4th of July weekend might be a little different this year, but if you’re planning to pack up a picnic and hit the lakefront, a park, or even your backyard for a cookout, we’ve got you covered. Shop local and support neighborhood businesses by getting all your barbecue and picnic essentials right here in Lakeview East!
P.S. — don’t forget a face mask!
*Some businesses may be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of the holiday. Please plan ahead and make sure to call to confirm holiday hours!*
Food
Smoke Daddy
3636 N. Clark | (773) 227-2583
Smoke Daddy is world-class BBQ in the heart of Wrigleyville. We believe BBQ is a true homegrown American meal. Curated and smoked to be enjoyed together for lip-smacking, slow-cooked, savory goodness. Catering is also available if you have a larger group! Plus, Merrick Pet Care is donating $10 every time you dine with Smoke Daddy through July 4 to PAWS Chicago (up to $10k). With every order, 🐶 parents also get a doggy bag with a can of Merrik’s new BBQ slow-cooked dog food to take 🏡!
Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed
3411 N. Broadway | (773) 661-6384
From our high quality meats smoked on-site, to our exemplary service, we aim to ensure that your experience is more than just a meal. Serving lunch and dinner, Milt’s is the only kosher restaurant (under cRc supervision) in Lakeview.
The Chicago Diner
3411 N. Halsted | (773) 935-6696
Get your all-American (vegetarian and vegan!) fix with plant-based burgers, wings, sandwiches, milkshakes, and so much more from The Chicago Diner! If you have a vegetarian or vegan in the group, this is a must. Also offering a gluten free menu.
Clark Street Dog
3040 N. Clark | (773) 281-6690
Clark Street Dog is a Lakeview East classic! The restaurant has become known for Vienna Beef hot dogs including the signature Clark Street Dog, a play on the Chicago Dog with mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, and sport peppers. They also serve a top-rated Philly Steak and the fan-favorite Cheese Fries (bonus!). The variety of menu items is always fresh, never frozen, and cooked to order and supports the City of Chicago by using local products from Vienna Beef, Pepsi, Kronos, Gonnella, and Alpha Baking (double bonus!).
5411 Empanadas
2850 N. Clark | (773) 755-5411
Empanadas are the perfect handheld for the beach, park, or your own backyard! They have a wide variety of fillings, and even offer the option to buy them frozen and cook them at home before heading to the BBQ. Catering is available for larger groups, plus they deliver if pick up isn’t an option.
Barangaroos Aussie Pies
3208 N. Sheffield | (773) 770-3510
Celebrate the 4th Aussie style! Named after an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Barangaroos, where meat pies are popular quick meals for locals. Savory, one-size pie options include the Classic Mince- ground beef, onion & cheese, Mexican – steak fajita, black beans & cheese, Chicken Tikka Masala and vegetarian-friendly Veggie Pizza. Another perfect, handheld option if you’re going to be on the go!
Lucky’s Sandwich Company
3472 N. Clark | (773) 549-0665
Lucky’s Sandwich Company is located in the heart of Wrigleyville, and is the perfect spot to grab some carryout sandwiches for a picnic. Lucky’s has everything from classic corned beef, pastrami and roast beef, to their take on a cheeseburger or cheesesteak!
Fresh Stop Produce & Deli
930 W. Belmont | (773) 661-9579
You might know Fresh Stop as the quaint grocer right off the Belmont stop, but did you know they also have a deli where they serve up fresh, classic sammies and subs? Available on D’Amato’s Italian Loaf, gluten free tomato wrap, or Brownberry whole wheat bread, all sandwiches include your choice of lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, yellow mustard, dijon mustard and sub dressing. Grab a few and throw em’ in the cooler, along with any other last minute snacks and condiments! Fresh Stop has it all.
Wine, Beer, & Cocktails
Big Star
3640 N. Clark | (773) 857-7120
Big Star has really done it now – they’ve canned their famous margaritas and are selling them to-go all across the city! Pick up a pack (or two… or three…) at a retailer near you and put some Big Star pep back in your 4th of July step!
