LINCOLN PARK & OLD TOWN

 

 

The recognized Chicago community area of Lincoln Park and its constituent Old Town neighborhood together comprise one of the city’s most sought-after residential districts. This wealthy and family-friendly area is home to world-class restaurants, diverse nightlife, top theaters and comedy clubs, eclectic boutiques and specialty stores, fascinating museums, and the sprawling lakefront greenspace of Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Lincoln Park and Old Town are located in the North Side area immediately above downtown Chicago.

 

This area features some of Chicago’s most attractive historic architecture. As the name suggests, Old Town is particularly noteworthy for its abundance of grand Victorian buildings. The housing options available in Lincoln Park and Old Town include historic brick rowhouses, loft conversions, and stylish living spaces in a mix of vintage and contemporary condominium buildings.

 

 

 

Lincoln Park is an affluent neighborhood with a strong sense of history combined with some of Chicago’s trendiest modern restaurants, nightlife spots, and entertainment venues. The DePaul University Campus gives the area a touch of youthful vibrancy and adds to Lincoln Park’s diverse appeal. Homes here are within walking distance of the park the neighborhood was named after, and Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most popular urban greenspaces.

 

 

Lively Halsted Street is an electric stretch of restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots. Alinea is theonly restaurant in Chicago to have been awarded three Michelin stars. Enter this modern art- decorated dining space to sample an exceptional tasting menu of chef Grant Achatz’s daring culinary creations. Other accolades bestowed upon Alinea include a AAA 5 Diamond Award, James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant, TripAdvisor’s top ranking for the best fine dining establishment in the United States, and many placements on lists of the world’s best restaurants.

Boka is another Michelin-starred must-try for serious foodies. The menu here puts a modern twist on flavorful Mediterranean classics. Summer House Santa Monica serves tropical drinks, Californian and Pacific North Coast wines, and Californian-inspired dishes in an airy atrium with a retractable roof. Nearby Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a dynamic eatery offering authentic Spanish tapas, paella, and sangria. More casual neighborhood favorites include Pequod’s Pizza, a relaxed pizza pub with delicious Chicago-style deep dish pies featuring signature caramelized crusts. The Zagat-rated hot dog stand The Wiener Circle is another laid-back spot for casual food done right.

 

 

The neighborhood’s namesake greenspace of Lincoln Park covers around 1,200 acres on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Attractions here include five playgrounds, a rowing canal, and several museums. Chicago History Museum offers diverse exhibitions covering all aspects of the city’s past, while Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum invites visitors to delve into Illinois’ ecological and natural history. The botanical gardens of the Lincoln Park Conservatory showcase tropical palms, ancient ferns, and seasonal flower displays. One of the park’s most popular attractions is Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo with over 1,100 animals from more than 200 different species. North Avenue Beach at Lincoln Park is one of the most popular spots for swimming and enjoying watersports on Lake Michigan.

 

The 14-acre greenspace of Oz Park is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Themed after The Wizard of Oz, the park is decorated with statues of the film’s iconic characters and also features Dorothy’s Playground for kids. Other amenities here include basketball and tennis courts and fields for baseball, football, and soccer.

Lincoln Park and Old Town also offer residents an abundance of cultural and entertainment venues. Enjoy high-quality theatrical performances at Victory Gardens Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, and Royal George Theater, or head to Old Town comedy clubs such as The Second City and Zanies for top stand-up performers and improv.

 

 

Public schools in Lincoln Park and Old Town are operated by the City of Chicago School District. Highlights include: