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Welcome To Old Town

Distinguished by a captivating past that lingers in the occasional brick alley, the thriving commercial district along Wells Street, and the faint toll of bells from St. Michael's Church, Old Town is a historic Chicago neighborhood, reborn into the 21st century with an ardor that has captured many people's interest as an enchanting place to live and a safe environment to raise a family. Old Town's beautiful residential blocks, lined with century-old grey- and brownstone walkups, are broken up by the flurry of activity along the neighborhood's central thoroughfare. Old Town boutiques are known for their specialty items, local designer wares and one-of-a-kind fashions for you and your home. Tucked in among the awning-covered storefronts are popular dining spots that are regular stops for in-town celebrities. In the summer, Old Town explodes with fun and excitement as folks come from all around to visit the neighborhood street festivals, which are among the most beloved in Chicago.

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Old Town Facts

Location: 1.5 miles north of the Loop
Boundaries: Clark Street to the east, Larrabee Street to the west, Division Street to the south and North Avenue to the north
Bordering Neighborhoods: Gold Coast, Old Town Triangle, Lincoln Park, Near North, Cabrini Green
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

Old Town

As the name suggests, Old Town retains a healthy sense of history. Its fascinating past has been influenced by the changing trends and culture throughout the years and has led to a community-oriented environment that is one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods.

Until 1833, the land now occupied by Old Town neighborhood was inhabited by Native Americans and served as a trade hub for several different tribes. After signing the Treaty of Chicago, the tribal nations were forced out of the region and European settlers began moving in and establishing a small township. Many of the area's early residents were working-class German immigrants who came to the U.S. to escape mistreatment and persecution for their religious beliefs back in the motherland. St. Michael's Church, which was built in the nearby area known as the Old Town Triangle, became the nucleus of their community. Life centered about the church and folks constructed homes in the vicinity in order to be close to their place of worship.

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire wreaked havoc on the city, destroying the neighborhood's beloved church as well. But the strong working-class population jumped to its feet and began rebuilding immediately. Evidence of their handy-work can still be seen in the few small cottage-style dwellings scattered throughout Old Town's residential blocks -- although there are more examples of this architectural period in the Old Town Triangle.

About a half a century after the fire, Old Town experienced an artistic renaissance of sorts. It began when native Chicago artists Sol Kogen and Edgar Miller renovated a three-story single-family mansion into a residential and studio space specifically for the art-minded. The two met while enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago. Then, after spending time in Paris, Kogen was inspired to design a complex where independent artists could live and work among fellow creative types. With the help of Miller and other artist friends, Carl Street Studios was built in 1927. It wasn't long before word of the undertaking spread and soon artists from around the Midwest flocked to the new studios.

The following decade continued to see artists moving to the neighborhood. By the 1950s, the avant-garde nature of the community welcomed beatniks into the mix. The addition of folk musicians and hippies to the scene set the stage for Old Town to become a wildly popular bohemian center in the 1960s and '70s. The likes of Janis Joplin and Mama Cass were regulars on the bill at local venues. And the emergence of curious novelty establishments such as Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and go-go dancers in shop windows drew an eclectic crowd, including tourists, to the neighborhood.

Eventually the radical enthusiasm waned, giving way to a whole new Old Town. Quite the opposite from their free-wheeling, transient predecessors -- new residents started buying property in the area, settling with the intention of planting roots and creating a long-lasting homestead. Many of the homeowners renovated and restored existing historic structures, sensitive to maintain the characteristics of the original architecture that to this day gives this legendary neighborhood its unique charm.

Real Estate

After the Great Fire of 1871 a city ordinance prohibited the construction of wood buildings, prompting the widespread use of brick and stone instead. You'll find much of the neighborhood (except for the intermittent worker's cottages) is in accordance with the building material regulations of that time. While there are some condo units available above the storefronts on Wells Street, many of Old Town's inhabitants live in the historic gray- and brownstone walk-ups and rehabbed three- and four-story townhouses that line the residential streets. A stretch of new construction brick flats and single-family homes has also gone up along the neighborhood's western edge in recent years.

There is no denying that owning property in Old Town can be expensive. The area offers a couple of blocks lined with enormous detached single-family townhouses with multiple stories that can easily cost two- to four-million dollars. Of course, these are very upscale residences that afford luxury living right down to rooftop hot tubs. Even two-level detached homes in this near north side Chicago neighborhood typically run between $600,000 and a million plus, also offering residents modern amenities and spacious layouts with high-end finishes.

