The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

The Local Corner
Home›featured-blogs›The Local Corner›The Local Corner: Exploring the North & Wells intersection in Chicago’s Old Town

The Local Corner: Exploring the North & Wells intersection in Chicago’s Old Town

By TheRealChicagoOnline
October 18, 2015
988
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods one intersection at a time

Featured corner: North & Wells in Old Town

By Allyssa Campbell-Sawyer

UP Comedy ClubPhoto by Clayton Hauck for Second City
230 W. North
www.UPComedyClub.com
UP Comedy Club is a Second City theatre that plays host to all things funny. Opened in 2012, this beautiful space has quickly become an Old Town staple, providing Chicagoans with a variety of hilarious shows ranging from national stand-up acts to Second City improv and sketch performances and even podcasts and book signings. UP also offers a full-service kitchen and bar with a solid selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts, beer and cocktails. Be sure to check out #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment during its extended run this fall.

Old Town Ale House
219 W. North
www.TheOldTownAleHouse.com
“We call ourselves a dive bar,” says bartender Anya Chatterjee. Old Town Ale House is simple and old school — no frilly drink menu or loud music, just one television and waves of satisfied regulars looking to wind down or keep the party going with a few drinks. Famous for its jukebox and location across the street from Second City, the bar has seen more than its share of comedians stop in over the years. Take time to admire the owner’s quirky collection of celebrity paintings that adorn the walls.

Corcoran’s Bar & Grill
1615 N. Wells
www.MysticCeltChicago.com/Corcorans
Corcoran’s is about as authentic as you can get for an Irish bar in Chicago. “We have a lot of Irish people who work here, so it’s got a homey feel,” says server Kristine Niland. The bar has a very inviting and friendly vibe, and things always seem to be hopping here. One Irish regular, Peggy Callinan, recommends the coconut shrimp, and their burgers and beer garden out back are favorites as well.

Kanela Breakfast Club Kanela - strawberry french toast (web)
1552 N. Wells
www.KanelaBreakfastClub.com
Kanela is an American-style breakfast and brunch diner with a little Greek twist. The menu is scrumptious — there are so many things that sound too delicious to pass up. The most interesting item on the menu is the freshly squeezed apple juice. Far from concentrate, the drink is served in a mason jar and tastes just like a juicy apple you ordinarily would bite into. I recommend trying the loukoumades (Greek donuts), the mango-lime smoothie and the red velvet French toast, which is basically a plate of sweet, gooey red velvet cinnamon rolls. Is your mouth watering yet?

Up Down Cigar
1550 N. Wells
www.UpDownCigar.com
Up Down Cigar is a specialty cigar shop for tobacco connoisseurs. They sell pipes, cigarillos, lighters, hookahs and, of course, cigars. The store also sells countless brand-name tobaccos. If you’re not sure where to start, the employees will gladly help you find what’s right for you.

Zanies zanies6 (web)
1548 N. Wells
www.Chicago.Zanies.com
Zanies, with locations in suburban Rosemont and St. Charles, as well as Nashville, has been an epicenter for some of the best, most consistent stand-up comedy in the country for 31 years and counting. The intimate space has a lively atmosphere, and the walls reflect the venue’s long and storied history. Every inch is covered with signed picture frames with the faces of comedians who have graced the Zanies’ stage over the years like Chelsea Handler, Jay Leno and John Mulaney.

Mercy Beaucoup Mercy Beacoup (web)
1545 N. Wells
www.MercyHome.org
Mercy Beaucoup is a resale boutique that sells dressy to causal clothing. Geared toward men and women, Mercy Beaucoup is more than just a clothing store; the boutique provides jobs for at-risk youth for the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Not to mention, the clothes are super cheap. Where else can you find a pair of quality jean shorts for $8?

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

The Fudge PotFudge Pot - horizontal (web)
1532 N. Wells
www.FudgePotChicago.net
This shop specializes in chocolate. Need we say more? The Fudge Pot has chocolate for every occasion available in a variety of sculpts and molds. Graduation caps, cute puppies, smiling suns… all made from delicious fudge! Available in milk, dark and white chocolate, you can also buy sweet fudge treats from behind the counter. The Fudge Pot also does catering.

KamehachiKamehachi - horizontal (web)
1531 N. Wells
www.Kamehachi.com
Nicknamed “Chicago’s first sushi restaurant,” Kamehachi brings Old Town a little Japanese flavor in the form of freshly made sushi. With other menu items such as hot and cold seafood, steaks, salads and maki, guests are sure to find something that suits their tastes, whether authentic Japanese cuisine or more familiar American flavors.

O’Brien’s Restaurant & BarO'Brien's - horizontal (web)
1528 N. Wells
www.OBriensRestaurant.com
O’Brien’s offers a versatile dining experience with spacious outdoor seating with a garden and bar, as well as two separate dining rooms — one casual with wooden tables, and the other more classy with full tablecloth setup. Manager Loreto Delgado III says that O’Brien’s “attracts a lot of political people — the mayor even comes to visit!” The menu is elaborate, with items ranging from burgers and beer to New York strip steaks and fine wines.

The Spice HouseSpice House - horizontal (web)
1512 N. Wells
www.TheSpiceHouse.com
The Spice House is a unique shop that sells a grand assortment of fresh herbs and spices. With any conceivable spice you can think of — from fresh vanilla bean to international seasonings to barbecue rubs — this place is a dream for anyone looking to add some zest to their food. You can buy your spices prepackaged or choose the amount you want to purchase.

BenchmarkBenchmark - exterior (web)
1510 N. Wells
www.BenchmarkChicago.com
Benchmark is a chic, upscale sports bar that shifts to more of a club-type feel as the night wears on. Go there if you’re looking for some good food and drink (try the fish tacos, buffalo chicken rolls or mini pork sandwiches), to watch the game, or celebrate an occasion with a private party. The two floors, sundeck with a retractable roof, video wall, booths with built-in TVs and weekend DJ create an ambiance that stands apart from other bars in the neighborhood.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsBenchmarkChicago ComedyCorcoran's ChicagoKamehachiKanelaMercy Beaucoup ChicagoO'Brien's ChicagoOld Town Ale HouseOld Town ChicagoThe Fudge PotThe Real ChicagoThe Spice HouseUp Comedy ClubUp Down CigarZanies
Previous Article

Chicago’s Signature Dishes: Dinner at Wishbone returns, ...

Next Article

The Big City Blog: Playing Chicago tour ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Local Corner

    The Local Corner: Exploring the Milwaukee and Honore intersection in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood

    July 11, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: The Adler Planetarium’s Community Design Lab caters to curious minds

    July 30, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: What is something you actually enjoy about winter in the city?

    January 16, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: The Field Museum’s “Ancient Mediterranean Cultures in Contact” analyzes four different ancient civilizations

    November 11, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Good Eats

    Good Eats at Lula Cafe: This Logan Square favorite offers a casually delicious experience

    February 11, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: “Chicago the Musical” hits all the right notes, brims with sex appeal

    May 12, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownHidden GemsOther Recent Articles

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Alfresco dining: Outdoor seating is key for these Chicago restaurants

  • Around TownMy Chicago

    My Chicago: If you can only eat out once this spring, where are you going and what are you ordering?

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.