Exploring Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood

By Bob Glaze

Lincoln Square in Chicago is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. I love exploring the neighborhood and taking walks, especially on Lincoln Ave. Pedestrian zone between W. Lealand Ave. and W. Lawrence Ave. It has some great entertainment options as well as some excellent shops, cafes and restaurants. There is usually ample parking on the street and in the surrounding parking garages, or you can simply Take the Brown Line train to Western on the CTA “L.”

I was there again recently for Sunday brunch on August 4th and wanted to share my Favorite places and some of my new finds.

Pharmacy Merz: This pharmacy, located at 4716 N. Lincoln Ave., was founded in 1875. In a replica of traditional decor, they sell homeopathic remedies, vitamins, Dietary supplements, other natural medicines, natural skin care, bath, aromatherapy and other personal care products from around the world. They also have a huge Selection of natural and luxury soaps.

Pharmacy Merz

The chopping block: This is a great place to take a hands-on cooking class, a cooking demonstration or take part in an outdoor barbecue or wine course. I have several great classes in the past. They have just set up a new classroom on the ground floor and Space for an expanded retail store upstairs. They are now only at 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. after closing its original location in Lincoln Park and its Merchandise Mart Location.

The chopping block

Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen: At 4750 N. Lincoln Ave. this is a great place for Sausage, meat and delicatessen. You can also try the beer and wine on the roof Garden, Friday to Sunday, with smoked sausages and bratwurst prepared on an open wood grill.

Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen

Nearby, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., is The Book Cellar. This is a popular independent Bookstore, open daily, with café for coffee, beer, wine sandwiches and pastries. They also host literary readings and other book-related events.

The Book Cellar

Nearby, 4619 N. Lincoln Ave., is Midwest Nicea small gallery and a gift shop with works by 100 artists and makers. Here you will find prints, paintings, handmade goods, jewelry, candles and more.

Midwest Nice

One of my favorite places in the neighborhood was Café Selmarie at 4729 N. Lincoln Ave. After forty years, the owners decided to retire and close the restaurant in April. 2024. Andrew Pillman took it over and opened his new restaurant, Willow Cafe and bistro. There is a breakfast and lunch menu as well as a brunch menu on the weekends. There is also a bakery and a café in addition to the dining room Rooms and outdoor terrace.

Willow Cafe and Bistro

When I went to brunch recently, I noticed that many of the waiters and kitchens Employees stayed and joined the new employees. I liked the modernization and redesign of the interior space and the beautiful outdoor terrace. I found that the smoked salmon, tomatoes and Spinach eggs Benedict along with breakfast potatoes were the perfect choice. My The waiter was also excellent. I’m so glad I decided to come back.

Willow Cafe and Bistro

Bistro Campagne at 4518 Lincoln Ave. is a traditional French bistro that has been the locals’ favorite since 2002. I was there again after several years and enjoyed the Experience. You have expanded and developed the dining room. You have several cozy dining rooms inside as well as great seating on the outdoor terrace. I was very impressed by the food and the extensive wine list. I was with friends during Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Restaurant Week, now The Northside Restaurant Week. While they normally have an à la carte menu, there was a three-course menu with
Wine accompaniment at a very reasonable price.

Bistro Campagne

I also like Gather Restaurant at 4539 N. Lincoln Ave. Both my friend and I loved the Omelette when we went for brunch!! They are now only open for dinner, along with Family dinner on Sunday evening. They have a cozy interior and great Outdoor area for summer dining.

Gather

Next door at 4535 N. Lincoln Ave. is The Wood Warbleropened with the same team behind Collect. They have a great menu with American comfort food and vegetarian dishes. I found the food excellent. I liked the baked mussels and the Cauliflower and asparagus as a side dish. There is outdoor seating in the warmer months. I think that the service and the elegant, modern design also contributed to making it a great experience. They are open for both lunch and dinner and offer familySupper club menus during the week.

The Wood Warbler

Baker Miller moved from 4610 N. Western Ave. to 4655 North Lincoln Ave. B. Owner Dave and Megan Miller received two James Beard nominations for Excellent bakery. They recently closed Baker Miller and the colorful Cafe, Bagel Millera new concept with a menu of bagels, bagel sandwiches and deli side dishes. There are also donuts, cookies, muffins and coffee drinks. I loved the cake batter donut.

Bagel Miller

I also enjoy Marketplace (formerly Yogurt Square) for their many flavors of frozen Yogurt at 4701 N. Lincoln Ave. I have been there several times and always enjoy sitting on their outdoor terrace.

Geraldine’s Café & Bakery is a cozy place for coffee, pastries and breakfast dishes from the all-day breakfast menu. 4743 N. Lincoln Ave.

Geraldine’s Café & Bakery

Artango Bar & Steakhouseformerly at 4217 N. Ravenswood, now at 4767 N. Lincoln on Lincoln Square. It specializes in Argentine and South American cuisine for dinner. They also offer live music and teach tango classes during the week, so For further details please visit the website.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse

Another favorite is Luella’s Southern Cuisine at 4609 N. Lincoln. Chef Darnell Reed named the restaurant after his grandmother Luella. Her influences can be seen in its traditional southern dishes from shrimp to chicken gumbo. Their lease expires in October 2024, and they will move to a new location nearby. I will will be updated as soon as I learn of the new location.

Luella’s Southern Cuisine

Opened in August 2016 is Oromo Cafea hip café with great coffee and a beautifully designed space. 4703 N. Lincoln.

Oromo Cafe

Also great for coffee is Skyline Chicago – Coffee Lounge at 4755 N. Lincoln Ave. Opening in 2023, this is a fun airplane-themed cafe and lounge with a large selection of tea and coffee drinks. Matcha and Horchata are also on the menu Lattes. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and my matcha latte.

Skyline Chicago – Coffee Lounge

Fans of the famous architect Louis Sullivan should definitely stop by and The Krause Music Store Building, a historic landmark dating back to 1922. Located at 4611 N. Lincoln Ave., it was one of Sullivan’s last projects from his late period. The The interior of the building has been completely renovated, but the exterior remains unchanged.

Local events throughout the year include the Lincoln Square Farmers Marketheld Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings from May to November and Apple Firmly Early October. I have been to Apple Fest in the past and enjoyed it. This year It takes place on October 5th and 6th.

Lincoln Square

From mid-June to mid-August there is a Summer concert serieswhere it Free music concerts by Chicago musicians at Giddings Plaza, 4734 N. : Lincoln Avenue.

Lincoln Square-Giddings Plaza

The Old school of folk music offers courses, concerts and events throughout year at 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.

For film lovers: Be sure to see a film at Davis Theatre“originally known as Pershing Theater, was built in 1918 and opened with variety and silent films Films. In the 1930s, the Pershing was converted to show sound films and was Davis Theater. In the 1970s, the theater became a series of Entertainment including puppet shows, second performances and revivals. In
In January 2016, the theatre was brought back to life in its current state as historic landmark and community center for cinema and events.” 4614 N. Lincoln Avenue.