BottlesUp!
3164 N. Broadway | (773) 362-4999
Locally owned and operated, BottlesUp! is THE place to get your wine, rose, champagne… you name it, BottlesUp! likely has what you’re looking for. Owner Melissa is more than willing to help you pick out the perfect bottle(s) for your preference and budget, and inventory changes daily. Email melissa@bottlesupchicago.com to get started, and to arrange order pick up or delivery.
Dryhop
3155 N. Broadway | (773) 857-3155
Beers to-go! Beers to-go! Lakeview East’s neighborhood brewery has an awesome selection of craft 32 oz. crolwers to go, each for only $10. Now that’s what we call more bang (beer) for your buck!
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted | (773) 525-1111
Cocktails more your style? Kit Kat Lounge has “Parties In A Box” for pick up or delivery! Choose from eight different options ranging from mimosas and Bloody Marys to Irish mules and some of their classic martinis.
Something Sweet
Kilwin’s
New this year to Wrigleyville, Kilwin’s has a huge selection of goodies to cure your sweet tooth, including fudge, caramels, toffee, chocolates, popcorn, candies, ice cream and so much more. There’s something for EVERYONE at this place, making it the perfect stop for some after dinner deliciousness.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
2951 N. Broadway | (773) 880-7372
Stop into Johnson’s for a cone, cup, shake, float, sundae or pint for some after BBQ sweetness. Don’t pass up this family-owned gem – they have unique flavors like Blueberry Pie, Butterscotch Toffee, Campfire S’Mores, Cappuccino Yogurt, Coconut Almond Chocolate Chip, and Raspberry Cheesecake, plus a special seasonal flavor that’s 4th of July approved: A Little Peach of My Heart.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
3657 N. Clark | (773) 666-5490
If we know anything, we know everyone loooove’s Jeni’s! Stop in for a scoop of your favorite flavor, or take a pint to-go. Jeni’s also has local delivery and nation-wide shipping, so if you’re too sunburnt to move, they’ve got your back (with ice cream, not with aloe. You’re on your own with that one).
Entertainment
Bonus Round
3230 N. Clark | (773) 857-1037
Looking for something to keep everyone occupied in lieu of fireworks? Bonus Round has a ton of new, retro, and vintage games for sale on their website. They even have 1-player and 2-player games if you’re keeping the shindig small. They also have packaged beer, wine, and soda for sale, so consider this your one-stop-entertainment-shop for the weekend!
Unabridged Bookstore
3251 N. Broadway | (773) 883-9119
We can’t think of a better way to spend a socially-distant holiday weekend than curled up in the shade with a good book. They’re open for business, but you can still order online and pickup your order in the store or have it shipped via UPS. Check out new arrivals and staff-recommended reading here!
Inkling
2917 ½ N. Broadway | (773) 248-8004
Inkling has some wonderful, quiet activities like puzzles, journals, paint-by-number kits, and sketchbooks to keep you occupied while soaking up the sun or waiting for the grill to heat up. Plus, they also carry some cute accessories for your picnic, like reusable tin and ceramic cups, reusable bags to carry everything to and from the park, and handmade soaps for when it’s time to clean up.
Face Masks
CRAM Fashion
3331 N. Broadway | (773) 477-1737
It might be a holiday weekend, but it’s still more important than ever to make sure you wear a mask if you’re going to be around other people. CRAM has a selection of unisex fashion masks so you can stay safe, help stop the transmission of COVID-19, and look your best!
The Colette Collection
2858 N. Clark | (872) 206-8284
The Colette Collection has face masks in super cute prints and patterns perfect for summer. Stay up-to-date and be the first in the know during Facebook & Instagram LIVE sales – new inventory is added almost daily.
Don’t Forget the Dog!
Wigglyville
3337 N. Broadway | (773) 528-3337
Our pets tend to dread the 4th of July, so it might be a good idea to show them some extra love this weekend. Pick up their all-time favorite treats, a new bandana or collar, a new toy, or some natural supplements to help them cope with the extra stress.
