Experience Lincoln Park
This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream — manicured gardens, a hidden lily pond, a historic indoor botanical garden, and tons of lakefront green space with sweeping city views. It also happens to be home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and an acclaimed dining scene that includes one of the best restaurants on the planet.
What sets Lincoln Park apart is the area’s namesake park. That’s where you’ll find lushly landscaped grounds, the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum, Nature Boardwalk, Farm in the Zoo, Theater on the Lake — there’s enough here to spend an entire day (or weekend) exploring. Below, we have listed a few recommendations if you’re planning ahead.
Fine dining
Eateries in Lincoln Park are enticing, from the bustling energy of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, to notoriously romantic fondue haven Geja’s Cafe and Michelin-starred Boka. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reserve a table at ultra-acclaimed Alinea. It’s often named one of the best restaurants in the world, thanks to its avant-garde tasting menus and interactive presentation.
Shopping
Lincoln Park is also a shopper’s paradise. The charming area around Armitage and Halsted is where you’ll find tons of beautiful boutiques lined up in historic row homes. Take a shopping break at Chicago’s own Vosges Haut-Chocolat, famous for their globally inspired flavors (try the absinthe and coconut ash truffle).
World class bars
Sip on cocktails at the all-seasons J. Parker rooftop, with stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can't go wrong with the bramble—or really any cocktail on the menu at Love Street.
Music Venues
Listen to Chicago-style blues at the legendary Kingston Mines, it has live music till 4 a.m. every night of the week. Just next door is Chicago B.L.U.E.S. which is also solid entertainment.