Exploring Northside
Morning
Fuel up for the day at one of Lincoln Park’s favorite breakfast joints, Frances’ (2552 N. Clark St.),
where they serve a wonderfully fluffy French toast. Afterwards, stroll
east down Wrightwood Avenue, and you’ll pass the ornate Francis Dewes Mansion. Keep walking until you come to the
Lincoln Park Zoo
, where you can take a ride on the wild
side on the African Safari motion simulator, complete with 3D visuals.
Then see all the animals in person, before breaking for lunch with a
view at Café Brauer, built in 1908 by Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins.
Afternoon
During warm weather, head
to the lakefront along Fullerton Avenue where you can stroll, rent
bikes, sunbathe, or even brave the ever-chilly Lake Michigan waters. In
colder months, catch a bus (nos. 22 or 151) and immerse yourself in the
exhibits at the Chicago Historical Society, or take a five-minute cab ride to
Armitage/Halsted Shopping District
for some classy retail therapy.
Evening
This part of town has an abundance of good eateries: hop the El four stops or cab it to try
Mia Francesca’s
, a lively Italian trattoria where the
pasta dishes are big enough for two, and there’s an excellent wine
list. Still going strong? Round off your day with a visit to
Kingston Mines
– just a short cab-ride away – to hear some of best blues that the city has to offer.
Shops
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Isabella Fine Lingerie
This
charming boutique has something silky, soft, and sexy for women whose
sizes range from barely there to 44JJ. You’ll also find teddies,
bustiers, pajamas, and nightgowns.
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Cynthia Rowley
Internationally
acclaimed clothing designer Cynthia Rowley grew up in Chicago, so it’s
fitting that one of her upscale boutiques is here. Her collection of
dresses, accessories, and separates is trendy and feminine.
Cynthia Rowley
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Lori’s Designer Shoes
Devoted
shoe hounds flock to this Lincoln Park store for its hot styles at
discounted prices. The floors and walls are stacked high with boxes for
handy self-serve try-on access.
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Beatnix
This
store boasts the best supply of costumes and vintage gear in the city,
including wigs, distinctive mod jewelry, and make-up, as well as
day-to-day items.
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Unabridged Bookstore
Known for its large gay and lesbian section, this Boys Town bookstore also stocks books of all types, particularly kids’ and Spanish language books.
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Hubba-Hubba
Women
appreciate this boutique for its romantic and flirty vintage fashions
and jewelry. It also sells new items with a retro feel.
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The Leigh Gallery
Set
in the heart of Lakeview, this gallery provides an inviting setting for
art suited to all tastes, from modern to old-school classic, watercolor
to sculpture.
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Barker & Meowsky
Four-legged
friends are the focus at this store. From ceramic dog bowls to
catnip-filled toys, rhinestone-studded collars to cookie-shaped dog
biscuits, this store is a pet’s best friend.
Barker & Meowsky
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Uncle Fun
This
toy store is especially fun for grownups who yearn to feel like a kid.
You’ll find retro items like Mr. T coloring books, silly accessories
like oversized sunglasses, and gag gifts like the tried-and-true whoopie
cushion.
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American Apparel
Simple,
functional, and wildly popular, this manufacturer and retailer of
clothing for men, women, kids, and dogs, which hails from Los Angeles,
lays particular emphasis on well-made basics in bright colors and at
reasonable prices.
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Most of these stores are open from at least 11am–7pm Mon–Sat & noon–5pm Sun, unless otherwise stated, and they all have DA.
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Gay & Lesbian Bars & Clubs
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Circuit/Rehab
At
Circuit, men often dance shirtless to grinding house music. In
contrast, the Rehab lounge bar is a sophisticated chill-out spot.
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3641 N. Halsted St.
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Circuit: open Thu–Sun
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Adm.
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The Closet
This
dance club attracts a mostly lesbian crowd, but gay men and straight
couples also groove to R&B, rap, dance, and diva videos.
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Roscoe’s Tavern
A
young, preppy set packs this neighborhood bar for its antique décor,
cozy fireplace, poppy dance tunes, pool table, and, in summer, backyard
beer garden.
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Sidetrack
Find
some of the best cruising at this vast, four-room bar with more than
two dozen video monitors that highlight a different theme (like show
tunes or 1980s music) every night.
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Spin
One of Boys Town’s most diverse clubs: gay, lesbian, bi, and straight crowds mingle at this dance club and lounge.
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Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Martinis
come in 52 flavors at this swanky spot, where female impersonators
divert attention from significant others with their lip-synching talent.
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3700 N. Halsted St.
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Closed Mon
Kit Kat Lounge
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Berlin
For
20 years, this edgy club has attracted every type from straight girls
to drag queens. After midnight, the dance floor hits its peak, rocking
with a stellar sound system and light show.
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Cocktail
This laid-back club is ideal for sipping must-try martinis, while Boys Town people-watching through wall-to-wall windows.
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Gentry on Halsted
Piano players and singers perform nightly for appreciative and participative audiences at this cabaret club.
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Bucks Saloon
A
friendly, local bar (for boys and girls) where deer, elk, moose, and
buck heads adorn the walls. The outdoor beer garden is wild in summer.
Bucks Saloon