However, if you don't need seven bedrooms and four floors, you can find a small condo for under $300,000. Homebuyers will find studios and one-bedrooms start in the mid to upper $100,000s, which may or may not include a garage parking space -- which, by the way, is a very handy feature in this tightly packed community as spots on the streets do exist but are not always so easy to find in front of your house. Once you hit the $275,000 price point you'll begin to see two-bedroom units for sale, although the cost for a condo this size in Old Town can reach into the six- or seven-hundred thousands. Past that you are pretty much looking at townhomes, half-duplexes or penthouses, which will easily put homeowners in the market for luxury real estate (properties over $800,000).

What's on the Menu?

There's no better place to eat out in Old Town than on Wells Street. Dozens of restaurants line the neighborhood's main thoroughfare offering a range of tastes and dining experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic meal, or have a craving for a regular old bar burger, bring your appetite to Old Town for some of the city's most popular culinary delights.

Staking its claim for the title of best BBQ ribs in town is The Fireplace Inn (1448 N Wells St, 312-664-5264), which has been serving up a mean rack of ribs since 1969. Lit by a huge fireplace and handsome stained-glass chandeliers, the Inn's old-fashioned ambiance is cozy and relaxing. However, we prefer to eat in the annexed all-weather outdoor patio and bar. It is heated in the winter and open-air in the summer -- a perfect place to down a beer and devour some baby backs. If your not the rib fan, the kitchen here can whip up a mean Grecian-style oven-baked chicken or signature dinner salad, and the seafood menu is another alternative that warrants acclaim for the succulent broiled lobster tails and an amazing Lake Superior whitefish almondine. And if a favorite Chicago sports team is playing, we're sure to catch the game on one of the Inn's two dozen TVs. So next time your spouse wants to go out to dinner on the night of the big playoff, just come here and you won't have to worry about missing the excitement!

Slightly more low-key and offering authentic Mexican cuisine is Las Piñatas (1552 N Wells St, 312-664-8277), just up the street from the Fireplace. Not surprisingly, the interior is decorated with multicolored piñatas and the bright blue of the exterior storefront ensures you don't miss this tasty Old Town tribute to Latin-inspired fare. The menu is extensive, and the prices are reasonable. Combination plates are the way to go if you want to sample traditional favorites, but there are also a number of mouthwatering steak, chicken and seafood entrees to choose from. Oh yeah, and don't forget to order a margarita, which we like to get by the pitcher (if there's a group) because the staff here really knows what they're doing -- smooth and frothy, that frozen beverage goes down a little too fast sometimes. If that's an issue, you could try getting the shaken version -- for some reason those seem to take a little longer to drink.

The Old Town neighborhood also has its share of charming Italian-inspired restaurants. Trattoria Roma (1535 N Wells St, 312-664-7907) offers clientele friendly service and exquisitely prepared Italian meals. Their menu changes daily, but you are sure to get a wide selection of antipasti, insalate, pastas, and specialty pizzas no matter when you visit. Another famed Italian spot in Old Town is Topo Gigio Ristorante (1516 N Wells St, 312-266-9355). A blue and white awning and quaint outdoor patio invites guests to dine at this enchanting Old World bistro. Because of its popularity among locals and out-of-towners, Topo Gigio is often busy so you may have to wait for a table. But if you're a fan of eggplant parmigian or rigatoni alla pomodoro sauce like we are, the wait is completely worthwhile. However, when it comes to Italian our preferred spot to wine and dine in Old Town is Orso's Restaurant (1401 N Wells St, 312-787-6604). A narrow dining area that somehow manages to house an actual piano, providing soft dinner music to the guests, gives way to a back patio space that is the establishment's prime draw. Completely covered in ivy, the trellised 25-table courtyard is lit up at night with tiny party lights, giving your meal a festive feel. Unfortunately, Orso's patio is only open during the warm weather months, so make sure to go before summer is over.

What would a Chicago neighborhood be without a few pizza joints? We go to Old Towne Pizza Pub (1339 N Wells St, 312-266-6789) both for the pizza and the beer. The atmosphere is casual, the slices are big, and the drink specials are great, so it's a fun place to get a bite and then hang out for the evening with friends.

