DineGuides

What's Hot in Lincoln Park

18 restaurants in Lincoln Park. Part of our Chicago What's Hot guide.

Serai Cafe & Deli
#1What's Hot
6 photos

Serai Cafe & Deli

American·$$
📍 2342 N Clark St ↗

This halal deli is a favorite, offering a vibrant atmosphere and remarkably flavorful sandwiches. The owner's passion for quality ingredients and community shines through in every dish, making it a standout spot for a casual meal.

🍽️98Food
✨92Vibe
💰85Value
📍75Location
💬

“All were amazing no misses”

💬

“Convenient location in Lincoln Park”

💬

“Sandwich is huge for only $10”

Ideal for
Halal-conscious diners seeking qualityLincoln Park professionals grabbing lunch or coffeeGroups celebrating or team dinners
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
#2What's Hot
6 photos

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

American·$$

This Lincoln Park institution has been serving renowned fall-off-the-bone ribs since 1932. It's a cozy, old-school neighborhood tavern where Sinatra once hung out, offering a full bar and a casual, friendly atmosphere perfect for groups or solo diners catching a game.

🍽️90Food
✨95Vibe
💰80Value
🛡️65Safety
💬

“The ribs are absolutely what has been talked about by the many people who have written and voted this place as the best in the city.”

💬

“Many who served us was brilliant. Fierce attentive and honest.”

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“It's also in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago.”

Ideal for
Group diningSolo diningWatching the game
Mon Ami Gabi
#3What's Hot
6 photos

Mon Ami Gabi

French·$$$

This Lincoln Park bistro transports you to Paris with its charming ambiance and classic French fare. It's a place where attentive service and a lively atmosphere make every meal feel like a special occasion, whether for a romantic date or a lively group celebration.

🍽️95Food
✨95Vibe
💰85Value
⏰75Wait
💬

“Michelle was lovely ! I’d give 10 stars if I could…& The french onion soup was AMAZING.”

💬

“The steak frites were good but large portions!! Beautiful space.”

💬

“Our server Michael was incredibly sweet and also so impeccably helpful when it came time for us to choose our desserts.”

Ideal for
Date nightGroup celebrationsWeekend brunch
Cedar Palace
#4What's Hot
6 photos

Cedar Palace

Middle Eastern·$$

Cedar Palace is a family-owned Lebanese restaurant that feels like an extension of a home kitchen. The owner, Silvana, and her staff infuse every dish with love, creating an atmosphere where guests are treated like family. It's a cozy spot perfect for enjoying authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

🍽️95Food
✨90Vibe
💰80Value
💬

“Enjoyed a wonderful authentic Lebanese meal in this cozy quaint favorite, in the heart of Lincoln Park.”

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“The patio in the summer is the perfect casual ambiance and BYOB is an added plus.”

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“This place has some of my go-to cultural dishes and makes it feel like I’m at my nane’a house each bite.”

Ideal for
Date nightFamilies with kidsGroup dining
Esmé
#5What's Hot
6 photos

Esmé

American·$$$

Esmé transforms dining into a gallery visit, where each dish is a canvas inspired by rotating local artists. This Michelin-starred spot offers a unique, multi-sensory journey that engages both the palate and the eye. The experience is elevated by impeccable service and a vibrant atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming.

🍽️90Food
✨95Vibe
💰75Value
⏰70Wait
💬

“The abbreviated tasting menu is the best deal in town, where you get caviar, foie gras and wagyu beef for an excellent price.”

💬

“Service is outstanding from the moment guests step through the door until the moment they leave - attentive, warm, and perfectly paced, making the entire experience feel seamless.”

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“Had the tasting menu tonight and it was the best meal I have ever had.”

Ideal for
Date nightTasting menu experienceArt enthusiasts
Spoko
#6What's Hot
5 photos

Spoko

Polish·$$

This cozy Lincoln Park spot offers a modern take on Polish street food, with house-made sausages and creative takes on classics like pierogi and zapiekanka. It's a casual, welcoming space perfect for sharing plates and enjoying a Polish beer.

🍽️90Food
✨88Vibe
💰85Value
💬

“Joe was amazing, incredibly hospitable. Potato pierogi's were so good we ordered some to take home.”

