Rib Smacking Good

Twin Anchors is one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Chicago. They are famous for the delicious baby back ribs. I love ribs, so even when we had to wait for an hour, it wasn't a big deal. Their bar area is large enough for people to have a drink or 2 while waiting. The decor is sailor-like with images of Yachts on the wall along with Batman: The Dark Knight posters--there was a scene in the movie that was shot here. Back to the food. The ribs were so tender and fell off the bone. The barbeque sauce was sweet and spicy. Don't be shy and ask for more sauce if needed. The baked beans were also good, but the ribs are the true highlight. I can't wait to go back during the summer since they have outdoor seating on the sidewalk.

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Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Ta-Ta-Tapas

A tapas dinner always amazes me. I go with a group of friends, we order tons of food and sangria, yet the bill always runs about $25 a person, including tip. Plus, I'm stuffed by the end, even if I only had a few bites of everything. To get in on the magic of tapas, you should go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. They've got a long list of hot and cold tapas, with several vegetarian-friendly options. The sangria menu has a nice variety too--if they've got mango as the special of the day, it's a must-order. Service here is friendly, and dishes arrive when they're ready, so you have a nice flow of food that lasts for an entire evening of conversation (sometimes the conversation gets a little noisy, so this isn't the spot for a quiet romantic dinner). Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba also hosts special events like a paella cooking class and flamenco dinner shows.

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Restaurants • Lincoln Park

All About Atmosphere

A trip to Noble Tree is like a visit to your eccentric aunt's house, minus the stirrup pants and mothball smell. Comfy, overstuffed chairs bump up against floor-to-ceiling bookcases containing self-help tomes, textbooks, and whatever else they wouldn't buy back at the used bookstore. If you've come without something to do, you'll find plenty to read. Occupying three floors of a grand stone house, Noble Tree is spacious enough that those who want to talk and those who want to focus can co-exist without disturbing each other. The nightly pie special is pretty good, though the coffee and tea aren't anything to write home about. The atmosphere is what sets this joint apart from the cookie cutter coffee houses.

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Coffee • Lincoln Park

Unwine(d) With a Glass of Pinot

Romance abounds at this dimly lit neighborhood wine bar, making it a perfect place to either start or cap off a great date. The extensive wine menu covers all regions of the globe--order a bottle to share or opt from a selection of wines by the glass. However, if you can't decide or don't even know where to start, D.O.C. Wine Bar has a rather large selection of flights in a variety of wine styles. And if you get the munchies, you can pair your wines with a number of cheeses and other snacks. The atmosphere here is great--especially in the back room where you can relax in front of the fireplace. Even if you just want to enjoy a glass of wine on your own, you can grab a seat at the bar, chat up the friendly, knowledgeable staff, and unwind after a long day.

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Nightlife • Lincoln Park

Cock of Champions

Originally part of Cafe Bernard, the cozy Red Rooster is now stashed away behind it, catering to patrons for 22 years. Offering a simple, warm, inviting atmosphere, Red Rooster is heavy on the ambiance but still prepares delectable food. It won't burn a (giant) hole in your wallet, either. French classics like smooth duck-liver pate and baked braised beef bourguignon are available, but seafood dishes like salmon with cabernet sauce and steamed mussels are arguably more popular. Looking to impress the little lady? No problem. Take her out for a day of shopping on Armitage Avenue, followed by a fancy French dining experience at Red Rooster. You can thank me later.

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Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Succulent and Childlike(...)

Upon entering, Molly's Cupcakes looks like a cross between a child's bedroom and a dream. There are glass bubbles on the walls filled with Molly's childhood memorabilia, swings situated near the coffee bar that act as seats, and bathrooms that look just like the ones you used to use in grammar school. I was turned onto these little cupcakes through another restaurant that has since closed down and I am eternally grateful. They are simply amazing, especially the red velvet cupcake. It is both moist and delicious and topped with the best frosting ever--cream cheese. I promise that you will not be disappointed if you purchase this tiny treat. You also have the ability to create your own cupcake. All you have to do is ask.

