Historic Sights, Modern Offerings: That's Old Town
Do312 is introducing a new neighborhood series to help the people we care about most: YOU and all of our favorite local businesses that make up Chicago's incredible culture!
We know present times aren’t easy to navigate. Do we dine out or do we stay inside? So long as you’re doing it safely, we say do it! With that in mind, use this neighborhood guides to find all of the unique ways you can celebrate and support the Old Town neighborhood. Take it a step further and be a tourist in your hometown by venturing out to another neighborhood on our list.
**We know you care about your health and the health of those around you. All recommendations are up-to-date with information from the businesses listed and with local health regulations in mind. Things are moving fast these days though. If you notice that something listed here has changed, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Email cm (at) do312 (dot) com.
Food & Drink
Image via 80 Proof
1500 N. Wells St.
80 Proof gives guests a unique dining-to-nightlife experience with three full bars and an approachable menu of vegan bar bites and 4C classics. Offering brunch, dine-in, carryout and delivery Wednesday through Sunday. Make your reservations here.
Image via woodies flat
1535 N. Wells St.
Woodie's Flat will become your home away from home. At this spot, you’ll find amazing air-dried, smoked and double-fried wings paired with some amazing craft beers and specialty cocktails. Enjoy the outdoor seating or catch a game indoors in a lively, casual and eclectic environment. Order for delivery or pickup from Ubereats.
photo via facebook/the kennison
1800 N. Lincoln Ave.
Promising great food and strong drinks, The Kennison delivers on both those promises. Kick it on the patio or inside, either is fair game. Make a reservation here or order for carryout and delivery here.
photo via facebook/happy camper
1209 N. Wells St.
Who doesn’t want to be a Happy Camper these days, especially when pizza is involved? Stop by this pizza place to get your fill of slices, or grab some DIY kits to have a bit of fun at home. Reserve a seat here.
photo via facebook/benchmark
1510 N. Wells St.
Another restaurant brought to you by 4C group, Benchmark has patio and indoor dining both open. It also offers items like wings, burgers, pizza, poke and so much more, guaranteeing you’ll find your fix no matter what. Tables are first come, first served, and you can place orders for delivery and take out here.
photo via facebook/The j. parker
1816 N. Clark St.
Need a rooftop in your life? Well J. Parker is here to meet that need. Catch some rays on the rooftop with a drink in hand.
Shopping
photo via facebook/fleet foot
1706 N. Wells St.
Quarantine hasn’t been kind on the gut, let’s be real. For those who are looking to get back in shape, Fleet Feet is your one-stop show to get your feet outfitted for the road. Walk-ins are open or you can schedule an appointment.
photo via facebook/up down cigar
1550 N. Wells St.
This classic cigar shop opened in 1963 and has been serving the Old Town neighborhood ever since. Shop online right here.
photo via facebook/the spice house
1512 N. Wells St.
We know we’ve got some new chefs in the house. If you haven’t checked out The Spice House yet then you’re really missing out. Not only will you find an insanely large selection of spices and blends, but its website has recipes as well! Order to get it shipped or for in-store pickup.
Photo via facebook/the house of glunz
1206 N. Wells St.
We’re not going to judge your drinking habits during quarantine, we’re just here to let you about some fancy options. House of Glunz has been supplying Chicago with fine wine and spirits since 1888! Aside from the awesome selection, it also has kits so you can make some fine cocktails at home. Get it shipped or pickup in-store.
Comedy
photo via facebook/second city
1616 N. Wells St.
While in-person classes and shows are on pause, you can still get your fix with an extensive offering of online classes from Second City. Some even are built to allow for instant conversion to in-person once it becomes safe to do so!
hpto via facebook/zanies
1548 N. Wells St.
Zanies wants to bring the laughs back into your life in a safe and socially distant manner. Seatings are now limited to allow for ample room as well as the addition of sanitization stations and more.
Parks
photo via facebook/lincoln park zoo
Need somewhere to enjoy that meal you grabbed to go? Hit up one of the parks around Old Town! The Franklin Arts Center has one attached to it with some trees for shade and a baseball diamond. Bauler Park is a small but quaint park with a playground in the northern part of Old Town. Lastly, we would be amiss to not mention that Lincoln Park is only a stone’s throw from Old Town. Stop by the Zoo while you’re there!