Lincoln Square is one of those Chicago neighborhoods that just feels welcoming and cozy – especially with crisp fall air and beautiful foliage! It was initially settled by German Americans and you can still see the European influences throughout the neighborhood. The main shopping and dining area has a cobblestone square surrounded by some of my favorite boutiques and restaurants. This Chicago community area also includes the Ravenswood and Bowmanville neighborhoods. The long-running Apple Fest is hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and is one of my family’s favorite fall festivals!

Here’s the CGL guide on where to eat and shop, and what to do in Lincoln Square this fall!

Coffee & Breakfast

• Oromo Cafe serves delicious Turkish coffee, pastries, and brunch!
• Bagel Miller is a newer spot in the square featuring Chicago-style bagels.
• Spoken Cafe is great for getting a bagel sandwich and a latte. They also have homemade jams, marinades, and coffee for sale. The bagels are from New York Bagel in Skokie, and I think they’re some of the best in the Chicago area. Seating can be tricky because it’s a small place, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a great bagel sandwich.

Activities & Outings

• Shop small in Lincoln Square – There are so many fun boutiques to peruse in the Square. My favorites are Enjoy Chicago for eclectic gifts and housewares – plus they have great Chicago-themed merch, Raw Edge Shop for local artisan wares, Genevieve for classic and trending clothes, and The Book Cellar – a women-owned independent book store + wine cafe. Merz Apothecary has been around since 1875 and features unique wellness and beauty products.
• Catch a show at Davis Theater – a first-run Chicago movie theater since 1917! It also has a bar and food!
• See the leaves changing colors at West Ridge Nature Park, River Park, or Winnemac Park.
• Hear live music at Old Town School of Folk Music – an iconic Chicago institution. T Bone Burnett, Joan Baez, Tegan and Sara, are just some of the concerts and talks happening this Fall!

Lunch, Brunch, & Snacks

• Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen – Gene’s has a really cute rooftop, a deli + grocery store. They’ve been around since 1972!
• The Bad Apple – They have one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. You can walk down the street to Welles Park afterward!
• Vaca’s Creamery – yes, it’s vegan ice cream, and yes, it’s delicious!
• Margies Candies is a Chicago landmark and legend with a huge menu of sundaes, banana splits, and epic ice cream creations.
• The Warbler – American cuisine with a cute patio and open for lunch and dinner.

Dinner

• Caro Mio – a great BYOB Italian restaurant with huge portions. (We had our first Valentine’s date here!)
• Gather – such a cute garden-like patio! Farm to table with a great Sunday brunch and dinner menu.
• Spacca Napoli – one of the BEST places to get wood-fired oven pizza!
• Bistro Campagne – a French bistro with a Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée that will make you feel the coziest.

Drinks

• Gideon Welles – small patio, neighborhood spot with beers on tap and tasty burgers.
• Vin 312 is a small, urban winery tucked away in Ravenswood near Malt Row! You might pass right by it if you aren’t looking for it! The Merlot and Rose were my favorites. You can book through Groupon, too!
• Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer! Visit Malt Row and create your own brewery crawl in Ravenswood. Hop from brewery to brewery:
  • Half Acre Beer Co – 2050 W Balmoral Ave
  • Spiteful Brewing – 2024 W Balmoral Ave
  • Cultivate by Forbidden Root – 4710 N Ravenswood Ave
  • Demo Brewing Company – 1763 W Berteau Ave
  • Dovetail Brewery – 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave
  • Begyle Brewing – 1800 W Cuyler Ave
• The Koval Distillery hosts tastings, tours, and events. It’s one of our favorites!

Fall Events

• Lincoln Square Farmers Market – Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons through October 31. Update: The Tuesday morning market has been extended through Nov 19!
• Cider Fest – Sep 26 at Artifacts Events
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Apple Fest – October 5-6
• Lincoln Square Greektoberfest – Oct 19-20
• Fall Wine Stroll – Nov 7

Check out more here! Let me know if you visit or if I should add any more places to the list! For more Fall in Chicago ideas, take a look at this!

Christine