Lincoln Park

Numerous families that take over the daytime hours with their strollers and posh shopping expeditions.

The college students help make it a lively urban mecca. 

The women that rule the neighborhood are endearingly known as 'Trixies.' A Trixie can best be defined as a pretty, slender, perfect girl with beautiful hair and the latest, trendiest fashions. She is the girl that will not wear a coat in the dead of winter for fear of ruining a cute ensemble. The men are the quintessential 'guy's guys' they drink beer and get drunk proudly, they talk about girls and sports, and they are often a little arrogant and classless.

For foodies, Lincoln Park neighborhood is a mouth-watering tour of some of the city's best restaurants. Clark and Halsted streets and Lincoln, Armitage and Clybourn avenues are packed with culinary options from all corners of the world.

But, hey, you're in Chicago, so first things first -- you have to know where the best pizza places are -- and there are tons of them throughout Lincoln Park. For that classic, Chicago-style stuffed pizza, you have to try Bacino's Pizzeria (2204 N Lincoln Ave, 773-472-7400). Thick buttery pastry crust, stuffed with cheese and toppings, then covered with a zesty marinara sauce -- one slice is unexpectedly filling and absolutely delicious. The menu here touches on other traditional Italian dishes such as pastas, paninis and salads, but if it's your first visit we have to recommend the signature spinach supreme pizza which combines a selection of herbs, spices and cheese with loads of fresh spinach. And to really do it up, order a bottle of wine from Bacino's fine list of vintages from around the globe, it's a superb accompaniment to mellow the tangy zip of their specialty tomato sauce. Other Lincoln Park pizza favorites include Grandpa Rudy Malnati's deep-dish recipe at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (958 W Wrightwood Ave, 773-832-4030) and Chicago's Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. (2121 N Clark St, 773-248-2570), home of the pizza pot pie -- homemade sauce, a blend of cheeses and fresh ingredients wrapped up in Sicilian dough to create a totally unique twist on the regular open-face slice. And at Mangia Roma (1623 N Halsted St, 312-475-9801) classic Chicago stuffed, traditional thin crust, New York-style and Roman-style focaccia-like crusts topped with your choice of fresh sauce and ingredients makes this Lincoln Park neighborhood staple a one-stop-shop for everyone's preferred kind of pizza. The intimate dining space is served by a friendly wait staff but offers limited seating (only about a dozen tables total), however, Mangia is usually not crowded so don't worry about being able to sit down. We could go on all day about the variety of pizza joints in Lincoln Park, but there are so many other amazing culinary themes out there to cover, we'll just hit on one more popular establishment that has been in operation since 1970 and still produces some of the best tasting pie around. Pequod's Pizzeria (2207 N Clyboun Ave, 773-327-1512) has two options for pizza -- thin crust or pan -- on which you can pile on the toppings from a list of ingredients that includes ground beef, pepperoncini, black or green olives, jalapeno and fresh basil, in addition to the common onion, pepperoni, mushroom, green pepper and sausage. No matter what your preferred combo, Pequod's is a great pick to satisfy the pizza craving any time it strikes as they deliver until two in the morning every day except Sunday (when it's only open until midnight).

Okay switching gears to an entirely different type of cuisine, Lincoln Park neighborhood offers residents and hungry diners from around the city an array of Eastern hemisphere fare with origins from China, Japan, Thailand, India and the Middle East. Once again, we can't begin to go into detail on every single restaurant in the vicinity, but there are a handful of spots that will give an idea of what the area has to offer by way of Far East eatables. The neighborhood houses a number of great sushi places, that all pull quite a crowd -- especially on weekend nights -- however we've become regulars at a corner restaurant that claims to be Chicago's oldest Japanese eatery. With 25 years of operation under their belt, Itto Sushi (2616 N Halsted, 773-871-1800) must be doing something right! A seat at the bar is the most entertaining as you can watch the chefs prepare rolls with masterful artistry, but if you're with a group it makes more sense to eat in the main dining room. A light-filled sunroom offers guests a open, airy atmosphere and the extensive menu is packed with 50 different appetizers, traditional Maki rolls, cooked entrees, noodle dishes and, of course, sushi to order. One more feature that ranks Itto at the top of many Chicagoans' preferred place to get sushi is the fact that they have free parking -- now, any Lincoln Park neighborhood resident will tell you parking is already hard enough to come by, but getting it free? -- now that is unheard of! For a good Chinese food fix, Anne's Mandarin (1550 W Fullerton Ave, 773-348-0890) is an unassuming storefront establishment that attracts a diverse group of patrons to its comfy cozy setting. Known for their delivery and catering deals, Anne's is still a great spot to grab a bite with a long list of starters, lunch specials, and main entrees of poultry, beef, seafood or vegetarian dishes.

