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The Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park with the buildings reflecting from the lagoon during dusk.
Lincoln Park has some pretty view.
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Where to Eat in Lincoln Park

A longtime dining destination continues to evolve with creative tasting menus and cuisines unavailable anywhere else in the city

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
Lincoln Park has some pretty view.
| Shutterstock
by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated

Lincoln Park’s dining scene has been heating up over the last few years, and it’s needed the upgrade. Yes, the North Side neighborhood boasts a pair of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Chicago’s only three-starred entry, but Lincoln Park was top-heavy. The historic area full of million-dollar brownstones also needed to cater to college students at DePaul University, presenting a dilemma for restaurant owners.

Recently, chefs have begun investing in the North Side neighborhood, and Lincoln Park is better for it. Check out some of the best options in the area.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

D Cuisine

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This charming Chinese restaurant near Clark and Broadway has a wonderful lineup of dim sum specials — some of the best away from Chinatown. The morning hours make this an attractive option for weekend brunch, as dim sum is properly enjoyed before noon.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239

Also featured in:

Batter & Berries

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Quietly, Batter & Berries has become one of the city’s most important restaurants, a Black-owned brunchery on the North Side that is constantly busy serving French toast flights and more. The service is friendly and the brunch is innovative thanks to founding chef Derek Rylon, who opened it in 2012. Though Rylon is gone, the restaurant has not missed a beat and continues to excel. B&B is one of those spots customers can visit and quickly find their happy place.

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710
(773) 248-7710

Also featured in:

Pat's Pizza and Ristorante

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Arguably the city’s best thin-crust pizza maker, Pat’s has a long history in Lincoln Park and Lakeview of turning out consistently delicious pies. This is one of the prime examples of Chicago tavern-style pizza. The signature sausage topping is a must if porky goodness is preferred. The dining room is comfy and great for families.

2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-0168
(773) 248-0168
Pizza cut into squares. Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Tandoor Char House

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For years, Tandoor Char House has stayed in its lane — a South Asian restaurant that fills the niche for quality Punjabi classics that most Americans know about. But as Chicago’s IQ for South Asian food increased, Char House began introducing more fusion dishes like spicy chicken wings, burgers, and steaks. While naan and chicken tikka are delicious, take a chance on the newer dishes. 

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-2652
(773) 327-2652
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Sushi Hall

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Veteran Chicago sushi chef Mitch Kim helms the kitchen at Sushi Hall, a neighborhood haven where sushi aficionados and novices gather for a diverse menu that ranges from familiar favorites (think traditional maki, sashimi, and nigiri) as well as twists like tempura-battered jalapeno poppers and katsu fried green tomatoes.

2630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 698-6690
(773) 698-6690
An L-shaped sushi counter with orange upholstered stools. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

The Wiener's Circle

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The Wiener Circle cannot be denied. The late-night hot dog stand, famous for its brash treatment of customers, still delivers great char dogs, burgers, and fries. The abuse may have mellowed a little bit, but the show still goes on during the weekends. A remodeled space includes a rear bar with cocktails. This is a Chicago institution known for its funny signage and Halloween costumes.

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-7444
(773) 477-7444
A brown sign that reads “We sells wieners.” Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Del Seoul

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There are several Korean fusion taco makers in the city no. But Del Seoul was at the forefront. Korean beef, chicken, and fried shrimp tacos star, but lately they’ve stretched their efforts to lollipop wings, traditional bibimbap, and dumplings. 

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227

Also featured in:

Frances Brunchery

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Frances has a long legacy on Clark Street as a Jewish deli with fabulous sandwiches. A few years ago, after a sale, the new owners brought in Derek Rylon, a chef who made a name for himself at another Lincoln Park restaurant, Batter & Berries. While Frances continues to serve deli sandwiches, there’s now an emphasis on brunch. Rylon’s kitchen specializes in French toast and waffle flights with homemade syrups and toppings: a cinnamon roll waffle features bits of bacon and maple. Frances now has one of the best brunches in the city, demonstrating how a neighborhood icon can find a way to adapt and endure. Expect long weekend lines.

