In spite of its proximity to downtown Chicago and iconic institutions like Second City, Old Town still feels like a charming hamlet in the heart of the big city. In recent years, however, the neighborhood has seen an influx of ingenuity and development that’s helped bolster its reputation as one of Chicago’s most destination-worthy alcoves. The Wells Street corridor has long been an action-packed artery lined with independent businesses and comedy clubs, but the evolving population and energy of the neighborhood has helped diversify its offerings to include some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.
The uptick in new businesses, coupled with the timeworn charm of Old Town’s most enduring establishments, goes to show that this is one neighborhood that can thrive on both the old and the new. From bustling taco pubs to iconic sushi spots, here’s a taste of what makes Old Town so alluring.
Two Lights Seafood & Oyster {227 West North Avenue; 312.929.3091}
The consummate hospitality pros behind River North’s beloved Tortoise Supper Club have done it again, branching out to Old Town with this nautically-inspired gem. While the warmth and homeyness of its predecessor are palpable at Two Lights Seafood & Oyster, the sunny design is a far cry from the supper club vibe. Instead, husband-wife owners Keene and Megan Addington draw upon their summer memories of the Maine coast to curate a restaurant that’s fresh, vibrant, and beachy, brimming with oysters, crisp cocktails, and pristine seafood, all served in a space that is reminiscent of an elegant ocean-side cottage.
Kamehachi {1531 North Wells Street; 312.664.3663}
A true sign of Old Town’s long-simmering cultural melting pot, Kamehachi has risen to legend status as one of Chicago’s pioneering sushi restaurants. When the family-owned venture debuted in 1967, the city’s seafood scene was nowhere near as prominent as it is today, and sushi in particular was seen as especially exotic. Marion Konishi first opened the restaurant near Second City, and it quickly garnered praise from nearby residents and visitors alike.
Now owned by Sharon Perazzoli and Giulia Sindler, and located further south on Wells Street, the restaurant maintains its legacy and fan following as an Old Town institution. “Kamehachi has a long history in Old Town as a three-generation Japanese family-owned business,” Sindler says. “Kamehachi’s specialty is sushi as an art form, not just a trend. We honor the traditions of Japanese food, both where it began and how it continues today.”
Broken English Taco Pub {1400 North Wells Street; 312.951.7667}
Since opening outposts in the Loop and Lincoln Park, Broken English Taco Pub has cemented itself as one of Chicago’s quintessential neighborhood venues. So naturally, Old Town made perfect sense for its next expansion. The colorful, artsy eatery and bar brings something new to Old Town in the form of contemporary tacos, crafty margaritas, sangrias, and other Mexican mainstays.
via Optima
The Optima {1252 North Wells Street; 312.778.7111}
Music fuels the scene at this newcomer, which brings a high-energy atmosphere to a neighborhood that increasingly proves itself as one of Chicago’s most exciting destinations. Thanks to its emphasis on music, The Optima is a crowd-pleasing catchall for a night on the town. The menu isn’t too shabby either, running the gamut of modern American comfort foods from chicken club sandwiches and meatloaf to guacamole and Peanut Butter Pie.
Topo Gigio {1516 North Wells Street; 312.266.9355}
Some of Chicago’s most iconic, homey Italian restaurants reside in Old Town, such as this Wells Street staple. Blending a thoughtful approach with scratch-made cookery and a seasoned service staff that has been with the restaurant since its debut in 1988, Topo Gigio is undoubtedly an Old Town gem. “Topo Gigio has had the same head chef for over 25 years,” says Tom Reda, who owns the restaurant with his brother Frank. “Even our line cooks have all been with the restaurant for at least 10 years, while the lead cooks have been here for over 15.”
via Nookies
Nookies {1746 North Wells Street; 312.337.2454}
In a city teeming with new, trendy restaurants, it’s a breath of fresh air to sit down at a neighborhood diner like Nookies that has withstood the test of time. The restaurant first emerged as Nookies Snack Shop in 1973, with a classic Americana motif that earned it instant cred among locals.
Now with an abbreviated name, Nookies maintains that same heartwarming ambiance and is still an Old Town fixture for those in need of some classic comfort. The original restaurant came courtesy of Greece native Spiros Alexopoulos and Ralph Fisher. Due to increased customer demand and long lines, the snack shop expanded and evolved into the Nookies that customers know and love today. Over the years, it has stood out as a beacon of Old Town’s penchant for preservation.
via 80 Proof
80 Proof {1500 North Wells Street; 773.966.0404}
Courtesy of Chicago’s prolific Four Corners, 80 Proof offers guests a unique dining-to-nightlife experience under one stylish roof. The hip haunt represents a dynamic progression in terms of Old Town’s long-standing culture, thanks to its cocktail program, modern design, live entertainment, and shareable bar bites, including Tuna Poke and Sunflower Seed Labneh Toast.
1959 Kitchen & Bar {230 West North Avenue; 312.337.3992}
Located within the hallowed walls of Second City, the most iconic comedy institution in the country, 1959 Kitchen & Bar is the perfect spot for dinner and a show. Bedecked with a retro motif and clamorous pub-life atmosphere that pays homage to Second City’s storied history, this restaurant and watering hole takes a “something for everyone” approach and elevates it with food made from local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients as much as possible. Look for burgers, pretzels, and fried chicken alongside craft beer and killer cocktails.
By Matt Kirouac
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