Moving from East Asian gastronomy further west to cooking inspired by customary Indian plates, Hema's On Clark (2411 N Clark St, 773-529-1705) is some of the most outstanding and authentic Indian food you'll find in Lincoln Park, brought to Chicago by Hema Potla herself, a native of Hyderabad, India, who has compiled a menu of time-honored home-made recipes incorporating exotic spices and flavors. Over the years Hema has received awards and much acclaim for her restaurant, justified by the unforgettable dishes and ambiance offered at both of Hema's Chicago locations. You can really taste the care and love that goes into the food here, like Hema spent all day in her kitchen seasoning the lamb curry and peas pilaf that you are feasting on. Whenever the need for a shish kabob or chicken shawarma beckons, Lincoln Parkers are fast to head to Fattoush Restaurant (2652 N Halsted St, 773-327-2652), where the service is great, the prices are reasonable and the food is delectable. Lebanese cuisine at its finest, this neighborhood hotspot for Middle Eastern fare is always hopping. We are big fans of the sandwiches that present a choice of beef, chicken, lamb, falafel or hummos filling rolled in a pita pocket. But if here for dinner, we like to splurge on the baked salmon samak with dill herbs, served with pita bread, salad and rice sprinkled with chopped almonds. And, unless you're not fond of the sweets, make sure to order the baklava for dessert with a cup of fresh ground Lebanese coffee, the perfect finish to your meal.

If you really want to go all out, Charlie Trotter's (816 W Armitage Ave, 773-248-6228) is considered by international culinary institutions to be one the finest restaurants in the world. Folks from all over make reservations at this Lincoln Park neighborhood landmark weeks (sometimes months) in advance to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary. Using organic seasonal ingredients, award-winning Chef Charlie Trotter creates daily-changing multi-course masterpieces for his guests that incorporate petite plates with a healthful and fresh take on gourmet dining. Just don't forget to bring the credit card because this kind of cuisine doesn't come cheap. Also known for their indulgent bill of fare, Geja's Cafe (340 W Armitage Ave, 773-281-9101) steps away from the typical restaurant experience with a hands-on approach to eating out. Geja's offers a unique and entertaining meal with a throwback to the 1960s fad of fondue parties. One of the few fondue places in the city, this romantic Lincoln Park neighborhood fixture is a popular favorite for couples who can dip the night away with melted cheese and chocolate sauces to coat skewered pieces of beef tenderloin, jumbo shrimp, chicken breast, lobster tail and sea scallops entrees and banana, pineapple, strawberry, pound cake and marshmallow desserts. Who ever thought people would line up to go to a restaurant where you have to prepare you own meals!

At Nookies, Too (2114 N Halsted St, 773-327-1400) -- the sequel to the popular Old Town diner -- folks crowd the sidewalk out front on the weekends waiting for their chance to order dirt-cheap pancakes and eggs. This well-known Lincoln Park restaurant fulfills two basic needs: it's open all night on the weekends and the omelets are as big as your head. We're not kidding about the omelets -- these things are massive, so unless you have a hollow leg, you might want to share one with a friend. People tend to visit Nookies for breakfast or brunch, but their lunch and dinner menu is excellent as well. The sandwiches are huge and come with a cup of soup and the big salads are -- you guessed it -- BIG, so you can bank on having to get a doggie bag to take home the rest after you've stuffed your belly. Toast (746 W Webster Ave, 773-935-5600) is another fashionable breakfast/lunch spot in Lincoln Park that has made quite a name for itself. Distinct for its interior decor of vintage toasters, this hip little nook serves up oversized omelets and -- our typical order -- a mean strawberry-filled French toast that would be better identified as a dessert than a breakfast item. Because the space is small, there tends to be a wait on weekends for a table, but once you take of bite of your buttermilk pancake, crabby eggs Benedict (an english muffin topped with grilled snow crab, poached egg and white truffle hollandaise), lemon and sugar crepe, or breakfast burrito, you won't mind having to stand around for a few minutes beforehand.

