Wicker Park was once a thriving immigrant neighborhood famous for housing some of Chicago’s biggest German and Polish beer barons. The large breweries and European populations that once inhabited the area left behind some beautiful architecture as well as plenty of popular bars. Low-rent in the area attracted many artists and musicians after the breweries moved out, and Wicker Park soon became a hip neighborhood and home to MTV’s The Real World Chicago in 2001. While rents have risen as the area has increased in popularity, it remains a relatively independent scene, popular for many boutiques, galleries and loads of cheap drinks.