Chicago's Best Restaurants Restaurants near Essence of India restaurant

Andros Taverna

Many Greek restaurants serve basically the same food; not so at Andros Taverna, where Chef Doug Psaltis serves contemporary Mediterranean food inspired by the classic taverns of Greece, as well as a few items prepared using family recipes.

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Dear Margaret

2965 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657

Dear Margaret in Lakeview offers a type of “ethnic” cuisine rarely seen in Chicago: French-Canadian, the food of French immigrants who settled in the Great White North and brought their love of food with them

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Pizza Art Cafe

Casual spot for pizza, pasta & BYOB in a rustic loftlike setting with funky local art on the walls.

Royal Thai

Royal Thai is located in Lincoln Square / North Center neighborhood. Our restaurant is family owned and the Thai food served is based on authentic family recipes.

D.A.N.K. Haus - German American Cultural Center

DANK Haus, home of the Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress, or German American Cultural Center, promotes German language and German-American culture. It offers cooking classes, German-language classes, cultural programs and party-room rentals. The 1927 building also houses the Midwest German Consulate General. After business hours, patrons may park in the MB Financial lot at Western and Gunnison.

Due Lire

This Italian restaurant in Lincoln Square opened in November 2010 with a chef who was previously at Bice and Gioco. Dishes include antipasti like calamari and mussels, pasta like gnocchi bolognese and short rib ravioli, and entrees like pancetta-wrapped filet and Cornish hen.

Huettenbar

The Huettenbar, located at 4721 N. Lincoln Avenue is the embodiment of the German word “Gemeuthlichkeit” meaning comfort, warmth, a sense of belonging and of being yourself. The Huettenbar, nestled in the heart of the German-influenced neighborhood of Lincoln Square, has been owned and operated by Irma Frolich since 1985.

The Sixth

Lincoln Square is the epitome of a great Chicago neighborhood, offering plenty of personality, charm and a number of notable dining and drinking establishments. But what was missing was the sort of craft cocktail lounge one would typically find in Logan Square, River North or the West Loop.

Elizabeth

This "tickets only" restaurant is owned by Iliana Regan, a talented, self-taught chef who gained a solid following after hosting a number of underground dinners at her North Side home.

Grafton Pub and Grill

Traditional Irish pub offering signature burgers, a big whiskey menu & Irish-American folk music.

Bistro Campagne

A warm and friendly neighborhood French bistro opened in summer of 2002 by Chef Michael Altenberg. "Campagne" means "countryside", and symbolizes the restaurant's deep connection to the land that yields our food.

Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop

This Lincoln Square institution, opened in 1948, serves light fare, Austrian-style tortes and Viennese-style coffee presented in individual pots with whipped cream on the side. The dining room is behind the bakery, which sells European pastries and house-made marzipan and chocolates. In summer, there's a charming outdoor cafe.

Essence of India

Cozy, casual spot serving Indian food, wine & beer in a space decorated with Indian artwork.

Fork

Fork is a remake of Fiddlehead Cafe with a new menu, fireplace and couch seating in the lounge. House-smoked meats, many cheeses and local, organic ingredients are features, along with 140 beers and 30 wines by the glass and the flight.

Rainbow Thai Cuisine

At Rainbow Thai Cuisine, in Lincoln Square, you'll find the usual Thai suspects (pad Thai, vegetable spring rolls, cucumber salad), but you'll also encounter specialty dishes you won't find elsewhere.

Old Town School of Folk Music - Lincoln Square

The main concert venue for Chicago's famed folk-music school.

The Warbler

Gather is one of the biggest dining success stories in Lincoln Square, so it didn't come as a surprise when its owners decided to open a sequel next door. The Warbler is situated in a much larger space that includes an open kitchen, round bar and spacious patio for 120 guests.

Spoon Thai Restaurant

Authentic Thai Cuisine

Amy's Candy Bar

Ravenswood sweets shop specializing in all things candy. Amy's Candy Bar is an homage to nostalgic confections as well as housemade snacks, international goodies, and offbeat treats such as gummy turkey feet.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse

Modern South American cuisine lays the framework for Artango Bar & Steakhouse, featuring a medley of Argentine, Venezuelan and Peruvian dishes, all with contemporary variations.

Garcia's Restaurant (Lincoln Square)

Family owned and operated since 1991 located in the heart of Lincoln Sqaure. Thank you to all our faithful customers, we love you guys!

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

The Chopping Block's claim to fame is that with proper instruction it can transform anyone into a gourmet cook. Classes vary and are seasonal, ranging from summer barbecue themes to flavorful vegan cuisine. Classes tend to be on the small side so that each student may get personal attention. Guests may also book private parties, and they also have occasional classes for kids. A second location is on the first level of the Merchandise Mart.

Himmel's

Located in the former Lincoln Square space for Pizza D.O.C., this Bavarian-accented restaurant fits right into the very German-focused neighborhood. The owners have wisely kept the wood-burning pizza oven to use for meats, veggies and pizzas, of course. The pizza offerings are actually quite overwhelming, with 20 to choose from.

Gather

An alum of Levy Restaurants, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and NoMI decides to go out on his own with his first venture in the space deserted by the original LM Restaurant. David Breo has hired former Charlie Trotter’s, Cibo Matto chef Ken Carter to create an American contemporary menu with all ingredients made from scratch. It's set to open mid-December 2012.

Celtic Crown Public House

Ala Carte Entertainment's Irish-themed sports bar is known for giant portions of pub grub, frequent food and drink specials and regular game nights.

Daily Bar & Grill

Upscale comfort food, martinis & a lengthy beer list served in a classic bar & grill with a patio.

The Bad Apple

Known best for its inventive burgers--including a wagyu burger served on Wednesdays for $26--The Bad Apple also boasts an expansive and affordable beer list (nearly 100 brews, with many for $5 or less) organized by country of origin. A back game room features foos ball, shuffle board, pinball and two-person Pacman.

Cafe Selmarie

The Lincoln Square venue is several places in one: a bakery, coffeehouse, lunch spot and romantic destination for dinner. Daily lunch and dinner specials are also an attraction.

Ricochet's Tavern

A neighborhood staple since the 1980s, Ricochet's is known for its cheap drinks, jukebox, dart boards and video trivia games.

Aroy Thai Restaurant

Great neighborhood traditional authentic Thai restaurant. Intimate and relax atmosphere with dishes full of flavor and spices! BYOB