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Welcome To Noble Square

Noble Square is a small pocket of a neighborhood (surrounded by more notable areas such as Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village) where artists, immigrants, working singles and young families live in harmony. The streets remain primarily residential, while the busy avenues of Chicago and Grand offer a variety of dining, shopping and nightlife options. People come from all over the city to experience the unique restaurants in Noble Square that have become all the rage in Chicago. A testament to Noble Square's culinary popularity: Some of these places are booked a month in advance for the weekends, and no matter what night you go out, there is bound to be a throng of hungry Chicagoans enjoying the neighborhood's eclectic menu choices. After dinner, the focus turns toward Noble Square's spirited watering holes. There are a good number of casual sports bars  the kind with pool tables and giant TVs for watching the game. For more cultural evening entertainment, the Chopin Theatre is known for its edgy performances that include every form of expression from poetry readings and films to plays and live music.

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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Noble Square Home Sales Statistics


Noble Square Facts

Location: About 2 miles northwest of the Loop
Bordering Neighborhoods: River West, West Loop, Wicker Park, East Village, United Center Park
Boundaries: Kennedy Expressway to the east, Grand Avenue to the south, Ashland Avenue to the west and Division Street to the north
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

This small pocket within West Town (immediately south of Wicker Park) is loosely centered about a one-block square park at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Noble Street, called Eckhart Park. Though little information exists on the history of Noble Square, possibly because of its close proximity to Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village, we can assume the settlement and development of Noble Square was similar to that of its neighbors. Which means the neighborhood basically began to grow after the Chicago Fire of 1871, when a blend of wealthy and working class Polish, Ukrainian, and other European immigrants set up homes in the blocks of the west side.

Noble Square neighborhood developed alongside Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village, and over the years the area has seen an ebb and flow of different demographics. In general, Noble Square has maintained a similar feel to that of Ukrainian Village with a splash of Wicker Park thrown in -- in terms of both the neighborhood and the neighbors. It seems many former Wicker Parkers, disenchanted with the rapid gentrification of their own neighborhood, have migrated a few blocks south to set up shop in Noble Square.

Today, this small Chicago neighborhood is home to a mix of visual and performing artists, musicians, and young working singles who enjoy the Mom-and-Pop businesses, neighborhood walk-ability, proximity to the Loop, and diversity of the Noble Square area.

Real Estate

Being so close to Ukrainian Village, the homes in Noble Square resemble the older abodes of the Village. Many of the houses in area were built at the turn of the 20th century, as the neighborhood experienced most of its residential development between 1900 and 1939.

You won't find cookie-cutter condos here; the blocks of Noble Square are lined with single-family homes, two- and three-flats, and low-rise multi-unit buildings. That's not to say you won't find the occasional condominium. It's just that they'll more likely be gut rehabs than new constructions, helping to maintain the Old World feel of the neighborhood.

The average sales price for a three-bedroom detached Noble Square home is around $512,000. Add another bedroom and the average price goes up about $200,000 to the low $700,000s. There are some even bigger places in this Chicago neighborhood that go for around $950,000. If condo or loft living is more your style, Noble Square has plenty of one-bedroom options usually starting in the mid $100,000s and going up to the mid $300,000s for some of the newly renovated models. A two-bedroom unit averages around $348,000, with some in the low $500,000s, and the average sales price for a three-bedroom condo or loft in Noble Square is $437,000.

What's on the Menu?

Noble Square

Want to experience the true diversity of Noble Square? We recommend walking up and down the streets with a hearty appetite and choosing a different place to eat each time. The cuisine ranges from progressive and posh to greasy and cheap, and reflects the neighborhood's scope of residents: Mexican, Cuban, Polish, Italian, Thai, Japanese, and, of course, American.