2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4580
(773) 248-4580

Also featured in:

Aloha Eats

Copy Link

This long-time fast-casual Hawaiian restaurant serves the city’s best plate lunch, down to the white disposable containers. Spam musubi and marinated beef short rib make for great meals, along with the customary macaroni salad and a scoop of white rice. 

2534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-6828
(773) 935-6828

Also featured in:

North Pond

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One of the most unique restaurants in the city possesses a beautiful view of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Diners will have to walk into the park to reach this quaint space (the nearest intersection is Clark and Deming), but they’ll experience a fine dining restaurant with a lot of soul. The seasonal tasting menu won’t break the bank, but is special enough for anniversaries, dates, and other special occasions.

North Pond, Chicago, IL 60614
773-477-5845
773-477-5845

Verzenay Chicago

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This casual cafe has light sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The primary influence is French, but chef and owner Arshiya Farheen also occasionally instills South Asian influences using produce from Green City Farmers Market to create specials. There’s also a sidewalk patio.

2507 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8312
(773) 799-8312

Paula's Thai Kitchen

Copy Link

The best Thai food in Lincoln Park comes from Paula’s, thanks to an expansive menu that covers several regions of the country. Sure, the pad Thai and other American favorites are cooked well, but take a deep dive and find different items that aren’t found at other Thai spots in the area (yes, there’s another menu; ask for help). The tiny space specializes in takeout.

2441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 687-8961
(773) 687-8961

Also featured in:

Galit

Copy Link

After earning two James Beard Awards for his work at New Orleans’s Shaya, chef Zach Engel came to Chicago and graced the city with Galit, a restaurant that offers Middle Eastern cuisine with modern flair. Try favorites like tabouli with delicata squash, falafel with Persian pickled turnips, and smoked walleye with rutabaga and gribenes. Even the hummus packs big flavor — and big comfort, for that matter (credit the warm, billowy pita bread that accompanies it).

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-8755
(773) 360-8755
Galit’s masabacha is a beautiful circle of Middle Eastern spread.
Masabacha at Galit
Sandy Noto/Galit

Also featured in:

Bourgeois Pig Cafe

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For more than three decades, this Lincoln Park cafe, known for the vintage books and sandwiches named after American literary works, has been a home for students, travelers, and hospital workers. Recently, the owners opened a second-floor bar with a speakeasy vibe. Folks need a password to get into the Gatsby for cocktails and light bites.

738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-5282
(773) 883-5282
A wide view of a red room with a long wooden bar lit by candelabras. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago's Dog House

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Lincoln Park has no shortage of hot dog stands. There’s the loud (Wiener’s Circle), the foreign (LA’s Dog Haus), and then there’s Chicago’s Dog House. Dog House is a small stand with heart, where the chips are sliced in front of customers, and the sausages are gourmet. Yes, Hot Doug’s isn’t returning, but for those who miss that type of experience, Dog House does the trick. And for vegetarians, there are plenty of meat-free options.

816 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-3647
(773) 248-3647

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Bocadillo Market

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Bocadillo Market features a hidden gem back patio, a charming space that doubles as a lounge for light pastries and coffee during the day or wines and cocktails at night. Chef James Martin explores Spanish cuisine at this all-day restaurant with wonderful sandwiches and more ambitious dinner service with seasonal salads, entrees like Iberico pork, and more. This versatile spot is comfortable enough for daily work only to stash that laptop for an intimate dinner date.

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-0331
(773) 857-0331

Also featured in:

elephant + vine

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The Chicago spinoff of Spirit Elephant, a suburban vegan restaurant, this new spot takes a causal approach to vegan food with fried “chicken” sandwiches and more.

2315 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 546-9742
(312) 546-9742

Also featured in:

Esmé

Copy Link

Former Next Restaurant chef Jenner Tomaska has succeeded in creating a space and menu that actively takes inspiration from the community, a group that includes local artists. The casual bar is more affordable. There’s also a ridiculously giant Cheeto appetizer that needs to be consumed to be believed. They recently earned a Michelin star.

