Ukrainian Village’s story began with the arrival of Ukrainian immigrants in Chicago between 1880 and 1900. Today, the neighborhood retains much of its rich history while blending trendy restaurants, bars, galleries and shops; diverse cultural attractions; and a wide range of homes, condominiums and apartments in varying styles and price points. Although it boasts a slightly more residential vibe than neighboring Wicker Park and the nearby West Loop, Ukrainian Village is filled with amenities that keep the neighborhood bustling. Here are ten things we love about Chicago’s Ukrainian Village.
Image credit: Time Out Chicago
Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago
Take a deeper dive into the history of the neighborhood’s Ukrainian heritage at the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago. The museum houses thousands of artifacts, artworks, photographs, and exhibits that capture the essence of Ukrainian culture. Its on-site library, with over 16,000 books, periodicals, and archived documents, further enriches the experience. The museum also hosts a range of cultural events and activities that highlight the mark Ukrainian culture has left on Chicago.
Interesting Architecture
Ukrainian Village’s historic architecture is another reason residents love the neighborhood. With much of the neighborhood designated as a Chicago landmark district, the area features many well-preserved homes from the late 19th and early 20th –centuries. Victorian-style homes, greystones, worker’s cottages and two-flats are plentiful. To learn more about the neighborhood’s architecture, take the Chicago Architecture Center’s Ukrainian Village walking tour.
Image credit: Open House Chicago
Historic Churches
Ukrainian Village is also home to many historic churches, with Byzantine-inspired designs that transport residents to Eastern Europe. St. Nicholas Cathedral, with its magnificent icons and large central dome, serves as a hub for the Ukrainian Orthodox Community. And Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is the only house of worship still intact of the two designed by the famous American architect Louis H. Sullivan. The church features impressive mosaic-covered walls, intricate wooden carvings, and detailed murals.
A number of churches in the area have also been converted for residential use. In 2019, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was transformed into The Revival, a nine-unit luxury condominium building that still retains much of its original charm, including stained glass windows and exposed brick.
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Ukrainian Village Fest
The Ukrainian Village Fest is the most talked about event in this Chicago neighborhood. This two-day street festival celebrates Ukrainian culture with a vibrant array of vendors, performers, and cuisine. Attendees can savor ethnic delicacies like shish kebabs and pierogi and enjoy Ukrainian beers such as Lvivske and Obolon Lager. The festival also features performances by talented headliners, including Chicago’s world-renowned Ukrainian Dance Ensemble “Hromovysta.”
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Global Eats
Ukranian Village’s restaurants reflect its diversity, offering everything from American late-night food to authentic global cuisines. Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen provides a modern twist on traditional dishes in an art-filled setting, featuring age-old family recipes and craft cocktails. Located in an old house, A Tavola is an intimate Italian restaurant with a rotating selection of pasta dishes and a secluded back patio. The classic Chicago hot dog joint Fatso’s Last Stand serves burgers, fried shrimp, char dogs, and more – and is perfect for a late-night snack, with hours extending to 4 a.m. on the weekends. Or, to try the pierogi that was voted Chicago’s best in 2023, head over to Kasia’s Deli. For more great restaurants, especially al fresco dining, wander east on Division Street.
Image credit: Open House Chicago
Artistic Hub
Art lovers will find plenty to explore on Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village. The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a small museum that features both permanent and traveling collections of contemporary art reflecting the Ukrainian and American experience. Check the museum’s schedule for exhibitions, concerts, gallery talks, and films celebrating Ukrainian culture. The Vertical Gallery showcases works influenced by street art, graffiti, and pop culture. Other galleries to explore include Gallery 2052 and Pose Cultural Art Gallery.
Nightlife
You don’t have to leave Ukrainian Village for a night out on the town. Letizia’s Natural Bakery, a café that serves sandwiches and home-made pastries during the day, turns into a trendy wine bar at night. Empty Bottle is one of Chicago’s hottest indie rock clubs, hosting bands and artists from the city and abroad. And the upscale pub Bangers and Lace is known for good food and an even better draft selection. If you want to explore dive bars, Ukrainian Village is one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Our favorite spot? Sportsman’s Club is a small-yet-mighty bar that offers a taxidermy-filled interior, a large backyard patio and inexpensive drinks. Pro tip: This establishment is cash only – and you can bring your own food!
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Shopping on Chicago Avenue
The city’s antidote to big box retail is Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village, which is lined with independent and family-owned businesses. Delta Gift Shop, which has been a neighborhood staple for over 65 years, is filled with traditional clothing, jewelry, books, home goods, and more. Discover the perfect wine at Lush Wine & Spirits or the recently opened 2048, a wine shop dedicated to showcasing low and non-alcoholic wines, with guided tastings. And for unique gifts and handcrafted jewelry, head over to Komoda.
Image credit: Print Magazine
Dark Matter Coffee
One of Chicago’s favorite locally-owned coffee shop chains, Dark Matter Coffee, got its start in Ukrainian Village on Western Avenue. The store – referred to as ‘The Mothership’ – has a psychedelic vibe, with product names like Brown Acid and Unicorn Blood. They roast their beans at this location, using methods like barrel-aging to produce their famous drinks.
Terrific Neighbors
While there’s no shortage of sights to see in Ukrainian Village, if you’re looking for something a bit different, you’re in luck! Ukrainian Village has great neighbors – Wicker Park to the North, Noble Square to the East, Near West Side to the South and Humboldt Park to the West. Hop on one of several bus routes to get to nearby neighborhoods, or take the Blue Line ‘L’ train.