Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square Never Sped Up
German immigrant roots and old-world village layout, brauhauses and pastry counters next to quietly Michelin-recognized bistros.
This is a neighborhood that decided early not to rush, leafy residential squares, independent storefronts, a pace that feels borrowed from a smaller town. The German foundations are still visible in the brauhauses and pastry counters, but the food scene has grown past that into low-key seasonal bistros doing serious work without the volume. Family-friendly isn't a compromise here, it's the point.
How The Ratings Work
The Promise
Del Sur Bakery
4639 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Lincoln Square
$$
Bakery
Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop
Bakery
Filipino
Impress Out-of-towners
Heavy Hitter
Del Sur Bakery
-87.678967
41.966486
4639 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Filipino bakery in Lincoln Square from chef Justin Tiu Lerias, who grew up in the south of the Philippines and came to Chicago to bake. The longganisa croissant is one of the best savory pastries in the city. The pandan basque cake lives up to its reputation. The menu rotates seasonally and rewards repeat visits. Metric coffee, pulled well. There will be a line. Get in it.
N/A
Visit Website
$$
Heavy Hitter
Filipino bakery in Lincoln Square from chef Justin Tiu Lerias, who grew up in the south of the Philippines and came to Chicago to bake. The longganisa croissant is one of the best savory pastries in the city. The pandan basque cake lives up to its reputation. The menu rotates seasonally and rewards repeat visits. Metric coffee, pulled well. There will be a line. Get in it.
Small Cheval Lincoln Square
2156 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Lincoln Square
$
Modern American
Casual
Gluten Free
Good Patio
Solid
Small Cheval Lincoln Square
-87.6839084
41.9640865
2156 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Small Cheval is the focused, casual offshoot of Au Cheval, and the burger might be better. Double patty, medium rare, house pickles, sauce, and a perfect bun. Order at the window, grab a patio seat, eat it immediately. The custard concretes are not optional. Oreo or peanut butter cup is a decision you'll need to make on your own.
773.902.7716
Visit Website
$
Solid
Small Cheval is the focused, casual offshoot of Au Cheval, and the burger might be better. Double patty, medium rare, house pickles, sauce, and a perfect bun. Order at the window, grab a patio seat, eat it immediately. The custard concretes are not optional. Oreo or peanut butter cup is a decision you'll need to make on your own.
Boonie's Filipino Food
4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Lincoln Square
$$
Filipino
Chef Driven
Small Plates
Filipino
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Heavy Hitter
Boonie's Filipino Food
-87.6883871
41.9608213
4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Michelin Bib Gourmand Filipino in Lincoln Square, and every bit worth it. Boonie's is a small, unpretentious room where Chef Joe Fontelera's cooking announces itself the moment you walk through the door. The lumpia is the real thing, the sizzling sisig comes to the table dramatic and loud, and the krispy pata — pork shank braised, roasted, and fried — is one of the best things you can eat in Chicago. BYOB. Built to share. Go with a group.
708.990.8886
Visit Website
$$
Heavy Hitter
Michelin Bib Gourmand Filipino in Lincoln Square, and every bit worth it. Boonie's is a small, unpretentious room where Chef Joe Fontelera's cooking announces itself the moment you walk through the door. The lumpia is the real thing, the sizzling sisig comes to the table dramatic and loud, and the krispy pata — pork shank braised, roasted, and fried — is one of the best things you can eat in Chicago. BYOB. Built to share. Go with a group.
