Spending a day exploring the wildlife and lush grounds of Lincoln Park Zoo works up a serious appetite. Because the zoo is free to enter and centrally located, it draws a wonderfully diverse crowd, from families with strollers to couples on a casual date. The surrounding neighborhoods—Lincoln Park, Old Town, and parts of Lakeview—are a culinary playground, offering everything from deep-dish pizza and gourmet burgers to fresh sushi and refined farm-to-table fare.
The beauty of dining in this area is the sheer variety of price points and atmospheres. You can easily find a spot that welcomes messy toddlers and exhausted parents, or you can slip into a dimly lit bistro for a romantic evening after watching the sun set over the zoo’s nature boardwalk. Many of the best restaurants are located within a 10- to 15-minute walk, making them perfect for a seamless transition from animal encounters to a satisfying meal.
Parking near the zoo can be challenging, especially on weekends and during special events like ZooLights. Because of this, choosing a restaurant that is easily walkable from the zoo’s gates is a smart strategy. You can leave your car parked in one spot and explore the neighborhood on foot, turning your meal into a pleasant extension of your outdoor adventure.
Whether you are a local looking for a new regular spot or a tourist trying to maximize your Chicago itinerary, this guide is designed to take the guesswork out of your dining decision. We have curated a list that balances iconic Chicago institutions with hidden neighborhood gems, ensuring there is a perfect table for every type of visitor.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the best dining options near the zoo, followed by a few local tips to help you navigate the neighborhood’s food scene like a pro.
R.J. Grunts
| Address | 2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 929-5363 |
Family friendly restaurant right near the zoo with a ton of great burger and wrap options, kids menu, and $12 cocktails!
So this is obviously the OG Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and it's great. The decor hasn't been changed in years and the menus are so cool.
There are people of all ages including tons of families with kids. Our food was great and so were the cocktails. The Tuna Melt (5/5) was unreal, and the California wrap (5/5) was also really good. Next time when we come back we will split a burger since they are huge and the French onion soup.
really nice place for a quick but relaxing meal, I was kind of surprised the food arrived really quickly, and since I could not decide what to get I ordered chicken tenders. Perfectly breaded, tender and juicy- and terrific selection of dips, but the BBQ was perfect. Really hit the spot! Glad to have found them, highly recommend.
Food is always good!!! Service is great. Definitely a neighborhood spot you can go to and enjoy the atmosphere... zoo is across the street to walk the food off. Been coming here since I was a toddler with my parents. That was over 30 years ago! Love this place! French onion soup 😍😋
Well worth the stop, and honestly I wish we could have stayed longer. There’s a sense of history here that you can really feel, and it comes through in the genuine, welcoming service.
The menu has plenty of options to choose from, so there’s something for everyone, and everything feels thoughtfully done. You can tell the staff enjoy working here and that the place is well managed. Overall, a great experience and an easy place to highly recommend.
RJ Grunts is hard to beat for happy hour. $5 drinks Thursday through Saturday make it one of the better deals in the neighborhood. We stopped in for the nachos and a couple of drinks and left happy. Great atmosphere, solid portions, and a perfect spot to kick back with friends. Don’t miss it. 🍻🌮
elephant + vine
| Address | 2315 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 546-9742 |
My fiance’ and I have been vegan for 8 years and this is one of the best vegan restaurant we’ve tried! Classics but just made vegan! the staff was super friendly and informative! And I love the atmosphere. So glad we decided to stop here for lunch. Will definitely be back everytime we’re in town! 🌱
Outstanding burgers and bowls. Service was fast and staff was very polite. Mammoth Burger was prepared perfectly and the Eleburger was one of the best burgers I've had. Cauliflower bowl was fresh and very flavorful. Will visit again and again.
I stopped here when I was in Chicago for work right around Thanksgiving. Y'all! I was so hungry! It's hard to find a plant-based restaurant that's convenient. I was thankful for the kindness of the employee walking me through the menu in order for me to make a good pick. I settled on sweet potato fries and a sandwich...delicious! I wasn't overstuffed and was full. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing and clean. Check them out if you're in the area!
