Lincoln Square is like being in a small town within the city. It's a blend of people from all cultures, ages and walks of life. A pedestrian-friendly strip brings a great mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants, European-style cafes, independent stores and fun things to do like touring Half Acre Brewery, catching a new release at Davis Theater or laying on a blanket in Welles Park. We love it for its chill vibe, tree-lined streets and plenty of things to see, do, taste and try. Here are some of our favorites.
Great little BYOB Italian restaurant whose known for their wood-fired brick oven pizzas (they made the oven themselves!) and pasta dishes.
A casual and cozy authentic indian restaurant with great cocktails.
The best Banh Mi sandwiches around. Fresh-baked bread, crunchy vegetables and slow cooked meat.
Old Chicago neighborhood movie theater with 3 screens in the heart of Lincoln Square.
Sushi, ramen and maki served traditional-style in a beautifully designed space.
Our favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square. Can't say enough good things about it.
An independent, curated home goods store with a focus on plants, scents and home accessories.
15 acres of grass, trees, tennis courts, sand volleyball, ballfields, horseshoe pits, a gazebo and great people watching.
Gelato. Gelato. Gelato. And coffee. Do we really need to say more?
Best deep dish pizza in Chicago. Ask any local and they'll agree.
Novelty and humorous gifts for just about any occasion. We go here for their great selection of greeting cards and random buys.
A quaint and quiet yoga and massage studio on a tree-lined street just off the beaten path. The perfect place to get your zen on.
A curated collection of well-designed, Mid-Century style home goods and artwork by local artists. You can't walk out of here without something calling your name.
An independent coffee house with house-made nut milks, simple syrups and interesting concoctions.
A sophisticated piercing studio with a unique jewelry gallery.
New American restaurant with great food and cocktails at prices that won't make you gasp.
A tiny cafe with only 7 tables who makes fresh Dutch pancakes! It's like you're transported to Amsterdam. Offering a dozen or so pannenkoekens—either savory or sweet—this little breakfast spot usually has a wait, but it’s well worth it. Write your name/number on the list and explore some of the shops nearby—they’ll call you when your table’s ready. We’ve tried the french toast and both savory and sweet pancakes. Our favorites are the Apple Pannenkoeken or Chococlate Banana Pannenkoeken. The portion is huge and you will eat it all. Also, get the orange juice. It's fresh-squeezed! You can see them put about 6 oranges in a machine that spits out 1 cup just for you. This is definitely a hidden gem in Lincoln Square, since the entrance is not on the main strip. Because there’s so few tables, they want you in and out so the next customer can enjoy a meal. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of coffee shops in the hood where you can sit and chat to your heart’s desire. Tip: It's cash only!
Please complete a quick 2 minute survey to tell us about your experience.