2200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Also featured in:

Pequod's Pizza

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The lines are so long inside this two-level Chicago deep-dish pizzeria that management opened a bar/waiting area two doors down (Whale Tale). The caramelized “burnt” crust is addictive, and haunts tourists’ dreams. Discerning Chicagoans shun the downtown pizza spots for Pequod’s, which also makes an appearance on The Bear.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1512
(773) 327-1512
Two Pequod’s pizzas. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

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Ace pastry chef Sandra Holle’s popular cafe features delicious breads and pastries. Croissants, muffins, and cookies star, and there are also take-and-bake meals that are great for families. Floriole recently reopened after being closed for several months for remodeling.

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Also featured in:

Athenian Room

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This classic Greek restaurant has been open since 1972, serving locals and DePaul students. Find stellar Grecian chicken (served over fries sopped in jus, so delicious that customers still dream about it), gyros, and kebobs. 

807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-5155
(773) 348-5155

Also featured in:

Kapitan

Copy Link

Peranakan cuisine is a mixture of several Asian cultures, and before Kapitan opened, no restaurants in Chicago served this unique cuisine. On a trip abroad, Victor Low, the owner of Serai, a well-regarded Malaysian restaurant in Logan Square, realized how much he enjoyed the food and that he wanted to bring it back to his adopted hometown. Beyond serving staple sharable dinner options, Kapitan also offers breakfast, including one Malaysian street food standout: an egg-wrapped sandwich called the Ramly Burger.

2142 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 661-2281
(773) 661-2281
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Copy Link

Chicago’s largest hospitality company, Lettuce Entertain Your Enterprises, began in Lincoln Park, and its restaurants have, over the past 50 years, helped shape the neighborhood. That includes landmark tapas spot Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, which helped introduce Chicagoans to Spanish small-plate dining. Despite that achievement, the restaurant has continued to stay up-to-date and pump out some of the best tapas in the city.

2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-5000
(773) 935-5000

Also featured in:

Evette's

Copy Link

Evette’s, near Armitage and Clark, is a concept that’s evolving. What started as Persian street food served in an atmosphere akin to a Chicago-style hot dog and burger spot, it’s recently started offering the occasional pop-up dinner service. Find delicious pita, loaded fries, shawarma, and more. 

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8478
(773) 799-8478
A variety of sandwiches, tacos, and more spread out on a table.
Evette’s
Evette’s [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Ella’s BBQ

Copy Link

Ella’s has made itself at home in a former hot dog stand across the street from Lincoln Park High School that’s been renovated for fast-casual dining. The highlight are the smoked meats: juicy brisket, turkey, and ribs, which are the best in the neighborhood, surpassing even a nearby landmark with a nautical name. The sides are also strong.

723 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 526-3271
(312) 526-3271

Also featured in:

Boka

Copy Link

This restaurant, the first from Boka Restaurant Group, has had no shortage of accolades — including six consecutive Michelin stars and a Jean Banchet "Chef of the Year" win for chef Lee Wolen, who takes a modern approach to seasonal American fare, as evidenced by favorites like roasted chicken with summer beans and garlic scapes, heirloom carrots, and Spanish octopus with sorrel and potatoes.

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-6070
(312) 337-6070
Boka
Boka’s sunny indoor-outdoor space
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Alinea

Copy Link

This culinary destination has been attracting serious food lovers from around the world for more than a decade with its groundbreaking and outside-the-norm tasting menus. After a pandemic detour into carryout, chef Grant Achatz and his team are back and at it again. It’s Chicago’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
(312) 867-0110
Lincoln Park’s world famous restaurant, Alinea
Matthew Gilson

Also featured in:

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar

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The NEWCITY development — on the former site of a YMCA — attracts a lot of heat from city dwellers due to its suburban-style architecture. It was a misstep on the part of the developers to open it with chain restaurants that had no connection to Chicago. The pandemic forced NEWCITY to re-examine its model, and a popular West Town Mexican restaurant has benefitted. Tecalitlan had been pushed out of its previous home by its landlord and landed in a space near Clybourn and Halsted. The same classic tacos, enchiladas, and more are still available, but the owners have expanded their drink program to offer more tequila and margaritas to appeal to a new audience. And for those who bash an immigrant family for moving their business toward opportunity — the restaurant still delivers to West Town.

