Why You Should Visit Lincoln Square

Chicago
is a big and wondrous city: there is an incredible amount of sites and places to see. But, Chicago, aside from being 's

Second
City

, is also a grouping of tiny neighborhoods-each with its own feel and charm. And while visitors tend to stay within the rigid confines of downtown, many of Chicago's coolest areas lay outside the Loop (
Chicago
's downtown area) One of these is

Lincoln Square
.

If you take the eL's Brown Line to the Western stop, you will find yourself in a vibrant and bustling neighborhood with taverns and restaurants, delis and coffee shops, music halls and libraries. This is the heart of

Lincoln Square
. Originally a German neighborhood (strings of murals remind visitors of this influence),
Lincoln Square
has become an attractive area for young people and young families of all backgrounds. Dogs and strollers are out in full force on weekend days.

The influx of people facilitated the need for entertainment and cuisine, and

Lincoln Square
answered with a row of public houses and eateries. The Grafton, Bad Dog Tavern, Latitude 41, Bistro Campagne, Tank Sushi, The Daily Bar and Grill, Erba, and La Soiree occupy ONE block of
Lincoln Avenue
. Visitors and residents can literally throw a rock and hit a restaurant or bar. The Daily Bar and Grill has some of
Lincoln Square
's best food-try a Daily blue cheese burger and thank me later. If visitors are looking for something a little more fancy, Bistro Campagne-a French restaurant that only uses organic ingredients-or Tank Sushi are both superb dining options. And Bad Dog Tavern, Latitude 41, and La Soiree all have a tremendous-and relatively inexpensive-brunch.

Nighttime brings Chicagoans from surrounding neighborhoods, packing the bars on the weekends. But there are still lesser-known and thrifty options for those so inclined. Carola's Hansa Clipper-located directly under the train tracks-is my favorite pub in

Lincoln Square
. The atmosphere is super-relaxed, the bartenders are nice and accommodating, it is rarely crowded, and for five dollars, patrons receive a giant stein of good German beer: Spaten, Stiegel, Warsteiner, etc. Latitude 41 is also a cool, relaxed spot. And, due to the competition, bars will almost always offer specials for certain selections on certain nights. Bad Dog supplies live music on Friday nights and there are a wealth of spots that support open mic nights.

During the day, visitors can check out

Welles
Park

, a sprawling green that annually hosts the Folk and Roots Festival, a collection of indigenous and rocking music from across the globe. Ultimate frisbee, softball, tennis, baseball, and horseshoes are the major activities in perpetual participation at

Welles
Park

and most are open to the willing and ready. Across the street rests the Sultzer Library for those more inclined to grab a good read and lay in the sun (when it's out in
Chicago
). Either way,

Welles
Park

is the hub for

Lincoln Square
's active and a beautiful place to enjoy the day.

Lincoln Square
has all the amenities of the downtown area, without being as over-crowded and overpriced. People are friendly in this quiet and slower-paced neighborhood. The dining options are incredible and the pubs and bars are populated and plentiful. Above all,
Lincoln Square
is a scenic and beautiful area, rich with lush greenery and old, ornate buildings. Tiny coffeehouses and boutiques and music stores and authentic delis crawl along the boulevards, beckoning to the tourist or local who wants to truly experience
Chicago
. And the best part is: a twenty minute elevated and scenic train ride will land you directly downtown, where you can fight the crowds and pay ten dollars for a sandwich to your heart's content.