Neighborhoods
This city is known for its neighborhoods, for better or worse. One of the first things a Chicagoan asks another Chicagoan is “Where do you live?” We define ourselves by where we live. From el line to bus line, The Machine will explore the ins and outs of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods.
From Damen to Wilson and Montrose to Lawrence, Lincoln Square’s cozy streets and intimate central square make the North Side neighborhood feel like the hippest small town you’ll ever see. Were it not for the Brown Line rumbling through the middle of the square between the area’s two major el stops, Damen and Western, you’d almost forget Lincoln Square is in the middle of Chicago. The historically German neighborhood still clings tightly to its roots while incorporating musical, cultural and social events to accommodate its younger, hipper residents.
The central square is home to weekly musical performances in the summer and serves as a gathering place for the area’s residents. The casual atmosphere and friendly neighborhood feel are a welcome change from the busier neighborhoods that surround it.
The Machine’s Top 10 ten spots in Lincoln Square:
1. Jeri’s Grill
There is nothing better than 2 eggs, toast and potatoes for $2.49 and unlimited coffee for $.90. That is unless you can get it 24-hours a day. Despite the fact that the jukebox is rarely on and the chili and soups are questionable, the majority of the food is good, and the waitresses are void of the scornful flair mastered by your local Clarke’s waitress.
Bonus: Refills on the non-shitty coffee are nearly instant.
2. Old Town School of Folk Music
Where else can 4-year olds, 20-something hipsters and retirees come together to perform? From doo-wop choir classes to world music and jazz, the Old Town School offers interesting concerts and off-beat music classes. Despite the sometimes grossly unaffordable class prices, the community feel of the school is unbeatable. Oh yeah, and Bright Eyes played there.
3. Costello’s
MMM…Sandwiches. Though the combo (sandwich, side, drink and chips) may seem a little pricey for lunch fare (around $8), Costello’s has some of my favorite sandwiches and sides in the city. Check out the chipotle mac and cheese. One of two locations (the second is located in Roscoe Village), the Lincoln Square location is close to the el and has a real neighborhood feel to it.
4. Quake
This place is part pop culture nostalgia emporium, part toy store for the big kids. Like its partner store Uncle Fun (in Lakeview), this spot has quirky toys and an amazing assortment of collectors items for the toy lover. The store is always friendly and browsing isn’t discouraged.
5. Hans’ Delicatessen Meyer
Though the loaves of flesh under the heat lamps may appear to be mystery meat and the people behind the counter all speak German, Gluntz is an experience in and of itself. Crazy candy and a huge selection of meats with names you can’t pronounce make this place worth a visit. 6. Deals!
This is the greatest dollar store in Chicago. In addition to being a real dollar store (none of that “Dollar Plus” bullshit where a “dollar” means anything from one to ten dollars), they have a frozen food section with bacon wrapped filet mignon. Not that anyone in his or her right mind would purchase $1 filet mignon. But still, $1 filet! It blows my mind. Oh, and they have the full collection of ‘N SYNC bobble head dolls. Score.
7. The Grind
Hip coffee and pastries with a great staff. You can sit there and read or check your e-mail on your laptop like all the other cool kids.
8. Merz Apothecary
When you enter the store it feels like you’re taking a trip back in time. Though the layout may seem chaotic, you can get beauty/health/personal care items from around the world for fairly reasonable prices. The employees are friendly, and the best part of the experience is browsing.
9. Save More Lounge
The name says it all. One time I saw a crazy woman being thrown out at 3 in the afternoon. Not only is it a liquor store, it’s a bar, a tiny, tiny bar….with carry-out. You can drink your fill and then take some more home to ensure a full pass out. The booze is cheap, and the people behind the counter are apathetic enough to ignore you if you’re in the mood to drink alone and be sullen. But all-in-all, you’ll save more.
10. Laurie’s Planet of Sound
Every cool neighborhood needs a cool record store. Laurie’s Planet of Sound has obscure DVD’s, a massive collection of indie and pop music as well as posters, vinyl and budget music buys.
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