Switching gears to cuisine of the Asian influence, Old Town offers diners plenty of options from Chinese takeout to upscale sushi bar to local chain stir-fry. However, we're big fans of Thai food, and when we get a craving for some pad thai or green curry we head over to Tiparos Thai Cuisine (1540 N Clark St, 312-712-9900). The light and airy atmosphere of the dining room is accentuated by ornate fabric tapestries, lush potted plants and intimate two- and four-top tables set with single-bud flower vases and votive candles. Upon entering the wait staff is always quick to greet you and the intoxicating aroma of curry paste and coconut milk envelops the senses. The menu at Tiparos is pretty extensive and they have all the old standbys -- spring rolls, satay, tom yum soup, cashew chicken, beef and broccoli, Thai fried rice -- but we tend to walk on the wild side by trying to sample everything this top-notch restaurant has to offer. One dish that has become a staple in our diet is the pad see eiw (wide rice noodles stir-fried in soy sauce with egg, collard greens and beef or chicken). Prepared with a trained hand, the large noodles are cooked to perfection and the flavor is just enough to appease the tastebuds without overwhelming. Paired with an imported bottle of Thai beer or the smooth sweetness of a Thai iced coffee, the spicy seasoning of any entree or appetizer here is tamed to a delightfully tolerable level. However, if you're not big on the hot stuff, just ask your server to make your order "mild."

It would be hard to talk about Old Town's dining scene without mentioning Kamehachi of Tokyo (1400 N Wells St, 312-664-3663), which is commonly known as the very first sushi bar in Chicago. Making its debut in the city in 1969, Kamehachi has been passed down through three generations of family and has continued to use the original recipes. It's impossible to sum up the menu in a sentence or two, you'll just have to trust us that you won't be disappointed. The ingredients are fresh, the presentation is impressive (oftentimes the chefs will make rolls into imaginative dragon shapes), and the specials are unforgettable with creations that are beyond belief. The celebrity surrounding this popular neighborhood restaurant is also astounding -- in addition to earning numerous awards and recognition for culinary excellence, Kamehachi is a regular stop for scores of film stars and musicians who wouldn't make a visit to Chicago without dropping in for a bite. In fact so many famous patrons have been in over the years that the owner said they stopped tabulating names long ago. So next time you're go, steal a glance around because the guests at the next table over could be Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin, Yoko Ono or Joan Cusack.

Best Shopping Stops

Before or after dining in Old Town, we like to wander along Wells Street and pop into the stylish boutiques and eclectic shops that make up the neighborhood's small retail district.

Looking for style and originality? Old Town has it in chic clothing stores for both men and women. Trend For Men (1551 N Wells St, 312-867-7700) carries everything from casual apparel for weekend outings to sophisticated office attire. People say they notice when guys are sporting apparel from this Chicago-based company -- classic in design, yet cut to fit, the shirts and pants here are eye-catching and are sure to make a few head turns. Also catering specifically to the guys is Haberdash (1350 N Wells St, 312-440-1300), where you can watch TV and relax in leather armchairs in between browsing the racks of hip fashions by both up-and-coming and established designers. High-end jeans, vintage-style long-sleeve T-shirts, blazers and button-downs and full tailored suits make for a one-stop shop, if you're willing to drop some serious cash for the convenience.

For women's clothing, Sara Jane (1343 N Wells St, 312-335-1962) is one of our favorites, with couture trends and accessories without the high-fashion prices -- especially if you find something on sale. Whether you need a fun, cocktail dress for the evening or just an amazing pair of jeans for everyday, Sara Jane has you covered; the collection is always en vogue and even includes hard-to-find designers. And you don't have to deal with pushy salesclerks as the staff is really sweet and seem to actually care about helping you out. A refreshing change from some the larger departments stores downtown. Lili Boutique (1543 N Wells St, 312-654-8511) is another don't-miss for feminine fashion in the Old Town neighborhood. It has a good selection of trendy women's clothing, hip handbags and other accessories to accent your outfit. The prices can be a bit on the steep side, but once in a while we decide it's worth the splurge.

