Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Lincoln Park

"The big thing to see these days is literally big: Maximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. And, the world's most famous T. Rex, Sue, got the royal treatment with brand new digs on the 2nd floor."

"Travel around the world, go back in time, and discover things you never knew at The Field Museum!. Whether you're a first-time guest or a frequent visitor, we're your home for endless adventures."

"Believe it or not, there are TONS of free museums in Chicago!. There are also several free museum days for Illinois residents."

"Located in the same lakeshore Museum Campus as the Field Museum, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 1,500 species of sea life, including 32,500 fish, as well as an array of birds, insects and amphibians. Completed in 1930, the aquarium gets more than two million visitors each year, making it one of the most-visited aquarium in the United States. Exhibits are organized in themed areas such as the “Caribbean Reef” and the award-winning “Amazon Rising.” The Oceanarium, which features dolphins and beluga whales, is one of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits."

"Shed Aquarium is located on the edge of Lake Michigan and is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures. Various exhibits showcase marine and freshwater habitats from all over the world, from a Caribbean reef to North America’s very own Great Lakes. Learn all about the diverse diet of a shark or the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation program of sea otters."

"A visit to Shedd Aquarium is also one of the best things to do in Chicago with toddlers. As one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, Shedd Aquarium is home to everything from penguins to stingrays!. And, the engaging and immersive layout of the aquarium captivates visitors of all ages."

"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."

"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."

"Head to Doc B’s for fresh and delicious dishes made with healthy ingredients. Start with baked polenta fries or grilled artichokes before moving onto choices like a seared ahi tuna sandwich, pan roasted chicken, and customizable stir fry wok bowls."

"The River North location is the second Doc B’s in Chicago and this restaurant also serves healthy, locally-minded dishes in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. They focus on usi..."

"Doc B's River North and Gold Coast are offering family meals for 4-6 including your choice of an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $79.99. Place your order by noon the day before..."

"LH Rooftop is a fantastic tri-level rooftop bar, located right by the Michigan Avenue bridge, on top of LondonHouse Chicago. The tri-level setting consits of an indoor lounge, called LH on 21, the main terrace called LH on 22 and a private dining space called Cupola. Focusing on LH on 22, this is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, with an absolutely superb view among the city's skyscrapers and out towards Lake Michigan and the Chicago River."

"If stunning views of Chi-town, killer drinks and a warm, friendly atmosphere are what you’re after, London House Rooftop is for you. Located on the 22nd floor of the iconic London House hotel, the rooftop area offers unbeatable views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. You’ll also find they whip up some of the best cocktails from classic old fashioned to creative in house concoctions."

"Glance toward the horizon on LondonHouse Chicago's downtown rooftop restaurant and bar and you'll instantly be met with sweeping views of the Chicago River and all of the iconic architecture that lines it. For best results, we recommend venturing up at night to soak in the city's twinkling skyline."

"Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty American meals all day, but regulars swear by their donuts.|© Salim Virji / Flickr. Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty home cooking all day long in three Chicagoland locations. While best known—or perhaps most appreciated—for its donuts, the diner has excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, too."

"This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers but make sure to save some room for a donut delight. The signature treat features one of Huck’s donuts topped with choice of ice cream and whipped cream."

"This family-owned business has been slinging their California-style donuts in Belmont-Cragin since 2012. In the meantime, their sweet and savory provisions have made an appearance or two on multiple network programs including WGN’s Chicago’s Best and ABC’s The Hungry Hound. Donut-wise, you can pop by to choose from their Old Fashioned, Devil’s Food, Lemon Cake, Apple Crisp donuts and more!"

"Small-batch donuts are the name of the game at this adorable Glenview spot, where they bypass preservatives and trans fats in favor of natural ingredients, making all of the jams and fillings in-house. The Boston Cream, stuffed with rich pastry cream and glazed with shiny ganache, and the oh-so-springy Strawberry Glazed are highlights."

