Welcome to Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, with Bucktown and Logan Square
Getting to Lincoln Park
Ride the CTA Red Line or Brown Line train to either Armitage or Fullerton Avenue. Buses 11, 22, 36, and 151 take you through the area, too. If you're driving, take Lake Shore Drive to Fullerton Avenue and go west to Sheffield Avenue.
Getting to Logan Square
Take the Kennedy Expressway to California Avenue (Exit 46A). By El, take the Blue Line toward O’Hare to Logan Square. From the Loop, take Bus 20 to Homan and Bus 82 north to Logan Square.
Making the Most of Your Time
Lincoln Park can be done in two ways—with or without kids. Highlights for the little ones include the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the beach; adults enjoy the area's shops, eateries, and entertainment options. Lincoln Park's Steppenwolf Theatre and Old Town's Second City (the club that launched countless comedians) are quintessential Chicago experiences. Wicker Park/Bucktown is good for funky shopping, people-watching, and cool restaurants, while Logan Square has morphed from an immigrant neighborhood into a hip urban enclave.
Getting to Wicker Park/Bucktown
Take the Kennedy Expressway to North Avenue, and then head west to the triangular intersection of North, Milwaukee, and Damen avenues. Metered street parking is limited, and side-street parking is by resident permit only, so it's worth it to take advantage of restaurants' valet service. By El train, take the Blue Line to the Damen–North Avenue stop.
Quick Bites
Goddess and Grocer. Tasty sandwiches and salads that please vegans and carnivores alike are served at Goddess and Grocer. 1649 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown, Chicago, Illinois, 60647. 773/342–3200; www.goddessandgrocer.com.
Nookies Too. Heaping breakfasts, available anytime, make this spot a favorite with the neighborhood's late-night crowd. There are also branches in Old Town, Lakeview, and Edgewater. 2114 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. 773/327–1400; www.nookiesrestaurants.net.
R.J. Grunt's. Just outside Lincoln Park, R.J. Grunts has been serving killer milk shakes and burgers since 1971. It is also known for its famous (and gargantuan) salad bar. 2056 N. Lincoln Park West, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. 773/929–5363; www.leye.com/restaurants/directory/rj-grunts.
Top Reasons to Go
Enjoy the lakefront: Walk—or run or bike—on the path heading south from North Avenue Beach, and take in the breathtaking views of the city along Lake Michigan.
Laugh: Catch the free improv after the show at the famed Second City comedy club every night except Friday.
Shop: Browse the boutiques along Lincoln Park's Armitage Avenue or shop for funky finds on Division Street, Milwaukee Avenue, and Damen Avenue.
Visit the animals: Say hello to the apes and other animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The added bonus is that it’s free.
