Lincoln Square Neighborhood Information

Lincoln Square Attractions

Lincoln Square is a historically and culturally important neighborhood in Chicago. When visiting, make sure you catch these unique attractions that reflect the area's heritage.

On the corner of Lincoln and Leland is the Lincoln Square Mural, which captures the German influences of Lincoln Square. It presents many famous landmarks in Germany, such as Lake Constanze, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Liebfrauen Church in Munich, and the Black Forest. The sheer size of the work is impressive: 3,000 square feet! The artist, Lothar Speer, used a special paint invented in Germany in the 1880s in order to continue the German heritage of the piece.

The statue of Abraham Lincoln that you'll find at the intersection of Lincoln, Western and Lawrence avenues might make you wonder what's missing. Lincoln is shown without his famous beard as a tribute to historic images of Lincoln when he visited Chicago several times in the late 1850s. The inscription reads, "Free society is not, and shall not be a failure. Abraham Lincoln, Chicago, December 10, 1856."

In Giddings Plaza you'll find the Lombard Lamp and Giddings Square Fountain. In 1979, the German city of Hamburg gave this lamp to Chicago. It resembles those found on the Hamburg Bridge. Mayor Bilandic decided to place it in Lincoln Square because of the area's German heritage. The Louis Sullivan building, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, inspired the architecture of the Giddings Square Fountain. This location is the center of many Lincoln Square festivals and outdoor concerts.

If you go to the Lincoln Square Farmers Market on Tuesday mornings, you won't be able to miss the Maypole in the center. The Maypole is another reflection of German tradition found in the neighborhood. Every May, villages in Germany build a Maypole and decorate it with flowers to celebrate the spring. Lincoln Square's Maypole features depictions of significant Chicago events and even a German family farming in the same area Lincoln Square now occupies.

The Louis Sullivan building we mentioned before was originally built to house a music shop and an upstairs apartment. It is now occupied by the Museum of Decorative Arts. On display at the museum are pieces from 1870-1930 representing the Arts & Crafts, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco movements.

Where to Shop

Lincoln Square is the place for small, locally-owned shops that focus on quality, hard-to-find products and neighborly service. Go into any of these stores and you'll want to make it a regular stop. In some cases, the owners work the cash register and in all cases, if you can't find something they'll know how to get it for you. You'll feel like you're in a small town with big city products.

Merz Apothecary (4716 N Lincoln Ave, 773-989-0900) has a 130-year history of selling natural remedies in the European tradition. The story of this establishment adds to the charm of the store. When its doors were about to close for good in the 1970s, a pharmacist dissatisfied with the industry decided to quit his job and take over the shop to practice his trade with a more holistic approach. He kept the original handwritten formulary used when the store first opened, and he still sells some of its mixtures. Today you'll also find some of the world's best bath and beauty products alongside some of the oldest treatments. Ruff Haus Pets (4652 N Rockwell, 773-478-5100) specializes in providing your pets with foods that more accurately reflect their natural diet and are organically grown. The owner also has a commitment to buying all his products locally, such as dog beds and pet toys. The grooming service is popular, especially on Sundays when you can go in without an appointment and use their facilities to groom your own pet.

If you're looking for good shoes, look no further than Salamander Shoes (4740 N Lincoln Ave, 773-784-7463). When Christine Luscher set up this store in Lincoln Square, she wanted to provide a place for Europeans to find their favorite brands from home. She claims that Europeans make better and more comfortable shoes for walking than American brands - and all her customers must agree! Find your favorite and then put them to good use exploring the neighborhood.

The Dressing Room (4635 N Lincoln Ave, 773-728-0088) is every woman's dream of a boutique clothing store. The owners intentionally made this boutique different than any other they've experienced: a range of sizes, affordable prices, complimentary salespeople, plus a stroller and kid-friendly showroom. Their selection of accessories also takes advantage of the local talent. Stanley Brown Jewelist (4751 N Lincoln Ave, 773-561-7229) is a family-owned and operated jewelry store that has been in Lincoln Square since 1912. The showcases offer antiques and new pieces, but this neighborhood institution specializes in custom jewelry. Stanley Brown will either make your design in-house or send it away to one of their jewelers. They also repair antique watches and the owner has been known to build replacement parts from scratch if no longer made by manufacturers.

Music and Theater Venues

Lincoln Square has a vibrant music and theater scene. Don't miss the events at these locations!