My only issue, parking is not the best. There is a parking garage across the street.
One of the best vegan burgers I've ever had, at an unbeatable price! Not being a local made me wish I had this restaurant back home.
The service was also very quick and the store was very clean. Will definitely be stopping by here again next time I'm in the area!
I got apparently the first ever Eledeluxe burger they sold instead of the eleburger and spent THREE WHOLE EXTRA DOLLARS for a SINGLE slice of tomato. Absolutely not worth it, DO NOT ORDER the Eoedelux, save your 3$ and get the normal burger option. Other than that food was okay, and I got fries and a fountain drink.
GEMINI
| Address | 2075 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 525-2522 |
I've been to Gemini two or three times. The menu is small with few standouts, particularly given the price: Lincoln Park-upscale. The food is well-executed. The Sunday special fried chicken was very crispy and had good flavor. My Super Green Vegetable salad ($17) came with an excessive amount of red pepper flakes, making it too spicy. Pistachios are a strange touch to an otherwise solid salad. Chicken breast add-on (+$8) was decent enough. I was disappointed by the dessert, however. It's not made in house (last I heard, open to correction) and was far too small. Ahi tataki ($39) got decent reviews from my dinner-mate, and the burger with fries was 'very good' ($21). One serving of fries was crispy; the other was soggy. The Parker House Rolls appetizer ($7) was disappointing for the price and size, as was the Little Gem salad ($16)
Gemini is a restaurant for a place and time. I give them four stars. If I could, I'd lean towards three-and-a-half stars for price and my gripes with their menu, but I think a review serves as a better warning than a lower-starred review that damages rankings.
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You go, and you feel that it was fancy, and you maybe had a cocktail or two. Was it worth your time, money, and weight? I'm not so sure. It's 'good for groups' in that there is 'something for everyone'; so if you have a group of people who want to go out to dinner, Gemini is a fine place to go. Read the other reviews and you'll see why people like it. Fun cocktails and good service go a long way in some people's book. I think the reviewers are conflating 'having a good time' with 'is a good restaurant.' So if a memorable anniversary is what you're after and you're going to get a nice bottle of wine (because it's a nice bottle of wine) and the steak (because it's a steak), sure, go to Gemini. If you are looking for a good meal, a special dish, or whatever else, maybe try somewhere else.
We had an amazing experience dining here. My friend and I went in for a weekend brunch and got outdoor seating. Loved our food, the professional service and the overall energy of the place. Service was a little slow - understandable for a busy weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed my salad. I will definitely be back to try other items.
We had an extraordinary dining experience at Gemini from start to finish. The food was outstanding, every dish was beautifully prepared, and the drink pairings complemented the meal perfectly. Combined with the exceptional service, it made for one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making Gemini an excellent American-style restaurant to bring family, friends, or out-of-town guests. Every part of the evening exceeded our expectations, from the quality of the food to the attentive hospitality. I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend Gemini to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
Made a reservation for 8pm on a Friday night. Definitely recommend making a reservation for weekend dinner. The place was lively! My only complaint was that the music was slightly too loud, and it was a bit hard to hear across the table.
We were seated in a booth as a group of four next to the open window and outdoor seating area, which is covered by awnings. It was storming BADLY this night, so if you’re seated outside, prepare to get a few splashes and dribbles of rain on you from the leaky awnings.
Menu is a bit pricey but worth it! Every dish we had was a hit. The branzino was some of the best I’ve ever had, and the steamed mussels were also very good. The roasted salmon, ahi tuna tataki, Caesar salad, crispy shrimp spring rolls, and yellowfin tuna tartare were all delicious! The squirtsky draft and aperol spritz were also solid. Yellow cake was good too.
Service was on it, always refilling waters which is something I always appreciate. Overall, great experience for a first visit, would definitely come back again!
Came in with friends on a Friday night for dinner. Service was good, the space is bright and clean. All our food and drinks were good, but nothing necessarily stood out to us as amazing. Overall a good experience and I would recommend coming in, I just don’t personally think the menu is anything special!