Caffeine fiends will appreciate the impressive bean scene in Lincoln Park. Not surprisingly, you'll find plenty of Starbucks (of which there are too many to list here) scattered throughout this Chicago neighborhood, as well as other chain choices like Einstein Bros Bagels (2212 N Clybourn Ave, 773-549-9888, 2530 N Clark St, 773-244-9898 and 933 W Diversey Pkwy, 773-525-6217), Dunkin' Donuts (1982 N Clybourn Ave, 773-883-0045 and 801 West Diversey Pkwy, 773-871-8646) and Caribou Coffee (2453 N Clark St, 773-327-9923). But we have a soft spot for the independent shops where you can really get a taste for the local flavor. Books and antiques line the walls at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W Fullerton Ave, 773-883-5282), where groups of college students, DePaul University professors and Lincoln Park residents pull a novel off the shelf to read or play a board game while sipping lattes and killer hot chocolate. The cafe also has a selection of yummy sandwiches -- all named after well-known book titles to go along with the academic atmosphere -- which make for a quick bite on your lunch break, or a nice evening snack in between study sessions. Argo Tea (958 W Armitage Ave, 773-388-1880) is one of our favorites for their hand-picked teas and imported Italian coffees. Offering healthy drink options, it also prides itself on conserving environmental resources and using all-natural ingredients. The often crowded seating area affords comfy chairs and a pleasant setting for chatting with friends, reading the newspaper or a prime spot for people watching out the floor-to-ceiling front windows which look out onto Armitage Avenue's busy shopping district.

Lincoln Park has its share of swanky lounges and upscale bars for nights when we feel a little saucy.

We like the sophisticated ambiance and impressive martini selection at Cozmo's (2506 N Clybourn Ave, 773-404-7414). This trendy neighborhood nightclub is chic and made for drinking and lounging with a sleek, long bar in the front and luxurious circular ottomans in the back. House specialties include a chocolate cherry martini and white chocolate apple martini that go down smooth, but cost a pretty penny. One of Lincoln Park's newest en vogue hotspots is Landmark Grill and Lounge (1633 N Halsted St, 312-587-1600), another posh nightspot with an extensive cocktail list and plenty of room to wine and dine in style. The Landmark's uninhibited decor mixes leopard print upholstery with Persian rugs and bold colors. It doubles as a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, where patrons can sit up on a suspended catwalk to eat then head down to the bar below for a late-night night cap.

When all the other bars have closed and the night still feels young, you've got to head to one of Lincoln Park neighborhood's popular after-hours venues to keep the party going. Katacomb (1916 N Lincoln Park W, 312-337-4040) is a subterranean dance club that stays open until 4am Wednesday through Friday and 5am on Saturdays. Flickering candles throw mysterious shadows throughout the cave-like interior, while DJs spin Hip Hop, R&B, funk and dance tunes for a pulsating crowd. Neo (2350 N Clark St, 773-528-2622) is a late-night dance club featuring techno, punk and rave. The space is lit by purple tinted black-lights and the glow of TV screens showing cult-favorite films. We recommend an outfit heavy on the black to blend with the predominantly Goth-culture clientele who hang here until the wee hours.

Lincoln Park's residential streets are among the most beautiful in Chicago. Towering trees, shaded sidewalks and rows of elegant, wrought-iron gates preserve the neighborhood's historic charm. A mix of three- and four-story conventional flats, single-family townhomes, contemporary courtyard condominiums and high-rise residential buildings offers everyone from young working singles to beginner families to empty-nesters a place to call home.

