointed.
471 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayAwesome place for a great vibe with live jazz music and drinks! A very personal favorite, you won't be disappointed.
LGBT-friendly bar in Uptown and has local artists perform often. Big Chicks is famous for its friendly atmosphere, Dollar Burger Night, and free shots at midnight!
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Chicks
5024 N Sheridan RdLGBT-friendly bar in Uptown and has local artists perform often. Big Chicks is famous for its friendly atmosphere, Dollar Burger Night, and free shots at midnight!
Another LGBT friendly bar! Has an awesome beer garden, karaoke and game nights. Definitely gives fun and variety in one space.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The SoFo Tap
4923 N Clark StAnother LGBT friendly bar! Has an awesome beer garden, karaoke and game nights. Definitely gives fun and variety in one space.
Looking for a cool speakeasy to try out? Marty's Martini bar is a great option as it has a Prohibition-era style with potent drinks.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marty's
1511 W Balmoral AveLooking for a cool speakeasy to try out? Marty's Martini bar is a great option as it has a Prohibition-era style with potent drinks.
Coming in town for your favorite band, or looking to catch some local artists? Aragon ballroom historic presence is the all time entertainment spot to have a good concert!
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence AveComing in town for your favorite band, or looking to catch some local artists? Aragon ballroom historic presence is the all time entertainment spot to have a good concert!
This resurrected honky tonk on the corner of Leland and Clark Streets sports a refurbished bar, new windows and state-of-the-art sound system for live country music from longtime house band Diamondback, rising Nashville star Hailey Whitters and Carol’s patrons on Pop Up Karaoke Wednesdays.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carol's Pub
4659 North Clark StreetThis resurrected honky tonk on the corner of Leland and Clark Streets sports a refurbished bar, new windows and state-of-the-art sound system for live country music from longtime house band Diamondback, rising Nashville star Hailey Whitters and Carol’s patrons on Pop Up Karaoke Wednesdays.
The legendary drag bar hosted the likes of RuPaul, Joan Rivers and Madonna (among other entertainment luminaries) over the course of its storied history and features near-nightly shows from a cast of drag performers. In the pandemic era, guests can catch socially-distanced performances from a new patio decked out with a stage and professional lighting.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Baton Show Lounge
4713 N BroadwayThe legendary drag bar hosted the likes of RuPaul, Joan Rivers and Madonna (among other entertainment luminaries) over the course of its storied history and features near-nightly shows from a cast of drag performers. In the pandemic era, guests can catch socially-distanced performances from a new patio decked out with a stage and professional lighting.
The Riv is generally considered to be the sister rock club to the Aragon, located just a block away. With a capacity of around 2,500, the jazz-age theater isn’t quite as big as its neighbor, but the acoustics are much better. You might catch someone like Dan Auerbach or Miguel here. Those afraid of heights should probably skip the steep balcony seating, which has a tendency to vibrate during bass-heavy shows.
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Riviera
4746 North Racine AvenueThe Riv is generally considered to be the sister rock club to the Aragon, located just a block away. With a capacity of around 2,500, the jazz-age theater isn’t quite as big as its neighbor, but the acoustics are much better. You might catch someone like Dan Auerbach or Miguel here. Those afraid of heights should probably skip the steep balcony seating, which has a tendency to vibrate during bass-heavy shows.
Food scene
One of my favorite sushi spots in the area. If you are looking for a cool vibe and yummy food then you'll definitely want to try this out!
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Agami
4712 N BroadwayOne of my favorite sushi spots in the area. If you are looking for a cool vibe and yummy food then you'll definitely want to try this out!
Great place to grab a bite to eat for breakfast! Has great options for vegans and vegetarians to get their grub on too. Almost everything here (from benedicts to pancakes to breakfast burritos) is deep inhale hormone-free, antibiotic-free and organic.
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tweet
5020 N Sheridan RdGreat place to grab a bite to eat for breakfast! Has great options for vegans and vegetarians to get their grub on too. Almost everything here (from benedicts to pancakes to breakfast burritos) is deep inhale hormone-free, antibiotic-free and organic.