The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake
| Address | 2401 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 414-1313 |
Overall had a great experience. Went here to grab a quick bite to eat with a friend around 4:30-5:00ish and it was completely empty so didn’t have a long wait haha. I absolutely loved the chicken pesto sandwich and will be coming back for it soon. My friend got the burger (which looked eh) and she said it was pretty lack luster average. The fries were kinda perfection haha. The right amount of chew and thickness to them. The drinks were very strong so come if you love em heavy but I personally had to ask for a little mix in which I appreciate the staff dealing with me haha. The staff was nice and it was so beautiful to sit outside by the lake. Overall great time.
Came here for restaurant week and had the most incredible meal. Appreciated the service and fantastic wine recommendation from our server Rich. He was fantastic! Highly recommend this spot for a casual meal or a fancy date night. Sunset views over the lake and city skyline can’t be beat!
Enjoyed a most wonderful night out at the restaurant and theater. We started our evening with dinner and we were very pleased with our service and meals. The venue is beautiful, very industrial but modern.
Our server was wonderful. She inquired if we’re were there to attend the show and ensured prompt service so we make open doors.
For starters we got the bread & butter, crispy tuna and French onion soup. The bread was warm and soft and the butter was the perfectly salty. I enjoyed the tuna however I felt the sushi rice was a bit too thick. And my husband loved the soup.
For the entrees I got the Brisket dip and elote, and my husband got the burger and fries. He was not impressed with the burger and felt it tasted like a cheap grade beef but he said the fries were wonderful. The brisket dip was delicious and I loved the elote. Overall it wasn’t bad but I do think we would try some other options next time.
What a lovely surprise to find on a cold Chicago Winter day. My husband and I decided to have an adventure and come to the lakeshore and view the frozen waves. It did not disappoint. We were headed to North Ave Beach but got off at Fullerton and drove into this pleasant surprise. For $15 we valeted our car and walked to the lakeshore for photos. Incredible view of the lake and Chicago skyline. Then, we went in for lunch and had a wonderful server, Frannie, who was staring a double shift since it was restaurant week in Chicago. She was engaging and attentive. I had the breakfast nachos, YUM, and my husband devoured the cheese board. Frannie recommended a hot toddy, which warmed me up quickly. We had a corner table that looked out on the lake and skyline. Our adventures that day were perfect because of the Lakefront Restaurant, Frannie, and Dominic who warmed our car.
Was highly disappointed !!!! Was on the bike path with friends and one member of our group needed a sugar boost so I stopped in to purchase to go a Diet Coke and Pepsi. The female at the bar was not friendly and had a look like I was disturbing her. Not once did she say may I help you and she only acknowledged me with eye contact as she walked over to me . I asked if they had can pops and she said yes so I told her what I wanted which was one Diet Coke and one Pepsi. She moved at a SNAIL pace and walked away from the bar and when she returned she went to the other side of the bar ( I couldn’t see what she was doing) but she was there for a few minutes and then she brought me 2 cups that were 9 oz in size each (one 9oz cup of Coca Cola or Pepsi cost $5 buck each). Both cups were watered down with melty ice. I think I was OVER charged. The total charge was $13.41 including a $2.00 tip that I gave nor did she give me a receipt. This process took at least 15 minutes. I said thank you and just got a stare back in return. I left out but took one sip and threw it out cause I had a stomach cramp after taking a sip.
As we waited outside for the person in our group to recover, unfortunately, I had to returned to this place because there were no other eateries at that location sooooo I went to the bar once again and asked a male ( the receipt server name listed is (AM BAR T ) who was working if they had any sweet snacks to go for purchase because someone in our group was diabetic and needed something sweet to eat because the sweet pop the person partially consumed didn’t work. He stated that they had old fashioned donuts and a fruit cup but it would take at least 15 -20 minutes so I purchased them both at a total cost of $13.41 and I gave him a $4.00 tip because although he wasn’t pleasant, he at least made those suggestions but when I asked for a cup of ice, the snail paced began with him too. He walked away from the bar and brought back a bag of plastic cups when there were already plastic cups sitting at the bar. It took the time he said it would take. I retrieved the snacks and cup of ice, said thank you but I don’t recall hearing a response so back. The person in the group took a 1/2 bite of the donut and ate a few pieces of the sliced fruit in a cup, said it was horrible. We each tried both the donut and fruit and the person was right because non of it was good nor did it serve the purpose we were trying to achieve. The SERVICE, watered down drinks and dessert at this place is SUBPAR! When I walked up to this place initially, I thought what a nice looking place maybe we can have lunch here one day but after my experience I’m not so sure.