Many of the neighborhood's older, stately graystones, brownstones and brick walkups are rehabs, updated with modern conveniences and state-of-the-art amenities essential to today's lifestyle. While some are still private single-family residences, most of these vintage buildings have been split up into separate two- and three-bedroom units. The majority of studios and one-bedrooms can be found in Lincoln Park's stretch of mid- and high-rise condos that are generally limited to the eastern edge of the neighborhood, closer to the lakefront. You can typically get anything from a studio loft to a three-bedroom duplex. The buildings usually offer bonuses such as a pool, exercise room, tennis courts, garage parking, extra storage, doorman and roof-top deck. And some of the properties on the top floors afford amazing views of the water, which means you'll have to pay more, but for a coveted window or balcony facing that kind of scenery, it's well worth it.

With DePaul University's campus located within Lincoln Park neighborhood boundaries, there is a large student population residing in the area. So a portion of the classic flats and condos near the school's grounds have retained a "lease only" situation, catering to the transient nature of the college's student body. Even with tenants coming and going on a yearly basis, landlords maintain the rental properties with the pride and care that is seen throughout the neighborhood's owned real estate, and oftentimes it is hard to tell whether a place is occupied by renters or homeowners.

For the most part, detached single-family real estate in Lincoln Park neighborhood is characterized by narrow multi-story townhouses, with small cottage-style frame houses here and there. Rising from the sidewalk with dignified stature, many of these private homes are a reminder of the community's past with massive front stoops and ornate exterior stonework, although the residential blocks hold a good number of contemporary designs that incorporate a fresh new side to this long-established section of Chicago. While there are quite a few posh mansions in Lincoln Park, coach houses -- hidden behind the street-front homes -- are common dwellings for those with more moderate incomes. These quaint abodes are completely separate from the main residence and provide a very quiet and secluded existence, set off from the actual road and accessed through side gates.

In general, the average sales price for a one- to three-bedroom unit in Lincoln Park is around $435,000. However, potential homebuyers will find the range for attached properties spans from the low $100,000s for a studio to $3 million for a four- or five-bedroom townhouse with two-car garage. The average sales price for a single-family detached home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is about $1.6 million with the lower end dipping into the $500,000s for a tiny "worker's cottage" or coach house, and the upper end easily reaching into the multi-millions -- we're talking anywhere from six to 16 million dollars -- for a straight up three- or four-story Victorian estate.

There are lots of ways to get around Lincoln Park -- one of which is using your own two feet. One great benefit of this Chicago neighborhood is that almost everything is within walking distance. But when you're running late, it's too cold, or you're just feeling lazy, there are taxis galore. Just pick a spot on the curb at on of the main thoroughfares and stick out your hand -- cabs will appear instantly. The tough part is finding one that isn't already occupied.

Saving cash? We try, so we rely as much as possible on the city buses and trains to get us where we need to go. Chicago's public transportation system (the CTA) is one of the best in the country -- convenient and accessible. The "El" (named for the fact that some lines run on elevated tracks) takes passengers on a straight shot through DePaul University's campus and the center of Lincoln Park. The underground Red Line train stops at North and Clybourn and at Fullerton Avenue, while the Brown Line makes four stops in the neighborhood: at Armitage, Fullerton, Diversey and Sedgwick avenues. A trip to any downtown destination from either the Red or Brown line is easy and fast as they both head directly into the city's center. And the Brown Line operates on an elevated track and heads south around the Loop affording wonderful up-close views of the buildings while you travel.

Multiple bus lines pass through Lincoln Park running both north/south and east/west. The #72 North Avenue bus is a useful route for heading west to the hipsters areas of Bucktown and Wicker Park. And passengers can get off at Damen Avenue to catch the Blue Line El, which goes out to O'Hare International Airport. When we need to get downtown from the neighborhood we usually hop on the #151 bus which takes us to the heart of Chicago, traveling along the eastern edge of the city. It should take about 15 minutes, but we admit, the buses are often slow, so try to allow extra time when possible.