Fashion is not limited to your wardrobe, however, there's always the larger canvas of your home that makes a fashion statement of its own. And in order to make the right impression, thankfully there are a number of establishments specializing in home decor located right in the neighborhood. In addition to Pier One Imports (1350 N Wells, 312-787-4320), which has an exotic yet relaxed selection of furnishings, dishes, housewares and floor coverings, Scandinavian Design (501 W North Ave, 312-337-4200) provides Old Town residents and local Chicagoans with an international collection of modern furniture and home accessories that are moderately priced and ultra hip. For more serious remodeling, you may want to visit Gold Coast Bath Systems (631 W North Ave, 312-587-3344) to pick out new hardware for the bathroom sink or to get an expert's assistance to upgrade your condo's kitchen space. Get that large, luxurious bathroom suite you always wanted with the professional services and quality craftsmanship Gold Coast Bath Systems supplies. With years of experience working in residential high-rises and older buildings, these guys are just who you want tinkering with the pipes and pulling out tile in your urban digs.

What about livening up the look of your loft with a bit of flora? City dwellers with a green thumb will discover a jungle of indoor house plants and outdoor greenery at Old Town Gardens (1555 N Wells St, 312-266-6300). This garden center has healthy, full potted plants for your patio and burgeoning, leafy foliage to ornament the terrace. Moving from lush, live plants to the dried, crushed variety ... you'll be amazed (and your nose will be on sensory overload) from the number of hand-ground seasonings and herbs available down the block at The Spice House (1512 N Wells St, 312-274-0378). Originating from as far away as Thailand, and as close to home as Chicago's own Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood, there are literally hundreds of different kinds of spices to explore.

Night on the Town

The great thing about going out in Old Town is everything is within walking distance. Good old Wells Street houses most of the nightlife -- so that's precisely where we go to unwind during the week and to kick-off the weekends.

For a casual evening of hanging out with neighbors and friends, we hit up O'Brien's Restaurant and Bar (1528 N Wells St, 312-787-3131). This large bar and dining room is often packed with patrons on the weekend who come for dinner and stay for drinks -- and the live piano music. But when this place is really hopping is during the summer months when their outdoor cafe and gazebo bar is open for business. Have the bartender whip up your favorite cocktail or get a cold brewsky before mingling with the crowd of local regulars, out-of-towners and weekend shoppers. After chillin' at O'Brien's for awhile we usually like to move on to a new location for after hours. Burton Place Cafe (1447 N Wells St, 312-664-4699) is good for a few late-night beverages and a dive bar setting. Just your typical neighborhood watering hole, the folks at this Old Town haunt are happy with a place to sit and a beer to drink. A word of advice: watch out for the staircase on entry -- we hear it's a doosie!

About halfway down Wells near Schiller Street stands the swanky martini bar, Suite Lounge (1446 N Wells St, 312-787-6103). Occupying a long, narrow space, the lounge has a front and back bar where signature drinks like the Pretty Princess and Suite Tooth martinis are served with style. Dessert martinis are also a big hit here -- unfortunately, the sweeter they are, the more they seem to cost. But as long as you don't mind spending some extra cash ... why not indulge in one of the individual curtained-off suites available to rent? For those who fancy a little more privacy. Also absorbed in the intimacies of nighttime hours, Spoon (1240 N Wells St, 312-642-5522) is a restaurant/lounge whose name refers not to the utensil, but to the verb form of the word which means "to kiss or caress." Some people come to Spoon for the food, but most come for the fun nightlife. The menu is limited to a dozen or so appetizers and entrees, however, the dancing, hot music and even hotter clientele are endless.

Of course, there are a few spots off the beaten path (meaning, not on Wells Street) that are popular Old Town watering holes, too. McGinny's Tap (313 W North Ave, 312-943-5228) is an enjoyable sports bar lounge with plenty of flat-screen TVs for watching the games. Without a doubt, our favorite part is the outdoor beer garden that opens once the weather gets nice. As you might imagine, it can get crowded out there during the summer. But bumping elbows a bit doesn't seem to bother anyone -- something about the warm air paired with a cold brew seems to put a smile on everyone's face. Perhaps the ultimate neighborhood dive, the Old Town Ale House (219 W North Ave, 312-944-7020) has been around since 1958. The exterior of the bar is reminiscent of an old-time saloon, but it's the inside that is totally unlike anything else. Among the miscellaneous memorabilia and hodgepodge of bric-a-brac that masks the walls, a collection of paperbacks is the pride and joy of the Ale House clientele. Built up over the years by periodic donations, anyone is welcome to borrow a book from the bar's "library" that houses an assortment of literary choices. This place stays open late and doesn't serve food, so we usually stop by to play a game of pinball and have a few cash-only drinks with the diverse assemblage of regulars that gather here.

Showtime!

