Guidebook for Chicago
Essentials
Fully stocked grocery store with anything you could possibly need, and just around the corner. Open late or 24 hours.
139 locals recommend
Jewel-Osco
4250 N Lincoln AveFully stocked grocery store with anything you could possibly need, and just around the corner. Open late or 24 hours.
Drinks & Nightlife
My favorite local brewery! The tap room is BYOF, so we like ordering in some pizza or tacos while we're there. If you'd rather eat at home, fill the growler or howler we provide!
103 locals recommend
Half Acre Beer Company
4257 N Lincoln AveMy favorite local brewery! The tap room is BYOF, so we like ordering in some pizza or tacos while we're there. If you'd rather eat at home, fill the growler or howler we provide!
Gastropub with an impressive drinks list, it's even on your way to the train! Rooftop has a limited menu, but it's worth it!
72 locals recommend
Fountainhead
1970 W Montrose AveGastropub with an impressive drinks list, it's even on your way to the train! Rooftop has a limited menu, but it's worth it!
Food Scene
Their burger list is only topped by their beer list, and a group-service environment means you never have to worry about waiting for your refills.
76 locals recommend
The Bad Apple
4300 N Lincoln AveTheir burger list is only topped by their beer list, and a group-service environment means you never have to worry about waiting for your refills.
Must visit for first time Chicago visitors. Lou Malnati's is my favorite of the Chicago deep dish purveyors, and the open-air seating in the warmer months makes this the perfect relaxing lunch spot.
163 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveMust visit for first time Chicago visitors. Lou Malnati's is my favorite of the Chicago deep dish purveyors, and the open-air seating in the warmer months makes this the perfect relaxing lunch spot.
gather will treat you like it's a special occasion every time you go there. The food is incredible (sit at the chef's counter for a close-up!) and the service is truly quality.
67 locals recommend
Gather
4539 N Lincoln Avegather will treat you like it's a special occasion every time you go there. The food is incredible (sit at the chef's counter for a close-up!) and the service is truly quality.
Owned and run by 2 Greek sisters, we're told this is the closest you can get to getting invited to your Greek Auntie's house for dinner. BYOB.
Mythos Restaurant
2030 W Montrose AveOwned and run by 2 Greek sisters, we're told this is the closest you can get to getting invited to your Greek Auntie's house for dinner. BYOB.
Quite possibly our favorite taco place in the city, and we eat A LOT of tacos. Cash only! We love the horchata, with the carne asada tacos (just onions and cilantro on those) + their green hot sauce.
13 locals recommend
Taqueria El Asadero - Chicago
2213 W Montrose AveQuite possibly our favorite taco place in the city, and we eat A LOT of tacos. Cash only! We love the horchata, with the carne asada tacos (just onions and cilantro on those) + their green hot sauce.
Pizza when you really want it! Grab it by the slice while walking home from the train, order in, or sit outside. Best gluten-free pizza in the city.
32 locals recommend
Chicago's Pizza
3114 N Lincoln AvePizza when you really want it! Grab it by the slice while walking home from the train, order in, or sit outside. Best gluten-free pizza in the city.
Great brunch spot, with lots of GF and Vegan options. Fresh squeezed juice is a treat!
19 locals recommend
Marmalade
1969 W Montrose AveGreat brunch spot, with lots of GF and Vegan options. Fresh squeezed juice is a treat!
Another fantastic brunch or dinner spot, in the Lincoln Square itself. In the summer, you can sit outside and listen to the fountain bubble.
93 locals recommend
Cafe Selmarie
4729 N Lincoln AveAnother fantastic brunch or dinner spot, in the Lincoln Square itself. In the summer, you can sit outside and listen to the fountain bubble.
Skip Starbucks and come to this hip, happening, and welcoming local coffee shop.
29 locals recommend
The Grind Cafe
4613 N Lincoln AveSkip Starbucks and come to this hip, happening, and welcoming local coffee shop.
Arts & Culture
This ancient, quirky movie theater is a blast, and with $6 movies before 6pm, you'll feel like you've gone back in time.
104 locals recommend
Davis Theater, Chicago
4614 N Lincoln AveThis ancient, quirky movie theater is a blast, and with $6 movies before 6pm, you'll feel like you've gone back in time.
Everything Else
We didn't even know this bowling alley/sports bar existed until recently! Located on the second floor, you might need to make a reservation on busy nights.
18 locals recommend
Lincoln Square Lanes
4874 North Lincoln AvenueWe didn't even know this bowling alley/sports bar existed until recently! Located on the second floor, you might need to make a reservation on busy nights.
Entertainment & Activities
Ice Cream and Candy - make sure to check out the sizes before ordering - it's a LOT of delicious, delicious ice cream.
179 locals recommend
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western AveIce Cream and Candy - make sure to check out the sizes before ordering - it's a LOT of delicious, delicious ice cream.
Shopping
Hazel
1835 W Montrose AveUnique, trendy boutique. Caters to a younger crowd.