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[title]What’s the deal with West Town?
If you’ve heard about a cool new spot in Chicago recently, there’s a good chance that it’s in West Town. Shaped by German, Polish, Ukrainian and Russian immigrants, and later by Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and African Americans, the flourishing community is home to some of Chicago’s liveliest culinary, art and cultural scenes.
This West Side neighborhood comprises several distinct communities, including Ukrainian Village, Noble Square and East Village. Although the official boundaries vary depending on who you ask, it generally spans from the Chicago River to Kedzie Street, and between Division and Hubbard Streets. One thing is certain, though: Chicago Avenue is the beating heart of this vibrant community.
If you only do one thing…
Take a walk down Division Street. Start at Ashland Avenue and head west for a picturesque stroll through one of West Town’s busiest streets, stopping in any shops, galleries or restaurants that pique your interest along the way.
On a rainy day…
Create your own jewelry at Beadniks. This DIY charm bar also offers workshops, supplies and permanent jewelry installation. Afterward, bop over to Lost Larson down the street for delectable Scandinavian-style baked goods like cardamom buns and lingonberry cakes.
On a sunny day…
Start your morning with one of Chicago’s best breakfast sandwiches from Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant Kasama. Place a pick-up order online before heading to the restaurant, where you'll likely find a line down the block. When you arrive, savor the bliss of walking past those waiting, then head to Bertha Honoré Palmer Park down the street to enjoy your breakfast.
Go off the beaten track
I'm sorry for saying this right after talking about breakfast, but I’d be remiss not to mention that you’ll pass the neighborhood’s infamous Shit Fountain (which is, well, exactly what it sounds like) on your walk from Kasama to the park. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Get cultured
The Polish Museum of America and the Ukrainian National Museum are your best bets for a cultural crash course on the area’s immigrant history. Cap the day with a concert at local institution Empty Bottle—shows are free on Mondays.
Chill out
Escape into the unassuming factory-turned-bathhouse Aire Ancient Baths in the River West area of West Town. This serene mecca of relaxation offers a modern take on ancient Greek and Roman traditions with hot and cold thermal baths, and a flotarium (a saltwater bath that creates a feeling of weightlessness), plus massages, and body and facial treatments.
Visit the newest spots
Stuff your face with Parisian pastries from Guillotine Bakery before drinks at Bar Bambi and dinner at Pizz’amici. If you’re not in a food coma the next day, venture out to Elise Seigenthaler Gallery and Mariane Ibrahim Gallery to view boundary-pushing works by artists near and far.
Nearest CTA stations
The Green Line will take you east or west and is best for when you’re headed somewhere along Chicago Avenue. If you’re headed north of Chicago Avenue, the Blue Line, which goes northwest or southeast, stops at Chicago Avenue and Division Street. As for buses, #66 runs east and west down Chicago Avenue and #9 runs north and south on Ashland.
What else is nearby?
The neighboring West Loop is arguably the city’s flashiest district, with top restaurants, bars, shops and hotels just south of West Town. To the north, Bucktown, Logan Square and Avondale (Chicago's coolest neighborhood of 2025) are also worth visiting for a meal at one of the more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.
The essential spots
Guillotine Bakery for pastries
Bar Bambi for cocktails
Pizz’amici for pizza
Center of Order and Experimentation for unique shopping
Tempesta Market for gourmet sandwiches
Warehouse 55 for treasure hunting
Lost Girls Vintage for vintage apparel
The Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago for culture
The Empty Bottle for live music
Humboldt Park for being in nature