Chicago Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square & Ravenswood - Chicago Moms (2024)

Northwest of Lakeview lies Lincoln Square, a small group of neighborhoods offering tree-lined streets, large parks, and its own rapid-transit system that goes to the Loop and other areas in the city. Pocket neighborhoods include Ravenswood Gardens, Ravenswood Manor, Budlong Woods and Bowmanville.

The North Side neighborhoods of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood combine the Old World charm of German village architecture and plenty of German food with hip, urban boutiques and retailers. The cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue that most people associate with Lincoln Square is a picturesque row of storefronts that includes a gourmet cookware store, an authentic German restaurant and tavern, a European patisserie and an old-fashioned apothecary among many other unique businesses.

German Heritage

Contents

  • German Heritage
  • Attractions
    • Abraham Lincoln Statue
    • All Saints’ Episcopal Church
    • Art in the Square
    • Berlin Wall Monument
    • Chase Park
    • Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
    • DANK-HAUS German Cultural Center
    • Krause Music Store (building)
    • Lillstreet Art Center
    • Lincoln Square Lanes
    • Lincoln Square Mural and Maypole
    • Lincoln Square Theatre
    • Old Town School of Folk Music (Lincoln Square)
    • River Park
    • Ronan Park River Edge
    • Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum
    • The Davis Theater
    • Welles Park
    • Winnemac Park
  • Dining
    • Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna
    • Café Selmarie
    • Chicago Brauhaus
    • Fireside Restaurant and Lounge
    • French on Lincoln
    • Garcia’s Restaurant
    • Huettenbar
    • Independent Cafés on Damen
    • Independent Cafés on Lincoln/Western
    • Italian on/near Lincoln
    • Jibek Jolu
    • Lincoln Quality Meat Market
    • Los Nopales
    • Nhu Lan’s Bakery
    • Outdoor Eating on Damen/Montrose/Ravenswood
    • Outdoor Pubs in Ravenswood
    • Over Easy Café
    • Pauline’s Restaurant
    • Restaurant Sarajevo
    • Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill
    • San Soo Gab San
    • Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
    • Thai on Damen
    • Wine Shops
  • Shopping
    • Books and Music on Lincoln
    • Chicago Soccer
    • Comics and Collectibles
    • European Import Center
    • Fleet Feet
    • Fun for All Ages on Lincoln
    • Gift Shops on Lincoln
    • Hazel
    • Ludwig Interiors
    • Magic Shops
    • Merz Apothecary
    • Painted Light Photography and Framing Gallery
    • Ravenswood Antique Mart
    • Sacred Art
    • Salamander of Chicago
    • String A Strand
    • The Chopping Block
    • Women’s Clothing on Lincoln
  • Current Trends and Facts of Lincoln Square Chicago

The neighborhood, familiar to Chicagoans as the heart of the city’s German culture, was called “Lincoln Square” even before they put the president’s statue there in 1956. In truth, the speck of an island where Lincoln, Lawrence and Western Avenues meet was never exactly monumental, but it was enough to give this community a name and the statue room for a pedestal.

There’s much here in Lincoln Square. Rosehill Cemetery, the largest in Chicago, takes up the far northeastern chunk of it. Permanent residents include eleven Chicago mayors, Oscar Mayer, Richard Sears of Sears and Aaron Montgomery Ward of Ward’s, the Hinkley of Hinkley & Schmidt and the Hertz of Hertz Rent-a-Car. The limestone gate off Ravenswood Avenue is on the National Register.

Most of the neighborhood’s major streets — Damen, Lawrence, Western, Montrose, Foster, Lincoln — are dotted with restaurants. Los Nopales, on Western near Wilson Avenue, is a popular choice for Mexican food; Mythos Taverna, on Montrose near Damen, draws crowds for its Greek specialties; the Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop has been tempting Chicagoans with its cakes and tortes on Montrose for more than 60 years. The Lawrence Avenue ethnic mosaic that’s so remarkable in the Albany Park neighborhood continues east into this one, with Restaurant Sarajevo (Bosnian) and Nhu Lan Bakery (Vietnamese), among others; north on Lincoln can be found Jibek Jolu, the city’s lone Kyrgyzstani restaurant; and it seems you’re never far from quality Korean or Thai favorites.

