Near Northside/Old Town

About the Neighborhood
The Near Northside/Old Town community is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with its roots firmly planted in Chicago’s history. The neighborhood streets are charming and tree-lined; the homes lining the streets vary from townhomes to single family homes, all of which have distinctive architecture and lovely brick or frame construction. It is considered a pocket of residential calm among the high-rises of the Loop. Shopping in the neighborhood is a unique experience; the majority of shops in this community are boutiques rather than well-known chain stores. Therefore, each and every store is cozy, intimate and filled with one-of-a-kind goods. Boutiques, restaurants, clubs and coffee shops keep locals and tourists entertained and fed as they wander through the streets of this Chicago treasure. The community has much to offer and is well connected to downtown by bus and train lines as well as the Kennedy Expressway.

Neighborhood Events and Attractions
One of America’s oldest art fairs, the Old Town Art Fair is held annually in June. The work of more than 250 artists is on display, in all mediums including drawing, painting, photography and more.

The Illinois Federation of Festivals has named Wells Street Art Festival as Chicago’s "Best Community Festival." It features approximately 300 fine art exhibitors. It also features more than 20 food and drink vendors, a main stage with continuous entertainment and an elaborate silent auction.

One of Chicago’s oldest running street fests, Party at St. Mike’s kicks Chicago’s summer festival season into high gear with three nights of live entertainment.

Schools
Catherine Cook School, Payton College Preparatory High School, Ogden Elementary School

Shopping
The majority of shops in this neighborhood are boutiques rather than well-known chain stores.
For apparel, try City Blue, Haberdash, Adelaide and Sara Jane; all of these are boutique-style shops with beautiful clothing for women and men.

The community also offers stores for home wears as well; in addition to the popular Pier 1 Imports, there are smaller shops such as Design Source, Inc., Calico Corners and Modern Home Furnishings.

There are several specialty shops as well; for handmade paper and cards, try Pulp & Ink or Eco Fields. For music and books, try Barbara’s Bookstore.

Local grocery stores include a Treasure Island Foods as well as a Dominick’s.

Restaurants and Nightlife
There are restaurants unique to Chicago, such as Sauce, which serves American Eclectic food, Bistrot Margot for French cuisine, Dinotto Ristorante for Italian cuisine and Salpicon for hearty Mexican fare.

Some well-known chains can be found here as well; try the Flat Top Grill for Asian-inspired stir-fry or the Adobo Grill for stir-fry of a more Mexican flavor. Kamehachi, Mizu and Café Sushi are slightly upscale sushi bars.

After hours, bars and clubs are plentiful. Wells on Wells, across the street from Second City, is a popular destination. Hobo’s and the Old Town Ale House are options, while Spoon is a classy, lively joint where people can lounge, dance and meet all kinds of people.

Fitness Centers
Fitness Formula Clubs, XSport Fitness, Wells Street Athletic Club

Salons
Salon 1800, Magnifique Nail Salon