Noble Square is even home to one of Chicago's most acclaimed chefs. Shawn McClain, the brains behind Spring in Wicker Park and Custom House in Printer's Row, chose Noble Square neighborhood as the home of his vegetarian restaurant Green Zebra (1460 W Chicago Ave, 312-243-7100). It's a true contemporary spot, specializing in seasonal menus that include such delights as a roasted squash and apple tart, crispy sweet potato dumplings and parmesan caraway gnocchi. Meat-lovers, don't fret. You'll find the occasional chicken breast on the menu, but otherwise prepare to let the veggies blow your mind. And for dessert? We dare you not to finish the black walnut cake served with ginger foam, or the warm pear strudel. On the other side of the neighborhood you'll find another stellar spot for contemporary American cuisine, this one with a wide selection of meat for you carnivores out there. Some of the specials at May Street Market (1132 W Grand Ave, 312-421-5547) include roasted venison medallions in a pistachio crust, grilled hangar steak with pomme frites and seared wild king salmon. The restaurant's adjacent lounge beckons with plush brown leather seating and candles -- perfect for enjoying a libation from their extensive wine list.

Moving on, don't let the "tavern" in West Town Tavern (1329 W Chicago Ave, 312-666-6175) fool you. There's not a beer tap or bowl of peanuts in sight. Instead this Noble Square hotspot is the ideal blend of comfort and elegance, with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and large windows. They specialize in contemporary comfort food, and have a varied wine list to boot. This spot is a favorite of Noble Square residents, who stop by for the Zinfandel-braised pot roast, duck confit, or just a glass of wine at the large oak bar.

If you like food with a little kick and an ambiance with a splash of funk, try out Flo (1434 W Chicago, 312-243-0477), where the walls are practically a folk-art gallery and the breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch dishes are New Mexican cuisine. Flo uses peppers directly from a farmer in New Mexico, so every delicious bite is as authentic as you can get here in Chicago. They also feature drink specials every night of the week, and we guarantee you'll want to be here at least once a week for the fresh-lime margaritas and homemade sangria. Sticking to south-of-the-border cuisine, El Barco (1035 N Ashland Ave, 773-486-6850) is a Noble Square favorite for Mexican seafood. You'll see the boat-shaped restaurant from blocks away, and you'll get a kick out of dining in a room that's a cross between Mexican cantina and sea-faring vessel. Order up some fish or meat and the staff will bring a grill to your table so you can do the dirty work. It's fun, trust us.

Looking for the best tacos in Chicago? Stop by La Pasadita Restaurant (1132 N Ashland Ave, 773 -384-6537) for what have been officially voted one of the five best tacos in the city. The service is fast, the food is delicious, and they weren't lying about those tacos. The carne asada is perfectly seasoned, and the cilantro bursts with freshness. One bite and you'll be heading back to Ashland Avenue for your Mexican fix almost every time. Habana Libre (1440 W Chicago Ave, 312- 243-3303) is a new addition to the neighborhood and has quickly become a garlic-lover's paradise. Serving up authentic Cuban fare, Noble Square residents are abuzz over their ropa vieja (spiced shredded beef), red snapper, Cuban paella and empanadas. Bring along a tin of Altoids -- the garlic is delicious but potent.

Patio dwellers, take note: Noble Square has one of the most enchanting outdoor gardens in the city and shockingly few Chicagoans seem to know about it. It's at Cafe Fresco (1202 W Grand Ave, 312-733-6378), which serves delicious, no-frills Italian food. The interior is part bar and part cozy restaurant, but the outside is our favorite. Little white lights, lots of trees and wrought-iron chairs and tables all make for the kind of place where you can spend hours in conversation. Another Italian option, Bella Notte Restaurant (1374 W Grand Ave, 312-733-5136), is slightly more refined, and a top pick for both power lunches and romantic dinners. Family-owned Oggi Trattoria (1378 W Grand Ave, 312-733-0442) is a light and airy joint famous for its homemade pizza. But the pastas, chicken and paninis are equally as delectable, and since they deliver, we recommend you put their phone number on your speed dial. Corosh (1072 N Milwaukee Ave, 773- 235-0600) and its three levels will appeal to everyone in your group. Art aficionados will appreciate the alternating paintings and sculptures in the art gallery, foodies will go for the Italian comfort food, late-nighters will love the upstairs bar, and sports fans will dig the televisions and pool table.

