Where is Lincoln Square? Boundaries, Location, and Getting Around

Located about 8 miles northwest of the Loop, Lincoln Square Chicago is one of the city’s most accessible North Side neighborhoods.

The neighborhood is generally bordered by:

• North: Bryn Mawr Avenue and Foster Avenue
• East: Ravenswood Avenue
• South: Montrose Avenue
• West: North Branch of the Chicago River

Public Transit & Commuting

Getting around Lincoln Square is easy thanks to excellent public transportation.

• CTA Brown Line stations at Western and Rockwell provide direct service to downtown.
• The nearby Ravenswood Metra Station (UP-N Line) offers fast commuter rail access.
• CTA bus routes including 49 Western and 11 Lincoln connect residents to surrounding neighborhoods.
• Bike-friendly streets and walkable blocks make daily errands convenient without a car.

Surrounding Neighborhoods & Nearby Areas

Lincoln Square is surrounded by several of Chicago’s most desirable communities.

Ravenswood (East)

Known for historic industrial lofts, vintage apartments, breweries, and the popular Malt Row craft beer district.

North Center & St. Ben’s (South)

Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods offering excellent schools, neighborhood parks, and classic Chicago taverns.

Albany Park (West)

Across the Chicago River, Albany Park is one of the nation’s most diverse communities, celebrated for its incredible international dining scene.

Giddings Plaza and the Heart of the Square

Lincoln Square’s downtown district centers around several iconic landmarks.

Giddings Plaza

The neighborhood’s signature gathering place features:

• Beautiful cobblestone walkways
• A central fountain
• Outdoor café seating
• Live summer music performances
• Seasonal community events

Old Town School of Folk Music

One of Chicago’s most respected cultural institutions, offering:

• Music classes
• Live concerts
• Dance programs
• Community workshops for all ages

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

Celebrating Lincoln Square’s German roots through:

• Language classes
• Museum exhibits
• Cultural programming
• Annual Maifest and Oktoberfest celebrations

The Lincoln Square Dining Scene: Bakeries, Breweries, and Bistro Eats

Food is one of the biggest reasons residents love living in Lincoln Square.

German Heritage Favorites

• Huettenbar — A classic German tavern known for imported beers and cozy atmosphere.
• Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen — Famous for its specialty meats, European imports, and rooftop beer garden.

Local Favorites

• Julius Meinl — An authentic Viennese coffee house serving espresso, pastries, and traditional European café fare.
• The Book Cellar — A beloved independent bookstore where you can browse books while enjoying coffee or a glass of wine.

Dining Along Lincoln & Lawrence

Lincoln Avenue and Lawrence Avenue are home to a variety of gastropubs, neighborhood bistros, outdoor patios, and Michelin-recognized restaurants, making Lincoln Square Chicago restaurants some of the North Side’s most popular dining destinations.

Real Estate & Architecture in Lincoln Square

Lincoln Square offers a timeless mix of historic and modern housing.

You’ll find:

• Historic brick two-flats
• Victorian single-family homes
• Classic Chicago bungalows
• Vintage courtyard apartments
• Tree-lined residential streets

Its stable housing market, strong sense of community, and excellent walkability continue to attract families, young professionals, and long-term investors. Combined with outstanding schools, convenient transit, and a thriving local business district, Lincoln Square remains one of the most desirable North Side Chicago neighborhoods for buyers looking to call Chicago home.