Lincoln Square - Chicago, IL Area Guide

Present-day Lincoln Square was primarily unsettled prairie land until the 1850s. As the city's public transportation system spread to the north, the neighborhood began to grow into more than just a settlement. German immigrants helped build it into a thriving urban community. The City of Chicago annexed the area in the 1920s, making it an official part of the city.

While the neighborhood has a diverse population, Lincoln Square still honors its German roots. The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center provides access to German films, art, history and cuisine. Every summer, the neighborhood hosts German Fest, which showcases beers, food and music from Germany.

When it comes to finding great food, drinks and entertainment, residents of the Lincoln Square area don't have to look far. Numerous options for ethnic and American cuisines, craft beers and signature cocktails exist. Many of the bars here can be found in the actual town square as well as near the two Brown Line train stops.

For tasty, affordable Mexican food in a cozy setting, head to Garcia's on Lawrence Avenue. This restaurant has gained notoriety for its super-sized burritos, but locals also enjoy the frozen margaritas and the spicy tortilla soup.

Chicago Brauhaus pays homage to the neighborhood's roots by serving authentic German cuisine. Live entertainment featuring music from Germany makes every day seem like Oktoberfest at this eatery. Locals come here for the Bismarck herring and the sauerbraten, but other mouthwatering choices also appear on the menu. Pair your meal with an ice-cold German beer for the full Chicago Brauhaus experience.

Yes Thai on Foster Avenue features a sleek, modern interior that makes it great for a quick lunch or a quiet date night. The menu highlights some of the most popular Thai dishes, including beef basil and crispy noodles. Be sure to stay for dessert, as Yes Thai serves a sweet and decadent cheesecake drizzled in chocolate.

For a drink after work, head to the Atlantic Bar & Grill or Claddagh Ring. These two neighborhood watering holes are always packed with locals, and both have a laid-back atmosphere.

Residents of Lincoln Square enjoy easy access to U.S. Highway 41, which becomes historic Lake Shore Drive once you get to the Lake Michigan shoreline. I-90 and I-94 are a quick drive to the west, providing access to the west and northwest suburbs.

While driving is always an option in Lincoln Square, many locals choose public transportation. Two of the CTA Brown Line stops are within the neighborhood, and some CTA buses routes cut through the heart of the area.

Pedestrians enjoy easy access to local attractions, particularly along Western Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. Cyclists can find some bike-friendly streets, but larger roads sometimes prove dangerous for biking.

Parking here is a mix of paid street parking and resident-only permit parking. A few side streets do offer free parking, but spots can be difficult to find. To save on the hassle of driving and parking, some residents leave their car parked and take a taxi. Cabs are easy to find here, particularly on the busier streets. You can also arrange for a ride with Uber.

Winnemac Park is the largest park in Lincoln Square, and its 40 acres of public land gives recreation seekers plenty of room to frolic, exercise and relax. Home to a picnic area, playground, tennis courts and a baseball field, this park provides scenic views and a great place to hold community events and gatherings.

River Park, located on the western edge of the neighborhood, has many of the same amenities as Winnemac park, but it also has a friendly space for dogs to socialize. A public pool and water park make this facility a popular attraction for families when the weather heats up. Every summer, the Chicago Park District hosts its Movies in the Park event, which showcases more than 250 film screenings at park locations throughout the city, including the Lincoln Square parks.

Renters living in Lincoln Square pay an average of $1,726 /month to rent an apartment, compared to the city average of $2,215. City dwellers exploring houses for rent throughout Lincoln Square can expect to pay around $2,600 per month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $554,000, compared to the city average of $262,866.

Lincoln Square has both boutiques and specialty stores. Many of these shops lie near the Lincoln Square town square, situated just off of the Western Brown Line stop. For department stores, chain boutiques and high-end shopping, locals travel downtown or to one of the many suburban shopping malls.

Gene's Sausage Shop has become a staple of the neighborhood. This specialty grocer features freshly made sausage with authentic German ingredients. You can try its tasty products at home or dine in the in-shop restaurant.

Merz Apothecary remains an important part of this neighborhood. This pharmacy and specialty shop has been selling unique personal-care items and medications since 1875. Walk into this shop, and you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Marbles the Brain Store sells whimsical children's toys that inspire creativity and learning while keeping little ones busy. This store may be small, but it has plenty of goodies and a few demo toys for tots to try.

For large grocery shopping trips, locals venture outside of the neighborhood's boundaries to nearby Aldi, Jewel-Osco, Mariano's and Tony's Finer Food locations. Lincoln Square hosts the Lincoln Square Farmers Market every Thursday evening. This weekly event runs throughout the summer, with the support of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.