Mexican Fast-Food Chain Guzman y Gomez Opens First Chicago Location in Wicker Park This Week

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park · December 2, 2025

Wicker Park's dining landscape is expanding as Australian-Mexican fast-food chain Guzman y Gomez prepares to open its first Chicago restaurant on December 11 at 1624 N. Damen Ave., just north of the bustling North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection.

Founded in Australia in 2006, Guzman y Gomez (often called GYG) has grown to more than 260 locations worldwide, including Singapore and Japan. The chain has been expanding throughout Chicago's suburbs since 2020, with the Wicker Park location marking its first venture into the city proper. Diners can expect a menu featuring made-to-order Mexican favorites including burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, and their signature 'Cali burrito' with fries inside instead of rice and beans.

In other Wicker Park news, neighborhood staple Estelle's Bar is celebrating its reopening this Friday, December 5, following months of extensive renovations. The beloved establishment, which has been a quintessential late-night destination since 1999, will kick off its return with a special reopening party starting at 4 p.m. Estelle's is also hosting a food drive this week to benefit Friendship Center Chicago, offering residents an opportunity to support both a local business and community cause while enjoying the bar's refreshed space at the Six Corners area.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/01/the-point-closes-guzman-y-gomez-opening-and-other-wicker-park-and-west-town-food-and-bar-news/
2. https://www.estelleschicago.com/
3. https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/12/new-restaurants-bar-sol-mariscos-guzman-y-gomez