1538 N Clybourn Ave a105, Chicago, IL 60610
(773) 384-4285
(773) 384-4285

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D Cuisine

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

This charming Chinese restaurant near Clark and Broadway has a wonderful lineup of dim sum specials — some of the best away from Chinatown. The morning hours make this an attractive option for weekend brunch, as dim sum is properly enjoyed before noon.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239

Batter & Berries

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Quietly, Batter & Berries has become one of the city’s most important restaurants, a Black-owned brunchery on the North Side that is constantly busy serving French toast flights and more. The service is friendly and the brunch is innovative thanks to founding chef Derek Rylon, who opened it in 2012. Though Rylon is gone, the restaurant has not missed a beat and continues to excel. B&B is one of those spots customers can visit and quickly find their happy place.

2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710
(773) 248-7710

Pat's Pizza and Ristorante

2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Arguably the city’s best thin-crust pizza maker, Pat’s has a long history in Lincoln Park and Lakeview of turning out consistently delicious pies. This is one of the prime examples of Chicago tavern-style pizza. The signature sausage topping is a must if porky goodness is preferred. The dining room is comfy and great for families.

2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-0168
(773) 248-0168
Pizza cut into squares. Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Tandoor Char House

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

For years, Tandoor Char House has stayed in its lane — a South Asian restaurant that fills the niche for quality Punjabi classics that most Americans know about. But as Chicago’s IQ for South Asian food increased, Char House began introducing more fusion dishes like spicy chicken wings, burgers, and steaks. While naan and chicken tikka are delicious, take a chance on the newer dishes. 

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-2652
(773) 327-2652
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Sushi Hall

2630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Veteran Chicago sushi chef Mitch Kim helms the kitchen at Sushi Hall, a neighborhood haven where sushi aficionados and novices gather for a diverse menu that ranges from familiar favorites (think traditional maki, sashimi, and nigiri) as well as twists like tempura-battered jalapeno poppers and katsu fried green tomatoes.

2630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 698-6690
(773) 698-6690
An L-shaped sushi counter with orange upholstered stools. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

The Wiener's Circle

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

The Wiener Circle cannot be denied. The late-night hot dog stand, famous for its brash treatment of customers, still delivers great char dogs, burgers, and fries. The abuse may have mellowed a little bit, but the show still goes on during the weekends. A remodeled space includes a rear bar with cocktails. This is a Chicago institution known for its funny signage and Halloween costumes.

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-7444
(773) 477-7444
A brown sign that reads “We sells wieners.” Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Del Seoul

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

There are several Korean fusion taco makers in the city no. But Del Seoul was at the forefront. Korean beef, chicken, and fried shrimp tacos star, but lately they’ve stretched their efforts to lollipop wings, traditional bibimbap, and dumplings. 

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227

Frances Brunchery

2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Frances has a long legacy on Clark Street as a Jewish deli with fabulous sandwiches. A few years ago, after a sale, the new owners brought in Derek Rylon, a chef who made a name for himself at another Lincoln Park restaurant, Batter & Berries. While Frances continues to serve deli sandwiches, there’s now an emphasis on brunch. Rylon’s kitchen specializes in French toast and waffle flights with homemade syrups and toppings: a cinnamon roll waffle features bits of bacon and maple. Frances now has one of the best brunches in the city, demonstrating how a neighborhood icon can find a way to adapt and endure. Expect long weekend lines.

2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4580
(773) 248-4580

Aloha Eats

2534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

This long-time fast-casual Hawaiian restaurant serves the city’s best plate lunch, down to the white disposable containers. Spam musubi and marinated beef short rib make for great meals, along with the customary macaroni salad and a scoop of white rice. 

