As America’s third-largest city,1 Chicago, IL has always been at the forefront of the nation’s culinary scene. Whether it’s hot dogs and deep-dish Chicago pizza or white-glove fine dining, this city lives and breathes food.
Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is no exception.
There are so many things you can do in Lincoln Park. It’s also a haven for foodies and is home to some of Chicago’s best spots—there’s something for every craving, every time of day, and every price range.
Feeling hungry? Good. Because we’re about to share our list of the best restaurants in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
The best budget eats
Although Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has a reputation for being one of the more affluent parts of town, you can still find a solid meal that won’t break the bank.
#1 Takito Street
For a hearty helping of Mexican food paired with a lively atmosphere, head to Takito Street. Popular with students from nearby DePaul University, this cheap ‘n’ cheerful spot will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.
Takito’s also offers brunch with one of the best bottomless mimosa deals in the city. Plus, they also offer single use blankets and outdoor seating. How’s that for value?
#2 Chicago’s Dog House
Nothing says Chicago like a hot dog, and this local favorite delivers some of the best in Lincoln Park. Served in a roadhouse diner-inspired restaurant that pays homage to some of the Windy City’s famous faces, these dogs will have you howling for more.
Most hot dogs are under $7, so you can fill up without even breaking a $10 bill (though we recommend splurging on the “frips”—a fry-chip hybrid that will blow your mind).
#3 The Fat Shallot
The Fat Shallot is a sandwich food truck-turned-restaurant in Clark Street that will leave you feeling full and satisfied for around $10. They even have outdoor seating. Unless you add good-value cocktails or beer to the mix, that is.
Try the Truffle BLT sandwiches for an update on a classic or the Reuben for something a little heartier. The only con is that they’re closed on Mondays, so make sure to check the calendar before you head over.
The best mid-range options
If you’re looking to splurge a little (or eat a lot), these Lincoln Park restaurants are the places to go.
#4 Del Seoul
How about tacos with a twist? This Korean-fusion restaurant in Clark Street serves wildly creative tacos, as well as:
- Korean-style banh mi sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Jap chae (a must-try)
- Dumplings
- Kalbi poutine
- Bento box dinners
In short, this Lincoln Park restaurant has something for everyone, prices are reasonable, and the food is always tasty (especially after a night out in nearby River North).
#5 Pequod’s Pizza
This place is a Lincoln Park mainstay for a reason—the deep-dish pizza here is spot on. Whether you’re new to Chicago, IL or not, you have to try Pequod’s caramelized-crust deep-dish pizza at least once (though chances are you’ll be craving more the moment you leave).
While pizza is their signature, this is also the best place where you can also find pasta, mouth-watering desserts, and well-priced pitchers of beer.
#6 Kapitan
Kapitan is the only Peranakan restaurant in Chicago,2 but even if it wasn’t, it would probably still be the best one. Also called Nyonya, this style of Malaysian cooking blends Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay cuisines—and Kapitan is the best place to try it on this side of the Pacific.
Family style is the name of the game here, so we recommend coming to this Lincoln Park restaurant with a group of friends (like the ones you met coliving in Chicago) and ordering as much as you can.
The best high-end dining
There’s no other way to say it: the Lincoln Park neighborhood can be ritzy, and you’ll have no trouble finding the best restaurant to dine in that’s a cut above the rest. These picks certainly aren’t everyday affairs, but if you’re a foodie or have something to celebrate, you can’t go wrong with any of these establishments.
#7 Esmé
Esmé only opened in 2021, but it’s already earned plenty of praise from the Chicago crowd (and a Michelin star to boot). If you’re into the “food as art” movement, you’ll appreciate the tasting menu experiences that head chef Jenner Tomaska offers. And the food doesn’t just look exceptional—it also tastes exceptional.
Besides the food, the best part about eating as Esmé is the philanthropy; proceeds from each meal go toward a featured cause.
Be sure to book in advance, especially around special occasions.
#8 Galit
For a fine dining take on pan-Middle Eastern fare, look no further than Galit. With one Michelin star and a James Beard Award under his belt, Chef Zachary Engel has made Galit one of Lincoln Park’s most beloved restaurants. The space boasts a massive open kitchen that gives you an inside look into the work that goes into your food.
At $84 per person, the 4-course tasting menu is surprisingly reasonable—especially considering the caliber of the food. Reservations aren’t essential, but it’s worth booking ahead.
#9 Alinea
As luck would have it, Chicago’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant (at least as of 2023) is in Lincoln Park. Headed by culinary sensation Chef Grant Achatz, Alinea isn’t just one of the best places to eat in Lincoln Park; according to the Michelin Guide, it’s one of the best restaurants in the world.
We’re inclined to agree. The New American menu here is more than a meal—it’s a masterclass in food. A night at Alinea won’t come cheap, but it will absolutely be a memorable experience. Be sure to reserve well in advance.
Try them all when you live nearby with Common
Wherever you do it, eating your way around Lincoln Park, Chicago is a treat. The only problem? There are too many mouth-watering spots to choose from, especially if your dining-out budget is limited.
The solution? Coliving with Common.
Coliving means living in Chicago’s best neighborhoods with access to top-notch amenities for a fraction of the price. And when you spend less on rent, you have more to spend on Lincoln Park’s best restaurants. Not to mention, every Common home comes with a shared high-end kitchen, so you can cook with your new friends on those nights when you’d rather stay in.
Visit our website to learn more about Common.
Sources:
- City of Chicago. Facts & Statistics. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/about/facts.html
- Eater Chicago. Chicago’s Only Peranakan Restaurant Is Open in Lincoln Park. https://chicago.eater.com/2020/12/29/22204510/chicago-peranakan-restaurant-malaysian-lincoln-park-kapitan-open-images-photos