Welcome to Uptown, Chicago’s entertainment hub and home to nearly 60,000 residents. Nestled along Lake Michigan about six miles north of downtown, Uptown was once dubbed “the Loop’s little brother.” Ever-welcoming, and ever-evolving, the neighborhood is a vibrant, living tapestry—as rich in history as it is in culture. Annexed into Chicago in 1857, Uptown has a colorful history as a nexus for arts and entertainment. The neighborhood’s iconic Prohibition-era venues and ornate architecture are as beloved today as they were in the early decades of the 20th century.
Uptown has long been home to social activists and advocates, immigrants, and refugees and artists and entrepreneurs of every stripe, all of whom have helped shape the area as it is today: a microcosm of Chicago itself—a neighborhood of big shoulders and rich contrasts. Drawn to its ample green space, vast lakefront, historic nightlife, global culinary offerings, and agencies that care for those in need, a new generation of visitors and residents are discovering what long-time Uptowners have always known—Uptown is a community where all belong.
Today, Uptown is one of the most ethnically and economically diverse communities in Chicago, and its mix of locally-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations reflects the neighborhood’s storied history. In this guide, you will see why we are so proud to serve this community. From the tastes of Argyle Street to the lights of Uptown Square to leafy Buena Park, we invite you to explore Uptown.