And residential areas range from pre-war frame cottages and bungalows to the east to 1950s and 1960s homes — some especially fine — in Budlong Woods, the neighborhood’s northwest corner.

But for locals looking for a good time and for visitors as well, Lincoln Square often means that concentration of restaurants, bars and shops along Lincoln Avenue from 4400 to 4800 North, from Montrose Avenue to Lawrence.

This once was the commercial heart of Chicago’s sizable German community, and there are reminders here and there. The DANK-Haus, on Western just south of Lawrence, is a combination museum-cultural center that both instructs — language lessons are offered, among others — and celebrates.

In the Brown Line ‘L’ station on Leland Avenue and Western stands a section of the Berlin Wall, a gift, with gratitude, to the people of Chicago from the people of Berlin. (The station never closes.)

Most of the German restaurants are gone, but the Chicago Brauhaus carries on the oom-pah tradition with its beers, bands and schnitzels. And here, in the limited-traffic area of Lincoln between Leland and Lawrence, the annual German American Fest is held each September

Other veteran establishments, with new owners, have been tweaked but maintain old-world traditions. In 2009, two Polish brothers opened Gene’s Sausage Shop in a space held for generations by the very-German Meyer’s Delicatessen (the neon “Meyer’s” sign glows in tribute inside the two-level deli), and the store lost little if anything in the transition. Lincoln Quality Meat Market, at Lincoln and Leland, was German from 1928 to 1985. It was sold that year to Croatians, and it seems only the sausages changed: The thuringer has been bumped for cevapcici (Croatian) and mititel (Romanian).

Merz Apothecary, near Gene’s, has been dispensing pills and potions on this spot since 1875 and looks it, even though the shop is heaviest now on fragrances and lotions (and the Merzes have left the building). The European Import Center, near both, features fine gift items, most from Germany. Huettenbar, across the street, not only looks and sounds German but has 10 German beers on tap.

Joining the Brauhaus and the rest on that once-German block are the likes of Trattoria Trullo (Italian, from the Puglia region), Baba Yianni (Greek) and Garcia’s (Mexican). This is today’s Chicago.

Walking south on Lincoln, beyond the main square, visitors will spot the Davis Theater (1918), which showed German-language films into the 1960s and is now a four-screen mini-plex, and a succession of restaurants, shops (including two magic shops and Chicago Soccer, one of the more popular soccer stores in the city) and more restaurants and bistros.

Near Montrose, in a building that once was the Hild Branch of the Chicago Public Library, is the Lincoln Square location of the Old Town School of Folk Music. Larger than its mother ship in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it’s a performance venue, teaching facility and retail store, where folkies and bluesies can find that guitar or harmonica of their dreams.

Finally, just in time after a long, refreshing and filling walk, comes Welles Park. Here, in good weather, visitors may find musicians, softball (16-inch, the Chicago game), laughing children, lots of green space — and peace.

We can’t forget the goodies in Ravenswood, the wedge of the Lincoln Square neighborhood that extends from Foster Avenue west of the Metra train tracks along Ravenswood Avenue and north to Rosehill Cemetery. Here can be found Pauline’s, a brunchtime favorite; Spacca Napoli, whose wood-oven-fired pizzas have become a hot item; Lillstreet Art Center, a gallery-studio complex that moved here in 2003 after nearly 30 years on Lill Street in Lincoln Park; and, in October, the Ravenswood Art Walk, a two-day event in which Lillstreet and dozens more artists participate.

Attractions

Abraham Lincoln Statue

  • Art & Architecture

Sculptor Avard Fairbanks, Gutzon Borglum’s (Mt. Rushmore) protégé, completed Lloyd Ostendorf’s winning concept from a 1950s nationwide contest. This beardless Abraham Lincoln stands in the courtyard at Western and Lawrence in the neighborhood named after the President.