💬

“The pierogis are handmade and absolutely amazing - you can taste the care and tradition in every bite.”

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“The spicy polish sausage is renowned. Perfectly carmelized onions, grilled peppers, and a slightly sweet sauce on a fresh crispy baguette.”

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
3 Asian Sisters
#7What's Hot
4 photos

3 Asian Sisters

Vietnamese·$$

This casual Vietnamese spot in Lincoln Park offers a bright and flavorful take on pho and banh mi. The family-run atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for a quick lunch or a relaxed meal.

🍽️90Food
✨88Vibe
💰75Value
💬

“The decor is so cute too loved the vibes. And the kpop hehe”

💬

“The meatball pho came steaming with that magical, soul-restoring broth that tastes like someone’s grandma has been tending it for hours.”

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“How nice to have a place to get pho in Lincoln Park - and one that’s open for lunch!”

Ideal for
Casual lunchesFamily mealsSolo dining
The Brunchery
#8What's Hot

The Brunchery

American·$$
📍 2552 N Clark St ↗

This lively spot is a go-to for creative brunch dishes, especially their French toast and mimosa flights. Expect a vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, though be prepared for a wait and a bustling, sometimes loud, environment.

🍽️92Food
✨90Vibe
💰65Value
🔊55Noise
💬

“I give them 4 out of 5 stars - if it weren't for the tricky parking, they would've gotten a strong score.”

💬

“The ambiance was cute, music was 90s themed and the food was absolutely fantastic!”

💬

“The Brunchery charges premium prices for what are, at best, average brunch dishes.”

Ideal for
Weekend brunchDate nightGroup dining
Sai Café
#9What's Hot

Sai Café

Japanese·$$$

Sai Café has been a Lincoln Park fixture for nearly four decades, a testament to its consistently fresh sushi and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Jim, is often on-site, greeting regulars and ensuring a high-quality experience that keeps patrons returning.

🍽️92Food
✨85Vibe
💰78Value
🔊60Noise
💬

“This is hands down the best sushi you will find in Chicago. The hamachi, the tuna, the salmon, all top grade.”

💬

“The sushi is some of the best in the city, but the must have is the scallop hand roll!”

💬

“Consistency excellent and this is the place I bring anyone who I want to ruin for sushi.”

Ideal for
Date nightFamilies with kidsSolo dining
Pat's Pizza & Ristorante
#10What's Hot

Pat's Pizza & Ristorante

Pizza·$$

Pat's Pizza & Ristorante is a Chicago institution for its cracker-thin, tavern-style pizza, a style that prioritizes a crispy crust and quality toppings. This family-run spot offers a casual, old-school vibe that makes it a reliable neighborhood go-to.

🍽️93Food
✨85Vibe
💰82Value
👋68Service
💬

“This is some of the best tavern-style pizza in Chicago metro!!!”

💬

“What favorite! and a Chicago staple!! Right as you walk in, the place has an old school Chicago feel.”

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“Our waitress was horrific. She never left the kitchen except to take our order and to bring us the check.”

Ideal for
Casual family dinnersTavern-style pizza loversOld-school Chicago vibe
Elephant + Vine
#11What's Hot

Elephant + Vine

American·$

This entirely vegan spot offers satisfying takes on fast-food classics, from burgers to shakes. It's a reliable choice for plant-based eaters seeking familiar flavors in a casual setting.

🍽️90Food
💰75Value
💬

“I ordered the Gluten free Chik’n sandwich (they gave me a Gluten & soy-free patty and GF bun)”

💬

“This is a pretty standard vegan fast-food spot, a more casual take on the iconic Spirit Elephant restaurant”

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“Everything is vegan. I got a chicken sandwich, tots, and a double chocolate shake.”

Ideal for
Vegan diningCasual mealsFamilies
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
#12What's Hot

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Japanese·$

This Lincoln Park sushi spot shines with its extensive vegan and vegetarian options, making it a welcoming choice for diverse dietary needs. Its vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails create a lively setting, perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.

🍽️88Food
✨88Vibe
💰78Value
🔊65Noise
💬

“Excellent service from Jason. I came here for the vegan sushi, which was good and I was grateful for so many vegan options.”