The Polish restaurants commonly found on the west side are also found in Noble Square. In fact, the neighborhood is home to one of the best. Podhalanka (1549 W Division St, 773-486-6655) is practically a trip back to the old country. The food is authentic and the room is so casual that patrons share the large rectangular banquet with strangers, as Polish tradition encourages.

If you're feeling like something from across the globe, Noble Square also has a few Asian eateries to choose from. Usagi Ya (1178 N Milwaukee Ave, 773 292-5885) makes its mark on the west side dining scene with super fresh fish, about 30 sushi and sashimi options and more than 40 types of maki rolls. The super-white tuna is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and there are plenty of non-sushi options for those who don't do the raw stuff. For something more noodle-icious, Thai Castle (1546 W Chicago Ave, 312 733-3339) is the go-to for Noble Square residents. Our must-trys? Garlic chicken, fried tofu and any of the curry dishes, and the best part is the $7 price tag for most entrees. Blending both Thai and Japanese is Butterfly Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine (1156 W Grand Ave, 312-563-5555), a BYOB spot with an interior reminiscent of a Monarch butterfly. But as cool as that is, you're more likely to return again and again for the red snapper carpaccio, banana duck curry and seared tuna salad. Plus, they do equally well with the basics -- pad Thai, maki rolls, etc.

Whether you view cafes as a quick coffee stop, a great conversation spot, a cheap dining alternative or a makeshift office, Noble Square has a place for you. Bialy Cafe (1421 W Chicago Ave, 312-733-7165) has the ambiance of a down-home diner, but the menu stretches the idea of diner food by tossing items like chilaquiles and French onion soup in with their meatloaf and deli sandwiches. Cafes don't come better than Mercury Cafe (1505 W Chicago Ave, 312- 455-9924), a gathering place that could be considered the beating heart of the Noble Square neighborhood. Owner Alexandria Kalika opened her cozy couch-filled spot as a response to the influx of chain coffee shops that have struck Chicago. Her baked goods are completely fresh -- never frozen -- and the delicious Intelligentsia coffee comes directly from the producer, located five minutes away. The personal touches continue with art by local artists decorating the walls and the open mics, live music and tango lessons that Kalika regularly schedules.

Few people other than Noble Square residents are aware of the existence of Coffee on Milwaukee (1046 N Milwaukee Ave, 773- 276-3200), and that's just how the neighborhood likes it. The coffee shop draws more solo visitors than business meetings, more readers and writers than CEOs, and more to-go traffic than sit-down customers, which keeps the place peaceful, quiet and uncluttered. Another low-on-the-radar coffee house worth mentioning is Sip Coffee House and Garden (1223 W Grand Ave, 312- 563-1123); we kind of feel bad for anyone who doesn't know this gem exists. Indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi Internet connection, Intelligentsia coffee and a lofted second floor are just a few of the amenities that we love about Sip. Word lovers will dig the Scrabble Sundays at Swim Cafe (1357 W Chicago Ave, 312- 492-8600) and the chance to win free drinks as well as bragging rights. The cafe is bright and colorful, offering free Wi-Fi, delicious teas and coffees, and a full menu of salads and paninis. And bring along Fido too -- Swim has a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian treats for your pooch.

Best Shopping Stops

We're not going to lie to you: Noble Square is not the place where you're going to find that killer dress for your cousin's wedding. But everything you could need (or maybe just want) is within walking distance. The home improvement-obsessed will find the furniture and housewares stores here right up their alley.