If you plan to have a car in the city, remember that parking is a hidden cost of living in Lincoln Park. Although many homes have a garage or rear parking space, the rest of us duke it out for spots on the street. Purchase of separate city and neighborhood stickers are required for vehicles regularly parked on city streets in Lincoln Park and the stickers have to be renewed annually. And even if you do have your own garage, when you leave it, everyone's in the same boat for finding a space in the neighborhood's business districts. For the most part, meters line the main commercial avenues and the side streets offer random spots here and there, as long as you've mastered those parallel parking skills. Restricted by residential zone permits between certain hours, street parking is fairly limited in the evenings and visitors will need a temporary pass to avoid a $50 ticket. On the upside, Lincoln Park residents have nearby access to both interstate 90/94 (Kennedy Expressway) to the west and Lake Shore Drive to the east, making commutes fairly quick and easy.

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Great for pets as Lincoln Park is buffered by miles of tranquil green space and breathtaking shoreline in the neighborhood's namesake 1,200-acre park.

The considerable number of students and young adults who reside in and around this Chicago neighborhood fuel the active nightlife in Lincoln Park. The main arteries of the neighborhood are lined with hundreds of bars, clubs, pubs and theaters. So whether you are in the mood to party until dawn, or to catch an early show, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago's hottest destinations.

If your drink of choice is a pint of Guinness, you're in luck (pun intended), Lincoln Park boasts a bunch of great authentic Irish pubs. The Hidden Shamrock (2723 N Halsted St, 773-883-0304) is a genuine Celtic-themed pub featuring brews from the British Isles and traditional Irish dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We truly feel like we're in Ireland here because we can count on most of the TVs to be tuned to rugby or soccer -- something you don't often see in the typical American bar. Lincoln Park residents can also get in touch with their Irish sides at Halligan Bar (2274 N Lincoln Ave, 773- 472-7940). Owned by two Chicago city firefighters, it's named after a tool used by their profession since the 1940s to pry open locked doors. Fittingly decorated with vintage fire hoses, axes, jackets and an old hydrant, its dark wood walls adorned with mirrors and accented with Irish flags and Guinness beer posters add to the bar's Irish character. And with $3 Guinness specials we can see why this place has loyal regulars. The River Shannon (425 W Armitage Ave, 312-944-5087) is an intimate spot set off the beaten path on the corner of Armitage and Lincoln avenues that has been serving Lincoln Park locals since 1946. It's another neighborhood Irish pub with old world charm that offers a variety of Irish whiskeys and has over 40 beers to choose from. It's been around for over 60 years and you can feel its age. From the mosaic tile floors that are perpetually littered with peanut shells to the gorgeous oak bar, it's one of the best after work spots in the city.

A number of sports bars are sprinkled around the neighborhood as well and, depending on who you're rooting for, there are specific hotspots where you can convene with other likeminded fans. Michigan natives who have settled in Chicago have a few options to remind them of home. Tin Lizzie (2483 N. Clark St, 773-549-1132) broadcasts Michigan State University Spartans and Detroit Red Wings games -- along with all the favorite Chicago-based teams -- on big screen and flat screen TVs throughout the bar. They also have a good selection of beer on tap, basic bar menu options and live entertainment. The Gin Mill (2462 N Lincoln Ave, 773-549-3232) was founded by MSU grads who decked out the interior with lots of green and white Spartan flags and Detroit team posters. It's a great place to watch Michigan sports, but we also enjoy playing darts, shooting pool and listening to DJ that spins tunes on Saturday nights. Notre Dame alumni should make their way over to the newly remodeled Wrightwood Tap (1059 W Wrightwood Ave, 773-549-4949), one of Lincoln Park's traditional watering holes where the Fighting Irish band together to catch all the games via satellite broadcast. Daily specials are a welcome treat with $2 domestic drafts and wells on Tuesdays and $3 microbrews and imports on Thursdays (and live music both days to boot).