Blue Door Farm Stand
| Address | 2010 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 935-2583 |
This is a super cute brunch spot in Lincoln Park with a cozy farmhouse-chic vibe that makes it really comfortable to relax and enjoy a meal. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the menu offers a nice variety that works well for brunch.
The pricing felt fair overall, especially the upcharge for protein substitutions in the salad, which was very reasonable. The drinks were tasty, even if not particularly strong, but still enjoyable alongside the food. Between the great atmosphere, solid food, and thoughtful pricing, this is definitely a place worth checking out and recommending for a laid-back brunch.
I recently visited Blue Door Farm Stand for lunch. Overall, I had an enjoyable time and look forward to returning.
For cocktails, I had a Raspberry Beret which is made with vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, prosecco, and lemon juice. Absolutely delicious and refreshing, especially on a humid day.
For an appetizer, my friend and I shared the crab cakes. While the crab cakes were fried beautifully, I wouldn't order it again. The crab cakes were made with mostly filler and didn't contain much crab or crab flavor.
For my main dish, I had their Lincoln Park combo which contains a cup of soup, half sandwich, and half salad. I chose their tomato-basil soup, club sandwich, and Cobb salad. First, this is a lot of food! Second, I was impressed that they allowed you to do a half salad of their large salads. I expected it to be a side garden salad. Third, the soup could have been a bit better. It was somewhat grainy and not very tomato or basil forward. On the other hand, the Cobb salad and the Club sandwich were the standouts here. The Cobb salad had a very healthy amount of chicken and the Club was probably the best thing I had this visit. Finally, the service staff was attentive but not overly so.
While this was my first time visiting the Blue Door Farm Stand, it certainly will not be my last.
I ordered the chilaquiles, and unfortunately they tasted mostly like tomato paste. The eggs were also undercooked, which made the dish even less enjoyable. While the servers were friendly and courteous, it took over 30 minutes for our food to arrive. I also wasn’t a fan of the atmosphere, as it didn’t feel very welcoming or comfortable. Overall, it just wasn’t the experience I was hoping for.
Good food, had the sweet potato empanadas as a starter. Very good. Ordered the combo and then a grilled chicken sandwich. The spicy garlic aioli is so good. Great vibe and staff. Would recommend trying this place.
We had a nice lunch here. I ordered the sesame chicken salad and the chicken was very dry and the salad was underdressed. The beat salad was good. I liked the vibe in the place but given the food quality I will most likely not go back given all of the other amazing options available in Chicago.
Lincoln Park Corner Kitchen
| Address | 2200 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 270-6991 |
We went on a Sunday morning at 10am with two small ones - a 3yo and a 1 month old. The place was very kid friendly and accommodating to our needs with the children. They had a kids' menu and crayons to keep them entertained. When we sat down there was a water in a cup with a lid and straw for the toddler.
We ordered eggs benedicts, French toast and steak and eggs. All were very tasty. The eggs were perfectly poached. The steak was marinated and cooked to perfection to medium rare.
The staff was attentive And kept the table cleared of dirty dishes.
The noise level was advantageous to having a toddler.
I am off work on Thursdays. My friends HIGHLY recommended THE CORNER KITCHEN for an early dinner and I see WHY! THE SERVICE was impeccable and the menu selection was nothing short of EXTRA EXTROADINARY! If you have NOT been to the CORNER KITCHEN-what are YOU waiting for????
