Lincoln Square

Avid shoppers may not think of the Lincoln Square area, near the intersection of Lawrence, Western and Lincoln Avenues, as a shopping destination. But this quaint area is worth a visit when you're seeking a more relaxed atmosphere without the crowds and traffic that typically accompany the major shopping thoroughfares.

Lincoln Square, located about five miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is a family friendly neighborhood in the Ravenswood community with two-story brownstones and remodeled homes on quiet tree-lined streets. This area has its share of popular local eateries, cafes, and independent shops.  

Spend a quiet afternoon taking in its European Old World charm that is evident in the architecture of some of the storefronts, and in a few of the businesses influenced by local German immigrants.  

Shoppers will enjoy browsing the numerous specialty and gift stores.

Timeless Toys, Ltd. – a local gem – is packed from floor to ceiling with great gifts that don’t rely on batteries to keep newborns to young children entertained.  

Both Enjoy An Urban General Store and Hanger 18 have a good selection of gifts for infants and adults alike including baby clothing, keepsakes, cards, hostess gifts, handbags, and jewelry.

The Chopping Block offers cooking classes and a selection of cooking utensils, Le Creuset cookware, baking pans, specialty foods, knives and cutting boards for the beginning or experienced chef.

Have a glass of wine while browsing books at The Book Cellar, or take home authentic German fare from Hans Delicatessan Meyer which carries meats, cheeses, side dishes, spirits, candies and packaged goods.  

Merz Apothecary, for natural remedies since 1875, is carried in Marshall Field’s, but their original store (after new ownership) is located in Lincoln Square, carrying a large selection of health/beauty items.

Travel just around the corner from the “Square” to Leland Ave., and stop into Sit! Pet Boutique, a new addition to the block for items to pamper your pets, and Bouffe Chicago a small gourmet foods shop with imported Italian products, savory and sweet condiments, a small selection of cheeses and meats, sweets, table linens and kitchen ware.  

A couple blocks south of the “Square” and you'll discover The Dressing Room, a trendy women’s clothing and accessories boutique selling premium denim labels including J Brand, Joe's Jeans, and Tag, To The Max and Hazel tops and jewelry by local designer Deana Rose, and String A Strand, with beads of all types for do-it-yourself jewelry making.  

Take a coffee or lunch break at Café Semarie, sit outdoors in front of the small fountain in the courtyard along the Square, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a new “Old World”.  


2006
Store openings: City Mouse, Homey, Multiple Choices

Store closings:

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What you’ll find here:

Art: Homey

Accessories:  Lola, Salamander of Chicago, String A Strand, Traipse Shoes

Clothing & Accessories:  City Mouse, The Dressing Room

Grocery & Gourmet Foods:  Bouffe Chicago, Hans' Delicatessen Meyer, The Cheese Stands Alone  

Health & Beauty: Merz Apothecary

Home Furnishings: European Import Center, The Chopping Block 

Gift / Specialty Stores:The Book Cellar, Eclecticity, Enjoy An Urban General Store, Hanger 18, Multiple Choices, Sit! Pet Boutique, Timeless Toys 


Summer Highlights:

Lincoln Square Farmer's Market - (at the intersection of Lincoln & Leland Avenues)
Tuesdays 7am to 2pm from June - October

Annual Lincoln Square Garden Walk - August

Annual German American Festival - September 

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Neighborhood Association:  www.lincolnsquare.org

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Nearby Shopping Destinations: Andersonville, Lakeview, Roscoe Village

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - E. Engquist.  

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping.