For many Chicagoans, Lakeview functions as the heartbeat of the city’s North Side. It has everything you might want, from its nightlife-centered Halsted Street to the Cubs-crazed Wrigley Field area, as well as a wide assortment of restaurants and cafes and convenient access to the lakefront.
So whether you’re a big sports fan, or you can’t wait to experience Chicago’s scenic lakefront views, or you simply just like to go out on the weekends, Lakeview is the place for you!
Filling Up
There’s no excuse for running on an empty stomach in Lakeview. The bustling area features brunch spots like Mortar and Pestle — a typical-looking daytime joint with twists on traditional dishes — and the sleek, family-friendly Crosby’s Kitchen. You can get classic Mexican meals and margaritas at Tuco and Blondie, and Southern-style fried chicken any time of the day at Roost Carolina Kitchen.
Fancy yourself a good cook? Try the cozy neighborhood grocery store Alta Vista Foods for your ingredients, or pick your favorite local stalwart between Mariano’s and Jewel-Osco.
Going Out
Chicago is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and exciting nightlife, and Lakeview can make a claim that it’s a key contributor to that notoriety — much to residents’ delight. The historic Music Box Theatre is known for routinely wheeling out the very best art house films, while also paying homage to cult classics like The Room and Wayne’s World. The Annoyance Theater will give you a taste of the city’s popular improv scene, while The Vic and The Metro are your go-to concert venues in the area. If you’re looking for a drink, Schuba’s will draw you in with its ever-rotating lineup of live music, and for dive bars check out L & L Tavern and The Long Room.
Getting Around
If Lakeview is your new home, you’re in luck, because navigating through the neighborhood is extremely convenient, with a variety of options for each person. The area is one of the most walkable in the entire city, and the explosive growth of the neighborhood should continue to provide an increasing number of opportunities in your backyard. Cycling fans will be pleased to note that the bike lane on Clark Street runs through a majority of Lakeview. No worries if you don’t own a bike — the city’s Divvy bike-sharing system features rentable ones that you can pick up and drop off at convenient locations throughout Chicago. The CTA’s Red Line has three stops in the neighborhood, at Sheridan, Addison and Belmont, and you can use it (and the accompanying bus system) for just $2.50 and applicable transfer fees.
Hanging Out
The neighborhood also has a very involved community, with numerous festivals and local events to keep you entertained through the dog days of summer. The Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest, a flavor-filled celebration of the beginning of autumn, craft beer and the inimitable taco is one highlight, as is Mayfest, which features jamming music and kicks off the city’s summer festival season. You might also enjoy the city’s lakefront trail, which stretches for 18 miles and runs alongside many of the Windy City’s finest beaches. If sports are more your thing, The Chicago Cubs play 82 regular season home games every year, and the stadium is a stone’s throw away from most Lakeview (or Wrigleyville) residences.