While up the street in the Old Town Triangle Second City Theatre catches much of the attention of the theater-going set, the live performance venues in Old Town neighborhood warrant a second glance with some stellar actors and skits of unparalleled depth.

Zanies Comedy Nightclub (1548 N Wells St, 312-337-4027) draws some of the biggest names in the industry and any audience will tell you -- that makes for a mega-good time. Sticking to a simple standup format, comedians here wow the crowds, armed with only their quick wit, clever jokes and a trusty microphone. Over the years, some of these brave souls have included career comedians such as Kevin Nealon, Dave Chappelle, Chelsea Handler and Danny Bonaduce. Because Zanies is an intimate venue, it's best to make a reservation. Still, you'll want to get there early since seating is first-come, first-served, and the prime spots -- the tables that butt up against the single platform stage -- are always the first to be filled.

If you'd rather see more traditional theater, Red Orchid Theatre (1531 N Wells St, 312-943-8722) houses an ensemble cast known for their edgy, offbeat plays that bring both worldwide scripts and reinvented works to Chicago. Challenging their talent by performing on an extremely narrow stage, this group of skilled actors prides themselves on producing quality shows that you won't find anywhere else in the city.

Mark Your Calendar

If there's one thing Old Town neighborhood residents like to do it's have street parties. Throughout the summer Wells Street is closed off periodically for the occasional festival or event. But there are a couple celebrations that take the cake for citywide draw and popularity.

Old Town's love of art overflows during the second weekend in June at the Wells Street Art Festival (1300 N Wells St, 773-868-3010) which takes place every year. Thousands come to peruse the exquisite fine art and hand-made pieces exhibited at this well-attended summer fair. Artisans set up should-to-shoulder stands along Wells Street between Division Street and North Avenue, while musical acts serenade the crowds that fill the street to capacity. Artists from across the country join the talents of Chicagoans to offer an eclectic mix of original designs and unique hand crafts. And don't worry about bringing the little ones along, there's a children's activity section where the kids can make some artwork of their own.

For one Saturday in September, Wells Street (between North Avenue and Schiller Street) becomes a bustling, European-style open-air market (and winery) during the yearly Wine Crush in Old Town (1400-1600 N Wells St, 773-868-3010). It's hard to imagine how many grapes actually go into making the 100 or so different varieties of vino available at this jolly festival. But whether the end result is a Chardonnay, Pinot or Chablis, we're happy to taste them all. Old Town taps cellars from around the world for this single occasion. Imports from Spain, France, Chile, Australia and Italy, and a selection of domestics are readily available for visitors to sample and enjoy. There is also food from our favorite neighborhood restaurants and live performances throughout the day. Don't worry about being an amateur sommelier to fit in at the Wine Crush. Special demonstrations offer a crash course on flavors and etiquette of wine tasting. Cheers!

Getting Around

Old Town is a relatively small area, so walking is a sufficient and efficient way to get around for the most part. Still, we'll jump in a cab more often than not if we want to go further than a few blocks from home. Fortunately, anywhere along Wells and Clark streets is a good spot to hail a taxi without much wait. And there are always plenty of cabs on North Avenue.

Chicago's public transportation system (the CTA) is also an excellent and inexpensive option to get from point A to point B. The Brown Line "El" (which runs on tracks elevated above street level) stops at Sedgwick, just south of North Avenue, where Old Town neighborhood residents can hop on for a ride downtown. The Purple Line train also comes through here on weekdays (for rush hour traffic). We like riding the Brown and Purple lines because they offer great views of the city as you head into and around the Loop. The Red Line also passes through the vicinity and has a convenient station at Clark and Division streets -- although this line operates underground. It also goes to the city's center, but then continues on to the south side of Chicago. If everything is running smoothly you can be in the Loop in less than 10 minutes, not a bad travel time as city commutes go.

The trains are great for heading north and south, but when it comes to traveling east/west, it may make more sense to take a bus. The #70 runs along Division Street and the #72 covers North Avenue. Between the two, folks in Old Town can get over to Wicker Park and Bucktown within 15 minutes for the trendy shopping, restaurants and music venues that give these neighborhoods their fashionable reputation.

If you have your own vehicle, parking can be tricky in Old Town because there are limited metered street spots in the commercial districts and a lot of permit-only residential zone parking on the side streets. Just make sure to check any and all signs for restrictions before leaving your car somewhere. And if you live in the neighborhood you'll most likely need to purchase both city and zone stickers to display in your windshield in order to regularly park on the street. Many properties in Old Town have their own garages in back, which is a bonus because then you won't have to deal with finding a vacant space out front.

