Neighborhood Guide
A statue of President Abraham Lincoln stands at the center of this North Side neighborhood at the intersection of Lincoln, Western and Lawrence Avenues. A pedestrian-dominated district along Lincoln Ave. directly south of Lawrence Ave. is well known for its dining and small retail.
Lincoln Avenue forms the commercial heart of the neighborhood and the influence of the early German settlers is still evident in businesses like Chicago Brauhaus and Merz Apothecary. It is even home to a bureau of the German-American newspaper, Amerika Woche. Besides the traditional German beer houses and restaurants, many new options have arrived on the scene including Thai and Middle Eastern establishments.
Lincoln Square is also host to several special events including a regular apple festival that brings vendors to the neighborhood each fall. The Square Roots festival during the summer celebrates the neighborhood’s musical history (it’s home to the Old Town School of Folk Music) and its local breweries.
The neighborhood has attracted many people seeking affordable options for relatively low density housing, while still near public transit.