Some Lincoln Square (or really close to Lincoln Square, mostly food and drink) recommendations

Fork- I love this place. Solid food for dinner and brunch. Extensive drink list. Cozy atmosphere.

The Warbler - Has outdoor seating and great cocktails. Food is very tasty but maybe a bit overpriced.

The Daily- Casual pub food. Outdoor seating.

Jerry’s- Great sandwiches and an extensive beer list.

Caro Mio- BYOB. Extremely delish homemade pasta.

Gideon Welles- Pub food where the quality is, in my humble opinion, a step up from the Daily. I love the baja shrimp tacos.

Gene’s Sausage Shop Rooftop Beer Garden- The menu is limited and quite meat forward but this is a fantastic summer time spot to grab a beer and a brat or huge pretzel. Kids are welcome.

Taqueria el Asadero- Affordable high quality classic tacos.

La Boulangerie- Delicious fresh bread and great pastries.

First Slice- Pie! And Sandwiches! And a really cool business model that supports local organizations.

Margie’s Candies- A Chicago instituation. This is the 2nd, smaller, location. There are candies as the name suggests. But there is also ice cream- lots of ice cream.

Resi’s Bierstub- I love this strange little place. The beer garden is great and the inside is like it’s 1978 and you’re in grandma’s basement.

Spacca Napoli- Excellent Neopolitan pizza.

The Old Town School of Folk Music- Among my favorite places in Chicago. I’ve taken guitar classes here for years. If it’s good enough for John Prine and Roger McGuinn, it’s good enough for me. It’s worth stopping in if you’re wandering through the Square. Maurer Hall (in the original building that’s on the west side of the street) is my favorite music venue in the city. I have seen so many amazing shows there. Their music store, Different Strummer, is in there in case you need to pick up a ukulele.

Nhu Lhan- This place is tiny so it’s mostly for takeout. Great Banh Mi sandwiches.

Hansa Clipper- Greg’s preferred local dive bar. Good German beer.

Ricochet’s- Mary’s preferred local dive bar. (I will say the beer is more expensive here than Hansa Clipper and it’s gotten less divey but we’ve gone here after guitar for years so it’s basically my Cheers).

Koval Tasting Room- Koval whiskey has taken off - they now distribute all over the world. This tasting room is great- delicious drinks- including coffee drinks if alcohol is not your bag.

Hop Butcher for the World- The neighborhood’s newest (of many) breweries and it’s a great one that’s right around the corner from us. Beer connisseur, Cousin Richard, ranks it among his favorites.

Harvestime- if you’re staying at an AirBnB and need groceries, I recommend this little gem. The produce is fantastic.

Dimo’s Pizza- Brand new place- I tried it for the first time this week. What a delight! Pizza by the slice. Great cocktails.

Laurie’s Planet of Sound- A good old fashioned record store.

Giddings Plaza- A few of the places I mentioned are right near here. It’s just a lovely little area that feels quaint and European. There’s a brand new vegan ice cream place right there. I haven’t tried it yet but I’ve heard it’s great.

Non- Lincoln Square Stuff

Architectural Boat Tour- This is one of those tourist things that is totally worth it. The tour guides are great and it’s an interesting way to see the city.

Montrose Bird Sanctuary- Calling all bird nerds- this is THE spot in the city. Late June is not exactly prime time but it’s a relaxing and beautiful place to wander through no matter the time of year.

Lakefront Trail- If you’re in the market for a great run or walk location, this is among the best. 18 miles of trail along the lake.

Kingston Mines- Great live blues music

Second City- Chicago loves its improv. There are few things worse than bad improv but you can trust the Second City mainstage show to be hilarious.

Hideout- Awesome divey but delightful music venue you probably would never find if you’re not searching for it.

Millennium Park- If you’re heading downtown, Millennium Park is definitely worth wandering around. Take the touristy pictures at the Bean, wander through Lurie Garden and Maggie Daley Park. The Art Institute is right there. And if you want the best view of the lake, get some food or drink at Cindy’s Rooftop, right across the street. (The Magnificent Mile is the shopping strip. I find it underwhelming. I say skip it and just say this to yourself which I say any time I hear Magnificent Mile: “Guests of The Oprah Winfrey Show stay at the ALL-suite OM-ni Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile!”)