💬

“Blue sushi sake grill is an exception dining spot not only for their freshly prepared food but for the outstanding location.”

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“It can get busy on the weekday evenings, though. I would recommend doing a reservation ahead of time!”

Ideal for
Date nightGroupsFamilies
Athenian Room
#13What's Hot

Athenian Room

Greek·$

This Lincoln Park institution has been serving up authentic Greek fare for decades, with a focus on tender, juicy meats like their signature Kalamata chicken and skirt steak. It's a casual, family-friendly spot where the owner often greets guests, making it feel like a true neighborhood gathering place.

🍽️90Food
✨75Vibe
💰90Value
🔊65Noise
💬

“It's happened enough times now that I decided it's time to write”

💬

“It's quite loud, cash only, and FCFS on seating”

💬

“The wait staff is very friendly and attentive”

Ideal for
Nostalgic seekers & neighborhood regularsBudget-conscious diners valuing generous portionsCash carriers comfortable with casual, busy atmosphere
Johnny's Beef & Gyros
#14What's Hot
5 photos

Johnny's Beef & Gyros

American·$$$

This Chicago institution serves up classic street food with a focus on hearty, flavorful Italian beef and generously portioned gyros. It's a family-run spot that offers a casual, friendly atmosphere perfect for a quick lunch or a family meal.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
💰75Value
💬

“The beef was fantastic, the sweet and spicy peppers are both great, I get them both on my sandwich.”

💬

“Great spot for a Chicago dog or Italian beef, before or after some time at Oz Park.”

💬

“Johnny’s was five stars when I lived on Belden years ago, and it has only gotten better.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsQuick lunchChicago street food cravings
Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya
#15What's Hot

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

Japanese·$$

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya serves up authentic, flavorful ramen with a rich broth that many find rivals the best in Japan. This casual spot offers a full bar and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for a solo meal or a gathering with friends.

🍽️86Food
✨85Vibe
💰78Value
💬

“🌱 Tanaka – Hands Down the Best Vegan Ramen in Chicago 🍜”

💬

“I regularly order take out from here and when I dine in it’s always a great experience, staff is attentive and music is great.”

💬

“As a native East Asian (South Korean), I can say this place serves the most authentic ramen in town.”

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual mealsImpressing out-of-town guests
La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana
#16What's Hot
6 photos

La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana

Italian·$$

This pizzeria crafts authentic Italian pies with imported ingredients, offering a cozy yet lively atmosphere perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. The wood-fired crusts are a highlight, delivering a satisfying char and chew that makes each pizza a standout.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
💰65Value
💬

“Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.”

💬

“The staff is lovely! There is very limited seating, however if you go at the right time, you should be able to find a spot.”

💬

“In the heart of the De Paul campus and with a name like "The Crust", you know what it is all about.”

Ideal for
Group diningSolo diningCasual date night
Maison Parisienne
#17What's Hot

Maison Parisienne

French·$

This charming French café transports you to Paris with its delightful decor and cozy atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a casual bite, a coffee date, or even a solo work session, offering a sweet escape with its pastries and coffee.

🍽️82Food
✨95Vibe
💰58Value
👋62Service
💬

“This a must do every trip to Chicago! Such a cute place and everything is absolutely delicious.”

💬

“Beautiful café with friendly staff, delicious pastries, and a cozy Parisian feel.”

💬

“If you are looking for an elegant breakfast and brunch spot this is the must seen place in Lincoln Park.”

Ideal for
Date nightSolo diningCasual lunch
Galit
#18What's Hot

Galit

Middle Eastern·$$$

Galit offers a tasting menu where you can select your own dishes, a thoughtful approach to a prix fixe. The kitchen delivers creative Mediterranean flavors, with standout hummus and pita that are well-regarded.

🍽️88Food
✨78Vibe
💰65Value
💬

“The Masabacha Hummus and Bubbe’s Brisket Hummus were out of this world, paired perfectly with their warm, pillowy pita that’s perfect for dipping.”

💬

“We were extremely impressed with the music mix and the volume that a single Sonos speaker was able to provide that cut through the din.”

💬

“Our server was attentive and checked out our table many times throughout the night.”

Ideal for
Tasting menuSpecial occasionsDate night