Free Admission | 4801 N. Lincoln Ave.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

  • Art & Architecture

Built by John C. Cochrane in 1883, this Chicago Landmark church is a rare example of the Stick Style typically found on the east coast in the 1860s. John Hulla built the 1905 rectory in a simplified Tudor style.

Free Admission | 4550 N. Hermitage Ave. | 773.561.0111

Art in the Square

  • Art & Architecture

Art in the Square conducts art classes for children and adults, who then hang their artwork for sale on the walls. The studio and instructors are also available for private parties.

2314 W. Leland Ave. | 773.271.4176

Berlin Wall Monument

  • Historical Landmarks

Inside the Western Brown Line station is a remaining piece of the Berlin Wall that was donated to the city in 2008. It’s fittingly installed in this neighborhood whose German legacy is still evident.

Free Admission | 4648 N. Western Ave.

Chase Park

  • Beaches & Pools,
  • Parks & Gardens,
  • Popular Attractions,
  • Sports & Recreation,
  • Theater & Dance

Located in the Uptown/Ravenswood neighborhood, Chase Park attracts a number of youth to its children’s play productions, after-school program during the school year and to its outdoor pool in the summer months.

4701 N. Ashland Ave. | 312.742.7518

Chicago Printmakers Collaborative

  • Art & Architecture

This 20-year-old artist collaborative combines a printmaking studio for resident artists, while offering classes and workshops, and presenting public programs and exhibits like the annual International Small Prints Show.

Free Admission | 4642 N. Western Ave. | 773.293.2070

DANK-HAUS German Cultural Center

  • Cultural Centers,
  • Music

The historic DANK-HAUS German Cultural Center hosts rotating art exhibits, participate in annual events such as Oktoberfest, enjoy monthly jazz concerts, German cinema, and other celebrations of German-American history and culture. The six story building, located in Lincoln Square, Chicago’s traditionally German neighborhood, has a rich history and fascinating architectural details.

Free Admission | 4740 N. Western Ave. | 773.561.9181

Krause Music Store (building)

  • Art & Architecture

Now a private firm’s offices, this Chicago Landmark is famous architect Louis Sullivan’s last commissioned work. With its terra-cotta ornamentation restored and interiors modernized, it remains in beautiful condition.

Free Admission | 4611 N. Lincoln Ave.

Lillstreet Art Center

  • Art & Architecture

Lillstreet’s offerings include all-levels art classes, an artist residency program, studio space, outreach, a gallery store featuring original artwork and handcrafted gifts, and the non-profit First Slice Pie Café.

Free Admission | 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. | 773.769.4226

Lincoln Square Lanes

  • Sports & Recreation

A bowling alley since 1918, Lincoln Square Lanes offers live music, drinks, hand scoring and an indoor mural uncovered from the 1930s Works Progress Administration. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.

4874 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.561.8191

Lincoln Square Mural and Maypole

  • Art & Architecture

The 3,000-square-foot Lincoln Square Mural by Lothar Sanchez-Speer located at Leland and Lincoln, features historical and iconic buildings and landscapes of Germany.

Free Admission | W. Leland Ave. & N. Lincoln Ave.

Lincoln Square Theatre

  • Theater & Dance

Lincoln Square Theatre, a member of the Chicago League of Theatres, is housed in a church that seats 70. This multigenerational theater hosts year-round productions in Lincoln Square from a variety of companies. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.

4754 N. Leavitt St. | 773.275.7930

Old Town School of Folk Music (Lincoln Square)

  • Music,
  • Theater & Dance

Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music, the nation’s largest independent community arts school, is a not-for-profit organization that teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse Chicago, American and global communities. Over 160 concerts and performances are produced yearly in the School’s critically acclaimed concert hall.

4544 N. Lincoln Ave., 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.728.6000

River Park

  • Parks & Gardens

River Park runs along the Chicago River and offers great park amenities, including a field house with community events, wildlife habitat, and most notably, the fishing and kayak launch on the Chicago River.

