PLACES TO EAT

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! 2024 N. Halsted St. - Official Web Site - May 2006

This popular Spanish restaurant is always filled with patrons; its high-energy atmosphere makes it irresistible. The crowd is lively and there is an ongoing whirlwind of activity as waiters rush around bringing orders.
Spanish is certainly the theme here; besides the food, the décor gives off a distinctly Latin flavor. There are tiles on the walls, huge murals brightening up every room, and understated salsa music playing overhead. As for the food itself, the specialty at this restaurant is tapas. Tapas is the Spanish tradition of small-sized dishes, which allows you to sample several different items from the menu.

Take this opportunity to try a wide variety of dishes; the beef and chicken dishes, in particular, are excellent. Try the rioja short ribs with manchego mashed potatoes; the meat is tender and wonderfully accented by the mashed potatoes. The beef skewer is reminiscent of barbecue, with horseradish cream and red onions as garnish. The chicken breast comes with roasted peppers and is garnished with goat cheese; this is a simple but savory dish.

One of the café’s specialties is the goat cheese baked in tomato sauce. This dish comes with garlic bread and is the perfect addition to your tapas experience. Consider getting two orders of this one; it goes fast!

For dessert, try the rice pudding; it is made with white chocolate and tastes like traditional rice pudding, but with a little kick.

Vanille Patisserie, 2229 N. Clybourn Ave. - Official Web Site - May 2006

Owned by husband-and-wife-team Dimitri and Keli Fayard, both accomplished pastry chefs with years of experience, Vanille Patisserie is the best of French pastry right here in Lincoln Park.

This small bakery is set into a cozy space, with sophisticated yet simple décor. There are funky lamps hanging from the ceiling, tasteful frames adorning the walls, and a huge, brightly lit display case taking center stage.

You can carry-out a wide selection of pastries, or dine in at one of the tables and chairs set along the window. Either way, you will enjoy personable service and delicious dessert.

Vanille Patisserie offers a range of pastries. There are croissants and petit fours, as well as tarts of every flavor. Some of these include the Tarte Vanille, Tarte Banane and Tarte Citron. There are also brownies, tiramisu and interesting-sounding cakes (try the Sicilia, which is pistachio cream, cinnamon mousse and vanilla nut sponge, or the Carapoire, which is chocolate cake, caramel mousse, pears bavaroise and diced pears.)

Of course, the entremets, or mousse cakes, are not to be missed either. Recommended are the Printemps, made of white chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and vanilla cream, as well as the chocolate-lover’s dream, the Manjari, made with chocolate mousse, chocolate cream and flourless chocolate cake. Both of these small cakes literally melt in your mouth; they are decadent but not at all heavy. The cakes are clearly made using high-quality ingredients, as is evident by the delightful taste. The entremets are pleasing to the eye as well, appearing in imaginative shapes and colors. They are as decorative as they are delectable!

Vanille Patisserie can cater as well, providing sweet tables for events of up to 2000 guests. Also available are custom cakes, made fresh to order with handcrafted sugar decorations. Sugar showpieces, chocolate showpieces and chocolate gift boxes can also be custom-ordered.

Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co., 2121 N. Clark St. - Official Web Site - July 2008

Amidst the traffic, pedestrians, shoppers, bicyclists and general bustle that make up the Lincoln Park portion of Clark Street sits an austere Victorian home. There isn’t much about it that immediately catches the eye, and thus one would never guess its colorful history.

Its history is much more than colorful, in fact. It’s thrilling. The house served as a lookout post for gunmen of the 1929 Valentine’s Day Massacre. Furthermore, it’s located right across the street from one of Al Capone’s hideouts, and is rumored to have been of use to the famous gangster back in the Roaring Twenties!

Today, things have settled down a bit. True, the old house is still known for its Italian, but this time it’s a cuisine, not a gangster. It is home to the small but buzzing Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder restaurant, famous for its pizza pot pies and its grinders.

Walking in the door, you are met with a host who seems like a descendent of Capone himself. Dressed in an impeccable gray suit with a red rose in his lapel, the host doesn’t tell you his name, nor does he write down yours. He memorizes your face and your place in line, and informs you when your table is ready. CPOG takes no reservations, no names and no credit cards. Cash only, all the way; the establishment lives up to its history in more ways than one!

