Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square
When Lincoln Square, the North Side neighborhood surrounding the intersection of Lincoln and Lawrence Avenues, was annexed by the city in 1924, it consisted mostly of uninhabited farmland. Later, the area became home to a large percentage of Chicago’s German population, evidenced today by a handful of businesses and the annual German-American festival held here each fall. Today, the neighborhood is home to an array of ethnic restaurants, theaters, boutiques and grocers. Take the Brown Line to the Western stop and witness for yourself how well-rounded Lincoln Square has become.
Bad Dog Tavern
New to the neighborhood, this sleek pub has a trendy, upscale atmosphere, serviceable American menu and friendly vibe. The back area is reserved for dining, but feel free to linger over cocktails and conversation in the front. Dinner favorites include the sesame-coated ahi tuna steak with basmati rice and soy ginger glaze ($16) and barbecue ribs ($12 half rack, $18 whole). The daily pasta specials include dishes such as tortellini carbonara with pancetta, peas and mushrooms ($13). 4535 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-334-4040.
Bistro Campagne
This casual spot serves French bistro cuisine at its simple best. Start with mussels steamed in Belgian ale ($10) and move on to poulet roti forestiere, roast chicken with wild mushroom ragout and crisp onion frites ($18). An all-French wine list and stock of sturdy Belgian ales nicely complement the fare. In clement weather, the secluded side patio is one of Chicago’s best alfresco dining spots. 4518 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-271-6100.
Charlie’s on Leavitt
This wine bar and restaurant by chef Charlie Socher (Cafe Matou) is due to open in February. Expect communal seating, New World wines and small plates of Southwestern-inflected fare. 4352 N. Leavitt St.
Andalucia
Owner Mario Oziel says his Andalucia-style tapas ($2.75-$3.95) are the most authentic–and least expensive–in town. Forty-plus hot and cold options include calamari a la plancha (grilled calamari) and patatas a la brava (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce). Entrees include red snapper fried with sherry-vinaigrette and mushrooms; and six varieties of paella ($11.95-$12.95) that serve two to three. It’s BYOB for now, but sangria and New World wines will be a specialty. Entrees range from $9-$15. 1820 W. Montrose Ave. 773-334-6900.
Bransfield’s
The folks behind this no-frills neighborhood pub recently hired a new chef in an effort to raise the bar on bar food. The Jack Daniels steak stays, but the rest of the old menu is gone. New dishes include horseradish-crusted salmon with sweet potato gratin ($16) and roasted chicken breast with mushroom fricassee and seasonal veggies ($12). New lunch options include chicken pesto and grilled veggie sandwiches (both $5.95). 4300 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-588-4280.
Square Kitchen
Make Mom proud by assembling your own healthy meal at this stylish but casual eatery. Here’s how it works: First pick a fish (ahi tuna, salmon, halibut; $12-$16) or grilled meat (chicken breast, steak, pork tenderloin; $10-$18). Then choose a sauce (ginger sesame, white wine butter, peppercorn cognac, chili-rosemary). Finally, round it off with some sides (grilled asparagus, mac ‘n’ cheese, rice pilaf; $3) and you’ve got a customized “square” meal that requires no cooking on your part. 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-751-1500.
Chicago Brauhaus
Visit this time-honored institution any night after 7 p.m. and chew your knackwurst to the sounds of a lederhosen-clad oompah band. Traditional German favorites dominate the menu: wiener schnitzel with hot potato salad and veggies ($15.95), pork-stuffed cabbage with mashed potatoes ($10.95) and sauerbraten with spaetzle and red cabbage ($13.95). 4732 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-784-4444.
Cafe Selmarie
Owned by two Lincoln Square locals with the middle names Selma and Marie, this adorable bakery and cafe is known for friendly service and creative fare. Some dishes have a German bent, such as the smoked pork chop steamed in beer with sauerkraut, Yukon Gold potatoes and plum compote ($16.95). We love the pan-seared Mediterranean monkfish with sauteed spinach, slow-roasted potatoes, oil-cured olives, garlic confit, preserved lemon and caperberries ($16.95). 4729 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-989-5595.
Tank
Look for this modern Lincoln Square sushi restaurant to open later this month. In the works is a light menu of Asian small plates, nigiri and maki. Check metromix.com for the latest. 4514 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-769-2600.
La Bocca della Verita
This storefront northern Italian spot (the name, “The Mouth of Truth,” refers to the famous sculpture featured in the film “Roman Holiday”) offers hearty, affordable Italian fare in a casual setting. The friendly staff is happy to make recommendations, including gnocchetti iai formaggi (spinach potato dumplings with blue, mascarpone and parmigiano cheeses) and spaghetti carbonara with onion, guanciale (smoked Italian bacon), egg yolk, olive oil, and parmigiano and pecorino cheeses (both $11.75). 4618 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-784-6222.
TOP 5 DESSERTS
Save room for these treats
Everybody knows the best part of the meal comes at the end. Top off a great dinner in Lincoln Square with:
Upside-down taffy apple
Baked and served with chocolate, caramel and vanilla bean ice cream ($7), it signals a bittersweet end to the meal at She She (4539 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-293-3690).
Chocolate bread pudding
Cafe Selmarie’s version is made with croissants (instead of plain old white bread) and chocolate chunks ($3.50 per slice).
Apple strudel
Top off your German feast at Chicago Brauhus with a hearty slab of the German classic ($3.50).
Tarte tatin
Bistro Campagne’s delicate, buttery pear tarte is as pretty as it is delectable ($7).
Kiku
The house dessert at La Bocca della Verita is a Granny Smith apple baked with cinnamon and custard, topped with slivered almonds and berries ($6). Note: Don’t look for “Kiku” in an epicurean dictionary; it’s the nickname of the owner’s daughter.
