Chicago is rich in the history of immigrants who settled here. Lincoln Square And Ravenswood The neighborhoods combine old-school charm with a 21st-century culinary and artistic scene.
Whether you’re looking for a new favorite restaurant, a pub to hang out with friends, or want to indulge your artistic impulses, these neighboring communities have a lot to offer. Here are some places to explore and eat or drink to get you started on your trip through Lincoln Square and Ravenswood.
Must-visit restaurants in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Brunch is a great way to start the day and Lincoln Square and Ravenswood have no shortage of great brunch spots. For a full English breakfast and cozy atmosphere, head to The Green Post at Lincoln Square. If you prefer something to go, grab a coffee and choose from a selection of sweet and savory pastries in the Café Spoken in Ravenswood or Geraldine’s at Lincoln Square. Enjoy the latter while sitting on Lincoln Square’s eponymous town square.
For lunch or dinner you can sit on The Wood Warbler‘s patio and enjoy bird-themed cocktails and new American cuisine. Go to Stay for an internationally inspired dinner before heading to the Davis Theater. Enjoy a rooftop dinner with margaritas and tacos at Back or go down to Farm Bar to enjoy seasonal dishes from the region.
Sipping beer and bratwurst on the roof at Gene’s Sausage Delicatessen is an experience you can’t miss in Lincoln Square. Don’t forget to stock up at their German specialty shop.
The Milanese serves homemade pasta and classic Italian cuisine. And last but not least, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is known for serving some of the best Neapolitan cakes in the city.
And while you could spend all day eating your way through these neighborhoods, there’s plenty more to see and do.
Things to do in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
In between exploring the local dining scene, take advantage of everything else these neighborhoods have to offer. Start with a stroll through Winnemac Park or Welles Park where there is plenty of green space for picnicking and enjoying nature.
You can also refine your artistic talents at Lill Street Art Centerwhere they offer various courses for all ages, from ceramics and metalworking to drawing and painting.
Check out what’s happening at The Davis Theaterthe oldest operating cinema in the city. This historic venue has three screens as well as a bar and a restaurant with full service.
Get to know the traditional German roots of Lincoln Square at Thanks to the German American Cultural CenterEvery third Friday of the month, the center hosts its open day, where visitors can enjoy drinks, dancing, German music, and trivia. Visitors can also sign up for a German cooking and language class or explore the art gallery.
The Old Town School for Folk Music is the ideal place for music lovers and aspiring musicians. The school hosts regular concerts and offers numerous music courses for all levels, including guitar, drums, piano, woodwinds and more. Students can rent or buy instruments for their lessons.
Stroll down Lincoln Avenue and shop at the small shops filled to the brim with handmade home decor, souvenirs, birthday gifts, art by local artists and more.
And mark popular annual events in your calendar, including Oktoberfest anniversary, Apple Festival, Ravenswood on tapand more.
Bars and Nightlife Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Top off a day at Lincoln Square and Ravenswood with a drink at one of the neighborhoods’ taverns, pubs and lounges.
Book a tour of the distillery in the woman-led Koval Distillerywhere you can sample a selection of locally produced gins, vodkas and bourbons, before sipping a cocktail in the sunlit bar.
Another option for cocktail lovers is The escapea new place characterized by inventive mixology and a cozy atmosphere.
If you are a beer lover, you are in the right place. In this area there are Malt Rowa thriving brewery district with popular restaurants such as Cultivation through Forbidden Root, Begyle, dovetailAnd Hop Butcher for the World.
For lovers of dives, Ravenswood Tavern, reboundand loafers are perfect for a relaxed evening.
No matter what you like to do, there is plenty to do in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. Once you’ve worked through this list, it won’t be a surprise if you keep coming back and discovering something new.
Get your Chicago Brew Pass!
Explore Chicago pint by pint with the Chicago Brew Pass. Sign up for your free pass to earn points for visiting Chicago breweries and redeem exclusive prizes!
Learn more
