Lincoln Park - lots of options but need suggestions

Hi folks,

Long time lurker - recently moved from the northshore burbs into the lincoln park area (Clark & Dickens).

Any suggestions on some decent eating/drinking spots for someone who loves to power walk?

Cheers!

Dondon

I love Boka and Balena - both owned by the same restaurant group and about a block from one another on Halsted (just north of North Avenue). Both are beautiful spaces with extremely friendly staff and wonderful food and cocktails. Balena is Italian whereas Boka is Contemporary American. I also really like Senza (on Broadway in Lakeviw - but just outside of Lincoln Park).

Chengdu Impression for outstanding Szechuan cuisine.

Chengdu Impression
2545 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Floriole, a GNR, that is a true oasis.


Floriole Cafe and Bakery
1220 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313

Cocktails at Barrelhouse Flat

Barrelhouse Flat
2624 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-857-0421

Pizzeria da Nella and Aloha Eats deliver the goods in their respective categories. Seconding everything above as well.

Welcome to both the board and my lifetime stomping grounds. Funny because just the other week I was talking with a friend who was whining about the dining options in Lincoln Park. After I started naming off spots I realized it's as good as ever and one of the better neighborhoods in the city for food. The selection is impressive, from college eats to fine dining.

I also came to conclusion that its the best area in the city for pizza. Think about it, Pat's is one the best thin crusts in the game, in which they're an original player. Then you got both Lou Malnati's (best deep dish imo) and Peqoud's (a pie all it's own). Prefer Neapolitan wood fired pizza? Pizzeria Da Nella is fantastic. Those four right there are as good of a variety as you'll find anywhere and there's still more. While I'm not a fan there's also pizza pot pie at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder and late night slices from longtime resident Lincoln Park Pizzeria. Hell it's the only place I've ever seen Oregon style pizza, which I admit I'm not jonesing to try. Other current options that pop into my mind not mentioned include.

Athenian Room (Great neighborhood Greek food)
Etno Village (Cevap Sandwich)
Edzo's (Classic Griddled Burgers)
Butcher & the Burger (Thickburgers with lots of topping options)
Franks N Dawgs (Designer Sausage)
Devil Dawgs (Kick Ass Green Chile Cheeseburger, Coney Dog + fries)
Wieners Circle (Charred Burgers and Dogs with their signature cheese fries)
Branko's (Classic Chicago Style Fast Food Stand)
Juno (Hopefully it makes it back from fire as was some of best sushi)
Standard Market Grill (Solid food/drink place to have within walking distance of your residence)
Aloha Eats (Chicago's only Hawaiian stop)
Del Seoul (Best Fusion Tacos in the game)
Lito's Empanadas (Great for a afternoon snack)
House of Wing (Some of the cities better buffalo wings)
Barn & Co. (Solid 'que, good place eat and watch the game)
Rickshaw Republic (I've had some good/bad experiences here but it's worth a mention)
Mayan Palace (Not the best Mexican spot ever but there's certainly worse, nice neighborhood place)
Taco Joint (Cochinita Pibil Tacos)
Monkey's Paw (Good drinks of all types and solid farm to table style neighborhood haunt)
Alinea (Throw in an extra fine dining rec)
Sweet Mandy B's (For those with a sweet tooth)
Tom and Wendee's Italian Ice (a Summertime favorite of mine)
Annette's (Also have really good Ice)

Cocktails

Barrelhouse Flat
Drinkingbird
J. Parker (When roof is open in summer)

Beer

Local Option
Goose Island Brewery

I'd add Gemini Bistro where I've always had a good tasty meal and Elaine's at the Hotel Lincoln for coffee ... and especially Perennial Virant for anything but most favorite is brunch on outdoor Green City Market days in the summer.

Thank you so much for the replies and suggestions! Keep'em coming!

I really want to try out that Szechuan restaurant.

I'll second Elaine's Coffee Call at the Lincoln Hotel. Their grilled PB&J (pecan butter and raspberry jam) has earned some well-deserved attention (i.e. http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magaz ... Fruit-Jam/)

Also, Interurban Cafe and Pastry is a Lincoln Park gem. It's a small walk-up in an alleyway off Armitage and is a bit tricky to find. The address is on Halsted but you enter on Armitage. It's an excellent bakery that also serves some savory items like chili, sandwiches, and salads. Interurban's whole wheat scone is the best scone I've had in the city.

A little to the west on Ashland, but a good spot for inexpensive, Middle-Eastern, storefront cuisine: Maza
http://mazachicago.com/

. . . and don't forget the Bourgeois Pig on Fullerton for an old-style, juice-up-the-laptop cafe. Snacks, light lunches, and tons of atmosphere:
http://bpigcafe.com/

Pizzeria da Nella
1443 W Fullerton

What about for Bloody Marys?