Despite any parking issues, having a car does make it easy to tool around town. Being so close to downtown, it's quick to take surface roads like LaSalle Street into the Loop, but many motorists prefer the multi-lane highway feel of Lake Shore Drive, which runs along the water's edge to the east of the neighborhood. We usually hop on Lake Shore from LaSalle Drive at the northeast corner of Old Town and shoot south to the city's center in minutes flat. It's really fast when there's no congestion. The other major route used by drivers in the vicinity is I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway). Both Division Street and North Avenue have entrance/exit ramps that are a little over a mile from the neighborhood to the west.

School's in Session

Old Town is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Chicago still there are several public and private schools in the community. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago schools at Chicago Public Schools or Great Schools.

Catherine Cook Elementary 226 W Schiller St - (312) 266-3381
Catherine Ferguson CPC 1420 N Hudson Ave - (773) 534-8580
Cornerstone Academy - 1111 N Wells St, Suite 403 - (312) 573-8854
Franklin Elementary Fine Arts Center 225 W Evergreen Ave - (773) 534-8510
George Manierre Elementary 1420 N Hudson Ave - (773) 534-8580
Immaculate Conception School 1431 N North Park Ave - (312) 944-0304
Ruben Salazar Bilingual Education Center 160 W Wendell St - (773) 534-8310
Schiller Elementary School 640 W Scott St - (773) 534-8490

Basic Needs

An key convenience of life is knowing where to find those everyday essentials. That's why we compiled a sampling of some of the places you can get your bare necessities in Old Town, from books to Band-Aids, tater-tots to treadmills.

Near North Public Library 310 W Division St - (312) 744-0991 or - (312) 744-0992

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

Pharmacies

Dominick's 424 W Division St - (312) 274-1706
Jewel-Osco 1210 N Clark St - (312) 944-6950
Monik Pharmacy 1401 N Clybourn Ave - (312) 266-2037
Osco Drug 1165 N Clark St - (312) 280-8140

Grocery Stores

Dominick's Finer Foods 424 W Division St - (312) 274-1299
Evergreen Food Mart 105 W Division St - (312) 337-1238
Jewel-Osco 1210 N Clark St - (312) 944-6950
Potash Brothers Market 1525 N Clark St - (312) 337-5495

Gyms

A Women's Gym (Women Only) 1248 N Wells St - (312) 587-8900
Body Endeavors 1528 N Halsted St - (312) 202-0028
New City YMCA 1515 N Halsted St - (312) 440-7272
Wells Street Athletic Club 1513 N Wells St - (312) 573-0203

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wine Crush in Old Town on Wells St 1400-1600 N Wells St, - (773) 868-3010
Wells Street Art Festival 1300 N Wells St - (773) 868-3010
Noble Horse Theatre 1410 N Orleans St - (312) 266-7878
Red Orchid Theatre 1531 N Wells St - (312) 943-8722
Zanies Comedy Nightclub 1548 N Wells St, - (312) 337-4027

SHOPPING

100% Mexico 1242 N Wells St - (312) 951-6527
After Hours Formal Wear 1201 N Wells St - (312)787-6550
Chicago Historical Society Bookstore 1601 N Clark St - (312) 642-4600
Chicago Kitchen and Design 1521 N Sedgwick St - (312) 642-8844
Gold Coast Bath Systems 631 W North Ave - (312) 587-3344
Haberdash 1350 N Wells St - (312) 440-1300
Josephine 1405 N Wells St - (312) 274-0359
Jumbalia 1429 N Wells St - (312)335-9082
1545 N Wells St (630) 986-9466
Lili Boutique 1543 N Wells St - (312) 654-8511
Old Town Gardens 1555 N Wells St - (312) 266-6300
Pier One Imports 1350 N Wells - (312) 787-4320
Piper's Alley Mall 210 W North Ave - (312) 337-0436
Pulp & Ink 1344 N Wells St - (312) 475-1344
Sara Jane 1343 N Wells St - (312) 335-1962
Scandinavian Design 501 W North Ave - (312) 337-4200
String A Strand 1444 N Wells St - (312) 335-1930
Tiffany Decorating Co.1325 N Wells St - (312) 943-8585
The Spice House 1512 N Wells St - (312) 274-0378
Trend For Men 1551 N Wells St - (312) 867-7700
Up Down Tobacco 1550 N Wells St (800) 587-3696
Village Cycle Center 1337 N Wells St - (312) 751-2488
Wildflowers 1407 N Wells St - (312) 654-0482

