RJ Grunts Brunch - group of friends toasting with brunch cocktails over a spread of brunch dishes

How to Spend a Sunday In Chicago’s Lincoln Park

A delicious guide to the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago

Updated September 2025

Our story began in Lincoln Park over 50 years ago with the opening of R.J. Grunts, so this neighborhood will always be one of our favorites. With its cozy restaurants, locally owned shops, scenic parks, and the beloved Lincoln Park Zoo, it’s a place that blends charm with character. Whether you live in the area or you’re playing tourist in a new part of town, we guarantee the below itinerary will cure even the worst Sunday Scaries.

But first, brunch…at Sushi-san or R.J. Grunts

Did you know Sushi-san – Lincoln Park serves up a delicious brunch on the weekend? Enjoy brunch dishes like the Miso Salmon Benedict and Thicc French Toast, plus all the San signatures including San-Sets, maki, nigiri, robata grilled and sizzling rice dishes. Rise and shine with a Day N Nite cold brew with sushi rice horchata, or 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

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

For more Lettuce brunch inspo in Chicago, click here.

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.

Make a reservation at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba! | Order carryout and delivery from Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Check out more Happy Hour deals near you.

Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi or Ramen-san

For a cozy and classic end to your Sunday, Mon Ami Gabi brings all the French bistro vibes, no passport required. The menu is full of comforting favorites like the iconic Steak Frites, Frisée & Lardon salad, and the garlicky, buttery Escargots de Bourgogne served piping hot with a baguette, of course. Pair it all with a glass of wine, and you’ve got a Sunday night that feels more like a mini getaway than the end of the weekend. Tres Chic!

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

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.