This blog post makes me feel a little bit like I’m cheating… after all, Lincoln Square isn’t terribly far from where I live (actually only 3 stops away via Brown Line) but, I wanted to include it because it is a place I bring a lot of out-of-towners because it is super cute with lots to do and it's an area on the north side the average tourist doesn’t know about.
It is quite a bit like a small town within a big city. One will immediately notice the strong German influence here (it is home to Dank Haus - - the German-American Cultural Center and the German-American Fest in the Summertime). Lincoln square also can be noted for its many independent and nationally known stores, the Summer Concert Series and the Old Town School of Folk Music which hosts the Square Roots Festival yearly. If I were to describe Lincoln Square using 3 words only, they would be “Babies, Brats and Beer” (I can't take credit for that. I am definitely stealing that from some kitschy local artwork at a street fest). Lincoln Square is home to many young families due to its easy access to the Brown Line and its decently affordable housing.
Farmers first settled here in the 1860’s and 1870’s, but the population of the Square took off when the electric streetcar appeared around 1900, and growth really exploded in 1907 with the arrival of the elevated train (now the Brown Line - - Western and Montrose stops).
Let’s take a stroll now starting at the Western El stop, up into the actual “square” and then down Lincoln toward the Montrose stop. Along the way, I’ll show you some of my favorite points of interest.
Farmers first settled here in the 1860’s and 1870’s, but the population of the Square took off when the electric streetcar appeared around 1900, and growth really exploded in 1907 with the arrival of the elevated train (now the Brown Line - - Western and Montrose stops).
Let’s take a stroll now starting at the Western El stop, up into the actual “square” and then down Lincoln toward the Montrose stop. Along the way, I’ll show you some of my favorite points of interest.
First we’ll meander from the Western stop underneath the green Lincoln Square sign. Once you've passed under the sign, you should check out Merz Apothocary (est 1875). This soap, herb and lotion specialty store is home to every aroma imaginable. Here you’ll find loose leaf herbs of all kinds, candles up the wazoo and a new expanded area with all kinds of shaving accessories (Sweeney Todd would be in heaven) and body oils of every variety that makes one wonder “What the hell is THIS for?” (Luckily there are an excessive number of employees to answer your every inquiry). There is one other location downtown at the historic Palmer House on Monroe and State streets.
The Book Cellar is an independent book store/wine bar/café worth stopping into. My favorite thing about this place is that the employees write reviews about many of their favorite books in the store and it’s fun to peruse their opinions with a glass of vino in hand.
Gene’s Sausage Shop is a place you can stop in for all of your sausage and sauerkraut needs. It's also a good stop before having a picnic in the park right down the street at Welles Park (which is one of my favorite nice weather activities). There's a little known about beer garden and restaurant on the roof of Gene's that's open in the nice weather. Take the elevator up to the top to get there. Gene's is included on many top 10 lists including the Best Butcher shops in Chicago from CBS Chicago.
If you’re looking to spice up your life, Savory Spice Shop is a fun new place I recently discovered. Similar to The Spice House, the unique thing about this store is that you are encouraged to try any and all of the spices, and when you’re done with your sample, you just brush the rest off onto the floor! The little kid in me is thrilled about this. They have a very friendly/not overly aggressive staff that helps you but isn’t obnoxious about it, and adorable little gift packs with spice combinations ranging from Bloody Mary spices to Curry combos to popcorn toppers. Good stuff and great gift giving ideas.
A snowman hanging out in the square
This is the actual “square” in Lincoln Square. It reminds me a little of a piazza in Italy but with more brats and babies, of course. This is the spot where the Summer Concert Series takes place. There’s usually a mess of kids who enjoy playing here and a musician or a clown offering entertainment. I recommend grabbing a frozen yogurt at Yogurt Square and popping a squat on a bench while you watch Lincoln Square in action.
Heading south of the actual square down Lincoln Ave, you will spot Laurie’s Planet of Sound. This is where I found happiness for the afternoon. Here, you can dig through used and new records, DVDs and games to your heart’s content. Knowing I only had a limited amount of sunlight remaining in the day, I definitely spent more than my allotted time here - - but look at what I found!
Not the cat, the cat was mine. But I did find 2 Steve Martin albums and a George Harrison "Dark Horse" album.
Davis Theatre
The Davis Theater is the best. They offer cheap tickets in exchange seeing your movie in an older, not at all state-of-the-art facility and they only host 5 movies at most. But I do enjoy the old timey-marquee and the charm of the place.
Lincoln Square is also home to the last commissioned work of Louis Sullivan (famous Chicago architect known for his elaborately decorative art deco designs and facades). It is now home to Studio V Design.
The Old Town School of Folk Music is another important and influential staple of Lincoln Square. This multifunctional space offers group and private classes for all types of instruments, dance classes and children’s music classes. It also has great performance space that attracts the likes of Steve Martin, Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Marketa Irglova. I challenge you to walk down Lincoln Ave and not spot someone carrying a music case of some kind. The school has a giant influence on the creative types that color the neighborhood.
The Old Town School of Folk Music
Mmmm... one of my favorite brunch spots
The Bistro Campagne is by far my favorite food stop, especially for brunch. It is wise to call ahead for a reservation if you can. I have never been disappointed there. Be sure to reserve an outside table in the nice weather because they’ve got the cutest outdoor seating area.
The sun setting over Welles Park
Welles Park is a gorgeous stretch of parkland with a two great playgrounds for the kiddos. In the warm weather, you’ll see multiple softball and baseball teams playing here and a beautiful gazebo set in the middle. Toward the end of the summer, the Midnight Circus pops up here with it's purple and black striped tent.
At this point we have reached Montrose, but instead of heading east to the Montrose Brown Line, do yourself a favor and head south a little further on Lincoln towards The Bad Apple. Head inside for a beer and their truffle fries with homemade ketchup, or get a full meal and admire the industrial art on the walls and play a game of shuffleboard. This is one of my favorite “off the beaten path” restaurants to take people. It’s a fun atmosphere and I have never not had a good time here.
Lincoln Square is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. I’m so happy it’s just a couple Brown Line stops away from me. You can build the perfect day or evening for an out-of-towner here, easily. Or for that matter, the perfect day for a local.
Happy travels!
Amy
Happy travels!
Amy
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