Once seated, you absolutely must begin your meal with the Mediterranean Bread. It is an enormous circle of bread, seasoned with a plethora of spices and herbs. The flavor is so complex that it is difficult to discern all of its ingredients, and yet this menu item is the most popular one at CPOG. It outsells even the pizza, and visiting this restaurant without trying it would be a mistake.

A perfect complement to the Mediterranean Bread is the Chef’s Salad; although this salad is made with all kinds of goodness such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green and black olives, onions, artichoke hearts and green peppers, what makes it the best salad in the city is its accompanying trio of salad dressings. There is sour cream garlic, sweet and sour poppyseed and Italian, and these three work so well together that the resulting dressing is just marvelous. It is cool yet spicy, tangy yet sweet. In a word, delicious.

At this point in your meal, the pizza has not yet arrived and your taste buds will already be happier than they’ve ever been. If it’s possible, save some room for the explosion of flavor that is the pizza pot pie. This pizza is served upside down, with its crust forming a bowl that holds the pizza inside. Everything about this pizza is unique, from its shape to its tangy, garlicky sauce to the way one bite will make you a fan for life. Also at CPOG is the grinder, which is an Italian loaf stuffed with any fillings you desire. The flavors at play in the grinder are just as enticing as those of the pizza, making it clear that at this establishment, taste is everything.

Ambience, intrigue and excellent food: this small restaurant is big on character. Stop by today and remember not to make a reservation beforehand!

Swirlz Cupcakes, 705 W. Belden - Official Web Site - July 2008

This tiny cupcake shop has become a Lincoln Park hit in recent years; the door is constantly opening and closing as people come in, choose cupcakes and leave happy. It is a bright, friendly place that invites you to take part in one of life’s simplest pleasures: a tasty treat.

What makes Swirlz stand out among other bakeries is that it seems to have a culture of its own; there are patrons who will only eat cupcakes from this bakery, and others who proudly wear the t-shirts and baseball caps festooned with the Swirlz logo. Customer loyalty is a very tangible entity at this tiny shop, and you only need to taste their goods to understand why.

Swirlz offers a variety of cupcakes, from gluten free grasshopper mint to bittersweet chocolate. There is chocolate on vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, red velvet and even banana nutella. All cupcakes are baked on site. The in-house coffee is not overly sweet, making it a welcome complement to any of the cupcake flavors.

Although eating a balanced meal is always important, sometimes you just want to indulge yourself. Swirlz is definitely the place to do it. So go ahead, have a huge cupcake for dinner! It is truly worth it.

BARS/CLUBS

Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted St. - Official Web Site - May 2006

This blues club has achieved almost legendary status in Chicago; its name is synonymous with good, solid, traditional blues. No twists, no surprises, and especially no gimmicks. Come here for the music, the food and the conversation.

Kingston Mines is set up as two stages with a bar in between. Thus, two bands can play at the same time. The décor is dark but the club itself is not dim; the rooms seem bright although understated. What makes this club special is that it is designed with the audience in mind; the music is not deafening, making conversation possible. Moreover, it seems that comfort is key; the chairs are inviting and it is clear that wherever you sit, you will be comfortable and close to the stage.

Food is typical bar food, such as hamburgers and chicken wings. Admission fee is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends; student admission is free on certain nights. Kingston Mines is open until 4 am Sunday through Friday, and 5 am on Saturdays.

John Barleycorn, 658 W. Belden - Official Web Site - July 2008

Walking into the cavernous front room of this popular bar, you are met with flat-screen televisions mounted on the walls, enormous moose heads gazing down upon you and a large bar that runs the length of the room. Welcome to John Barleycorn, one of Lincoln Park’s hottest nighttime hangouts. It’s a good thing this place is so large, since it is usually full to the brim with friendly patrons who are looking for a relaxed, laid-back good time.

With comfortable tables, attractive dark wood décor and a full dinner menu, this bar is a place where one can sit back and really spend some time. The music is never too loud for conversation and the vibe is mellow yet social. It is a place where almost anyone will feel at home.