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Shopping • Lincoln Park

Glasses For Your Face

Glasses are in. No longer fodder for shovings, forceful lunch money removal and/or wedgies, spectacles have been placed on the forefront of cool, particularly amongst a certain breed of young person. The question still remains as to how one acquires a pair without breaking the bank, as these trying times have seen increases in the cost of other scenester necessities, including Parliament cigarettes, moped gas, and beer. Luckily, Smart Optical, located near Clark and Diversey, keeps the prices low, with a focus on cool. Normally, discounted eyeglasses mean smelly, fat-fingered optometrists breathing heavy, sad breath on the face, as you frustratingly squint, waiting for the opportunity to pick from a selection of blocky, plastic frames that weigh heavily on both the nose and soul. This is not the case at S.O., however, as young, friendly doctors and staff (almost entirely Asian, which is supercool, obviously), work hard to make sure you look and feel good, even if don’t have vision insurance or a real job. It’s weird to call an eyeglass place badass, but yes, Smart Optical is that.

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Shopping • Lincoln Park

Log Cabin Publicans

Hidden on the Clark Street Curve is Duke’s, a cozy bar and grill with a very intimate feel. Upon entering this charming little spot, you are immediate hit by its unmistakable log cabin feel. There is a row of clear, plastic deer heads mounted on the walls and a lounge area situated in the back. What stands out in this bar is its extensive list of drinks and inventive food. They specialize in a series of tasty burgers including beef, chicken, veggie, turkey, and portabella with several toppings. Service can be a little spotty at times as there are about three to four guys working on any given day, but they are so helpful and friendly that the spotty service issues seems to melt away. This is a great spot to frequent with friends.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Forever 21's Prices

Walking down Halsted in Lincoln Park without a pretty shopping bag in tow is kind of like sitting in Giordano’s picking at salad while friends gorge spinach deep dish. It sucks. But unless Cynthia Steffe is hosting a sidewalk sale, your AmEx bill just can’t take Lincoln Park prices. That’s why Francesca’s exists. This shop rivals Forever 21 price-points but kicks it up about 19 notches in the style department. Jewelry and handbags like this purple one catch the most attention, but don’t disregard the racks of clothes—some marked down to as low as $4.98. Tragically, Francesca’s isn’t a Chicago exclusive (the Houston-based company runs stores in 24 states). But that means the Web site is regularly updated — so you can shop without resenting the beautiful people.

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Shopping • Lincoln Park

But Yours Too

It seems like cupcake bakeries are becoming a dime a dozen, but Molly's Cupcakes does not your average cupcake make. Named after the owner's grade school teacher who made cupcakes to celebrate her students' birthdays, Molly's lets you create the ultimate cupcake masterpiece with their "build your own cupcake" feature. Do you want a scrumptious chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, topped with M&M's? Or will you go for the tasty red velvet with a cream cheese frosting and add your own sprinkles at the sprinkle station? Maybe you'll settle for a strawberry-filled (with chunks of real berry in the filling). Don't worry if you're faced with too many decisions--you'll want to stop here for an after-school snack almost every day so you can try all of the possibilities. The school theme extends to the decor, with school chairs, laminated tables, and a row of swings at the coffee bar.

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Shopping • Lincoln Park

Empanada Enlightenment

If you’re really good at something, why not be the best? Lito’s Empanadas knows what I’m talking about. Empanadas, a South American turnover stuffed with a variety of fillings and cooked in oil, are Litos’ sole specialty. The small menu may only consist of eight different kinds of empanadas, but surprisingly, that’s more than enough variety to keep you coming back for more of these addictive things. Particularly tasty are the spinach, filled with spinach, mozzarella, and onion; the chicken, filled with chicken, tomato, onion, and rice; and the barbecue pork. There’s even a chocolate and banana version for dessert. Even better is the fact that they are really filling and pretty cheap, so for $5, you can grab a couple of empanadas and stuff yourself with goodness.

