Lincoln Park Real Estate and Entertainment Guide
A photograph of Lincoln Park. Credit
Lincoln Park is one of the most well-known areas of Chicago, and Lincoln Park real estate draws a large variety of residents. There is a wide array of single family homes, condos and apartments in the area. Though known for its recent college graduate and young professional population, it is also the home to many young families-- homes for sale in Lincoln Park can be some of the most expensive and exclusive in the city. Also including DePaul University's campus in its borders, the neighborhood has a thriving nightlife that suits those with upscale tastes as well those on a student budget.
Lincoln Park is technically bordered on the north by Diversey Parkway, on the west by the Chicago River, on the south by North Avenue, and on the east by Lake Michigan, although many nearby areas claim the name since it's such a popular part of town. As already stated, it is home to DePaul University and the campus contributes to the area's personality. Even though it is just north of downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park has a decidedly neighborhood feel, with tree lined streets and lots of green spaces and parks, including the actual Lincoln Park along the lake for which the area is named.
Lincoln Park Events & Activities
Lincoln Park Zoo
- Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory – The Lincoln Park Zoo covers over 35 acres and was founded in 1868, making it a historical landmark as well as an area attraction. Along with the Conservatory, which hosts a botanic garden and significant horticultural collections just to the north, the Zoo constitutes part of Lincoln Park's eastern border.
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – The Nature Museum resides right along the Lake, near the Zoo and Conservatory. It's operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences and displays exhibits about the ecological history of the Illinois region. You can also visit a butterfly habitat and a year-round farmers' market at the Nature Museum.
- Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival – Summer 2010 brings the second year of the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the festival works from the typical Chicago street festival model "but with a more refined approach," featuring artisans and restaurants from the area.
- Chicago Air & Water Show – The Chicago Air & Water is one of the most anticipated events of the Chicago summer. You can take to your rooftop or to a Lincoln Park beach to see one of the country's oldest and best aviation events (or you can hear it from anywhere in Lincoln Park!).
- Sheffield Garden Walk – July's other famous festival is the Sheffield Garden Walk. With bands, food and flowers, its the greatest and oldest way to explore the neighborhood of Lincoln Park during the summer. Tour the area's best gardens and architecture while enjoying food, drink, music and great company.
- Entertainment Venues – Aside from downtown Chicago itself, Lincoln Park has the best music and comedy venues in the city. Catch a live music performance at Park West or Lincoln Hall, both intimate venues great for experiencing your favorite artist or for getting to know a new one. Plus, The Second City sits right on the southern border of Lincoln Park at North and Wells. The birthplace of many Saturday Night Live stars is arguably the best place in the country to catch some sketch and improv comedy.
Lincoln Park Restaurants
- Charlie Trotter's – For 22 years, Charlie Trotter's has been a culinary hotspot not just for Chicago but for the entire country. Serving New American cuisine, you can expect a seasonal menu that is locally sourced when possible, impeccable service, and a dignified ambiance. Or, if you can't get in for a meal, try Trotter's To Go, Charlie's retail food shop. (816 West Armitage, 773-248-6228)
- Cafe Ba Ba Reeba – For a fast paced atmostphere and fun Spanish fare, try Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. It's great for groups — you can split small plates of tapas and a pitcher of the famous sangria! (2024 N. Halsted, 773-935-5000)
- Alinea – A cutting edge restaurant that offers 12 and 28 course tasting menus with a focus on molecular gastronomy. Alinea has been named the top restaurant in the US by Gourmet Magazine and one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by Restaurant Magazine, and it's right in the heart of Lincoln Park. (1723 North Halsted, 312-867-0110)
- L20 Restaurant – Recently featured on the Travel Channel show "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations," this seafood restaurant is getting great buzz around Chicago for its unconventional yet luxurious food. It brings the haute cuisine and perfect service that you (and the opinionated Anthony Bourdain) would expect from a high-end urban restaurant. (2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-868-0002)
A dish from L20 restaurant near Lincoln Park real estate.
- Landmark Grill and Lounge – Landmark is the perfect combination of good food and a nighttime hotspot. After dinner, which consists of filling servings of New American cuisine, you can stick around to see it transforms into a happening lounge, or you can depart after dessert for a show at the Steppenwolf Theater nearby. (1633 N Halsted St., 312-587-1600)
- RJ Grunts – Just like Lincoln Park real estate has college-age abodes and million dollar homes, RJ Grunts brings friendly, casual dining to the gourmet scene in Lincoln Park. Since 1971, the burger joint can be trusted to leave you full and make you feel right at home. For non-burger-lovers, they have a giant salad bar. (2056 N Lincoln Park West, 773-929-5363)
- Toro Sushi – Of all the many sushi joints in Lincoln Park, this one gets massive local approval. Its reputation ensures that it's usually packed, but the service is quick and it's BYOB. Nothing can prove the quality and freshness of the fish quite like a visit! (2546 N Clark St., 773-348-4877)
- Twin Anchors – The best ribs in the city since 1932 and one of Sinatra's favorite hangouts equals a must-try tavern on the border of Lincoln Park and Old Town. (1655 North Sedgwick Street, 312-266-1616)
Nightlife in Lincoln Park
Delilah's, A punk rock bar on Lincoln Park.
- The Lion Head Pub – A traditional pub where you can get a table tap of beer and watch a game, especially if you are a Northwestern Wildcats fan. A great place to start your evening with a beer or two before you move on to another locale! (2251 N Lincoln Ave., 773-348-5100)
- John Barleycorn – Arguably the trademark bar of Lincoln Park, this place is great for recent college grads or anyone ready to get rowdy. It's also stumbling distance to a slew of bars near the intersection of Belden and Lincoln — try Kendall's, Kelsey's, Wise Fool's Pub or Halligan's if Barleycorn loses its appeal as the night wears on. (658 West Belden Avenue, 773-348-8899)
- Crossroads Public House – Filled with plasma screens and a large selection of imported beers, Crossroads is great for hanging with friends or catching a game. Plus, with an all you can eat or drink special for $20 on Saturdays from 6:30-11:00 — what's not to like? (2630 N Clark St., 773-248-3900)
- Stanley's Kitchen and Tap – At the intersection of Sedgwick, Lincoln and Armitage you'll find a group of great bars and restaurants, but a local favorite is Stanley's. You can get southern-inspired, moderately-priced food and then stay to play the jukebox and enjoy their American Whiskey Bar and live band karaoke. If you stay 'til midnight, enjoy "Midnight Potatoes" on the house. Within stumbling distance you'll find Sedgwick's, Gamekeeper's and River Shannon — each a slight variation on a neighborhood bar. There's something for everyone! (1970 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-433-0007)
- Duffy's – On Wednesday night, you can mingle with the recent-graduate crowd and find dollar beers and live music. Good for a budget! (952 West Webster, 773-868-8073)
- Delilah's – Finally, we have Delilah's — a punk rock bar on Lincoln near Diversey. A wide selection of whiskeys and punk- and ska-themed nights bring rock'n'roll lovers back to this bar! (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771)
