Anchored by the intersection of Lawrence, Western and Lincoln Avenues on Chicago’s North Side, Lincoln Square is a cosmopolitan, close-knit neighborhood. It provides a dynamic, diverse blend of tree-lined residential streets and bustling retail and commercial spaces, easily accessible by the CTA Brown Line and Metra.

Old World heritage meets modern charm in Lincoln Square. Wander the cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue that’s packed with unique shops (like Merz Apothecary and Gene’s Sausage Shop & Deli) and delicious restaurants (like Artango Bar & Steakhouse, Lizzy J Cafe, and Luella’s Southern Kitchen).

Beyond its German roots, Lincoln Square is also a great spot for local shopping, with an array of independently owned boutiques and specialty shops. For instance, check out toy emporium Timeless Toys and foodie haven The Chopping Block. There’s also tons of diverse dining options, from French-inspired fare at Cafe Selmarie to craft cocktails at The Sixth.

Lincoln Square is also home to one of our favorite old-timey movie houses, the Davis Theater. A recent restoration of the 100-year-old theatre uncovered much of its former glory, like organ pipes hidden with dry wall and hand-painted ceiling covered by tile. Today, you can catch new releases, cult favorites, vintage films, and more.

Visit the Old Town School of Folk Music, which launched the careers of many notable folk musicians. Check the events calendar for live performances by artists from around the world. And in the summer, the neighborhood’s love of all things German comes together for Maifest, where food, music, dance, and revelry fill the streets.

Lincoln Square is particularly attractive in terms of family-friendly housing, offering a high percentage of single-family homes and smaller multi-unit buildings, both condominiums and rentals.

Lincoln Square is served by Roald Amundsen High School and several elementary schools part of the Chicago Public School system, including Budlong, Chappell and McPherson.