My first time here with my nephew, enjoyed the food greatly up into I got home. I had steak and eggs and tried their pecan pancakes. 😋 My nephew tried apple stuffed French toast with turkey links. The only thing that spoiled my experience was I paid for toast to go and the toast were so STALE and BRICK HARD that I just threw out the remaining of steak and eggs! I
I had a great experience at this restaurant today! They have a wide variety of delicious sandwiches on the menu, with plenty of options to choose from. Everything tasted fresh and well made. The restaurant itself was very clean and welcoming, and all of the employees were incredibly friendly and helpful. You can really tell they care about their customers. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend giving this place a try!
The absolute best Belgian waffles i have ever had!!! What a treat!!!! First time visiting Chicago and was not planning on stopping here, the weather changed and so did our plans, and SO GLAD they did!!! DELICIOUS!!! My husband's skirt stake was also amazing!! Definitely a must!!
The Patio at Cafe Brauer
| Address | 2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 507-9053 |
Really nice patio overlooking the pond outside the zoo. This is a very peaceful spot to rest and recover from a long walk through the zoo. The patio is nicely shaded and there was a soft rock guitar performer playing. Food was very good and fresh, drinks were good too, but if you want a refill or basically anything else after your food comes out, including the check, you will need to hail someone.
Stopped by for a quick beverage and wound up getting a few things to nosh - the watermelon and feta salad was quite refreshing. I generally prefer less liquid in pressed melon, but that's *my* personal taste - the flavors were wonderful. The green fruit sangria was a revelation, and my passion fruit daiquiri went down a treat. Our server was fantastic, friendly and efficient, not to mention super busy. Just a very nice break from wandering around the area.
I have been to Cafe Brauer many times over the years while visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's a great spot to get away from the masses of school and day camp groups. 😁 First and foremost, the patio is located at the Nature Wildlife Boardwalk on the South Pond, so the view is amazing. We were seated right away and the server was great. We ordered the Summer Berry Salad and Baja Fish Tacos. The service was quick, the food was yummy and the service was super. The cafe has brunch on the weekend and will need to try it out.
It’s nice to sit at patio area. Nice pond and park view!! We shared two different salads and hummus dip. Salad green wasn’t that fresh and just lettuce, no variety of veggies. Don’t expect food too much.
HAPPY HOUR WITH A VIEW 🌄@patioatcafebrauer 📍 Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
What a great way to enjoy the sun with a nice view and live music 🎵. Had the best time drinking their house Patio Mule (tart & refreshing) and margarita (got the original but they also have strawberry, peach, mango, or wild berry) # sponsored (more on Instagram @midwestmunching)
Biggest highlights for food was their shrimp ceviche, market salad , chicken tacos & house chips. Shrimp ceviche came with tomato & avocado, nice and light.
Market salad was huge as you can see here - added grilled shrimp . They mixed the ranch in their which made every bite just tasty!
Chicken tacos had a nice flavor throughout, came with pico de gallo, cabbage, and fresh pineapple. Which kept the tacos light
And their house chips. WOW I can eat these all day. Nice thick cut & double fried till super crispy.
We also ordered their burger (super juicy as you can see), fries & fruit cobbler 😋
DeNucci's Lincoln Park
| Address | 503 W Dickens Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 4:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 697-8780 |
I enjoyed DeNucci's!
Kale salad - super great! Loved the almonds in it
Chicago sausage & giardiniera tavern style pizza -super nicely done thin crust (ask for less sauce and come on a Monday for the deal!)
Vodka pasta - I liked that it had some meat chunks but texture of the pasta leaned a little less than al dente
Love this place! Pizza is amazing. The crust is especially great. The staff are very good and attentive. Yemilia was our amazing server. She guided us in our decisions and it turned out great.
