Welcome to Lakeview and the Far North Side
Making the Most of Your Time
A Wrigleyville and Lakeview stroll takes about 90 minutes; add another two hours to browse the Southport shops. To experience the real Chicago, take in a Cubs game from Wrigley Field's bleachers.
To see all of the Far North's neighborhoods, allow a day. Visit Graceland Cemetery for an hour or two. Leave three hours for Andersonville's shops and Swedish American Museum Center, then two more for shopping on Devon Avenue. Later peek at the boutiques and do dinner in Lincoln Square.
Getting Here by Public Transportation
You may need to take a combination of bus and El. Buses 22 and 36 go to Lakeview from downtown, as do the Brown Line (Southport) and the Purple and Red lines (Belmont). Take the El's Red Line north toward Howard to Lawrence for Uptown, Wilson for Andersonville, and Loyola for Devon. The 155 bus from Devon reaches the Far North. The Brown Line El north toward Kimball to Western takes you to Lincoln Square.
Quick Bites
Ann Sather. This nominally Swedish mini-chain serves breakfast until midafternoon, including legendary lingonberry pancakes and giant cinnamon buns. Other locations include Granville at Broadway and Boystown. 909 W. Belmont Ave., Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois, 60657. 773/348–2378; www.annsather.com.
Bobtail Ice Cream Company. Head here for shakes, sundaes, and ice cream in flavors like Lakeview Barhopper, Cubby Crunch, and Daley Addiction. 2951 N. Broadway St., Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois, 60657. 773/880–7372; www.bobtailicecream.com.
Reza's. Outstanding Persian cuisine (think kebabs, dolma, and charbroiled ground beef with rice) is dished out at Reza's. On weekdays, its $10 lunch buffet is the best deal in town. 5255 N. Clark St., Andersonville, Chicago, Illinois, 60640. 773/561–1898; www.rezasrestaurant.com.
Crisp. This Lakeview hole-in-the-wall specializes in Korean fried chicken glazed in a variety of unusual sauces ranging from sweet and “Seoul spicy” to, as the menu puts it, “suicide.” Despite all that juice, the chicken still remains miraculously, well, crispy. The “Buddha bowl” bi bim bop and Korean burritos are also packed with freshness and flavor, especially when paired with traditional, tangy kimchi. 2940 N. Broadway St., Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois. 773/697-7610; www.crisponline.com/crisp.aspx.
Chicago Diner. Belovedby vegetarians and vegans, this eatery should also appeal to anyone simply looking for a satisfying, comforting meal. The Chicago Diner offers meat-free variations on favorites from a wide range of cuisine types—American, Mexican, Mediterranean, Thai—it’s all here, and it’s all delicious. You’ll want to save room for a milk shake so good you won’t believe it’s not dairy. Be prepared for a wait during peak dining hours. 3411 N. Halsted St., Boystown, Chicago, Illinois, 60657. 773/935--6696; www.veggiediner.com.
Top Reasons to Go
Take yourself out to the ball game: Sit in the bleachers with the locals at Wrigley Field, and be ready to throw the ball back onto the field if the opposing team hits a homer. When the Cubs are on the road, take a tour of the park.
Go to the movies: Catch a classic or indie flick at the vintage Music Box Theatre.
Tour Graceland Cemetery: Visit such famous "residents" as Marshall Field, George Pullman, and others at their final resting place.
Go Swedish: Check out the Swedish enclave Andersonville for authentic Swedish restaurants and bakeries.
Getting Here by Car
By car, take Lake Shore Drive north to Belmont (Lakeview), but keep in mind that parking can be scarce. When the Cubs play, take public transit. Head north up Western Avenue to between Montrose and Lawrence for Lincoln Square, Lawrence Avenue for Uptown, Foster Avenue for Andersonville, and Devon Avenue for the Far North.
