Lincoln Square is quite the luminous jewel in the cultural crown of Chicago. With a laid-back, residential vibe and plenty of places to eat hearty and drink well, Lincoln Square is a tree-lined North Side neighborhood with character to spare.
With so many vibrant neighborhoods throughout the city, it’s beyond tough to choose just one to visit, but Lincoln Square is a great place to start exploring the culture and cuisine of the North Side. Here are the things you have to do in this picturesque community.
Huettenbar
Located in the square itself, this Bavarian-style barhas some phenomenal German beers on tap, open windows during the warmer months, and some of the friendliest barkeeps in the neighborhood. According to its website, the bar aims to embody the German word “gemuethlichkeit,” meaning comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging while being yourself.
Gene’s Sausage Shop
Also situated in the square proper, this Polish grocer and butcher shoporiginally opened on West Roscoe in 1972 by John and Gene Luszcz. The Lincoln Square location opened its doors in 2007 and has been a neighborhood staple ever since. Gene’s offers 40 varieties of house-smoked sausages, plenty of traditional Polish dishes, and (in the summer months) a beautiful rooftop deck for dining. Still operated by the Luszcz family today, Gene’s is an integral part of any Lincoln Square bucket list.
Old Town School of Folk Music
Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Musicoffers classes in music and dance for both adults and children. In addition to the 700 classes offered, this Lincoln Avenue gem plays host to a full schedule of concerts from artists hailing from around the world. Whether you’re interested in learning the banjo, taking a dance class, enrolling your kids in guitar lessons, or simply attending a concert, the Old Town School of Folk Music is the cultural hub you’re looking for.
The Davis Theater
Originally built in 1918 and known then as the Pershing Theatre, The Davisis the only remaining theater of five built in Lincoln Square, and it’s one of the few Chicago neighborhood theatersstill in operation today.
In 2016 the theater was closed for renovation and has since reopened, brought back to its former architectural glory just in time for its centennial. Today, the theater is connected to a neighborhood cinema-themed bar, Carbon Arc, where patrons can enjoy a craft beer or co*cktail, appetizers, or a full dinner before heading into the screening rooms for showtime.
The Davis is also partnering this year with Access Contemporary Music, a local nonprofit music school in neighboring Ravenswood, to produce a series of concerts featuring the works of contemporary classical composers.
Isla Pilipina
This incredible Filipino restaurant serves up a wide array of authentic dishes from soups and noodles to Inhaw (grilled specialties). Halo-halo is a refreshing traditional treat made with fruit and bean preserves topped with ice cream and flan. Isla Philipinaaccepts reservations, and—like many of Chicago’s eatery gems—it’s BYOB. They also offer a sizeable vegetarian section.
The Book Cellar
Independently owned and operated in the heart of the square itself, The Book Cellaris a combination bookstore and cafe where you’ll find neighbors reading on cozy couches and or simply enjoying a latte in style. While relatively small in size, the inviting shelves are packed with some truly great selections, and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, stop by the front desk and they’ll order it for you.
DANK Haus
With cultural events such as Oktoberfest and Mayfest, German language and cooking classes, and a museum, DANK Hausis a German-American cultural center that can’t be left off any Lincoln Square bucket list. There’s an art gallery, a library featuring rare editions and collections, and even a lecture series covering all things German.
Artango Bar and Steakhouse
Featuring a mouth-watering menu of ceviches, empanadas, steaks grilled on an Argentine grill and much more, Artangois quickly becoming one of the square’s premier restaurants. The intimate space also has a stage where you’ll hear and see flamenco, latin jazz, and tango shows. Tango dance lessons are also available on Tuesday nights.
Famous Dutch Pancake Huis
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the specialty here(surprise surprise) are the pannenkoeken, or Dutch-style pancakes, which are larger and thinner than their American counterparts and topped with sweet or savory ingredients. Wait times can be long on the weekends, but fans of pancakes can’t miss this Dutch treat.
Cafe Selmarie
Selmarie opened its doors in 1983 and has been serving Lincoln Square everything from house-baked signature tortes and cakes, to omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, and smoked andouille mac and cheese. So whether you’re looking for a beautifully crafted meal or a birthday cake, Selmarie has got something delicious for you.
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