How to Spend a Sunday In Chicago’s Lincoln Park

A delicious guide to the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago

Updated September 2025

Welcome to the first of our Lettuce Locals series, where we share our tips on how to best spend a Sunday in Chicago. Whether you live in the area or you’re playing tourist in a new part of town, we guarantee the below neighborhood itinerary will cure even the worst Sunday Scaries.

Since our first restaurant was established in Lincoln Park more than 50 years ago (looking at you, R.J. Grunts) – there’s no better place to start than this neighborhood known for its charming restaurants, locally-owned shops, Lincoln Park Zoo and scenic parks.

But first, brunch…at Mon Ami Gabi or R.J. Grunts

If you don’t know, now you know: Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park serves brunch exclusively on Sundays. Grab your partner or your crew and toast to the good life with La Peche, one of our favorite brunch cocktails in town. We recommend the Classic Eggs Benedict and an order of the very fitting French Toast for the table—but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Top it all off with a cappuccino or maybe even a Black Velvet Martini. Tres Chic!

Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park | Order carryout and delivery from Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park

For more Lettuce brunch inspo in Chicago, click here.

Another great brunch option located steps away from the Lincoln Park Zoo is R.J. Grunts. Don’t sleep on the Breakfast Burrito Grande, loaded with bacon, American cheese, scrambled eggs and pico de gallo. To drink, try the house Bloody Mary, which comes complete with a chicken wing garnish. And if you order a side of the Cheesy Buffalo Hash Browns, prepare to never look at hash browns the same way again!

Make a reservation at R.J. Grunts | Order carryout and delivery from R.J. Grunts

Pro tip: Every Thursday – Saturday, check out R.J. Grunts’ Late-Night Happy Hour from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM where you can enjoy classic cocktails, beers and wine for only $5 each, plus tax (gratuity not included).

Take a Stroll

Lincoln Park Chicago Time to walk off brunch. Lincoln Park is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Chicago, so we suggest you explore it on foot. Have a choose-your-own adventure moment below:

If you’d prefer a quiet stroll in nature, hit up the Nature Boardwalk – a gorgeous trail around a lake in Lincoln Park with some of the best views of the city. Snap photos with the skyline on the bridge over South Pond or at the Honeycomb structure right beneath it. Fun fact: the Honeycomb was inspired by the natural design of a tortoise shell. If you’re there at the right time of year, you’ll see real tortoises swimming under the bridge. Other amazing spots to explore with the kiddos include the Lincoln Park Zoo or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

If you’re more of an architecture fan, we suggest you walk the opposite way to check out the beautiful historical homes in the neighborhood. Walk west down Fullerton and take a left down Orchard St. until you hit Oz Park.

Grab a cookie and a coffee at Summer House

Stop by The Cookie Bar at Summer House to choose from an epic selection of cookies and a boost of energy provided by La Colombe coffee. Pick up one of their legendary cold drafts (we love the Black & Tan) and pair it with the Crispy Chocolate Cookie. You can thank us later. View the menu at Summer House in Lincoln Park.

Make a reservation at Summer House – Lincoln Park | Order carryout or delivery from Summer House – Lincoln Park

Shop ’til you drop

Now that you’re sailing on a sugar rush AND a caffeine boost, head to Armitage Avenue to do some shopping. Dig through the shoe and clothing racks at Lori’s for some great designer finds, pick up unique gifts for your loved ones at Art Effect, and maybe treat yourself to a cashmere sweater at Jenni Kayne or a fun accessory at Clare V. If you’re looking for a Chicago-based boutique with quality Chicago merch, walk up a little farther north to check out Alice & Wonder on Webster.

Happy Hour at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Here’s the part where we tell you Lincoln Park’s best kept secret: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers happy hour seven days a week in the bar and cocktail area! Sundays are no exception, and you and your friends deserve a pitcher of sangria after all that shopping. From 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, you can enjoy $1.50 pintxos, $22 sangria pitchers, $4 Estrella Damm beer bottles, and select tapas from $3-$5, plus tax (gratuity not included). View Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s Happy Hour Menu.

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Check out more Happy Hour deals near you.

Dinner at Sushi-san or Ramen-san

Sushi-san – Lincoln Park is open for dinner daily, Friday lunch and weekend brunch serving up all the San signatures including San-Sets, maki, nigiri, robata grilled and sizzling rice dishes, along with a few new options such as Chilled Soba Noodles, Spanish Bluefin Tuna Sashimi with dill and Castelvetrano olives and a kids’ Bento Box. Sip a glass of sake (there are 16 options available by-the-glass!), frosty Asahi beer, handcrafted cocktail or creative NA drinks.

Make a reservation at Sushi-san in Lincoln Park | Order carryout and delivery from Sushi-san – Lincoln Park

Dinner at Ramen-san kimchi ramen fried chicken Our favorite way to warm up a cool evening? A warm bowl of Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen! Located steps away from Sushi-san – Lincoln Park, Ramen-san is not only known for its ramen, but also for its dessert. Trust us when we say the Hot Donuts are the perfect nightcap to a perfect Lincoln Park day.