If you visit during the summer and want to take advantage of the cool night air, visit the large outdoor patio. It is located directly off the main room and has plenty of tables and chairs for lounging and chatting. If you want to hold a private party, there is a spacious separate bar as well.

Whatever your mood, this bar welcomes you. Have a drink or have a full meal; watch some TV or enjoy the outdoor area. John Barleycorn has it all. Clearly, this establishment aims to serve!

PLACES TO STAY

Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park, 644 West Diversey Pkwy - Web Site - May 2006

The Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park (Ill.) is just minutes from the Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place, Chicago Loop and Merchandise Mart. The hotel is within two miles of cultural institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago and area shopping. Guests can walk to Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago beaches. The hotel is seven miles from O'Hare International Airport.

Complimentary continental breakfasts are served daily and fresh coffee is available in the hotel lobby. Complimentary newspapers, meeting space and laundry facilities are located on site. The hotel features an on-site pool, and guests receive complimentary access to a fitness facility next door. High-speed Internet access is also available.

Guestrooms at the Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park feature triple-sheeted beds, in- room safes and satellite television. Private bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and small vanities.

Inn at Lincoln Park, 601 W. Diversey Pkwy. - Official Web Site July 2008

This inn, housed in a charming Victorian building, holds much appeal for its visitors. Not only does it offer that most elusive of amenities in a bustling neighborhood such as Lincoln Park – parking – it also strives to give each guest very personalized service.

Although there are over 70 guest rooms and suites at the Inn, it is run like a small bed and breakfast. Guests are made to feel like family; if you need information or guidance as you plan your Chicago visit, the staff will make sure they give you all the help you need. With a location that is close to so many of the city’s best features, the Inn serves as a great home base as you make your way around Chicago.

Of course, the rooms are so comfortable that you might decide to just stay in and enjoy yourself! Each room has cable television and 24-hour coffee service, and there are whirlpool suites available as well. Continental breakfast is included with your stay.

Let the Lincoln Park Inn be your getaway spot in the Windy City!

TOURS

CHS Walking Tour, Lincoln Park Neighborhood - Official Web Site - May 2006

The Chicago Historical Society (CHS) offers a walking tour of Lincoln Park. The tour lasts two hours and covers the history, architecture and local flavor of Lincoln Park neighborhood. Expect the attention to detail that is characteristic of the CHS as you get to know Lincoln Park. The tour meets at the entrance of the Fullerton L stop. Tour days are Fridays at 1:00 pm and Saturdays at 10:00 am. Cost: $10. 312.642.4600. Advance registration recommended.

CAF, Lincoln Park Zoo Architecture - Official Web Site - May 2006

Get to know the Zoo in a completely different way! The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a tour that explores the architecture at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Zoo boasts architecture from the 19th through 21st centuries, including styles such as Neoclassical, Prairie-style and Postmodern. The 2-hour tour meets at the east entrance of the Zoo. Cost is $10 for non-CAF members. Senior and student discounts are available. Advance registration not necessary.

Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago, North Side Tour - Official Web Site - July 2008

The well-known tour company, Bobby’s Bike Hike, has the perfect tour for you to see Lincoln Park up close and personal. The folks at Bobby’s will make sure you are embarking on a tour you will not soon forget as you board your bicycle and take off!

Tour the beautiful Chicago lakefront, as well as the ever-popular Lincoln Park Zoo. Also included in the tour are the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s home, the original Playboy Mansion, the historical district of Old Town and North Avenue Beach.

Bicycle tours such as this one are becoming increasingly popular, as people discover how much fun they are and how truly unique the experience is. So join those who have already discovered one of the best Chicago tours around: get off the beaten path and see Chicago unfold beneath your wheels!

Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 312.915.0995.

For your convenience, the locations of all the businesses mentioned in this article are shown on our Lincoln Park Neighborhood Map.

Lincoln Park Web Links:

• Lincoln Park Feature Article

• Lincoln Park Neighborhood Map

Chicago Neighborhood Information

• See our Chicago Neighborhood Overviews & Map.