Recent years have seen the development of several high rises, renovated historic town homes and walk-ups, and the award-winning conversion of the Dr. Scholl shoe factory into residential lofts, commonly known as Cobbler Square. Coupled with the emergence of new town homes, these developments have brought upscale retail and fine dining establishments to Old Town with a vengeance … a far cry from the old days when Wells Street was a strip of hippie head shops and boutiques. Neighboring Cabrini-Green is rapidly being eaten-away, providing developers with blocks to build on and buildings to renovate.

One of the city's most popular festivals, the annual Old Town Art Fair, has grown into the largest juried art fair in the country. Nearby on Halsted Street is the impressive home of the Steppenwolf Theater, the epitome of storefront or, specifically, church basement theater, all grown up. Today, Old Town remains one of the most lively and picturesque neighborhoods in Chicago. Piper's Alley, the local theater, features films out of the mainstream and adds to the neighborhood's "edgy" vibe.

Old Town provides Chicago with some of its largest late-night club venues, as well as several comedy clubs, including the world-renowned "Second City" comedy troupe.

• In the 1870s, Henry Piper was one of Old Town's earliest entrepreneurs. He operated a bakery out of a narrow ally. Today, that building is at North Avenue & Wells. It is known as Piper's Alley.
• Churches of Old Town reflect the community's early history. German immigrants established St. Joseph's Parish in 1846 at 1107 N. Orleans St.
• In 1852, Michael Diversey, a prominent member of St. Joseph's donated land at North Avenue & Hudson for St. Michael's Church. In 1869 St. Michael's relocated to Cleveland & Eugenie.
• In 1893 the Anshe Emet Synagogue was established at 1263 N. Sedgwick.
• Second City's First show was December 16, 1959, inaugurating a new era in Chicago theater and eventually producing an amazing flow of talent that would come to dominate American comedy. The Company took its name from the title of a famous series of articles on Chicago by A.J. Liebling in The New Yorker. Originally, the cabaret was located in a former Chinese laundry on N. Wells St. They eventually moved into their permanent location at 1616 N. Wells and quickly became known as a star-making platform for actor-comedians.
• Actor Dennis Farina of TV's "Law & Order" grew up in Old Town and prior to his acting career was a Chicago police detective.

This is the fun, interactive part of my latest website addition. I'm asking all of my clients, friends, partners, pals, coworkers and generally anyone who has an opinion they care to share, to email me their favorite part of Old Town. Whether it's the great Italian food at Topo Gigio or the wine selection at Bistro Margot ... or the imported cigars & cigs at Up Down Tobacco, any event, cool place, experience, food, beverage you feel is worth mentioning ... please email it to me by clicking here. Your response will be posted so that others not so familiar with the area are now "in the know".

Here's What Others Have Had to Say:

• Well, anyone who knows me, can vouch that my absolute favorite dish is at Topo Gigio: the bow tie with salmon is so yummy. Their Osso-buco is out of site too! Also, it's great to be able to sit in their outdoor garden all year round since they added the heat lamps.
  - Nancy G.
  Margate Park
  
  
• I would suggest the adult education classes offered at the Latin School. You can take classes in everything: swimming, yoga, language, photography, art, writing, publishing, knitting, jewelry design etc.
  For dining, I'd recommend the classics, Kamahachi, Adobo Grill, Fireplace Inn and Topo Gigio.
  - Elizabeth Z.
  Old Town, Chicago
  
  
• Salpicon at 1252 N Wells is great! And I hear that La Fette is very good, 163 W. North Avenue. First-time restaurant owners and college buddies recently opened this prix-fixe French-American bistro. La Fette ("the feast") features a five-course menu that offers a choice of entree, with a price range between $30-$45. The menu changes every few days. The prix fixe will include a house-made sorbet course, and dessert options like a chocolate tart with a lemon-walnut crust.
  - Kathy P.
  Greektown, Chicago
  
  
• Adobo Grill for guacamole...the BEST!!!! Also, for cigar lovers--Up and Down Tobacco
  ~Carrie R.
  West Loop, Chicago
  
  
• Not many people know this but Tuesday's are complimentary at Zanies Comedy Club if you live in the neighborhood. All you have to do is bring a utility bill, or if your license has your address on it, you get in FREE!!!!
  - Stephen C.
  Old Town, Chicago
  
  
• Some of my fave Old Town Hot Spots are:
  Bistro Margot: great dark atmosphere, Topo Gigio, Orzo's has a killer back garden and Coldstone Creamery- Super yummy
  Piper's Alley- love the movies, theater and the 24 hour Starbuck's at North Ave!
  - Cara B.
  Northside, Chicago
  
  
• I love Twin Anchors on Sedgwick for Ribs! For Pizza- Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder.
  Andrea P.
  - Glen Ellyn
  
  
• Love the Art Fair in June. Wine Crush is great as well. Not sure when that is, but definitely worth checking out. Vito and Kesselman's is a great place to visit for good food and spirits - service is good too!
  - Catherine B.
  
  
• One of my favorite boutiques, Sara Jane, has moved into the neighborhood. A fabulous spot for browsing and solutions to last minute fashion emergencies!
  - Jen B.
  
  
• Second City has classes for aspiring amateur stand-up comedians.
  - Chad W.
  
  
• Let's not forget to mention the pizza "sleeper" in the neighborhood...Orzo's pizza is AMAZING and they deliver!! Who knew??!!
  - M. French
  Northcenter, Chicago