Lincoln Square Theater (4754 N Leavitt) is a project of the Lincoln Square Arts Center. People come here for readings by writers and directors, dances, plays, concerts and workshops. You can get involved in the Chicago arts scene by attending (or even participating) in the various events from local and emerging artists. The Old Town School for Folk Music (4544 N Lincoln Ave, 773-728-600) doesn't just teach banjo and mouth harp. It operates under the philosophy that "music is for everyone." They offer group classes for kids, teens and adults covering the more popular instruments, dance and drama. Private lessons are also available. The Old Town School event calendar isn't too shabby - folk, world music and traditional concerts fill the seats throughout the year. Plus there are plenty of regular shows, such as World Music Wednesdays, to keep audiences entertained.

Catch hit new releases in vintage movie house style at Davis Theater (4614 N Lincoln Ave). Enjoy state-of-the-art technology in rocking chairs, and don't neglect the newly renovated concessions stand. All this and more for better-than-average movie prices!

Dining and Nightlife in Lincoln Square

Dining

The restaurants in Lincoln Square set this neighborhood apart from other areas. This is where you can find a laid-back bar and an upscale dining experience - and everything in between. People from all over Chicago come to Lincoln Square restaurants for their food and atmosphere. You're sure to find a favorite among them.

Pizza D.O.C. (2251 W Lawrence Ave, 773-784-8777) is where Italians go for pizza. Expect an Italian crust with American toppings for a fusion that will have you setting your speed dial for this pizzeria. They do offer carryout, and reservations are suggested. Chicago Brauhaus (4732 N Lincoln Ave, 773-784-4444) gives you a feel for what Lincoln Square was like back in the day when much of the community was German-born residents. Enjoy traditional German food in traditional German style - with plenty of beer, music and dancing to accompany your meal. 42 Degrees N. Latitude (4500 N Lincoln Ave, 773-907-2226) offers a low-key, high-quality experience. No entrée is over $20, but standard bar food wouldn't fit here. The burgers are made from house-ground beef and the appetizers are fresh. Enjoy the patio outside or the spacious bar inside. The warm colors and exposed brick walls dress up a good casual space. And don't forget brunch on Saturdays and Sundays!

Bistro Campagne (4518 N Lincoln Ave, 773-271-6100) has garnered attention for their excellent French cuisine prepared with organic ingredients in a warm, inviting atmosphere. They focus on countryside French cooking and great wine and beer. The escargot and steamed mussels get rave reviews from all over Chicago and the patio garden remains a favorite dining spot in Lincoln Square during the summer. For tasty Thai dishes, head over to Yes Thai (5211 N Damen Ave, 773-878-3487). Great for carryout or delivery, the food is carefully prepared at this family-run restaurant.

Bars and Nightlife

Whether you're going for a cocktail after work, want a place to watch the weekend game, or need a space for a private party, Lincoln Square is equipped to serve your purposes.

Grafton Irish Pub & Grill (4530 N Lincoln Ave, 773-271-9000) is a favorite watering hole of Lincoln Square locals. This meeting place has the best of Irish pubs: an incredible selection of beer on tap, an impressive stock of whiskeys and scotches, and traditional Irish pub food. Relax by the fire and enjoy the regular selection of live music. Huettenbar (4721 N Lincoln Ave, 773-561-2507) is a popular venue for post work release and weekend night revelry. Expect a steady stream of visitors - and German beer. In the summer the crowd at Huettenbar spills out onto the sidewalk and it's a pretty sure thing that once you've set foot outside this fun-filled Lincoln Square hangout, you're sure to be back for more good times.

One neighborhood bar has such a low profile there's no sign out front. The only indication that Spyners Pub (4623 N Western Ave, 773-784-8719) exists is a Miller Light emblem at the corner of Western & Eastwood. This under-the-radar establishment has a surprisingly happening interior: pool tables, darts, karaoke (on Friday and Saturday), and cheap specials every night of the week! The combination of good deals and entertaining bar games creates a pretty loyal following. Daily Bar & Grill (4560 N Lincoln Avenue, 773-472-1601) is a trendy haunt for bar food, sports games, and hanging out after a movie at the Davis Theater. Usually a younger set is drawn to this neighborhood den, but the outdoor patio has plenty of seating in warmer months to accommodate everyone interested in a beer with their burger and fries.

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