Imperial Ace Hardware (1208 W Grand Ave, 312-421-0475) is the hot spot for anyone looking to fix up their home, yard, or anything else in their life (well, within reason). And once your home is all spruced up, it's time to invite the guests over to show off. That's where Right On Futon (1184 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-235-2533) comes in. Is it a bed? Is it a couch? All we know is that Right On's enormous selection of futons has bailed us and all of our Chicago friends out when the crew decides to come in from out of town. Is that futon destined for your guest bedroom-slash-home office? Well, then, you need to find some super quality furniture from General Office Furniture (529 N Milwaukee Ave, 312 421-4265) to maximize the workspace. They have gorgeous wood chairs, sturdy metal desks, and every size, shape and color of organizing furniture to outfit your at-home workstation.

Okay, enough of the practical. Let's get down to the fun, unnecessary shopping. Abbey Brown (1162 W Grand Ave, 773- 545-9531) sells "bath products for the soul." Who doesn't need that? Their handcrafted soaps, spa products and aromatherapy-based candles, oils and eye pillows turn your home into a sanctuary. Abbey's homemade lemongrass soap is a Noble Square favorite, as are the aromatic rosebud or basil candles. Sticking with the gift-y, irresistible items, down a few blocks is Aesthetic Eye (1520 W Chicago Ave, 312-243-1520), which blends the feel of a gallery with the selection of an eclectic boutique. They offer affordable art, gifts and home accessories that combine form and function. Housed in a former pharmacy, RR #1 (814 N Ashland, 312-421-9079) hawks original jewelry, home decor, bath/body items, homeopathic remedies, and other gift-able items that you'll buy for others and end up keeping for yourself.

Living in such a walk-able neighborhood, you're going to need a good pair of tennis shoes, athletic pants and the like. Noble Square is home to one of Chicago's best independent sports suppliers. Palm USA City Sports (1201 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-235-7673) carries such sporty items like Adidas sneakers and Puma T-shirts, and fashionable gear like Girbaud Shuttle Jeans and Rocawear tops. Or just shirk that get-in-shape attitude and bounce over to Terry's Toffee (1117 W Grand Ave, 312-733-2700). A few can't-miss items? The Chai-cago Spice toffee, the Lavenilla toffee and the Peppermint Pistachio Crunch ice cream. Yummy!

Night on the Town

Noble Square may be on the smaller side when it comes to surface area, but its nightlife has the spirit and energy of an entire city. Whether you're a beer-and-pool kind of guy, or a martini-and-dessert kind of girl, Noble Square has something for your partying style.

But before you hit up any of the local watering holes, kick off your night with a show at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division St, 773-278-1500). The Chopin is an arts center that hosts plays, readings, music, poetry, films and other forms of artistic expression. They're known for productions that are multi-cultural, unique and edgy, yet accessible to everyone.

After a brief stop for cultural betterment, it's time to hit the Noble Square hotspots. One of the newest and most popular additions to the neighborhood is Five Star Bar and Grill (1424 W Chicago Ave, 312-850-2555). They've got delicious bar food (try the pigs in a blanket, or the BBQ cheddar burger), nightly drink specials ($2 cans of Tecate always bring in a crowd), TVs that show the local sports teams, and the infamous stripper pole. But that's all we're going to say about that. If a laid-back Irish Bar is more your speed, Noble Square neighborhood offers J. Patrick's (1365 W Erie St, 312- 243-0990). There's nothing fake about this place -- it's Irish owned and operated, and the dark wood, Guinness-battered fish and chips, and whiskey selection are as authentic as you'd find in Ireland. In fact, J. Patrick's sells Paddy's Irish whiskey, which you can't find at any store in the U.S. The live music keeps the place lively, and there are a few TVs around for all you sports fans.

