Living in the Lakeview neighborhood gives you easy access to the many things people love the most about Chicago. Lakeview is made up of several unique areas including East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown, and Wrigleyville. Appreciate the Lakeview neighborhood by running or biking on the lakeshore path, cheering on a Cubs game, shopping in the unique boutiques, or eating out at one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood!
Things to Do in Lakeview
The Lakeview neighborhood is home to some of the most popular activities in the city. Here you will find the scenic Lakefront Trail, a golf course and driving range, a boat harbor, a bird sanctuary, and grassy playing fields that are also perfect for picnics or just soaking in the views.
Practice your swing at the Diversey Driving Range or putt around the 18-hole round of miniature golf.
Check out the iconic Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater. The performance combines music, technology, and comedy in a way never seen before. Be ready to laugh and potentially be involved with the skits!
It doesn’t matter if the Cubs are the best or the worst team in the league, a baseball game at Wrigley Field is always one of the best things to do in Chicago. You can even check out the new addition called Gallagher Way. This open-air backyard is a bustling hub for neighbors, fans, and visitors. Whether or not it’s baseball season, you’ll find a list of events such as farmers markets, outdoor film screenings, fitness classes, and concerts.
Belmont Harbor is home to over 700 boats. Find peaceful views of the boats and the lake, as well as a fantastic vantage point of the Chicago skyline.
Best Restaurants in Lakeview
Bar Pastoral is the cheese shop’s cozy wine bar that features New American eats while pouring glasses of vino and champagne on tap. The sandwiches are excellent, and the original Lakeview location has expanded to include a more complete menu as well. Post up at the bar with plenty of food, wine, and cheese. This authentic and intimate restaurant is the perfect place for a date night.
Barcocina is a modern take on classic Mexican fare plus tequila, margaritas, and sangria in rustic-industrial digs. Barcocina fuses traditional Mexican cuisine and various multicultural cooking techniques into modern Mexican fare. The fresh ingredients and three distinct beverage categories will let out your sweet, smoky, and spicy side while you drink to the joys of life. Relax in the open-air setting among rustic reclaimed wood and fireplaces.
Check out Wilde, a literary-themed upscale Irish pub. Interior is decorated with leather banquettes, cozy fireplaces, stained-glass ceiling domes, and a library nook. Enjoy their extensive beer list & American bar fare.
DMK Burger Bar offers exactly what you would expect based on the name. There’s a variety of burgers, ranging from a classic styled after the McD’s Big Mac to a salmon burger, and it’s a very bar-like atmosphere. It’s full of people hanging out, eating burgers, and drinking beers or milkshakes.
End your night with Johnson’s Real Ice Cream. Stop in for a cone, scoop, pint, or shake of a traditional flavor or a Johnson’s Family Favorite such as Blueberry Pie, Butterscotch Toffee, Campfire S’Mores, or Raspberry Cheesecake
Best Bars in Lakeview for Any Occasion
DryHop Brewery is European-inspired gastropub plates & seasonal house brews in a rustic, laid-back space. The craft beers are only available at the restaurant in Lakeview East and, tend to focus on hop-centric ales. Every dish that comes from the kitchen is inspired by the craft beer we brew and designed to mirror our neighborhood attitude.
Happy Camper in Wrigleyville serves up classic & creative pizzas plus cocktails. The warehouse setting includes multiple TV’s inside and three outdoor spaces. There’s also a DJ booth in the back, and a little space if customers want to create a makeshift dance floor.
Looking for more of a local Wisconsin bar vibe? Will’s Northwoods Inn will make you feel like you have been transported to a small neighborhood joint in the middle of the woods. Enjoy classic cheese curds while posted up at wooden tables with multiple TV’s. Even better, check out the back patio and tune into your favorite sports game.
Southport Lanes is one of the last bowling alleys in Chicago where the pins are reset by hand. A group of pin boys works the lanes and rolls your balls right back to you as you and your team of friends throw back a few beers at this once Schlitz-owned brewhouse. Be sure to stake your claim early since this local gem fills up fast!
If you’re looking for a late-night experience, check out Sluggers. This sports bar has second-floor batting cages, skeeball, and other games, along with a dueling piano bar.
Boutiques in Lakeview You Can’t Miss
Hit the bustling commercial districts along Belmont Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Southport Avenue, Clark Street, Halsted Street and Broadway Street to shop — be it for vintage frocks, designer jeans or leather biker gear — or live it up with the locals at the seemingly endless options for bars and pubs, and the dozens of celebrated restaurants in between.
Krista K boutique holds an impressive collection of women’s clothing including an entire level of denim from premium brands like J.Brand and AG Adriano. Plus, Rag & Bone parkas, A.L.C. The well-edited selection usually guarantees a positive wardrobe-altering experience.
The Red Balloon is the ideal Lakeview stop for new baby gifts, clothes for your own little one, children’s furniture, books, and toys. The Red Balloon also provides personalized shopping services.
Paper Source has all the little trinkets that we dream of. Whether you are looking for wedding invitations, personalized gifts, or just browsing for yourself, you will find it at Paper Source.
Looking for Chicago themed gifts? Stop into Four-sided gifts for stylish greeting cards & stationery items, plus vintage goods & unique Chicago-themed gifts.
Lakeview Condos
If you’re looking for a home near the lakefront, Lakeview, Chicago condos have a lot to offer for anyone who wants to work, live, and play in a classic Chicago neighborhood. Let the agents at Luxury Living Chicago Realty help you discover Lakeview homes for sale that match everything you want and need. If you want to find Lakeview luxury homes, we’re the team you can trust. Search current Lakeview condos and homes for sale below.
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