Grab a some delicious fried pickles, burger and fries or a good chicken sandwich. Whatever you're in the mood for you just may find it at Lucy's for American food.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lucy's
1043 N California AveGrab a some delicious fried pickles, burger and fries or a good chicken sandwich. Whatever you're in the mood for you just may find it at Lucy's for American food.
Looking to switch it up? Try out this delicious Vietnamese restaurant right around the way. Has an extensive menu with lots of options to choose from
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tank Noodle
4953-55 N BroadwayLooking to switch it up? Try out this delicious Vietnamese restaurant right around the way. Has an extensive menu with lots of options to choose from
Kal'ish
1313 W Wilson AveAwesome vegan spot in the city!
Cute, low key Ethiopian restaurant with delish food. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!
Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine
5352 W Wilson AveCute, low key Ethiopian restaurant with delish food. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!
Commonly called "Little Vietnam" or "Asia on Argyle," Uptown's historic stretch of Argyle Street—which flanks the Red Line station of the same name—is home to dozens of Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian and Lao businesses, so prepare for an entire afternoon of browsing along its colorful corridors. Start at the Argyle El stop and stroll around the pedestrian-friendly street for bakeries, speciality stores, plant shops and more; finish the day with a bowl of toothsome pho from one of the neighborhood's countless (and delicious) Vietnamese restaurants.
West Argyle Street
West Argyle StreetCommonly called "Little Vietnam" or "Asia on Argyle," Uptown's historic stretch of Argyle Street—which flanks the Red Line station of the same name—is home to dozens of Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian and Lao businesses, so prepare for an entire afternoon of browsing along its colorful corridors. Start at the Argyle El stop and stroll around the pedestrian-friendly street for bakeries, speciality stores, plant shops and more; finish the day with a bowl of toothsome pho from one of the neighborhood's countless (and delicious) Vietnamese restaurants.
You can mix and match a wide variety of Nigerian stews, starches, meats, fish, and mollusks at Iyanze – a staple of Uptown’s West African food scene. The food at this restaurant in Uptown is prepared from scratch daily and served cafeteria-style. Get whatever looks good to you that day, and a couple of extra scoops in case you can’t make a decision.
Iyanze Bar And Cafe
4623 N BroadwayYou can mix and match a wide variety of Nigerian stews, starches, meats, fish, and mollusks at Iyanze – a staple of Uptown’s West African food scene. The food at this restaurant in Uptown is prepared from scratch daily and served cafeteria-style. Get whatever looks good to you that day, and a couple of extra scoops in case you can’t make a decision.
The expertly prepared Beijing roast duck dinner from Sun Wah includes a whole duck with perfectly crispy skin, sliced and served with steamed bao buns, pickled daikon, and hoisin sauce. The rest of the bird is used to make duck fried rice or duck noodles. Finally, the bones are rendered into a duck broth soup with winter melon, cilantro, and eggs as the finishing course. In other words, it will put your dry Thanksgiving turkey to shame.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sun Wah BBQ
5039 N BroadwayThe expertly prepared Beijing roast duck dinner from Sun Wah includes a whole duck with perfectly crispy skin, sliced and served with steamed bao buns, pickled daikon, and hoisin sauce. The rest of the bird is used to make duck fried rice or duck noodles. Finally, the bones are rendered into a duck broth soup with winter melon, cilantro, and eggs as the finishing course. In other words, it will put your dry Thanksgiving turkey to shame.
Something about Golden House feels super familiar. This place is actually Patsy’s Pies from Shameless. So come here for the pancakes, but stay for the Gallagher flashbacks. Plus the friendly staff is awesome, and will instantly make you feel like a regular.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House
4744 N BroadwaySomething about Golden House feels super familiar. This place is actually Patsy’s Pies from Shameless. So come here for the pancakes, but stay for the Gallagher flashbacks. Plus the friendly staff is awesome, and will instantly make you feel like a regular.