Free Admission | 5100 N. Francisco Ave. | 312.742.7516

Ronan Park River Edge

  • Parks & Gardens

Ronan Park includes 3 acres of naturalized river edge habitat along the North Branch of the Chicago River on City’s north side. A wooded chipped path in the park parallels the river, making Ronan Park a perfect spot for bird watching or a nature walk.

Free Admission | 2900 W. Lawrence Ave. | 312.742.PLAY (7529)

Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum

  • Cemeteries

Many prominent Chicagoans rest at the Rosehill Cemetery, one of the city’s oldest and largest private cemeteries. The Rosehill Cemetery Entrance is a rare Midwestern example of castellated Gothic architecture and is a Chicago Landmark.

Free Admission | 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave. | 773.561.5940

The Davis Theater

  • Historical Landmarks

This neighborhood movie theater, located in the heart of Lincoln Square, opened in 1918. Now with digital sound, new rocking seats and a refurbished concession stand it continues to show films daily.

4614 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.784.0893

Welles Park

  • Parks & Gardens

In addition to the many amenities at Welles Park—indoor swimming pool, fitness center, baseball fields and European-style gazebo—the park hosts many community events, such as festivals and weekly concerts in the summer.

Free Admission | 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. | 312.742.7511

Winnemac Park

  • Parks & Gardens

Encompassing nearly 40 acres, Winnemac Park has a beautiful prairie garden and nature trail, playground, soccer field, running track and three baseball fields. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.

Free Admission | 5100 N. Leavitt St. | 773.742.5101

Dining

Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna

  • Greek

With décor reminiscent of the Grecian countryside, Barba Yianni has a menu filled with Greek specialties, from flaming saganaki cheese to kokkinisto (red-sauce stew) or arni psito (roasted) lamb dishes.

4761 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.878.6400

Beans & Bagels

  • Dining

This cute café sells Metropolis coffee, bagels from NY Bagel and Bialy, pastries made by a French chef, and sandwiches. Take note of the artwork by local artists that hangs on the walls for sale.

1812 W. Montrose Ave. | 773.769.2000

Café Selmarie

  • Dining

A neighborhood staple since 1983, Café Selmarie offers beautiful and delicious pastries and meals. Its location next to Giddings Plaza in the heart of Lincoln Square makes it the perfect spot for enjoying a meal outdoors on a nice summer day.

4729 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.989.5595

Chicago Brauhaus

  • German

For over 40 years, it’s been Oktoberfest at the Brauhaus everyday. You can enjoy authentic German cuisine, beer steins larger than you and live entertainment six days a week.

4732 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.784.4444

Cinners Chili Parlor & Cocktail Lounge

  • American (Traditional)

This Cincinnati-themed bar and restaurant specializes in chili, beers and cocktails with a “Cinci” twist. They’re events throughout the week and Cinners has been featured on many websites.

4757 N. Talman Ave. | 773.654.1624

Fireside Restaurant and Lounge

  • American (Traditional)

Fireside offers a late night spot to cozy up by the fire, order drinks, and enjoy specialty dishes in a casual, friendly atmosphere.The outdoor patio is great in warm weather.

5739 N. Ravenswood Ave. | 773.561.7433

French on Lincoln

  • French

Let your taste buds travel to France at either of the French restaurants on Lincoln, just north of Sunnyside Ave. Both LM Le Restaurant (4539 N. Lincoln Ave.) and Bistro Campagne (4518 N. Lincoln Ave.) serve seasonal french fare for dinner and weekend brunch in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

4539 N. Lincoln Ave.

Garcia’s Restaurant

  • Mexican

Recently remodeled, Garcia’s serves up large portions of Mexican favorites for low prices. Be careful not to fill up on the fresh and flavorful salsa and chips before you get your dinner.

4749 N. Western Ave. | 773.769.5600

Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen

  • Food Retail: Grocery

Located on the former site of the popular Meyer’s Deli and featuring its old sign, Gene’s sells a wide selection of foods and drinks imported from Europe, and others created locally but inspired by European recipes.

4750 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.728.7243

Huettenbar

  • Other

Considered one of the most authentic Bavarian-style German taverns on Chicago’s Northside, Huettenbar has 10 German beers on tap with a tavern atmosphere definitely worth checking out.

