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Photo via Vanille
Lincoln Park is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in the city, known for its expansive parks, beautiful brownstones, and proximity to the Lake Michigan. This neighborhood north of downtown also boasts the eponymous Lincoln Park Zoo (which is free), the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. Rich with history, the lush neighborhood wasn’t always what it is today.
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Photo via Riccardo Enoteca
According to historical archives from the Art Institute of Chicago, in 1837, part of Lincoln Park was home to a smallpox hospital and city cemetery. This was short-lived; in the 1860s, the graves and hospital were removed and the area’s became public land, forming a park called Lake Park, which was renamed Lincoln Park in 1865 after President Lincoln’s assassination. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the area housing shortly thereafter, which was then replaced with a combination of low-quality wood framed houses built for the working class interspersed with luxurious, stately properties. The zoo was added in 1874, and has always remained a free Chicago institution.
Today, the neighborhood has great walkability and a stellar, diverse food scene. Really, you can find everything in Lincoln Park—from quick-serve spots that satisfy DePaul students and kid-friendly restaurants that attract young families to destination-worthy gastronomic experiences like those found at Grant Achatz’s Alinea.
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If you want a true taste of the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, here are a few iconic spots sure to satisfy.
Taco Joint {1969 North Halsted Avenue; 312.951.2457}
Taco Joint brings a taste of Mexico to Halsted street with its Mexico City street fare—tacos served in hand-pressed tortillas, salsas made from scratch, and refreshing margaritas house made daily. It’s a fun place for happy hour or a full-flavored dinner.
Vanille {2108 North Clark Street; 773.868.4574}
What started as a single French pastry shop in 2002 has expanded to include three locations, with outposts in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and the French Market. The patisserie serves up traditional French macarons, individual pastries, and various confections in a warm and inviting environment.
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Photo via Riccardo Enoteca
Riccardo Trattoria {2119 North Clark Street; 773.549.0038} and RICCARDO ENOTECA {2116 North Clark Street; 773.549.5010}
Riccardo Michi worked at Italian restaurants around the world before opening Riccardo Trattoria, and later, its more casual sister restaurant, Enoteca Riccardo. The homey trattoria serves up Italian food as authentic as it comes with recipes from Riccardo’s family inspiring handmade pastas, stocks, and sauces. The Enoteca offers up wood-fired pizzas and smaller plates, too.
Tarantino’s {1112 West Armitage Avenue; 773.871.2929}
This Italian-American restaurant has staying power—it’s resided on Armitage Avenue for over 20 years. The cozy, dimly lit dining room is inviting to all patrons, ranging from local families to out-of-towners, while the menu offers comforting classics the make guests feel like their dropping by for Sunday supper.
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Photo via Kyoto Sushi Steak Seafood
Kyoto Sushi Steak Seafood {401 West Fullerton Parkway; 773.477.2788}
This restaurant has been a part of Lincoln Park since 1992. It recently moved to a larger space on Fullerton Avenue and added seafood and steak to the menu, in addition to its expansive raw fish offerings. The new space also has patio seating and a rooftop that’s available to rent for private parties.
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya {coming soon to NewCity; 1457 North Halsted Street}
A ramen and izakaya chain out of the Pacific Northwest will soon add its second Chicago location inside the recently opened retail mecca NewCity. Kizuki will serve up multiple types of ramen alongside small plates.
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Photo via Blue Door Farm Stand
Blue Door Farm Stand {2010 North Halsted Street; 312.265.0259}
A relative newcomer to Lincoln Park, Blue Door Farm Stand serves up fresh, chef-driven cuisine that comes from local farmers. Re-opened in February 2017 in a larger space on Halsted Street, the fresh-faced Blue Door is an evolution of the original concept—a full-service dining experience with in-house bakery, open kitchen, and many new modern American treats from Chef Rey Villalobos. Here, seasons dictate what’s on the menu, while the distance between farm and table is kept to a minimum.
Geja’s Cafe {340 West Armitage Avenue; 773.281.9101}
Touted one of the most romantic restaurants in the country, Geja’s has evolved from a wine bar in Old Town into a fondue spot which has been at home in Lincoln Park since the early 1970’s. It’s no surprise the spot is a frequent go-to; with the romantically dim-lit interior, live flamenco, classical guitarists, and an expansive wine list, it’s a great spot for a first date, anniversary, or engagement.
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Photo via Batter & Berries
Batter & Berries {2748 North Lincoln Avenue; 773.248.7710}
Both breakfast and lunch are served at this bright and sunny yellow café, but the morning meal is where they really shine. They’ve experimented with over 100 different kinds of French toast, many of which make their way to the ever-changing specials board.
R.J. Grunts {2056 North Lincoln Park West; 773.929.5363}
This all-American eatery slings burgers and mixes milkshakes, but also features a menu of vegetarian options, and is home to one of the country’s first salad bars. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Lincoln Park and was Owner Rich Melman’s first restaurant, now a part of his restaurant empire, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
By Samantha Lande
For the complete story and other details on the history of Lincoln Park, pick up our Winter Issue, on newsstands now.
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