Rich with the history of the immigrants who settled there, Chicago’s Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods balance old-school charms with a culinary and arts scene built for the 21st century.
Whether you’re on the hunt 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 journey through Lincoln Square and Ravenswood.
Must-visit restaurants in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Brunch is a great start to any day, and Lincoln Square and Ravenswood have no shortage of great brunch spots. For an English breakfast and cozy vibes, head over to The Green Post in Lincoln Square. If grab-and-go is more your style, pick up a coffee and choose from a selection of sweet and savory pastries at Spoken Cafe in Ravenswood or Geraldine’s in Lincoln Square. Enjoy the latter while sitting in Lincoln Square’s eponymous town square.
For lunch or dinner, sit on The Warbler’s patio and enjoy bird-themed cocktails and New American cuisine. Head over to Sojourn for a globally-inspired dinner before going for a movie at The Davis Theater. Enjoy rooftop dining with margaritas and tacos at Arriba or head downstairs to Farm Bar to dine on seasonal, locally sourced fare.
Chowing down on beers and bratwursts on the roof at Gene’s Sausage Delicatessen is a can’t-miss Lincoln Square experience. Make sure to stock up at their German specialty grocery store.
Il Milanese serves up housemade pasta and classic Italian cuisine. And last but certainly not least, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is known for serving some of the city’s best Neapolitan-style pies.
And although you could spend your entire day eating your way through these neighborhoods, there’s much more to see and do.
Things to do in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
In between checking out the local restaurant scene, take advantage of everything else these neighborhoods have to offer. Start by taking a stroll through Winnemac Park or Welles Park where there’s plenty of green space to picnic and enjoy the outdoors.
You can also hone your artistic talents at Lillstreet Art Center, where they offer a variety of classes for all ages, from ceramics and metalworking to drawing and painting.
Check what’s playing at The Davis Theater, the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the city. This historic spot is home to three screens and a full-service bar and restaurant.
Get in touch with Lincoln Square’s traditionally German roots at Dank Haus German American Cultural Center. On the third Friday of every month, the center throws its Open Haus event where attendees can enjoy drinks, dancing, German music, and trivia. Visitors can also sign up for a German cooking and language classes or explore the art gallery.
The Old Town School of Folk Music is the ideal place for music lovers and aspiring musicians. The school hosts regular concerts and offers plenty of music classes at all skill levels, including guitar, percussion, piano, woodwinds, and many more. Students may rent or buy instruments for their class.
Wander over to Lincoln Avenue and shop the small businesses filled to the brim with handmade home décor, souvenirs, birthday gifts, art from local artists, and more.
And mark your calendar for beloved annual events, including Oktoberfestiversary, Apple Fest, Ravenswood On Tap, and more.
Bars and nightlife Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Cap a day in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood with a drink at one of the taverns, pubs, and lounges throughout the neighborhoods.
Book a tour of the distillery at the woman-owned Koval Distillery, where you can sample a variety of locally produced craft gins, vodka, and bourbons. After, head to their sun-filled bar space to enjoy a cocktail.
Another option for cocktail lovers is The Getaway, a new spot that features inventive mixology and a cozy vibe.
If you’re a beer lover, you’ve come to the right place. This area is home to Malt Row, a thriving brewery district that includes locally loved spots like Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Begyle, Dovetail, and Hop Butcher For the World.
For dive-bar enthusiasts, Ravenswood Tavern, Ricochets, and Loafer’s are great for a lowkey evening.
No matter what you like to do, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. Once you’ve finished what’s on this list, it won’t be a surprise if you keep coming back to find something new.