DINING

Bars/Restaurants
Burton Place Cafe 1447 N Wells St - (312) 664-4699
McGinny's Tap 313 W North Ave - (312) 943-5228
Old Town Ale House 219 W North Ave - (312) 944-7020
Old Town Pub 1339 N Wells St - (312) 266-6789
O'Brien's Restaurant and Bar 1528 N Wells St - (312) 787-3131
Spoon 1240 N Wells St - (312) 642-5522
Suite Lounge 1446 N Wells St - (312) 787-6103
Saluki 1208 N Wells St - (312) 274-1824

American Cuisine
Boston Market 1562 N Wells St - (312) 751-0100
The Fireplace Inn 1448 N Wells St - (312) 664-5264
Fresh Choice 1534 N Wells St - (312) 664-7065
Michael's 101 W North Ave - (312) 642-5246
Sammy's Red Hots 238 W Division St - (312) 266-7290
Terry's Red Hots 1554 N Larabee - (312) 787-6612

Mexican Cuisine
Las Pinatas 1552 N Wells St - (312) 664-8277
Salpicon 1252 N Wells St - (312) 988-7811

French Cuisine
Bistrot Margot 1437 N Well St - (312) 587-3660
La Fette Restaurant 163 W North Ave - (312) 397-6300

Asian Cuisine
China Doll Restaurant 1246 N Wells St - (312) 943-9300
Flat Top Grill 319 W North Ave - (312) 787-7676
Heat Restaurant - 1507 N Sedgwick St - (312) 397-9818
Hong Kong Bay & Sushi Cafe 1531 N Wells St - (312) 222-2228 or - (312) 587-7778
Kamehachi of Tokyo 1400 N Wells St - (312) 664-3663
Miku Yakitori and Sushi Lounge 315 W North Ave - (312) 951-8880
Peking Chinese Food 129 W North Ave - (312) 951-7207
Thai Plate Noodle & Rice 1512 N LaSalle St - (312) 274-0909
Tiparos Thai Cuisine 1540 N Clark St - (312) 712-9900

Italian Cuisine
Dinotto Ristorante 215 W North Ave - (312) 202-0302
Marcello's A Father and Son Restaurant 645 W North Ave - (312) 654-2550
Orso's Restaurant 1401 N Wells St - (312) 787-6604
Topo Gigio Ristorante 1516 N Wells St - (312) 266-9355
Trattoria Roma 1535 N Wells St - (312) 664-7907

Pizza
Old Towne Pizza Pub 1339 N Wells St - (312) 266-6789

Middle Eastern Cuisine
Eat-A-Pita 158 W Division St - (312) 787-3010
Old Jerusalem 1411 N Wells St - (312) 944-0459

Coffee Shops/Cafes
Dunkin' Donuts 333 W North Ave - (312) 944-2375; 101 W Division St - (312) 664-6377
Einstein Bros. Bagels 1549 N Wells St - (312) 664-4777
Starbucks Dominick's 424 W Division St - (312) 274-1299; N Clybourn Ave - (312) 587-8537

Desserts/Bakeries
Cold Stone Creamery 1533 N Wells St - (312) 280-6800
The Fudge Pot 1532 N Wells St - (312) 943-1777
Marcello's Bakery 645 W North Ave - (312) 654-2576
Work of Art Cakes 1332 N Halsted St - (312) 280-1718

The residential real estate in Old Town is fairly diverse, providing homeowners with a number of housing options from condos to lofts to townhomes. But there is more to your Old Town home than where you rest your head at night. The area surrounding a property can be just as much a factor in the decision to buy as the color of the carpet or the condition of the foundation. Each Chicago neighborhood has its own unique charm that sets it apart from the rest. Our comprehensive online guide is all you need to explore the many streets of Chicagoall from the comfort of your own computer. Shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, you name it, we'll show you where it is. Find out whether that fabulous Old Town condo is immersed in the throes of wild nightlife, or veiled by the tranquility of a quiet residential setting. Like Metromix and the MLS merged into one, this site is your one-stop shop for Chicago neighborhood information.

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