Lakeview East News & Updates | | |
The legend returns. The Lakeview East Dive Bar Classic is here once again, to cure your winter blues, and to show love to our local dives.
Let’s raise a glass to our beloved havens. Places where we escape life’s harsh realities, share a few laughs (or tears) with good friends and friendly strangers, and truly be ourselves. Our local dive bars are more than just watering holes, they’re where comfort meets camaraderie, where laughter flows as freely as the drinks, and where community bonds are forged over unforgettable memories. Join us for the Dive Bar Classic, a heartfelt celebration of the local gems that make Lakeview East the wonderful neighborhood we all love.
From February 9th to March 1st, join us in celebrating 10 iconic dive bars that capture the spirit of our neighborhood. You’ll have three weeks to visit each participating bar, complete the photo scavenger hunt, and in return, score the highly coveted I <3 Dive Bars t-shirt.
| | | | Chicago foodies rejoice! Chicago Restaurant Week is a week of unity for the whole city, where we celebrate Chicago’s award-winning culinary scene. There are over 500 participating restaurants in this years Restaurant Week, and a hand full are in Lakeview East! Participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at set prices. Restaurants are either featuring $30 Brunch or Lunch Menus, $45 Dinner Menus, and/or $60 Dinner Menus. Here’s where you can score some delicious deals. | | | | January is National Soup Month; a time to cozy up indoors with a blanket and a bowl of your choice and wind down from the craziness of the holidays. There’s joy to be found in every season, and with the cold weather brings an opportunity to relax, plan for the new year, or catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch. It’s hard to say that any of these activities wouldn’t be better paired with a creamy, herbaceous tomato soup or a steamy, spicy ramen, or whatever your cup of tea soup may be. Discover where to get a bowl of deliciousness in the neighborhood! | | | | It’s the oldest New Year’s resolution in the book: prioritizing your health and fitness. But fitness doesn’t have to mean endless miles on a treadmill. From rock climbing and Pilates to hot yoga, MMA, and weight training, the key is finding a workout you actually enjoy and will stick with in 2026. With fitness studios on nearly every corner of the neighborhood, there’s no shortage of options. Discover them all in our Fitness in LVE article and make this the year you truly conquer your goals. | | If you are a member of the East Lakeview Neighbors, it is free to attend! Otherwise, it cost $20 to join, but that grants you a free yearly membership to the East Lakeview Neighbors organization. | | |
Have you been to the new glamorous Kit Kat Club, now located at 3524 N Halsted? Do you live in the Lakeview East community, and want to meet some fellow neighbors? The East Lakeview Neighbors are hosting a Winter Mixer on Tuesday, February 10th from 6 to 8 pm! Cabaret star Molly Callinan will be performing throughout the night! Come out and join the neighborhood for a fun night out on the town.
To participate, you must live or work within the boundaries:
North: Irving Park Road
South: Belmont Avenue
East: Lake Michigan
West: Clark Street from Irving Park Road to Belmont
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Get Seen in the Heart of Lakeview East, Join Our Street Banner Program!
Want to make a bold statement in Lakeview East? Our Street Banner Program is the perfect way to showcase your business in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods! With thousands of residents, visitors, and commuters passing through daily, these eye-catching banners put your brand front and center—literally.
Why Join?
Year-Round Visibility – Your business will be featured high above the bustling streets, grabbing attention from pedestrians, shoppers, and drivers alike.
Prime Locations – Banners are placed along key corridors where locals and tourists gather to dine, shop, and explore.
Community Presence – Show your support for the neighborhood while increasing brand recognition.
These banners sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to claim a spot and elevate your business in Lakeview East! Ready to claim yours?
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Do you know someone who loves East Lakeview? Someone who organized that block party last summer? Someone who knows the names of the famous guy who once lived around the corner. It’s that person who waves to you from across the street.
The East Lakeview Neighbors community organization, one of the oldest and largest neighborhood groups on the North Side, wants to meet that person. We want to find more East Lakeview neighbors with the ideas, energy and passion to bring our community closer together. Be part of the neighborhood group that makes a broad impact for those who live in and love East Lakeview.
If you’re that person or you know that person, contact friends@eastlakeview.org
You must live or work within the boundaries:
North: Irving Park Road
South: Belmont Avenue
East: Lake Michigan
West: Clark Street from Irving Park Road to Belmont
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East Lakeview Neighbors is pleased to accept applications for community grants that strengthen and support nonprofit work within the East Lakeview neighborhood. Eligible applicants may include organizations working in the areas of education, social services, public safety, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, technology, green space, and community enhancement.
