The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Old Town

May 30, 2017

Brought to you by Chicago’s Best Old Town Movers

Just north of Gold Coast, Old Town is a low-key, always walkable neighborhood filled with a compelling variety of historic buildings, businesses, and people. It’s a great place to both live and visit, with an endless selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment, along with spaces where the community loves to gather. As your Old Town movers, we’ll help you navigate the narrow roads and driveways so you can quickly settle in to your uniquely remodeled home and go explore all this warm, classy and occasionally quirky neighborhood has to offer.

Diverse in many senses, Old Town is home to about 36,000 people, equally split between men and women. Old Town dwellers live in singles, pairs, or as families. More people in Old Town have children than in many other neighborhoods in central Chicago. The median age is 36, the average income is $56k, and education levels are across the board, with many residents in process of completing their college degrees.

Until 1900 or so, Old Town was known as “The Cabbage Patch,” a nickname that came from the main produce grown by the German farmers in the area. Over the following decades, the area developed and attracted residents from many different backgrounds. The “Old Town” Art Fair founded in the mid-20th century, along with local concerns for preserving and revivifying the original buildings in the area, contributed to the Old Town name the neighborhood has now.

Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your best Old Town life.

Things to Do in Old Town

• Lincoln Park: Easy beach and zoo access.
• Seward Park: Indoor and outdoor community programs.
• Chicago History Museum: Exhibits and events.
• Old Town Art Fair: 69 years and running. Every July.
• The Second City: Famous complex for comedy shows, classes, and public workspace.
• UP Comedy Club: Shows with dinner and drinks.
• Steppenwolf Theater: Established venue for contemporary productions.
• Red Orchid Theater: Events, youth programs, and original productions.
• Old Town Aquarium: Browse and buy exotic fish and supplies.
• Old Town Chamber of Commerce: For community news and events.

Best Restaurants in Old Town

• Pizza: A couple options.
  Happy Camper Pizzeria: Order delivery, or enjoy from a tire swing at the bar.
  1209 N Wells St. | (312) 344-1634
  Old Town Pub: Sit in for game-watching.
  1339 N Wells St. | (312) 266-6789
• Italian: Topo Gigio Ristorante. Tuscan style.
  1516 N Wells St. | (312) 266-9355
• Japanese: Kamehachi. A long-running spot for sushi.
  1531 N Wells St. | (312) 664-3663
• Thai: Thai Aroma. Delivers, Chinese dishes too.
  417 W North Ave. | (312) 664-3400
• Mexican: Adobo Grill. Table-side cocktails and guac.
  215 W North Ave. | (312) 266-7999
• Tacos: Buzz Bait Taqueria. Specializes in fish.
  1529 N Wells St. | (312) 664-2899
• Barbeque: Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern. Comfortable space with a long history.
  1655 N Sedgwick St. | (312) 266-1616
• Brunch: Nookie’s. Get there early. Famous chicken and waffles.
  1746 N Wells St. | (312) 337-2454

Best Bars in Old Town

• Cocktails: Suite Lounge. Lamplit basement hideaway.
  1446 N Wells St. | (312) 787-6103
• Beer: Old Town Pour House. 90 on draft, plus full food menu. Dog friendly.
  1419 N Wells St. | (312) 477-2800
• Food: The Glunz Tavern. Classic with European roots.
  1202 N Wells St. | (312) 642-3001
• Game Watch: Old Town Social. Rent booths with private screens.
  455 W North Ave. | (312) 266-2277
• Groups: Woodie’s Flat. Drink specials and tasty menu.
  1535 N Wells St. | (312) 643-0093
• Late Night: Burton Place. Open until 4am on weekends.
  1447 N Wells St. | (312) 664-4699
• Dive: Old Town Ale House. A staple for Second City fans and actors. Cash only.
  219 W North Ave. | (312) 944-7020
• History: Marge’s Still. The oldest pub in Chicago. Opened 1885.
  1758 N Sedgwick St. | (312) 664 – 9775

Grocery Stores in Old Town

• Jewel-Osco: Open until midnight.
  424 W Division St. | (312) 642-2709
• Plum Market: All natural and organic.
  1233 N Wells St. | (312) 229-1400

Coffee Shops in Old Town

• Cafe Intelligentsia: Includes a wine bar.
  1233 N Wells St. | (312) 229-1400
• Eva’s Cafe: Filled with armchairs and bookshelves.
  1447 N Sedgwick St. | (312) 280-8900
• Cassava Cafe: Vietnamese coffee and smoothies. Popular study space.
  1211 N LaSalle Dr, Unit CU | (312) 487-2888

Pet Parks in Old Town

• Lincoln Park: Many dog-friendly spaces.
  500-5700 N. Lake Shore Dr., Irving Park, and Recreation Dr. | Daily 6am-11:00pm

Gyms in Old Town

• FFC Old Town: Equipment, classes, training. Outdoor pool memberships available.
  1235 N LaSalle Dr. | (312) 640-1235
• Orangetheory Sports: Group training.
  1513 N Wells St. | (312) 625-1204
• Flywheel Sports: Group spin classes.
  1653 N Wells St. | (312) 724-7554

Old Town Local Post Office and Delivery

• Global Postal and Shipping
  106 W Germania Pl. | M-F 8am-6:30pm, Sat. 9am-4pm

Dry Cleaners in Old Town

• Tower Cleaners

  1660 N LaSalle Dr. # 3 | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat. 9am-1pm
• K-Deluxe Cleaners
  202 W Evergreen Av. | M-F 7:15am-6:45pm, Sat. 8:15am-5pm
• Sandburg Cleaners
  1355 N Sandburg Terrace | M-Sat 7:30am-7pm

Parking in Old Town

• Contact Ward 43 for resident parking information

This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new Old Town home. As a seasoned Old Town moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!

As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book Old Town movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest Old Town life.

Learn More About Moving in Chicago

• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Pilsen
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into River North
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Rogers Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Roscoe Village
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into South Loop

Page Updated on November 16, 2018