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Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Butterfly Haven

The Chicago winter may only have just arrived, but if you're already sick of the snow and freezing winds, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum may have the answer. Entry is free every Thursday, so skip the exhibits and head straight for butterfly heaven. This miniature tropical paradise is the region's only year round butterfly haven–and to keep their 250 species of butterfly happy, it's kept at toasty warm temperatures all year long. Head there at around 2pm each day and you'll also get to experience the 'First Flight', when hundreds of newly emerged butterflies test their wings for the very first time. Before you head back into the cold though, take a trip to the museum's organic café to grab a coffee and a cupcake.

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Landmarks , Museums • Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Chicago is a green city. You can throw that assertion around with confidence these days. In some ways, its blood runs green. Note the ancient boulevards of Logan Square and the massive green spaces of Garfield and Washington parks. In other ways, it’s more of a sod-y, overlaid green city—the planters along Michigan Avenue and the Cultural Center’s rooftop garden. And then there’s a whole other type of green: the indoor, Secret Garden-esque green of the city’s conservatories. A haven for all seasons, especially winter, the Victorian-era Lincoln Park Conservatory sits among the gently rolling hills along Stockton Drive. It was erected in the late 1800s, when Americans began to second-guess rampant industrialization. The palm, orchid, fern and show houses laid out in architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee’s plans remain, and a stroll through them might cause more than the air to get misty and calm. The Victorians were definitely onto something here. The Chicago Park District calls the conservatory a “paradise under glass.” After a visit, you’ll second that emotion and pine for an even greener Chicago.

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Landmarks • Lincoln Park

B.L.U.E.S

What do the Chi Town Hustlers and the Cannonball Express have in common? Both will be on stage this June at B.L.U.E.S., a dive bar that features many local bands. So if you’ve spent a year or a lifetime in Chicago, and never heard live blues, it’s time to check out the genre that put us on the musical globe. This narrow spot fills up quickly on weekends, so get there early to stake out your stools. Sundays are a good bet, because your cover at B.L.U.E.S. will let you slide past the bouncers at Kingston Mines as well. The perks continue if you live in the ‘hood. Every Tuesday is good neighbor night which equals gratis entry for anyone living or working in nearby zip codes. Who knows, maybe between blues beats and chugging Fat Tire you’ll meet someone new to borrow sugar from.

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Nightlife • Lincoln Park

Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder

Forget everything you know about going to a restaurant because Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder does it all differently. Bring cash. They don’t accept anything else. Be prepared to wait, but don’t go looking for a hostess with a list and a stack of pagers. Here they take one look at you, remember who you are and where you’re at in line. Just hang out and look across the street where the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre occurred. Once you’re seated, you won’t need much time to ponder the menu. For pizza make three choices: meat or vegetable, white or whole-wheat crust, half-pound or one pound. Grinder lovers have six options of this large sandwich stuffed with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. You must order the Mediterranean Bread, a warm flatbread smothered with oil and garlic. But save room for your piping hot grinder or the city’s most unique pizza, an individual pot pie served with the crust on top. It’s flipped upside down in front of you to reveal a deep dish sensation like no other. One bite, and you’ll be digging through your wallet to see if you have enough cash to order a frozen one to take home.

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Pizza • Lincoln Park

Crunch Coat!

Summer time at my house growing up always seemed to involve driving half an hour out of our way to a particular Dairy Queen so my Mom could get a small DQ soft serve cone covered in this mysterious, magical, and delicious concoction called crunch coat. A mixture of salted peanuts, rainbow sprinkles, and a yet to be identified crunchy sweet substance, this ultimate ice cream topping has eluded me for decades. That is until a few weeks ago when I walked into my neighborhood Treats and saw it lying in front of me. Hallelujah! They usually have four to six flavors at any one time, two of which are always chocolate and vanilla. Most importantly, however, they have crunch coat and the highly talented Treats employees use their wizard like powers to stick this magical topping to cups (or cones). The décor and atmosphere of the shops leave much to be desired, but a delicious chocolate vanilla swirl cone covered in crunch coat that is 99% fat free has me coming back again and again.

