May 20, 2025

Will's Northwoods Inn Chicago

Wisconsin in Chicago

"Will’s Northwoods Inn brings Wisconsin charm to Chicago with Packers pride, fried appetizers, quirky decor, and a moose-topped patio near Wrigley Field."

Will's Northwoods Inn in Lakeview, Chicago is a one-of-a-kind space: it's a Wisconsin-themed bar in Chicago.

There aren't many themed state bars in the city; I'd even argue in the country. You wouldn't see a Chicago or Illinois-themed bar in Wisconsin, for example. Yes, in Chicago, there are bars with affiliated sports teams from around the USA, but Will's brings a slice of Wisconsin to the city. Located on the corner of Racine and Nelson, this tavern is the only one on the block and has a lot to offer for various bar-goers.

While Will's is a sports bar that supports Packers and Badgers football, they are also a neighborhood staple serving nearby residents fried appetizers and burgers, and on non-game days, Will's becomes a cozy dive. Due to its proximity to Wrigley Field, Will's also draws in a lot of Cubs fans before or after games. If none of that grabs your attention, the walls will. Will's Northwoods Inn is covered head to toe with Wisconsin memorabilia, mimicking how bars look in northern Wisconsin, including photographs of fishermen, Packers-themed license plates, and stuffed fish and animal heads.

During summer, they have a large patio with a life-sized moose replica overlooking the sidewalk. Will's has been in business for over 30 years, and they'll continue to be a home for Wisconsinites who've moved to the big city or simply an engaging space for a drink while looking at their menagerie (don't forget to say hi to the fish in the window).

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

3030 N Racine Ave

Pint of beer:

USD

7

7735284400

Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

Argyle Street

Chicago's only shared street

"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Claire

Conway

Jul 14, 2025

Tesfa Ethiopian

East African comfort food

The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

Mella Cafe

Local spot for Eritrean food

I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

De Luna Taco Grill

Spicy Truck Tacos

The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

Nhà Hàng Vietnam

Traditional Vietnamese

Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

Irazu

Chicago's Only Costa Rican

Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

Bolivar & Lincoln

Venezuelan Haven

My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 9, 2025

Superdawg Drive-in

Classic Chicago hot dog spot

Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Jul 2, 2025

Denden Restaurant

Affordable Eritrean

The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

OMI Cafe

Japanese Dessert Café

OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Sweet Rabbit Bakery

Loaf Perfection

Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

The Momo World

Nepalese Dumplings

Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Chicago?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

116 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
71
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters