Fodor's Chicago by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2019-01-21T16:00:00+00:00

LINCOLN PARK AND WICKER PARK, WITH BUCKTOWN AND LOGAN SQUARE

River North captures most of the expense-account diners, but the neighborhoods to the west of downtown—Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square—are where some of the city’s most innovative dining occurs. With concepts like the vegetarian-friendly MANA, the pork-heavy Bristol, and dessert-focused Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, West Side restaurateurs serve great food without looking like they’re trying too hard. Pick a ’hood and wander on foot—good eating won’t be hard to find.

To the east lies Lincoln Park, named for the lakefront park it borders. Often a first stop for recent Chicago transplants moving to the city as well as the permanent residence of families inhabiting pricey brownstones, the popular neighborhood is definitely worth exploring. From a food perspective, it’s host to several of Chicago’s best restaurants, including Alinea and Boka. On commercial thoroughfares such as Clark, Halsted, and Armitage, you can spend an afternoon bouncing back and forth from great restaurants and cafés to hip shops.

LINCOLN PARK

Fodor’sChoice Alinea. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN Believe the hype and secure tickets—yes, tickets—well in advance, since Chicago’s most exciting restaurant demands an adventurous spirit and a serious commitment of time and money. If you have four hours and $175 to $385 to spare, the 10- to 18-course tasting menu that showcases Grant Achatz’s stunning, cutting-edge food is a fantastic journey through intriguing aromas, visuals, flavors, and textures. Known for: impeccable service; wine pairings; interactive presentations. Average main: $318 1723 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park 312/867–0110 www.alinea-restaurant.com Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Jacket required 3:E3.

Fodor’sChoice Boka. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN If you’re looking for a Steppenwolf pretheater dinner on North Halsted Street, this upscale spot gets the foodie stamp of approval. The seasonally driven menu is constantly changing, showcasing elegant fare like seared scallops or an elevated presentation of roasted chicken, and the slick lounge and outdoor patio both serve food, so this is a big draw even for those not watching curtain time. Known for: roasted chicken; notable cocktail list; excellent desserts. Average main: $36 1729 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park 312/337–6070 www.bokachicago.com No lunch 3:E3.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! $ SPANISH The name is so cute, so you might not think the food is a selling point—but you’d be wrong: expat Spaniards swear this is one of the best Spanish restaurants in town, and the colorful Mediterranean-style interiors encourage the Spanish feel. There’s a large assortment of cold and warm tapas, but it’s worth checking out the entrée menu, too, for paella and skewered meats. Known for: outdoor patio; six types of sangria; Spanish wines. Average main: $15 2024 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park 773/935–5000 www.cafebabareeba.com No lunch Mon.–Thurs. 3:E2.

Fodor’sChoice North Pond. $$$$ AMERICAN A former Arts and Crafts–style warming house for ice-skaters at Lincoln Park’s North Pond, this romantic gem in the woods fittingly champions an uncluttered culinary style amid scenic views. Organic ingredients, wild-caught fish, and artisanal farm products appear on the seasonally changing menus; for a fancier dinner, a five-course tasting menu is also available for $95. Known for: Sunday brunch; boutique wine list; cozy fireplace.

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