4721 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.561.2507

Independent Cafés on Damen

  • Dining

Grab your coffee and much more from the cafés on Damen Avenue in Ravenswood, including Dolce Casa Café (4947 N. Damen Ave.), The Perfect Cup (4700 N. Damen Ave.) and Taza Coffee & Deli (5131 N. Damen Ave.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

4947 N. Damen Ave.

Independent Cafés on Lincoln/Western

  • Cafe

Stop in for a quick cup of joe and some food, or stay a while at the independent cafés on or near Lincoln Ave., including The Grind Café (4613 N. Lincoln Ave.), Cafeneo (4655 N. Lincoln Ave.), Pannenkoeken Café (4757 N. Western Ave.) and The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln Ave.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

4655 N. Lincoln Ave.

Italian on/near Lincoln

  • Italian

Have a taste of Italy in Lincoln Square by dining at Trattoria Trullo (4767 N. Lincoln Ave.), La Bocca della Verità (4618 N. Lincoln Ave.) or Pizza D.O.C. (2251 W. Lawrence Ave.).

2251 W. Lawrence Ave.

Jibek Jolu

  • Other

The first and only Kyrgyzstan restaurant in Chicago, Jibe Joule is named for the Silk Road, the historic trade route between Russia, China, Korea, Turkey and Europe. Its Central Asian food blends flavors and styles from each of these cuisines.

5047 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.878.8494

Lincoln Quality Meat Market

  • Food Retail: Grocery

Simply put, Lincoln Quality Meat Market is a family-owned, old-style butcher shop. Its staff takes great pride in supplying customers with the freshest, highest-quality farm-raised meats selected from the markets daily.

4661 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.561.4570

Los Nopales

  • Mexican

Los Nopales is a small and intimate authentic Mexican restaurant that serves up less typical dishes, most notably, cactus. You’ll receive get service from this husband and wife team.

4544 N. Western Ave. | 773.334.3149

Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop

  • Food Retail: Bakeries

A famous Chicago bakery that’s been in business since 1948 at the same location, Lutz offers artisan German and Austrian pastries, cakes and candies. And, it’s famous for its rare baumkuchen cakes.

2458 W. Montrose Ave | 773.478.7785

4732 N. Lincoln Ave.

Nhu Lan’s Bakery

  • Vietnamese

At this small Vietnamese bakery and sandwich shop bánh mì sandwiches are fresh and homemade every day.

2612 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.878.9898

Outdoor Eating on Damen/Montrose/Ravenswood

  • American (Traditional)

Enjoy the outdoors in Ravenswood by dining at any of the following American bar-restaurants with outdoor seating: The Rail Bar & Grill (4709 N. Damen Ave.) or O’Shaughnessy’s Public House (4557 N. Ravenswood Ave.).

W. Wilson Ave. & N. Damen Ave.

Outdoor Pubs in Ravenswood

  • American (New)

Enjoy the outdoors in Ravenswood by dining at any of the following American bar-restaurants with outdoor seating: The Rail Bar & Grill (4709 N. Damen Ave.) or O’Shaughnessy’s Public House (4557 N. Ravenswood Ave.).

W. Wilson Ave. & N. Damen Ave. | 773.561.5225

Over Easy Café

  • American (New)

A small and intimate brunch or breakfast spot that will not disappoint you with its unique menu, modern sleek design and Julius Meinl coffee, served while you wait in line for your table.

4943 N. Damen Ave. | 773.506.2605

Pauline’s Restaurant

  • American (Traditional)

Open 365 days a year, this brunch spot features your favorite egg dishes and pancakes. It’s decorated with an eclectic collection of posters and pictures featuring frequent customers. And don’t forget to grab some nostalgia candy from the huge bucket on your way out. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.

1754 W. Balmoral Ave. | 773.561.8573

Restaurant Sarajevo

  • Other

Everything is homemade from scratch at this Bosnian restaurant that has served up authentic cuisine since 1999. You must try the Bosnian cevapcici sausages, it’s an authentic delight.