Grant awards range up to $2,500 per organization.
Note: Grant funds may not be used for political fundraising.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1, 2026
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Lakeview and Wrigleyville feel a little quieter with the passing of longtime neighbor and community fixture Chester Kropidlowski. Chester was the kind of person who showed up to every meeting, asked thoughtful questions, and cared deeply about neighborhood safety, smart development, and civic life. He helped shape this community in steady, meaningful ways, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Read our full tribute honoring Chester’s life and legacy.
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NOW OPEN: Applications for the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 2026!
This year will mark the 21st Annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts! Applications are now open for all mediums of fine art. Apply to be a part of one of Chicago's finest art festivals. Applications close on March 6th.
Show dates
Saturday, September 19th, 11AM-7PM
Sunday, September 20th, 11AM-7PM
Please email all questions to lakeviewfota@gmail.com
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Is your New Year Resolution to cut down on screentime? Feed your mind and soul with doing more reading in 2026! Unabridged Bookstore is our neighborhood bookshop that has been proudly serving Lakeview East bookworms since 1980. Unabridged is known for its dedicated and knowledgeable staff and the staff’s hand-written personal recommendations. Unabridged has an unparalleled sale book section, and an award-winning children's section, an extensive travel room, and offers a great selection of fiction and poetry. For 45 years, Unabridged Bookstore has also been Chicago’s premier go-to-bookstore for LGBTQ literature! The easy to navigate shop has genres for all readers, from teen fiction to psychology and self help. If you're looking to connect with other book lovers, Unabridged hosts multiple Book Club meetings a month. Come find your new obsession, at 3251 N Broadway.
Hours:
Sun - Sat: 10:00am - 7:00pm
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COMING SOON
Club Studio | 3030 N Broadway
AJ’s Roast Beef | 3774 N Clark
Burger Nation | 3467 N Clark
Apothecary Lounge | 3242 N Clark
Cara’s Market | 2947 N Broadway
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken | 3649 N Clark
Apartment Guys | 1137 W Belmont
Aura Coffee | 2845 N Broadway
Junin Brunch | 2833 N Broadway
Pop/Culture| 2973 N Clark
NOW OPEN
Lucky Cat | 2806 N. Clark Street
Fairy Nail Spa | 3418 N. Sheffield Ave
Galata Mediterranean | 3345 N. Clark
Spa Ave | 935 W. Irving Park
Dat Donut | 947 W Wellington
Naz's Halal Food | 907 W Belmont Ave
Hot Chi Chicken n’ Cones | 953 W Belmont
Lakelaw | 3352 N Sheffield
| | Wrigleyville News & Updates | | | | This Sunday, our Chicago Bears are taking on the LA Rams for a 5:30 pm game here at home. Catch all the action, anxiety, and inevitable fourth quarter comeback, all in Wrigleyville! There are dozens of watch parties happening where you can score some great game day deals. Cheer with fellow fans, eat well, enjoy some beer, and none of the clean up. | | | | Friday night, one of the most popular bars in Wrigleyville is celebrating it's third Anniversary- Almost Home Tavern! For three years now, Almost Home has been serving Cubs fans, night owls, Roll tide alumni, and anyone looking for a bar to call home. To celebrate this milestone, they are throwing a party on Friday, January 16th! From 6 to 8 pm, enjoy free pizza, Tito's & Jack Daniels cocktail specials, draft specials, and more. A huge congratulations to Almost Home on this milestone, and for always being such a supportive and active member in the Lakeview community! | | |
Every week, our neighborhood businesses send us their upcoming events, current specials, or promotions exclusive to LVE newsletter subscribers! If you hate to be the last to know about fun things happening, check this page often, as new submissions are always being added! | | | Business & Government Webinars & Affairs | | Check out all the BACP Webinars Here! | | |
HR Trends and Priorities for 2026
January 16th 2026, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Are you ready for 2026? Join Miller Cooper’s Client HR Services team for its popular webinar focused on for what you need to know about employees and new HR developments for 2026.
Topics include:
• Pay trends and benefit developments to watch as you develop your practices
• The status of the definition of an independent contractor vs. an employee to clarify your classification options
• New laws or modifications to current laws that are crucial to have on your radar
• How artificial intelligence is affecting HR and what you should know about it
• Not new but critical reminders about Chicago and IL specific requirements
Register today to reserve your seat!
| | CAPS Meetings - Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy | | |
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| | Interested in joining the Chamber? The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is here to help promote, assist and grow your business! | | | | |
