Photo Credit / CC BY-ND 2.0

Neighborhood Overview

Lincoln Park wasn’t always the yuppie haven that it is today. Of course, I say that lovingly, as this neighborhood is where I grew up and grew to love Chicago. But it may surprise you to learn that just 20 years ago the area was home to young, artsy types (those who later moved on to the West Side). In fact, as a neighbor to the low-income housing units of Cabrini-Green, Lincoln Park also experienced regular violence and gang activity.

You wouldn’t know it today, though. Hundreds of older homes have been torn down in exchange for ritzy mansions, many of which occupy several lots. BMWs and SUVs roam the streets, and strollers dominate the sidewalks. Real estate prices have skyrocketed, thanks to the extravagant homes, world-class restaurants and pricey boutiques and chain stores that are consistently appearing. In fact, in 2007 Forbes magazine named part of Lincoln Park as the most expensive blocks in Chicago, with some homes valued at more than $10 million.

Though some Chicagoans shun the neighborhood for its gentrification and inescapable yuppie reputation, it’s still home to much of the city’s culture and activity. The Chicago Historical Society is headquartered here, as are four of the city’s most important churches: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, St. Clement Church, St. Josaphat’s and St. Michael’s Church. And let’s not forget the neighborhood’s namesake, the expansive lakefront park that also houses the Lincoln Park Zoo and North Pond. And for those who avoid the contemporary joints that have moved in, a few ancient watering holes and restaurants have stuck around through the years — you just have to know where to find ‘em. The fact of the matter is that whether you’re into glitz and glam or grime and grit, Lincoln Park holds its own as one of Chicago’s most loved neighborhoods.

What’s up in Lincoln Park

Attractions
Nightlife
Restaurants
Gyms & Spas (Coming soon!)

Lincoln Park Super Map

Public Transportation

L: Red Line (North/Clybourn, Fullerton), Brown Line (Sedgwick, Armitage, Fullerton), Purple Line (Sedgwick, Armitage, Fullerton)
Bus: #8, 11, 22, 36, 72, 73, 74, 76, 151, 156

Attractions in Lincoln Park

• Baby Wants Candy: A Completely Improvised Musical
• Wiener's Circle: The One and Only
• Second City Comedy: 50 Years of Funny
• Theater on the Lake
• Chicago History Museum
• Lincoln Park Theater District
• Old Town School of Folk Music
• The Biograph Theater
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• WhirlyBall: A Uniquely Chicago Sport
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Restaurants in Lincoln Park

• Rose Angelis (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Fish Bar (Restaurant, Lakeview)
• The Local Option (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Flat Top Grill (Restaurant, Multiple Locations)
• Wiener's Circle: The One and Only
• Sono Wood Fired (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Burger Bar (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Bourgeois Pig Cafe (Restaurant/Cafe, Lincoln Park)
• The Counter (Restaurant, Lakeview)
• R.J. Grunts (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Epic Burger (Restaurant, Lincoln Park/Loop)
• Cafe Ba Ba Reeba (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Gemini Bistro (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Ringo (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Nesh (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Stanley's Kitchen and Tap (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Jack's Bar & Grill and 404 Wine Bar (Restaurant, American, Lincoln Park)
• Kith & Kin (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Kingston Mines (Blues Bar & Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Toast (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Castaways (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Tilli's (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Pasta Palazzo (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Athenian Room (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Geja's Cafe (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Uncle Julio's La Hacienda (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Dee's (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Sprout (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. (Restaurant, Lincoln Park)

Nightlife in Lincoln Park

• Baby Wants Candy: A Completely Improvised Musical
• Joe's Bar On Weed Street (Bar/Concert Venue, Lincoln Park)
• McGee's (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• The Beaumont (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Kendalls (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Kincades (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• The Apartment (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Gamekeepers (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Halligan's (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Lincoln Hall (Bar & Music Venue, Lincoln Park)
• Racine Plumbing Company (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Delilah's (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Kingston Mines (Blues Bar & Restaurant, Lincoln Park)
• Kincades (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Lion Head Pub (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• Kelly's Pub (Bar, Lincoln Park)
• WhirlyBall: A Uniquely Chicago Sport

Gyms & Spas in Lincoln Park

Coming soon!