2701 W. Lawrence Ave. | 773.275.5310

Rockwell’s Neighborhood Grill

  • American (Traditional)

Right by the Rockwell Brown Line stop is this friendly neighborhood restaurant that has one of the most delicious burgers in Chicago.

4632 N. Rockwell St. | 773.509.1871

San Soo Gab San

  • Korean

Considered one of the top Korean barbecue restaurants in the city, receiving five forks on Check, Please!, this restaurant provides a traditional Korean dining experience where your food is cooked right at the table.

5251 N. Western Ave. | 773.334.1589

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

  • Pizza

Spacca Napoli specializes in thin-crust, authentic-Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven that will have your order out to you in no time.

1769 W. Sunnyside Ave. | 773.878.2420

Thai on Damen

  • Thai

Several tasty Thai restaurants are within a short walk from the Damen Brown Line EL stop, including Aroy Thai (4654 N. Damen Ave.), Me Dee Café (4805 N. Damen Ave), Siam Country (4637 N. Damen Ave) and Yes Thai (5211 N. Damen Ave). Don’t forget to BYOB to any of these restaurants. Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

4805 N. Damen Ave.

Wine Shops

  • Food Retail: Beer, Wine & Spirits

Lovers of fine wines will enjoy the unique selections of small batch wines from Fine Wine Brokers (4621 N. Lincoln Ave.) and Provenance Food and Wine (2312 W. Leland Ave.). Both shops also sell various food items and offer regular tastings. Please contact sites for more information.

4621 N. Lincoln Ave.

Shopping

Books and Music on Lincoln

  • Books, Mags, Music & Video

The bibliophile will love Ravenswood Used Books (4626 N. Lincoln Ave), a used bookstore covered wall-to-wall in books of all varieties, and The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln Ave), a unique 2-in-1 bookstore and cozy café serving wine. Music fans should check out the independent record store Laurie’s Planet of Sound (4639 N. Lincoln Ave.), and the vintage guitars and accessories at Rock N Roll Vintage (4740 N. Lincoln Ave.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

4639 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chicago Soccer

  • Sporting Goods

Chicago Soccer is Chicago’s premier soccer specialty store. It sells a huge range of international and club-team jerseys, and apparel and equipment for playing soccer.

4839 N. Western Ave. | 773.271.2255

Comics and Collectibles

  • Hobby Shops

Collectors of comics, sports cards and 1970–90s memorabilia can find what they’re looking for at Variety Bookstore (4602 N. Western Ave.), Elite Sportscards (2028 W. Montrose Ave.) or Quake Collectibles (4628 N. Lincoln Ave.), respectively. If not, the owners of each store will be happy to help you in your search. Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

W. Sunnyside Ave. & N. Lincoln Ave.

European Import Center

  • Gifts and Souvenirs

European Import Center sells goods from mostly Germany, including German magazines and other periodicals, cards, sweet treats and handcrafted gifts.

4752 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.561.8281

Fleet Feet

  • Shoe Stores

Fleet Feet Sports is a popular running store that offers a huge selection of footwear, apparel and accessories. Its also organizes races, seminars, fun runs and walks, and historic themed jogs.

4555 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.271.3338

Fun for All Ages on Lincoln

  • Toy Store

Kids and adults will love Marbles: The Brain Store (4745 N. Lincoln Ave.), a shop dedicated to promoting brain fitness through puzzles and games for all ages. Nearby Timeless Toys (4749 N. Lincoln Ave.) is a classic toy store with a wide variety of low-tech toys that excite the imagination, including a large puppet selection for which they are well known.

4745 N. Lincoln Ave.

Gift Shops on Lincoln

  • Gifts and Souvenirs

Lincoln Square is a great place to shop for gifts. Start your search for the perfect gift at the stores on Lincoln Ave. by Leland, such as Enjoy, An Urban General Store (4723 N. Lincoln Ave.), hanger 18 (4726 N. Lincoln Ave.), Eclecticity (4718 N. Lincoln Ave.), and Gallimaufry Gallery (4712 N. Lincoln Ave.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.

