What Would Wicker Park Do?

Wicker Park is neither a pair of religiously worn black skinnies nor a winding line of taco-obsessed individualists. Let the engaging and effortlessly cool community be your guide.

Relive everyone’s favorite 90s sitcom with an order of “Mac & Screech”.

The iconic diner where Kelly, Zack, Screech and the gang killed time is ready for you. Round up your own besties for a grub stop starting next Wednesday (June 1) at Saved By The Max. Cut class or join the weekend shuffle with the pop up diner & bar’s accommodating hours. Even make dinner reservations. Hours: Monday through Friday from 5 PM – 11 PM (dinner); 11 PM – 1 AM (late night); Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM (brunch); 11 PM – 1 AM (2 AM on Saturday) (late night). 

Menu teasers at 1941 W North Ave also include A.C. Sliders,  Preppy B.L.T., Bayside Burger and Miss Bliss Candied Bacon. See you when the bell rings!

Photo: DNAinfo

Head down the taco road less traveled by. 

Big Star and Flash have already established their addictive presence in the neighborhood, but have you tried Antique Taco yet? A sprawling menu of tacos, baskets, sides, “mas”, treats, drinks, beer and booze awaits the next hungry wanderer at 1360 N Milwaukee Ave. Feast Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM-10 PM, Saturday from 11:30 AM-11 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM-8 PM.

Learn something. 

Debonair Social Club hosts Pint of Science Chicago. You don’t need to be a physics freak to swallow some beer and weird science. The free, three-night learning fest covers Dead Fish and Stardust (Monday), Mind Control (Tuesday) and Black Holes & Climate Back Swans (Wednesday). Pick your poison Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 PM; 1575 N Milwaukee Ave.

Join The Craft.

 Take an oath of allegiance to Chicago Craft Beer Week by storming Emporium Arcade Bar (1366 N Milwaukee Ave) this Saturday. Pipeworks vs. Emporium: The Third Strike will test your Pipeworks loyalty and your tolerance. 7 local bands, including The Howl and Texas Chainstore Manager, will provide an epic soundtrack to your beer battle. Choose from 30 different Pipeworks brews. The event begins at 12 PM and lasts until the last tap stands. No cover; no tickets; just the cost of your liquid courage.

 Chill with Winona Ryder. Soon.

Start pulling out the black in your wardrobe and practicing your best Heather taunts. Any day now, the Wicker Park Advisory Council should announce just which of Winona’s characters we can watch starting June 16. 90s cult queen gave us chills in Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Heathers, Reality Bites, Girl, Interrupted and more. Reclaim the feels: Thursdays, June 16, 23, 30; Tuesday, July 19; and Thursday, August 4. Wicker Park Proper’s softball field will play cinema. Films roll at dusk.

Expand the To “Do” list.

Do Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale is coming (back) for you next weekend (Friday, June 3 from 5-1o PM and Saturday / Sunday, June 4 / 5 from 12-1o PM). Immerse yourself in 10 blocks (Ashland to Leavitt), 2 stages, and a mix of food, drinks, fashion, and even kids’ activities (Family Fun Fest). The Empty Bottle & Subterranean will power the music, and local merchants will tempt you with wares. Welcome June, and finish your Wicker soak with the festival that has something for everyone.