Guzman y Gomez Mexican Kitchen Makes Splash with Winter Opening in Wicker Park
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park ·
Wicker Park welcomed a vibrant new addition to its dining scene as Guzman y Gomez Mexican Kitchen officially opened its doors at 1624 N. Damen Avenue on December 11. The fast-casual restaurant, which has over 200 locations across Australia and Asia, chose the Wicker Park-Bucktown border for its first Chicago city location after establishing several successful suburban outposts.
The opening celebration featured live music, merchandise giveaways, and a special appearance by Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot, highlighting GYG's new partnership with the American Hockey League team. Located in a new mixed-use development, the restaurant offers Mexican-inspired fare with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and minimal additives. "If it's your first time you have to get the Cali burrito, which, instead of rice and beans, has fries, chipotle mayo, sour cream and guacamole," founder Steven Marks recommends. The new establishment has already created approximately 40 local jobs and serves the community from morning through late night with seating for 12-14 guests inside.
In other neighborhood news, Estelle's, a late-night bar that's been a Wicker Park staple since the late '90s, recently reopened after completing extensive renovations. The revamped interior features black leather banquettes, warm tones, and a dark modern aesthetic, along with new signature cocktails. Wicker Park residents looking to check out either of these refreshed establishments can find both within walking distance of the neighborhood's vibrant North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection hub.
Sources:
1. https://www.guzmanygomez.com/guzman-y-gomez-bucktown-that-opening-was-next-level/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/01/the-point-closes-guzman-y-gomez-opening-and-other-wicker-park-and-west-town-food-and-bar-news/
3. https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/12/new-restaurants-bar-sol-mariscos-guzman-y-gomez