2 Best Restaurants in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, with Bucktown and Logan Square, Chicago

Background Illustration for Restaurants

River North captures most of the expense-account diners, but the neighborhoods to the west of downtown—Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square—are where some of the city's most innovative dining occurs. With concepts like the vegetarian-friendly MANA, the pork-heavy Bristol, and dessert-focused Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, West Side restaurateurs serve great food without looking like they're trying too hard. Pick a ’hood and wander on foot—good eating won't be hard to find.

To the east lies Lincoln Park, named for the lakefront park it borders. Often a first stop for recent Chicago transplants moving to the city as well as the permanent residence of families inhabiting pricey brownstones, the popular neighborhood is definitely worth exploring. From a food perspective, it's host to several of Chicago's best restaurants, including Alinea and Boka. On commercial thoroughfares such as Clark, Halsted, and Armitage, you can spend an afternoon bouncing back and forth from great restaurants and cafés to hip shops.

MANA Food Bar

$ | Wicker Park
It's easy to miss this slim, stylish restaurant amid the clothing boutiques and bars along Division Street, but those in the know squeeze in for globally inspired vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare. The health-conscious dishes are small, so plan to order a few of the flavorful offerings to share; if you’re still hungry or want to add some seafood to your night, head to the Anaba Handroll Bar counter for sushi hand rolls.
Vegetarian $ Dinner
1742 W. Division St., Chicago, IL, 60622, USA
773-342–1742
www.manafoodbar.com
Known For
  • <PRO>sake cocktails</PRO>
  • <PRO>veggie "Mana" slider</PRO>
  • <PRO>fresh-squeezed juices</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted
Closed Sun.
Reservations not accepted

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Native Foods Café

$ | Wicker Park

When Wicker Park's veggie-centric Earwax Café closed, vegans and vegetarians decamped to this new California transplant. Even devoted carnivores scarf down the café's satisfying vegan dishes featuring house-made tempeh, seiten, and other faux meats. Don't miss the decadent-tasting desserts, made without refined sugar. Additional locations in Lakeview and the Loop.