This Mexican restaurant specializes in Oaxacan cuisine, a.k.a. the region of Mexico that brought us some of our favorite moles (like the rojo and negro) and antojitos. Everything on the menu is delicious, but while you’re here be sure to order one of their specialties: tlayudas, ceviches, birria, and chilacayota – a squash aguas frescas.
Kie-Gol-Lanee
5004 North Sheridan RoadThis Mexican restaurant specializes in Oaxacan cuisine, a.k.a. the region of Mexico that brought us some of our favorite moles (like the rojo and negro) and antojitos. Everything on the menu is delicious, but while you’re here be sure to order one of their specialties: tlayudas, ceviches, birria, and chilacayota – a squash aguas frescas.
Ba Le Sandwiches is perfect for a quick bahn mi pick me up. There are 16 different sandwiches on the menu, including vegan and vegetarian options. You can eat your way through the entire menu at this restaurant in Uptown of Chicago and count on your bahn mi being fantastic – served on crusty french bread, and paired with crisp pickled daikon, carrot, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Plus, they have deli cases full of buns, sausages, meats, and pastries so you can grab pre-packaged food to take home.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ba Le Sandwich Shop
5014 N BroadwayBa Le Sandwiches is perfect for a quick bahn mi pick me up. There are 16 different sandwiches on the menu, including vegan and vegetarian options. You can eat your way through the entire menu at this restaurant in Uptown of Chicago and count on your bahn mi being fantastic – served on crusty french bread, and paired with crisp pickled daikon, carrot, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Plus, they have deli cases full of buns, sausages, meats, and pastries so you can grab pre-packaged food to take home.
Just up the block from my unit this counter-service spot specializes in banh mi sandwiches, aka “Saigon subs,” which range in price from $3.95 to $6.25. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, I beg you—beg you!—to try the veggie lemongrass tofu (No. 10) or the veggie ginger tofu (No. 11). The tofu isn’t the mushy stuff that many people hate. It’s more of a textured, meat-like substance that absorbs all of the delicious spices of the sandwich, and the flavor is phenomenal.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nhu Lan Bakery
2612 W Lawrence AveJust up the block from my unit this counter-service spot specializes in banh mi sandwiches, aka “Saigon subs,” which range in price from $3.95 to $6.25. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, I beg you—beg you!—to try the veggie lemongrass tofu (No. 10) or the veggie ginger tofu (No. 11). The tofu isn’t the mushy stuff that many people hate. It’s more of a textured, meat-like substance that absorbs all of the delicious spices of the sandwich, and the flavor is phenomenal.
Just around the corner from my condo. I love the food and so convenient!
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dib Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine
1025 West Lawrence AvenueJust around the corner from my condo. I love the food and so convenient!
Neighborhoods
Long a hub for Chicago's entertainment scene, Uptown—home to some of the best music venues in Chicago, gorgeous lakefront parks and one of Chicago's most diverse populations—presents no shortage of things to do. The sprawling community area stretches from Buena Park in the south up to parts of Ravenswood in its northwest corner; within those reaches, you'll find neighborhoods shaped by the artists, musicians and immigrants who have long called them home. Spend the day gorging on Argyle Street's vast selection of Vietnamese food or soak up the sun at one of the best Chicago beaches, then grab drinks at one of the most historic jazz clubs in the city. Whether you're looking to dine, drink or simply see the sights, here are some of the best things to do in Uptown.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Uptown
Long a hub for Chicago's entertainment scene, Uptown—home to some of the best music venues in Chicago, gorgeous lakefront parks and one of Chicago's most diverse populations—presents no shortage of things to do. The sprawling community area stretches from Buena Park in the south up to parts of Ravenswood in its northwest corner; within those reaches, you'll find neighborhoods shaped by the artists, musicians and immigrants who have long called them home. Spend the day gorging on Argyle Street's vast selection of Vietnamese food or soak up the sun at one of the best Chicago beaches, then grab drinks at one of the most historic jazz clubs in the city. Whether you're looking to dine, drink or simply see the sights, here are some of the best things to do in Uptown.