It’s a Sunday in late April. The clock sits directly to the right on your wrist, in the most central of time zones, in the third largest city, in the great U. S. of A. Where are you right now?

I’ll tell you where I am; I’m at the happiest little place in all the Villages, in all of the Ukrainian territory.  I’m at a little gem that sits on a quiet corner just East of Damen Avenue and a bit South of Division Street. Maybe you have ridden your bike by it. Or perhaps you blinked past in a very hazy taxi ride home to the Gold Coast. Whatever it is, Happy Village has been patiently waiting for your arrival since the summer after The Beatles recorded their first album and Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers struck out fifteen Yankee batters in Game 1 of the 1963 World Series.

Happy Village – What to Expect

Whether you walked from the #70 bus, or quickly found a street sign to lock your Roadie to, you curiously enter this corner treasure to be greeted with cans of Hamm’s and shots of Jeppson’s Malört in containers reminiscent of sick days on the couch.

The two employees working are carrying a conversation at the end of the rail and, in case you hadn’t had lunch, two warming trays of hot dogs anxiously await your arrival.  Speaking of dogs, you’re in luck because Happy Village’s idea of a Happy Hour consists of weekend afternoons kicking it with Man’s Best Friend.

Walk past the bar (no, you’re not entering your weird Uncle’s basement) and your eyes will bask in the glory of the Windy City’s premiere Gnip Gnop parlor, where the black and white wallpaper seems to project from the walls like a Magic Eye painting. And, unlike the Sigma Chi house on campus, there is no beer pong allowed.

On weekend evenings, it is not uncommon to see both tables with standing queues of patrons waiting to play. While it may seem like a friendly affair, do not slouch because the competition is fierce!  Either saddle up, or move aside, because Table Tennis has officially been made cool again.

On cold, dark, winter days that Chicago unfortunately has become so accustomed to, sees the end of the majesty of Happy Village. But all that changes when the weather breaks and Happy Village opens its back door, revealing the Greatest Graduation Party in Hipster History. Honestly, the crowd and surroundings are a caricature of themselves.  The guy in the now-popular “Canadian Tuxedo” (you know, denim on denim), talking to the hot girl group with two pugs, a chihuahua and half of the Anthropologie catalog between them, with enough neon to light up the space inside Laser Quest, alongside multiple doppelgangers of Noah Bennet, (a.k.a. HRG, from “Heroes”) make this place something out of a commercial for the Pitchfork Music Festival and as awesome as the music video for a ha’s “Take on Me”.

This scene is set against a backdrop of shaded cobblestone, and comfortable lawn furniture, all anchored by a lavish lagoon inset for reflecting and sheltered by canopy.

During the evening friends and neighbors, illuminated by floating orbs above this seemingly secret garden, share stories, fellowship, and perhaps even a casual Euchre contest. The patio is open daily and is commonly referred to as not only one of the best beer garden’s on the west side, but as one of the premiere outdoor drinking establishments this great city has to offer.

Happy Village is a magical place where memories are made, and forgotten, and should be enjoyed by every Chicagoan at some point before we all decide to move back to Michigan or closer to the Ikea in Schaumburg. However you find your way here, please do so and come back often.

About the Author: Sean Patrick Wagner is a concierge at the Wit hotel  and contributes to the Chicago Travel Blog each week uncovering hidden gems around town.