Chicago Neighborhood Guide: Ukrainian Village
Ukrainian Village, or “Uke Village” (Pronounced You-key) is a little neighborhood wedged south of Wicker Park and north of West Town, just west of 90/94. Ukrainian Village acquired its name from the core of Ukrainian residents in the area since the beginning of the 20th century. The area still holds three major Ukrainian churches, the Ukrainian National Museum, a Ukrainian Cultural Center and a grammar school, among other establishments, with this heavy European influence. Hyatt Regency Chicago is a quick trip to the neighborhood on the CTA from the West Town neighorhood. Click here to book your downtown Chicago hotel room for 15% off the rate and 50% off parking.
Ukrainian Village Restaurants & Bars
- Happy Village- How can you resist a bar with that kind of name? Head to this hot spot that’s been around since 1964 for some table tennis, drinks and happy times. The sign outside says it all: “Welcome to the Happy Village Bar: The Happiest Place in East Village.”
- Black Dog Gelato- Mmm, gelato. You always have room for this Italian dessert! Black Dog offers traditional (vanilla bean, milk chocolate, pistachio) and unique (salted peanut, goat cheese-cashew caramel, roasted red pepper) options too!
- Flo- Flo Cafe and Bar provides a diverse menu ranging from traditional New Mexican dishes to more modern takes on old classics using high quality goods sourced from local farms.
Ukrainian Village Shopping
- Wag Artworks- This addition to the Wicker Park gallery scene features a variety of work by nearly 20 artists from across the country. Functional objects, jewelry, glass and mixed media are among the works by Jon Hunt, George Colin, Margarida Pimenthal and others.
- Permanent Records- The store’s name proves the longevity given to the piece of plastic dedicated to playing music. Album buffs can find whatever their heart desires in this eclectic shop with weekly curated playlists and a blog spilling all of what’s hot and new in the industry.
- Alcala’s Western Boots- A fitting slogan, “A piece of the Lone Star State in the Windy City.” Alcala’s was founded by Luis Alcala in 1972, and has become one of the largest retailers of Western wear in the Midwest with 5,000 hats and 8,000 pairs of boots.
Ukrainian Village Attractions
- Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art- Established as a primary venue for the exhibition and study of modern and contemporary Ukrainian art outside Ukraine, UIMA’s collection encompasses a half century of art, which is brought to life through exhibitions, concerts, readings, lectures and films.
- Beauty Bar- Get your manicure and pedicure with a cocktail. The national chain holds down a strong fort here in the Windy City. The place hosts events or DJs every night to celebrate big hair, pink nails and dry martinis.
- Union Park- Two of the newest and hottest music fests in Chicago, Pitchfork and North Coast Music Fest, call Union Park home.
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