Lincoln Park: Eating, Drinking & Shopping

The charming, leafy, lakeside nabe of Lincoln Park is also home to a plethora of chic boutiques, restaurants and sip spots. Here are a few standouts.

Helen Ficalora

You won’t miss the bold fuchsia facade of this gorgeous jewellery boutique; its fit-out is almost as pretty as its classic-meets-contemporary joaillerie inside. Delicate monogrammed necklaces and elegant cut out charms nab the top spots, while whimsical hearts and flowers feature heavily too. If it’s good enough for royalty like Beyoncé and the Duchess of Cambridge, it’s good enough for you.

Peruvian Connection

Pop along W Armitage Avenue to this boutique repping pima and alpaca cotton. Darling dresses, cute tees and super-soft knitwear rule here; all are lovingly produced in the Andes using ethnographic textiles and traditional methods. Running for 40-odd years, this mother and daughter partnership is special in more ways than one.

Blue Door Farm Stand

A shab-chic fit out of wood-decked floors mixed with chandeliers and off-white walls make this an inviting rest stop to sup on farm-to-table, homemade soups and sandwiches. Alternatively, drop by for happy hour and enjoy a cocktail (or two); the ‘Market Sangria’ (wine, Campari, rosemary, citrus and market fruit) is the perfect tipple for a mid-shop refuel.

Alinea

One of Chicago’s most acclaimed gourmet experiences, sleek Alinea is host to Grant Achatz’s Michy spangled New American tasting menus. Choose from one of three dining areas, from the intimate Kitchen Table to more convivial The Salon to experience envelope-pushing molecular dishes like lily bulb, rambutan and distillation of caviar lime or balloon, helium and apple (yes, really). Genius on a plate.

North Pond

For a more casual supper with a stellar backdrop, this park-based eatery affords views over Chi-town’s skyline, plus a tranquil pond side situ. Chef Bruce Sherman draws on modern American influences for his hearty, seasonal soul food; take a post-prandial stroll around the park for afters.

Helen Ficalora / 2014 N Halsted S / Lincoln Park / +1 773 883 2014 / 11am-6pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-5pm Sun /www.helenficalora.com

Peruvian Connection / 925 W Armitage Ave / Lincoln Park / +1 773 975 4088 / 11am-6pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-5pm Sun / www.peruvianconnection.com

Blue Door Farm Stand / 2010 N Halsted St / Lincoln Park / +1 312 265 0259 / 10am-10pm Mon-Sat, from 9am Sat-Sun / www.bluedoorfarmstand.com

Alinea / 1723 N Halsted St / Lincoln Park / +1 312 867 0110 / dinner Wed-Sun / www.alinearestaurant.com

North Pond / 1839, 2610 N Cannon Dr / Lincoln Park / +1 773 477 5845 / dinner Wed-Sat, brunch & dinner Sun, closed Mon-Tues / www.northpondrestaurant.com