We made a reservation for 2 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant was not very busy. We ordered the mozzarella sticks as an appetizer. I had the spicy crab pasta dish, and my husband had the veal Parmesan with spaghetti and vodka sauce. The mozzarella sticks were absolutely delicious some of the best mozzarella sticks I’ve ever had! They are hand pulled fried and they come with a Parmesan topping and torn basil. The spicy crab pasta had a generous amount of jumbo lump crab meat the sauce was very light, buttery , oily, garlic, lemon, and a tiny amount of Panko breadcrumbs adding a little crunch very delicious. I do not eat veal however my husband said it was very delicious. I did taste his spaghetti with the vodka sauce and it was to die for! They had a nice wine selection and a full bar! Our service was fantastic. Our waitress was awesome and everybody was very friendly. The bathrooms are downstairs and they are very clean and well kept!
Walked in on a very busy Saturday night. The wait to sit was too long so we decided to do a to-go order which came out really fast for how busy it was. I'm gluten free and they provide a Sicilian style pie. So I ordered that with sausage peperoni and sweet tomatoes. This was so good I've never had GF Sicilian before and this dough was so light and airy with a light crisp wasn't so overly thick either like alot of Sicilians can be. I normally leave the crust behind but I couldn't this time it was that good. The sauce and topping also were a really nice balance. Everyone we came in contact with at the restaurant was really nice and helpful. They even had valet parking which was nice because it's been years since I've parallel parked. We were into visiting so when b we visit again this will definitely be on the place i need to stop at while here.
Great food! Loved every-bit of the food I ate at the restaurant.
Drinks can be improved.
I got a handmade pasta which tasted amazing. Got meatballs on the side, such a great treat. The chicken sandwich was good. The calamari was perfectly seasoned and crisp.
Service time was a bit longer but overall good service.
Nookies on Wells
| Address | 1746 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 337-2454 |
Excellent breakfast location with fantastic food items which are enhancements on the breakfast classics. The berry stuffed waffles were fresh and tasty. Chocolate chip pancakes hit the spot. The Green Goddess was perfect for someone looking for a vegetarian selection. Service was prompt and polite. Outdoor seating was away from the street so it was still quiet.
This spot was excellent from start to finish. The food was delicious, the service was great, and the portion sizes were huge, making it a very satisfying meal.
It feels like a fantastic local breakfast and lunch place, with a nicely updated interior that gives it a clean and comfortable atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better.
The menu is extensive with so many choices that it is almost hard to decide what to order. Overall, great food, good service, and a place that is definitely worth visiting again.
Thanks to the recommendation at the Lincoln Hotel we fell in love with this treasure of a restaurant! Nookies is amazing! The staff are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is a total feel good vibe, but the real star is the food! Banana nut pancakes = delicious! The Smokehouse frittata scrumptious! The roasted potatoes 5 stars! But our absolute favorite the Pesto scramble; so good we had it twice! Coffee delicious and I absolutely loved the Cortado to give you a jump in your step for the day! I highly recommend this restaurant! They definitely have something on their menu for everyone!
I would highly recommend this place for breakfast. Had Lox Benedict which was awesome. Coffee was good. The fresh squeezed OJ machine that they have makes the best Orange Juice that I have ever had. Mario was an excellent waiter. This breakfast experience was the best I have had. My compliments to Eddie and Mario.
Visiting from Indiana and have never been to this place. Food was phenomenal and service was extremely prompt even with how busy the place was. Ordered the sweet trio and a side order of roasted red potatoes. Orange juice is fresh squeezed right in front of you. I sat at the bar and the servers are very friendly.
Angry Octopus
| Address | 2100 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 296-9600 |
Stopped by while visiting the nearby zoo. I had the Vienna beef Chicago-style and another with mustard and onion. Both were both very good. Since seating inside was tight, our group of five sat outside at a small table by the curb and enjoyed this taste a local faire. We could have used another table but we made it work. Otherwise, staff was friendly and I would highly recommend. Thank you!
Came here with my mother to try something new. Got a 12” Supreme pizza and an Italian beef sandwich with sweet peppers. The pizza was fresh, and its toppings were evenly-spread. It tasted really good. The Italian beef sandwich was perfectly cooked, gravy was great! I also got a pineapple shake as a treat: it was perfect, not too sweet and very creamy. 10/10! 😀
RECOMMENDED BECAUSE OF THEIR KINDNESS!
