Lincoln Square

Links of Interest
Distance to Downtown Chicago
8 miles
Average Drive Times
22 minutes to Chicago Loop
28 minutes to O’Hare Airport
35 minutes to Midway Airport
A unique neighborhood on Chicago’s north side, Lincoln Square represents a variety of cultures through its real estate, restaurants, cafés, businesses, and boutiques. Lincoln Square real estate mostly consists of two and three flat buildings, as well as some single-family homes. Lincoln Square, named Chicago’s next great neighborhood by Travel & Leisure Magazine, has homes that range from Victorian era style to present day, modern condominiums.
Lincoln Square, whose history begins as a remote farming village on the outskirts of the city, was thrust into redevelopment and expansion after the Great Chicago Fire. In 1923, Lincoln Square officially became part of the city of Chicago. Today the neighborhood has a distinct European or “Old World” ambiance due to throngs of German, Greek, and other Eastern European immigrants who brought their cultures across the Atlantic. Historically, Lincoln Park is known as having a major German influence, which can be seen in some of its restaurants and community events. The area is developing into one of the most desirable Chicago neighborhoods to live in because of its charm, location, shopping, and entertainment.
The diverse traditions and cuisines of other countries are greatly reflected in Lincoln Square restaurants. The Huettenbar and Brauhaus are two German restaurants and bars that spread the essence of Gemütlichkeit—a German word meaning comfort, coziness, and warmth. The large, heavy beer mugs and traditional German clothing, food, and music make a patron feel as though he’s in the great Bavarian country. The Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna does a fantastic job of representing Greek cuisine and culture with its décor (white walls and colorful paintings) as well as its menu, which includes many Greek specialties and wines. Royal Thai is a family owned, BYOB Thai restaurant with fresh dishes at very affordable prices. Garcia’s Restaurant is perfect for an authentic burrito and for fancy northern Italian chow La Bocca Della Verita is the place to eat.
In addition to top of the line dining, Lincoln Square also offers top quality shops, galleries, and boutiques. The Dressing Room is a women’s boutique that sells trendy but vintage clothing. The Book Cellar is a community oriented bookstore with a large variety of titles and many neighborhood events. The Merz Apothecary adds to the area’s European feel by offering the best international bath, body, and health products. Another boutique, Timeless Toys, has been rated as the best toy store in the city. In addition to a great celebration of Oktoberfest, Lincoln Square has a number of other annual festivals including the Lincoln Square Block Party, a farmers market, and Summer Concerts in the Square. Just south of Lincoln Square is the Sulzer Regional Library, one of the jewels of the Chicago Public Library system.
Lincoln Square is blessed with fantastic access to public transportation. The Brown Line of the CTA’s “El” train stops at Western Avenue and connects riders to the Loop and the rest of the “El” system. In addition, the Metra's Union Pacific train, which travels from the suburbs to Ogilvy, has convenient stops located at Lawrence and Ravenswood. Lincoln Square is also a very walkable neighborhood and a car is not necessary when travelling within the area. Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) are a few miles away.