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Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Chicagoans weary of the bitter cold that makes ears crunchy and noses red should stop by the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The wet air kisses dry skin as eyes accustomed to the greys of winter readjust to absorb the bright spectrum of greens. The Conservatory, completed in 1895, is home to everything from lobster claws to Swiss cheese and we’re only talking about plants. Don’t miss the oldest palm tree on site which was grown from seeds collected on an expedition to Brazil in 1926. According to Conservatory legend, another palm outgrew the space and broke through the glass ceiling. Sauntering through this domed glass structure can boost your random horticulture knowledge. Who knew that vanilla beans are the fruit of an orchid or that Indian business people make deals under Banyan trees. There is little risk of running into a picture-crazed wedding party on a weekday but free tours only run on the weekends. You decide.

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Landmarks • Lincoln Park

Crepe & Coffee Palace

Disregard the kitschy name and be prepared for some serious crepe love. The steamy windows at this Lincoln Park spot lend it an air of mystery. Bunches of fresh bananas hang from the ceiling and the scent of exotic spices transport Chicagoans into a tropical kitchen. The Algerian owner offers crepes for every palate but the crepe d’amour stands out. Fresh raspberry and Belgian chocolate crepes are plated with intricate red swirls and dollops of whipped cream. Forget about saving the “courtesy bite” and fight for every last morsel. For a savory option, try the crepe de Roma. Spinach, mozzarella, and portabella mushrooms are tucked into a golden brown envelope of goodness. The chicken soup is lackluster but included in the price of the crepe so who can complain? Laid-back but efficient service can be expected on weekdays; however, the staff gets flustered during the weekend rush. If your fork is dirty don’t be surprised by a free scoop of decadent pistachio ice cream. The owner who is staking his claim in Andersonville just opened Icosium Kafe there. It bears the ancient name for the city of Algiers and offers more spacious digs with the same crave-worthy crepes.

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Coffee , Restaurants • Lincoln Park

Lincoln Station

With the past December rush for holiday parties, I was recently dragged back into Lincoln Park. At first, I was dreading the event at the Lincoln Station but upon further review this place was near perfect for the recent corporate event. Kind of a lazy, laid back bar, the Lincoln Station has its main bar up front with a nice little back room for events or just hanging out. This room offers nice little diversions such as 3 regulation size pool tables, darts, and of course, the Golden Tee Live. A standard menu includes everything from burgers to pizza and eating in, carry-out and special events are all possible. The beer selection is halfway decent with all your normal selections and a few micro brews and some seasonal fare to boot. With a featured monthly brew, I was treated to a $2.50 Widmer Brothers Hefe Weizen that wet my whistle all night long. While corporate events may not be my thing, the Lincoln Station might be a place to check out for your next event…give them a call!

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Nightlife • Lincoln Park

Burwood Tap

Located at the corner of Burling and Wrightwood (hence the name) is a long time Chicago standard, the Burwood Tap. While tucked away from the usual hob-nob atmosphere of its surrounding locale, the Burwood Tap still attracts a mix of the yuppie Lincoln Park set, along with sports fans and a long list of regulars who have come to call this place home. One of the city’s true, old-style sports bars, the Burwood maintains its hordes of memorabilia it has collected over the years. But the one thing I have always found to be true at the Tap is the way the patrons truly drink. Let’s be clear…this is no sipping bar! At times, a frat-boy mentality reigns as patrons visit the Tap with one thing on their minds. They slug them back fast and furious, often times without blowing a week’s paycheck. A word to the wise…get a cab and head to the Burwood Tap. Amateurs beware!

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Nightlife • Lincoln Park