One of Chicago's most notorious biker bars is located in the Noble Square neighborhood, and it's deserving of a visit even if leather and Harleys aren't your speed. Twisted Spoke (501 N Ogden, 312-666-1500) is a blend of artists, bikers and yuppies, despite the hard-core biker ambiance. Antique bike parts hang throughout the bar, and the vintage bike-riding skeleton outside is one of the more notable landmarks in the neighborhood. Regulars may kick it at the bar (their Bloody Marys are famous), but drinkers far and wide stop by to hang out on the rooftop patio. The fare is freshly made burgers and fries, and the background music spans vintage country, old school punk and classic R&B, among many other musical genres. Another burger-boasting spot is just down the street, although one key item sets it far apart from the Spoke. Players Bar and Grill (551 N Ogden, 312-733-2121) boasts large televisions galore, where fans of all sports gather for the super-big games. Those who would rather play than watch will love the game room in back, with pool, darts, Golden Tee and another bar, so you don't have to leave the action for more than a few seconds. If off-the-beaten-path is more your style, we'll see you at the Chipp Inn (832 N Greenview Ave, 312-421-9052). It's pretty secluded, keeping the scene-sters far away, and the room is nothing but a place to have a laid-back, good old-fashioned beer. The crowd consists of mostly regulars, who are more than welcoming to any new face. Cheap drinks, an eclectic jukebox and a pool table make this neighborhood bar a Noble Square favorite.

Mark Your Calendar

Noble Square residents don't have their own festival -- they just hoof it to the neighboring fests for summertime fun. Wicker Park is host to the Around the Coyote Fall Festival, Wicker Park Summerfest, and the Wicker Park and Bucktown Summer Sidewalk Sales. And Ukrainian Village presents the annual Ukrainian Village Fest every summer.

Getting Around

Noble Square residents seem to be an equal blend of public transport devotees and car lovers. Parking is middle-of-the-road here -- you'll most likely find a spot, but you will have the occasional struggle. The main streets are metered, and residential streets are a blend of permit and non-permit. When possible, we recommend leaving the car keys on the counter and venturing out on your own two feet. Since Noble Square is a fairly small area, getting around within the â¬Ühood won't be a problem, and because Noble Square is situated closely to such activity-saturated neighborhoods as Wicker Park, East Village and Ukrainian Village, there's always something exciting to do within walking distance.

If you need to whip out that CTA card, there are a handful of buses and a train to take you wherever your heart desires. The Blue Line stop on Chicago Avenue is technically located outside Noble Square, but it's the closest the "El" will get you to this neighborhood. We tend to rely on the buses. The #9 Ashland Avenue will take you all the way up to Wrigley Field and all the way back down around Midway Airport, with plenty of other stops in between. The #65 Grand Avenue bus and the #66 Chicago Avenue bus run east/west, and they're a quick and easy way to get downtown.

School's in Session

Noble Square has quite a few schools that families with young scholars can choose from. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Alternative Schools Network 1116 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 342-4243
Holy Innocents Elementary School 1460 W Superior St - (312) 243-9887
Holy Trinity High School 1443 W Division St - (773) 278-4212
John L Motley School 739 N Ada St - (312) 243-8748
Noble Street Charter School 1010 N Noble St - (773) 862-1449
Peabody Elementary School 1444 W Augusta Blvd - (773) 534-4170
Richard Iburn High School 1448 W Superior St - (312) 924-7647
Richard Milburn Alternative High School 1448 W Superior St - (312) 491-0772
Wells Community Academy High School 936 N Ashland Ave - (773) 534-7010

Basic Needs

Here's a quick list of those places you will undoubtedly need at some point -- all within your own neighborhood's backyard.