Hi, we didn’t get to here because it was closed when we arrived BUT as we left, the lady serving the restaurant called out and was kind enough to hand us a free slice of pizza; we were pretty hungry from walking all over the park and my partner is diabetic so this free, warm pizza was godsend.
If we are in the area again, we’re DEFINITELY going to stop by their restaurant for a meal.
This is a fantastic little gem! My wife and I were visiting Chicago when we stumbled upon Angry Octopus while exploring the Lincoln Park neighborhood. We decided to stop in for a bite and ordered burgers and fries—she chose the ground beef, and I went with the turkey burger. Both were absolutely delicious—perfectly cooked, topped just right, and served in portions that hit the sweet spot for a late lunch or early dinner.
The fries were a standout too—crispy boardwalk-style potato slices with just the right touch of salt. Simple, fresh, and very satisfying.
What really impressed us, though, was the atmosphere. While we were eating, the owner greeted a regular customer with special needs and showed her genuine kindness and respect. It was heartwarming to see such a welcoming, neighborly spirit in action—something you don’t always find, even in big cities.
We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. If you’re in Chicago, do yourself a favor and check this place out—you won’t be disappointed!
Absolutely can not recommend this place enough, went there after a trip to the zoo to cap a perfect day. Everything from the service, attitude, food, and experience was absolutely perfect. Amazing place run by even better people!
The Pasta Bowl - Lincoln Park
| Address | 2434 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 525-2695 |
love this restaurant! i used to always go to the lincoln square location and had no idea there was one here. the food was just as good as i remembered, and everything came out great. david was our server and he was awesome—super friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. definitely would come back again! 🙂
i wasn’t really impressed with the food. the mozzarella sticks and calamari weren’t bad, but the pasta was just okay. i will say the portions are huge, i got 3 portions out of my pasta. however, the pasta got so bland and boring that i ended up throwing some of it out. our server was nice and the food came out pretty quick. unfortunately, i don’t think i’d be back
Vodka pasta here was reallyyyyyy amazing. It comes in such a large portion my friend and I shared and we still didn’t finish it. The inside of the restaurant is small but still has optimized room for seating. Our server was very nice and checked on us regularly but not too much to where it was over bearing. Would definitely come back for more vodka pasta
Ordered through DoorDash and got the dinner for 2 special. Really liked this deal since we got to try a different variety of things for $60. The goat cheese and marinara (Tuffo Saporito) was surprisingly good and came with lots of breadsticks. Enjoyed the chopped salad and how big the proportions for it was. Pasta was good and the meat/shrimp was juicy and flavorful. Cheesecake was a great way to end the meal and wasn’t too sweet.
This spot is perfect for a solo date or a cozy night out with your partner. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and the service is truly top-tier. I ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese with shell pasta and added spinach—my waiter’s recommendation—and it was absolutely delicious. The portion size was generous enough to last me two days, which was a huge plus!
The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park
| Address | 2468 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 661-6335 |
Visited family in Chicago and they took us to The Fat Shallot, one of their go‑to sandwich spots. I ordered the turkey sandwich with bacon and a side of truffle fries. The sandwich was delicious, and the fries stayed impressively crispy without getting soggy from the truffle.
The space itself doesn’t have a ton of personality, but that’s not a requirement for an awesome sandwich spot. The food was solid, and if I lived nearby, I could definitely see myself becoming a regular.
I tried a burger and some of the sesame fries at Fat Shallot and enjoyed the meal. Not much to write home about with respect to the burger, but I enjoyed the pepper aioli. Muenster cheese is an interesting choice! I liked it. The fries were fine but I’m not sure why they wouldn’t just offer the topping as a side (although I’m sure I could have asked). Prices were fairly reasonable for LP. We tried the frozen margaritas which were outstanding. Would definitely consider coming back and having a different sandwich next time I’m in the area.
I visited Fat Shallot in Lincoln Park and gave it 3 out of 5 stars. I ordered the BLT, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, and the bacon potato salad.