For a little more excitement and entertainment than sports on TV and beer in your glass, Wise Fools Pub (2270 N Lincoln Ave, 773-929-1300) is a fun little Lincoln Park nightclub that offers live stand-up comedians and rockin' local musical groups. Following the tradition established by decades of live blues bands who performed at this small venue, Wise Fools continues to book a mix of acts that keep the crowds coming back for more. From the dimly-lit main bar area dark drapes give way to a room where the low stage invites an intimate show and no-nonsense enjoyment. The cover charge to get in is usually reasonable and beer prices are between three and four dollars -- so drink up! On the other side of the neighborhood the U.S. Beer Company (1801 N Clybourn Ave, 773-871-7799) stakes its claim as a viable music venue as well with several bands performing in the basement on weekend nights. The rest of the time this Lincoln Park neighborhood brewery is pretty chilled out with a casual vibe that is further instilled by its laid-back clientele. The U.S. Beer Co. has that comfortable exposed brick, warm lighting feel that is typical of many breweries and with two dozen beers on tap there's sure to be one to suit your tastes.

Clark and Halsted streets and Lincoln, Armitage and Clybourn avenues are packed with culinary options from all corners of the world.

Grocery Stores

Aldi 2600 N Clybourn Ave
Apple Market 2345 N Clark St - (773) 871-2916
Big Apple Finer Foods 2345 N Clark St - (773) 880-5800
Carnival Foods 458 W Dickens Ave - (773) 472-2929
Dominick's Finer Foods 959 W Fullerton Ave - (773) 248-0049; 2550 N Clybourn Ave - (773) 935-5777
Lincoln Food 2306 N Lincoln Ave - (773) 665-9047
Lincoln Park Market 2500 N Clark St - (773) 477-9372
Omni Food Store 2550 N Clybourn Ave - (773) 477-2926
Parkwest Food Mart 2733 N Halsted St - (773) 477-2099
R&A Grocery 2601 N Halsted St - (773) 327-0212
Sunflower Market 1910 N Clybourn Ave - (773) 348-4667
Trader Joe's 1840 N Clybourn Ave - (312) 274-9733
Treasure Island 2121 N Clybourn Ave - (773) 880-8880
Whole Foods Market 1000 W North Ave - (312) 587-0648
Wrightwood Food Mart 1324 W Wrightwood Ave - (773) 327-4133

Gyms

Bally Total Fitness 1455 W Webster Ave - (773) 929-8114
Crunch Fitness 1455 W Webster Ave - (773) 929-8114
Fitness Experts 2000 N Clybourn Ave - (773) 770-0162
Lakeshore Athletic Club 1320 W Fullerton Ave - (773) 477-9888
Lincoln Park Athletic Club 1019 W Diversey Pkwy - (773) 529-2022
Lincoln Park Fitness Center 444 W Fullerton Pkwy - (773) 281-8715
Webster Fitness Club 957 W Webster Ave - (773) 248-2006

Lincoln Park is home to educational facilities that range from grade school to college level, with one of the nation's most distinguished universities serving as the anchor of the academic community in this near north side Chicago neighborhood.

Founded in 1898 by a religious mission known as the Vincentians who first called the school St. Vincent's College, DePaul University (2320 N Kenmore Ave, 773-687-1000) continues to be a thriving private Catholic institution that has produced many of country's celebrated civil leaders, politicians, professional athletes, musicians and film stars. DePaul offers more than two hundred undergraduate and graduate programs that are recognized for creating a challenging educational environment with hands-on learning experiences and high caliber professors. Located in the center of Lincoln Park, DePaul adds a youthful element to the neighborhood. The campus occupies 36 acres and houses around 3,000 students in its residential halls. The overflow of students lives nearby in attractive brownstone walk-ups and rental apartments. A mixture of contemporary and older university buildings are concentrated between Halsted and Racine streets, pushing north to Webster Avenue and south past Fullerton. Conveniences such as a grocery store, post office, public library and El stop cater to the student population, and are handy for any Lincoln Park resident's daily routines. The area surrounding DePaul is vibrant and lively with a college town feel, making Lincoln Park a go-to spot for weekend entertainment and nighttime fun.

Families find Lincoln Park has many public and private schools to choose from.