2534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-6828
(773) 935-6828

North Pond

North Pond, Chicago, IL 60614

One of the most unique restaurants in the city possesses a beautiful view of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Diners will have to walk into the park to reach this quaint space (the nearest intersection is Clark and Deming), but they’ll experience a fine dining restaurant with a lot of soul. The seasonal tasting menu won’t break the bank, but is special enough for anniversaries, dates, and other special occasions.

North Pond, Chicago, IL 60614
773-477-5845
773-477-5845

Verzenay Chicago

2507 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

This casual cafe has light sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The primary influence is French, but chef and owner Arshiya Farheen also occasionally instills South Asian influences using produce from Green City Farmers Market to create specials. There’s also a sidewalk patio.

2507 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8312
(773) 799-8312

Paula's Thai Kitchen

2441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

The best Thai food in Lincoln Park comes from Paula’s, thanks to an expansive menu that covers several regions of the country. Sure, the pad Thai and other American favorites are cooked well, but take a deep dive and find different items that aren’t found at other Thai spots in the area (yes, there’s another menu; ask for help). The tiny space specializes in takeout.

2441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 687-8961
(773) 687-8961

Galit

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

After earning two James Beard Awards for his work at New Orleans’s Shaya, chef Zach Engel came to Chicago and graced the city with Galit, a restaurant that offers Middle Eastern cuisine with modern flair. Try favorites like tabouli with delicata squash, falafel with Persian pickled turnips, and smoked walleye with rutabaga and gribenes. Even the hummus packs big flavor — and big comfort, for that matter (credit the warm, billowy pita bread that accompanies it).

2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-8755
(773) 360-8755
Galit’s masabacha is a beautiful circle of Middle Eastern spread.
Masabacha at Galit
Sandy Noto/Galit

Bourgeois Pig Cafe

738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

For more than three decades, this Lincoln Park cafe, known for the vintage books and sandwiches named after American literary works, has been a home for students, travelers, and hospital workers. Recently, the owners opened a second-floor bar with a speakeasy vibe. Folks need a password to get into the Gatsby for cocktails and light bites.

738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-5282
(773) 883-5282
A wide view of a red room with a long wooden bar lit by candelabras. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago's Dog House

816 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park has no shortage of hot dog stands. There’s the loud (Wiener’s Circle), the foreign (LA’s Dog Haus), and then there’s Chicago’s Dog House. Dog House is a small stand with heart, where the chips are sliced in front of customers, and the sausages are gourmet. Yes, Hot Doug’s isn’t returning, but for those who miss that type of experience, Dog House does the trick. And for vegetarians, there are plenty of meat-free options.

816 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-3647
(773) 248-3647

Related Maps

Bocadillo Market

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Bocadillo Market features a hidden gem back patio, a charming space that doubles as a lounge for light pastries and coffee during the day or wines and cocktails at night. Chef James Martin explores Spanish cuisine at this all-day restaurant with wonderful sandwiches and more ambitious dinner service with seasonal salads, entrees like Iberico pork, and more. This versatile spot is comfortable enough for daily work only to stash that laptop for an intimate dinner date.

2342 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-0331
(773) 857-0331

elephant + vine

2315 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

The Chicago spinoff of Spirit Elephant, a suburban vegan restaurant, this new spot takes a causal approach to vegan food with fried “chicken” sandwiches and more.

2315 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 546-9742
(312) 546-9742

Esmé

2200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Former Next Restaurant chef Jenner Tomaska has succeeded in creating a space and menu that actively takes inspiration from the community, a group that includes local artists. The casual bar is more affordable. There’s also a ridiculously giant Cheeto appetizer that needs to be consumed to be believed. They recently earned a Michelin star.

