Lincoln Square

Chicago is a patchwork quilt of diverse ethnic neighborhoods stitched together by an efficient public train and bus network. Just board the Brown Line El for a 10-minute ride from the Loop (get off at the Western Avenue stop), or take CTA bus 49 or 11 to visit charming Lincoln Square on Chicago's North Side, settled by German immigrants in the 1880s. At the intersection of Western, Leland and North Lincoln avenues is the heart of Lincoln Square's eclectic shopping district of independent boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants. Although now a hip neighborhood of refurbished brownstones surrounding 1887 St. Matthias Church, Lincoln Square has plenty of charming reminders of its German roots. Stop in the Brauhaus Restaurant for a frothy pint of imported German beer. Don't be shy join the old timers at this Bavarian supper club for a spin on the dance floor to the oompah band performing nightly. The annual Lincoln Square Christkindl Market, held the first weekend of December, celebrates the neighborhood's ethnic heritage and Christmas holidays German-American style with vendors selling handicrafts and traditional pastries, plus live entertainment and festive family activities.