When planning evening adventures in Lincoln Park, one often thinks of what bar to visit. Sadly, many bars in the neighborhood have overly boisterous crowds, overpriced drinks and standing room only. I've put together a small list of atypical bars in this great neighborhood. These five bars best match the lovely understated side of Lincoln Park.

Rose's Lounge
2656 N. Lincoln Ave
Rose, namesake and proprietor, has been in the same spot since the 70's. She still pours her $1 pints for her low-key clientele with a friendly, down-to-earth smile. This establishment could be classified, happily, as a dive bar. Not the kind of dive that makes you long for hand sanitizer rather the kind that makes you think you've stepped into the past. This fun throw back offers cheap drinks, eclectic décor, laid back patrons, and a jukebox playing old 45's. Rose's Lounge is comfortable respite in Lincoln Park.

Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Low lights, rock and roll, biker jackets and a selection of almost 50 bourbons aren't the descriptors of a typical Lincoln Park bar. This bar features ever-changing selections from local artists and varying musical styles (though punk often takes a step forward). From mohawks to ball caps, button-downs to cowboy boots all from Lincoln Park and beyond are welcome and enjoy Delilah's.

Rocks Lincoln Park
1301 W. Schubert Ave.
Don't let the name fool you. This is not a music centric bar but a good food (um, fried mac-n-cheese bites anyone?), great drinks, sports bar in an out of the way location. The signature 2x2" ice cube Rocks tosses in your drink melts less quickly than multiple cubes while keeping your whiskey perfectly chilled. At least six large flat panels showcase ESPN even while the lovely warmth of the wood fixtures give Rocks a certain old-fashioned appeal. The wide selection of spirits, fantastic beer garden and yummy edible offerings make this a great Lincoln Park bar.

Vintage 338
338 W. Armitage
Well finally, a reasonably priced wine bar in Lincoln Park! This small establishment offers a large selection of wine by the bottle or glass from France, Italy and Spain along with a hefty selection of spirits and micro-brews. Clean, modern décor and easy sophistication lend comfort to the 25 seat spot. This is a good place to stop by for a few glasses of wine with old friends to catch up or perhaps a new friend you're just getting to know!

Wise Fools Pub
2207 N. Lincoln Ave.
This is a dog friendly bar. I repeat, this is a DOG FRIENDLY BAR! Who know? As a dog owner and lover, I am often looking for a place my fuzzy friends and I can enjoy. Along with being animal lovers, Wise Fools also has a blues history. For over twenty years, blues greats Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor graced the brick-walled stage here. Since that time, Wise Fools has been modernized but still offers sports watching and beer drinking with your human and canine friends in Lincoln Park.


If you haven't been to these great, hidden gems, take time away from your usual routine and check out something new in Lincoln Park. If you have, perhaps this is a reminder to make a return trip. Cheers!