NYC Bodega Vibes Meet Wicker Park: Chicago Pickle Eatery and a New Vegan Neighbor Just Landed on Milwaukee Avenue

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park · June 28, 2026

Milwaukee Avenue just got a delicious double addition. The Chicago Pickle Eatery — the Chicago-born deli on a mission to bring New York City bodega-style sandwiches and breakfast staples to the city — has opened its newest outpost at 1308 N. Milwaukee Ave., taking over the former Angry Crab restaurant space. It's the brand's third Chicago location, following its original Avondale spot and a location in Uptown, and owner Mohamad Atieh said his team overhauled the space from top to bottom to make it feel at home in the neighborhood.

But the Pickle isn't flying solo. Right next door at 1310 N. Milwaukee Ave., a brand-new plant-based restaurant called Green Ape has also opened its doors. Run by Chef Briana Houston — also known as Chef Bri — the kitchen turns out creative vegan wings and sandwiches made with lion's mane mushrooms, plus other plant-based options that are already turning heads on the block. Atieh is also a partner in Green Ape, making the two spots a homegrown Milwaukee Avenue duo worth discovering together.

"We really like the Wicker Park neighborhood, the vibe," Atieh said. "It's exactly where we feel like we would fit in well." With a craft fair, festivals, and a wave of new restaurants all on the horizon this summer, there's never been a better time to explore Wicker Park on foot. Swing by 1308–1310 N. Milwaukee Ave. and show these new neighbors some love — and keep up with all the latest at wickerparkbucktown.com!

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/30/chicago-pickle-eatery-opens-in-wicker-park-as-owner-works-to-reopen-in-avondale-after-fire/
2. https://news.wttw.com/2026-chicago-festival-guide-summer-fall-events