The Insider's Guide to Good Food in Lincoln Square, Chicago

In Chicago, there's a neighborhood that went from "a little too far North" to one of the "hottest" addresses in town.
When I moved to Lincoln Square 25 years ago, there was no mall, let alone the gazebo and fountain. Where the Social Security Administration building now stands, there was a second rate grocery store that had a gypsy family living in the parking lot. My friends down on the Gold Coast were convinced I had lost my mind when they heard that I was moving into a neighborhood where the older German population still wore liederhosen!

Now a days, a Lincoln Square boasts one of the best restaurant strips in the city. Starting in the Plaza and traveling South, you'll find a wide variety of choices and something for everyone. Of course we have our fair share of corporate joints, like Starbucks, Potbelly and Cold Stone Creamery. But I've chosen independent restaurants that stand on their own merits, not some logo. Let me share with you some of my favorites for a great meal under twenty dollars right in the mall:

The Brauhaus, at 4732 N. Lincoln Avenue (773-784-4444) packs them in by the bus full nightly, but you can always get a table either early, or at the end of the night. The cusine is German & Austrian and one of the best values around. Everyday is Oktoberfest in there, complete with an oompah band and people who actually touch each other when they dance. The average meal runs from $8.00 to $15.00 and there's always a line on the weekends.

If Greek interests you, Barba Yanni Grecian Taverna at 4761 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-878-6400) will bring out the "OPAA" in you every time. This place is so authentic it even has cute and surly greek waiters. The menu features traditional Greek specialties, with the focus on lamb and fish. The Mediterranean feel to the place brings me back to Athens on a lazy day. Count on spending around $20.00 per person and being there a long time.