BLT: The bacon was too hard and chewy, and it took away from the overall flavor of the sandwich. The truffle aioli was a nice touch, but it wasn't enough to save the sandwich.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: This was the highlight of my meal. The chicken was crispy and juicy, and the buffalo sauce was flavorful and not too spicy. The bread was also toasted to perfection. However, the sandwich fell apart as soon as I picked it up, which was a bit messy.
Bacon Potato Salad: This was also good. The bacon was cooked perfectly, and the potato salad was creamy and flavorful. I appreciated the bits of pickles in the potato salad.
Overall, I had a mixed experience at Fat Shallot. The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was very good, but the BLT was disappointing. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was casual and relaxed.
Here are some suggestions for Fat Shallot:
Use softer bacon in the BLT
Find a way to keep the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from falling apart
Overall, I would recommend Fat Shallot to people who are looking for a casual place to get a good sandwich. However, I would recommend the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich over the BLT.
We utilized the Fat Shallot food truck for our wedding & had our tasting with Aileen at the Lincoln Park location. Aileen really took care of us and patiently answered all our questions, she was fantastic. The Fat Shallot was the whole reason we wanted food trucks at our wedding in the first place and the catering menu was off the chain good - sliders were perfect finger food and the chickpea salad made for a hearty side. Highly recommend - between a regular food order to food truck catering The Fat Shallot does not disappoint.
I got the truffle BLT and spicy sesame fries at the recommendation of Sarah. WOW. The flavor of the BLT is next level, and the smell is intoxicating. The portions were huge, and as someone with an appetite I could only finish half. The fries sauce taste like the spicy mayo one puts on sushi. I’ll 100% be back. Totally worth 10 for the Sandwich, especially if you love blts!
Insider Tips for Dining Near Lincoln Park Zoo
Navigating the dining scene around one of Chicago’s most popular attractions requires a bit of local knowledge. While the area is highly walkable and welcoming, a few strategic moves can dramatically improve your experience. Here are some expert tips to ensure your meal is just as memorable as your visit to the zoo.
- Embrace the Early Bird Special. Many of the area’s most popular spots are small and do not take reservations for small parties. If you are dining with kids or want to avoid a 45-minute wait for a burger or tacos, aim to eat lunch at 11:30 AM or dinner before 5:30 PM. You will beat the rush and get more attentive service.
- Check for Zoo-adjacent Patios. Chicago summers are precious, and many restaurants in the area offer seasonal patios. If the weather is nice, look for spots with outdoor seating where you can people-watch and enjoy the breeze. However, be aware that patio tables often have different wait times than indoor tables.
- Watch Out for Cubs Game Days. Wrigley Field is just a short drive or bus ride north, but the ripple effect on traffic and crowds can be felt as far south as Lincoln Park. If the Cubs are playing a day game, the area restaurants will be significantly busier starting in the early afternoon. Plan accordingly and consider walking instead of moving your car.
- Utilize the Zoo’s West Gate. Many visitors exit through the main East Gate on Cannon Drive, but using the West Gate near the Farm-in-the-Zoo places you closer to the heart of the Lincoln Park and Old Town dining districts. This can save you a 5- to 10-minute walk when your feet are already tired.
- Don’t Sleep on the BYOB Scene. Lincoln Park is home to several excellent, unassuming eateries that are BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). If you are looking for a high-quality meal on a budget, search for a local bistro that allows you to bring your own wine or beer. There are several liquor stores and wine shops nearby on Clark Street where you can grab a bottle before dinner.
Finding a great meal near Lincoln Park Zoo is about more than just convenience; it is about experiencing the vibrant culinary culture that makes Chicago’s North Side so special. Whether you opt for a legendary deep-dish pie, a quick gourmet sandwich, or a sophisticated sit-down dinner, the area delivers with remarkable consistency.
As you plan your visit, consider the rhythm of your day. A quick, casual lunch might be perfect before heading back into the zoo for the afternoon, while a leisurely dinner in one of the neighborhood’s cozy dining rooms offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of walking. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed to find a meal that satisfies your cravings and fuels your Chicago adventure.