2200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Pequod's Pizza

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

The lines are so long inside this two-level Chicago deep-dish pizzeria that management opened a bar/waiting area two doors down (Whale Tale). The caramelized “burnt” crust is addictive, and haunts tourists’ dreams. Discerning Chicagoans shun the downtown pizza spots for Pequod’s, which also makes an appearance on The Bear.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1512
(773) 327-1512
Two Pequod’s pizzas. Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Ace pastry chef Sandra Holle’s popular cafe features delicious breads and pastries. Croissants, muffins, and cookies star, and there are also take-and-bake meals that are great for families. Floriole recently reopened after being closed for several months for remodeling.

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Athenian Room

807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

This classic Greek restaurant has been open since 1972, serving locals and DePaul students. Find stellar Grecian chicken (served over fries sopped in jus, so delicious that customers still dream about it), gyros, and kebobs. 

807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-5155
(773) 348-5155

Kapitan

2142 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Peranakan cuisine is a mixture of several Asian cultures, and before Kapitan opened, no restaurants in Chicago served this unique cuisine. On a trip abroad, Victor Low, the owner of Serai, a well-regarded Malaysian restaurant in Logan Square, realized how much he enjoyed the food and that he wanted to bring it back to his adopted hometown. Beyond serving staple sharable dinner options, Kapitan also offers breakfast, including one Malaysian street food standout: an egg-wrapped sandwich called the Ramly Burger.

2142 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 661-2281
(773) 661-2281
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago’s largest hospitality company, Lettuce Entertain Your Enterprises, began in Lincoln Park, and its restaurants have, over the past 50 years, helped shape the neighborhood. That includes landmark tapas spot Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, which helped introduce Chicagoans to Spanish small-plate dining. Despite that achievement, the restaurant has continued to stay up-to-date and pump out some of the best tapas in the city.

2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-5000
(773) 935-5000

Evette's

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Evette’s, near Armitage and Clark, is a concept that’s evolving. What started as Persian street food served in an atmosphere akin to a Chicago-style hot dog and burger spot, it’s recently started offering the occasional pop-up dinner service. Find delicious pita, loaded fries, shawarma, and more. 

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8478
(773) 799-8478
A variety of sandwiches, tacos, and more spread out on a table.
Evette’s
Evette’s [Official Photo]

Ella’s BBQ

723 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Ella’s has made itself at home in a former hot dog stand across the street from Lincoln Park High School that’s been renovated for fast-casual dining. The highlight are the smoked meats: juicy brisket, turkey, and ribs, which are the best in the neighborhood, surpassing even a nearby landmark with a nautical name. The sides are also strong.

723 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 526-3271
(312) 526-3271

Boka

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

This restaurant, the first from Boka Restaurant Group, has had no shortage of accolades — including six consecutive Michelin stars and a Jean Banchet "Chef of the Year" win for chef Lee Wolen, who takes a modern approach to seasonal American fare, as evidenced by favorites like roasted chicken with summer beans and garlic scapes, heirloom carrots, and Spanish octopus with sorrel and potatoes.

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-6070
(312) 337-6070
Boka
Boka’s sunny indoor-outdoor space
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Alinea

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

This culinary destination has been attracting serious food lovers from around the world for more than a decade with its groundbreaking and outside-the-norm tasting menus. After a pandemic detour into carryout, chef Grant Achatz and his team are back and at it again. It’s Chicago’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
(312) 867-0110
Lincoln Park’s world famous restaurant, Alinea
Matthew Gilson

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar

1538 N Clybourn Ave a105, Chicago, IL 60610

The NEWCITY development — on the former site of a YMCA — attracts a lot of heat from city dwellers due to its suburban-style architecture. It was a misstep on the part of the developers to open it with chain restaurants that had no connection to Chicago. The pandemic forced NEWCITY to re-examine its model, and a popular West Town Mexican restaurant has benefitted. Tecalitlan had been pushed out of its previous home by its landlord and landed in a space near Clybourn and Halsted. The same classic tacos, enchiladas, and more are still available, but the owners have expanded their drink program to offer more tequila and margaritas to appeal to a new audience. And for those who bash an immigrant family for moving their business toward opportunity — the restaurant still delivers to West Town.

1538 N Clybourn Ave a105, Chicago, IL 60610
(773) 384-4285
(773) 384-4285

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