"Bars Lounges Lincoln Park. Munch on truffle fries and crispy elote hush puppies while taking in the nearly panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline from this 13th-floor terrace that's perched atop Hotel Lincoln. On the booze front, guests can choose from summer-friendly frozen cocktails, locally crafted brews or wines by the glass."

"A retractable roof makes this a year-round attraction with plenty of drinks to titillate and an appetizer menu devised by the culinary mind of Chef Paul Virant. Though located on the unlucky 13th floor, as you look out over downtown, Lake Michigan, and Lincoln Park, you’ll feel blessed before the booze even hits your brain."

"If you’re looking for a colorful, whimsical, super unique birthday cake in Chicago, look no further than Bon Vivant Cakes. If NYC is famous for putting explosion cakes on the map, this bakery is responsible for answering with an endearingly cheeky concept: shag cakes. Inspired by “fuzzy textiles and funky wallhangings”, Bon Vivant’s playful concept makes for one of the most unique birthday cakes in Chicago."

"One commonly overlooked but serious fact of life is that we will all try lackluster veggie burgers sometime or another. What if we told you we had the secret to not only the best veggie burgers but the best veggie EVERYTHING in town?. Whether you're searching for some spicy seitan or strictly leafy greens, look no further."

"Diners shouldn’t let the lineup of juicy meats fool them; River Roast has enough options to accommodate all diets. The menu’s most notable herbivore-friendly entrée is dubbed ‘Boatload of Veggies’ and features a poblano pepper stuffed with roasted seasonal vegetables."

"Celeste is a contemporary, chic lounge, restaurant and bar that echoes the glamorous era of turn-of-the-century Chicago. Beautifully designed interiors, stylish décor, and tranquil lighting combine to create an elegant and refined ambiance while three separate dining spaces offer multi-faceted atmospheres. The bar serves a range of classic and inventive cocktails, wines and craft brews, as well as a selection of refined small bites of sophisticated, seasonal American cuisine."

"A romantic hotspot you can both dine and party till 5 am, is a rarity and must be cherished. This fancy establishment features three fabulous floors: the ground floor called The Pub for casual dining, sports-watching, and DJ sets in the evening. Then there’s the Decor Room for those who desire a little glamour and intricate cocktails."

"The rooftop garden, located four floors up, allows a dose of escapism under a glass-enclosed roof, decorated with Victorian-style furniture, tropical greenery and vine-covered brick walls."

"Hyde ParkTucked away behind the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach was designed by renowned landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux as part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Parking is fairly easy west of Lake Shore Drive, and the beach is accessible via the pedestrian underpass. Once the sun goes down, head on over to nearby Promontory Point and gather around a bonfire pit (reservations needed).What to know: While the criminally underrated Promontory Point is worth a visit to this beach alone, nearby (and always bumping) neighborhood music venue The Promontory makes the trip even more appealing."

"57th Street Beach is one of Chicago's most popular swimming beaches, located within Jackson Park at 57th Street's terminus at the Lake Michigan shoreline. Though developed beachfront has existed at the site since the park's original landscaping by famed park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871, it was not renovated into a swimming beach until 1899, following the completion of Chicago's Drainage Canal. Today, it offers unprecedented views of the Chicago skyline for swimmers, along with a long-distance swimming area spanning between 55th Street and the beach's ADA-accessible pier."

"LakeviewWhile you wouldn't want to lay out here for obvious reasons, your pup will certainly love doing so. Given that this particular doggie haven is small in size and not as busy as others in the city, it’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to test the waters with their pup before letting it loose at a bigger park like Montrose.What to know: This spot, within walking distance of Wrigley, makes for a fine excursion after a Cubs day game. Plus, the lakeside Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, easily the finest public course in the city, is just a stone’s throw away."

"It is tucked right along the Lakefront Trail and faces docks in Belmont Harbor. Unlike Montrose Beach, this spot is away from people looking to relax on the beach. So, let your dog roll in the sand and run endlessly after balls in the water."