4723 N. Lincoln Ave.

Hazel

  • Gifts and Souvenirs

Hazel offers a well-edited array, from stationery to flowers to locally and internationally designed jewelry. Its unique designs and friendly staff make it one of the best gift shops in all of Lincoln Square and quite possibly the city.

1902 W. Montrose Ave. | 773.769.2227

Ludwig Interiors

  • Shopping

The history of Ludwig Interiors extends back over 100 years to a small town in Germany. In 1963, 17-year-old Ludwig Erdbeer opened up the shop in Chicago, carrying on his family’s tradition of providing custom drapery, shades, upholstering and more. Open by appointment, Monday through Saturday.

4634 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.989.1005

Magic Shops

  • Other

Interested in becoming a magician? Learn from the masters at Ash’s Magic Shop (4955 N. Western Ave.) or Magic, Inc. (5082 N. Lincoln Ave.), the owners of both, of which have been in the business for quite some time, are eager to sell you tricks and teach you how to perform them successfully.

4955 N. Western Ave.

Merz Apothecary

  • Drug Stores

Around since 1875, this apothecary’s original location is stacked floor-to-ceiling with every medicine, scent and homeopathic brand you can think of. It still looks and feels like it’s from 100 years ago.

4716 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.989.0900

Painted Light Photography and Framing Gallery

  • Art Galleries

This small gallery focuses on photography and framing. Find fun and interesting gifts and artwork from local artisans and American artists.

1742 W. Balmoral Ave. | 773.275.4121

Ravenswood Antique Mart

  • Antiques

Chicago Magazine refered to this unusual selection as “from Deco to Disco.” Featured finds in immaculate condition from the 1930s through the ’70s include jewelry, furniture, home furnishings and one of a kind modern antiques.

4727 N. Damen Ave. | 773.271.3700

Sacred Art

  • Art Galleries

Showing a lot of Chicago-themed artwork, this intimate art gallery features over 40 emerging Chicago artists. Its original artwork and custom framing are at competitive prices.

4619 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.728.2803

Salamander of Chicago

  • Shoe Stores

One of the most successful and long-standing businesses in Lincoln Square, Salamander sells high-quality European comfort shoes at reasonable prices.

4740 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.784.SHOE (7463)

String A Strand

  • Arts & Crafts

This bead store offers thousands of different beads by the strand as well as artisan-made jewelry. String A Strand holds classes and focuses on unique beads from around the world.

4632 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.275.1233

The Chopping Block

  • Kitchen & Bath

The Chopping Block provides a collection of the finest culinary equipment and books to chose from for all your cooking endeavors, as well as classes and demos to help improve your culinary skills. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.

4747 N. Lincoln Ave. | 773.472.6700

Women’s Clothing on Lincoln

  • Fashion

Women, Lincoln Square now has a handful of great clothing shops to choose from in the neighborhood, including DLR Clothing & Accessories (4703 N. Lincoln Ave.), The Dressing Room (4635 N. Lincoln Ave.) and A Secret Closet (4617 N. Lincoln Ave.).

4635 N. Lincoln Ave.

Location & Area

  • North Boundary: 5200 N Foster
  • South Boundary: 4400 N Montrose
  • East Boundary: 2000 W Damen
  • West Boundary: ~3000 W Chicago River
  • Primary Zip Code: 60625

Current Trends and Facts of Lincoln Square Chicago

Lincoln Square neighborhood is a major transportation and shopping hub of the North Side with convenient public transportation, easy parking and Lincoln Avenue (one of Chicago’s diagonal streets) running through it. Shopping includes a mixture of independent and one-of-a-kind businesses.

Lincoln Square neighborhood boasts many traditional restaurants, with newer trendier restaurants adding to the mix. It is also home to the acclaimed Old Town School of Folk Music, a popular entertainment venue and music school. With a movie theater, grocery stores and a large branch of the Chicago Public Library system, residents find little reason to leave the area.

Chicago Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square & Ravenswood - Chicago Moms (2024)

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