Public Library

Chicago Public Library- Midwest Branch- 2235 W. Chicago, 312-744-7788

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Post Office

UPS Store 516 North Ogden - (312) 243-9500

Grocery Stores

Candy's Grocery 1366 W Ohio Street - (312) 421-7269
Crater Food & Liquor 1144 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 862-4353
Noble Pantry 932 N Noble St - (773) 276-6400

Gyms

Slim and Tone 1142 W. Grand Avenue - (312) 733-8663

Theatres

Chopin Theatre 1543 W Division St - (773) 278-1500

Entertainment

Polish Museum of America 984 N Milwaukee Avenue - (773) 384-3352
Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center 1034 N Milwaukee - (773) 235-8874

Shopping

Abbey Brown 1162 West Grand Ave - (773) 545-9531
Aesthetic Eye 1520 W. Chicago Ave - (312) 243-1520
General Office Furniture 529 N Milwaukee Ave - (312) 421-4265
Imperial Ace Hardware 1208 W Grand Ave - (312) 421-0475
My Fashion 1551 W Chicago Ave - (312) 421-2824
Palm USA City Sports 1201 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 235-7673
Quality Furniture 1531 W Chicago Ave - (312) 243-6211
RR1 814 N Ashland Ave - (312) 421-9079
Right On Futon 1184 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 235-2533
Terry's Toffee 1117 W Grand Ave - (312) 733-2700

DINING

American Contemporary
Green Zebra 1460 W Chicago Ave - (312) 243-7100
May Street Market 1132 W Grand Ave - (312) 421-5547
West Town Tavern 1329 W Chicago Ave - (312) 666-6175

American Traditional
Flo 1434 W Chicago Ave - (312) 243-0477

Asian
Butterfly Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine 1156 W Grand Ave - (312) 563-5555
Thai Castle 1546 W Chicago Ave - (312) 733-3339
Usagi Ya 1178 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 292-5885

Coffee/Cafe
Bialy's Cafe 1421 W Chicago Ave - (312) 733-7165
Coffee on Milwaukee 1046 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 276-3200
Mercury Cafe 1505 W Chicago Ave - (312) 455-9924
Ritz Tango Cafe 933 N Ashland Ave - (773) 235-2233
Sip Coffee House & Garden 1223 W Grand Ave - (312) 563-1123
Starbucks 520 N Ogden Ave - (312) 850-1617
Swim Cafe 1357 W Chicago Ave - (312) 492-8600

Bakery

D'amato's Bakery 1124 W Grand Ave - (312) 733-5456

Cuban
Habana Libre 1440 W Chicago Ave - (312) 243-3303

Deli
Bari Foods 1120 W Grand Avenue - (312) 666-0730
Vinnie's Sub Shop 1206 W. Grand Avenue - (312) 738-2985

Italian
Bella Notte Restaurant 1374 W Grand Ave - (312) 733-5136
Cafe Fresco 1202 W Grand Ave - (312) 733-6378
Corosh 1072 N Milwaukee Ave - (773) 235-0600

Mexican
El Barco 1035 N Ashland Ave - (773) 486-6850
La Pasadita 1140 N Ashland Ave - (773) 278-2130
Taqueria El jardin 1303 W Huron St - (312) 455-9523

Pizza
Salerno's Restaurant & Pizzeria 1301 W Grand Ave - (312) 666-3444

Polish
Podhalanka 1549 W Division St - (773) 486-6655

Puerto Rican
Cafe Central 1437 W Chicago Ave - (312) 243-6776

Nightlife/Bars
The Chipp Inn 832 N Greenview Ave - (312) 421-9052
Five Star Bar & Grill 1424 W Chicago Ave - (312) 850-2555
J Patrick's 1365 W Erie St - (312) 243-0990
Player's Bar & Grill 551 N Ogden Ave - (312) 733-2121
The Twisted Spoke 501 N Ogden Ave - (312) 666-1500

Sometimes it makes more sense to view the city of Chicago as a bunch of separate neighborhoodsespecially when it comes to real estate. Whether you are in the market for a loft, condo, townhome, or house, it is just as important to inspect the surrounding area as it is to inspect the home's foundation. Noble Square neighborhood is just one Chicago community with an abundance of residential properties, and a life all its own. From where you send your kids to school to where you dine at night, the information we provide is an essential piece of the puzzle when you're trying to decide whether or not to buy that beautiful loft or adorable house in Noble Square.

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