Old Town is one of Chicago’smost vibrant neighborhoods. With Victorian buildings lending it character andtree-lined streets that evoke small-town charm, Old Town is home to manyattractions you wouldn’t want to miss. Its proximity to the lake and downtownalso make it one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Windy City.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite places in OldTown:
Historic sites
- Saint Michael’s Church
1633N Cleveland Avenue, ChicagoDating back to 1852, SaintMike’s is a Roman Catholic church that features a beautiful Romanesque façadeand Bavarian Baroque interiors. Despite being heavily damaged, it was one ofonly six buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire due to its brick andmortar construction. It’s a popularsaying in Chicago that if you can hear the bells of St. Michael’s, then youknow you’re in Old Town.
- Biograph Theater
2433N Lincoln Avenue, ChicagoIt’s infamously known as thesite where America’s most prolific bank robber, John Dillinger, met his demise.With its façade restored to its original condition, the Biograph Theater buildingis very hard to miss. Under the new management of the Victory Gardens Theater,the venue now offers new plays and musicals to the public.
Restaurants
- Bricks Pizza
1909N Lincoln Avenue, ChicagoThis hole-in-the-wall is one ofOld Town’s favorite low-key hangout spots. Bricks Pizza offers some of the bestthin-crust pies in the city with a wide variety of available toppings andspecials. Favorites include the Build Your Own Cheese Pizza option, the DitkaPizza – which features every type of meat and a whole lot of cheese – and theAragula Salad. Bricks Pizza also features a bar with great beer selection. Theyhave a vegetarian pizza as well.
- Topo Gigio Ristorante
1516N Wells Street, ChicagoAn Old Town favorite for over25 years, Topo Gigio offers a mouthwatering menu of authentic Italian favoritesat a great price in a warm and wonderful Tuscan-style atmosphere. The restaurant serves incredible pastas.Favorites include the Conchiglie alla Sarda (seashell pasta in a tomato-creamsauce), Linguine delle “Cinque Terre” (homemade linguine with sautéed shrimp),and more. There’s a special dish every day. The restaurant also features animpressive wine list. Outdoor patio seating is available, which is great forpeople watching.
Shopping
- Wells Street
WellsStreet, ChicagoBound between North Avenue andDivision Street, Wells Street is Old Town’s main thoroughfare. It’s home tohundreds of great shops, restaurants, and entertainment that are all well worthchecking out.Wells Street’s establishmentsstretch further south of Old Town, past Division Street, and into the city’sNear North Side Neighborhood and Downtown.
- Magnificent Mile
MichiganAvenue, ChicagoLocatedclose to Old Town, the Magnificent Mile refers to a mile-long upscale sectionof Michigan Avenue bound by River Street to the north and Oak Street to thesouth. Nearby attractions include famous Chicago landmarks such as the NavyPier and the Cloud Gate or Bean sculpture in Millennium Park. The Mag Mile, asit’s also called, is home to some of the finest shopping centers in Chicagowith more than 450 flagship stores, international luxury labels, and majordepartment stores.