Lakeview, Chicago, offers a unique lifestyle, mixing a blend of metropolitan and waterfront living in the Windy City. In addition to its scenic landscape, Lakeview is one of the most popular Chicago neighborhoods for its massive entertainment hub, diverse food scene, lakefront views, and easy access to public transportation.
Learn more about the Lakeview area in Chicago, with its top community highlights and attractions to check out during your visit.
Where is Lakeview in Chicago?
Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is located on the North Side and along the shoreline, a few miles north of Lincoln Park.
Lakeview is comprised of many popular Northside neighborhoods:
•Lakeview East
•Roscoe Village
•Northalsted
•Wrigleyville
Visitors and locals love coming to Lakeview for its walkability, endless attractions, fine dining options, and beautiful Lake Michigan views—as the community name suggests. Whether it’s winding down at the lakeside beach to escape the bustling city or exploring the vibrant entertainment district, Lakeview has something to offer everyone.
Things to Do in Lakeview, Chicago: Exploring the Best Local Attractions
Below are some of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago, with traveling directions around the Windy City.
Catch a Game at the Historic Wrigley Field
Watch a baseball game while taking in local Chicago history at the famous Wrigley Field. This massive, historical sports venue has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1914 and the oldest ballpark in the National League.
Wrigley Field offers 11 year-round rooftops for private parties with distinct styles and amazing vantage viewpoints, including all-inclusive food and drinks! In addition to sports, they have non-game day things to do, like venue tours to learn about its 100 years of ballpark history, concerts, and private events.
The Addison train takes you to the entrance via the Red Line. The Clark & Waveland bus stop is also located at the entrance via Bus 22.
Shop Through the Southport Corridor
Credit: Southport Corridor Chicago
Looking for the best Lakeview, Chicago shopping destinations? The Southport Corridor is a bustling retail district, with many locally owned shops, upscale national chains, and dining options. It’s located on the west side of Wrigleyville. Come for a game and stay for the shopping!
Southport Corridor’s most popular places to visit include:
•The Denim Lounge: A premium denim and gift shop dedicated to men’s fashion.
•Tango Sur: A popular Argentinian BYOB restaurant and steakhouse with its sister casual location next door at Bodega Sur Chicago.
•Corridor Brewery & Provisions: A farmhouse craft brewery that pairs locally sourced food with ever-changing craft beers.
For directions to Southport Corridor, it’s located along Southport Ave between Belmont Ave and Irving Park Rd in Lakeview. Plenty of public transit options are nearby, including the Southport Brown Line Station and the Addison & Southport bus stop via Bus 152.
Stroll Along the Lakefront Trail
Credit: City of Chicago
As a waterfront neighborhood, you must visit the Lakefront Trail in Lakeview. It features 18.5 miles of scenic shoreline trails with lakeside and cityscape views, including plenty of activities to do along the way. From biking to connecting beaches and dining spots, it’s an active recreational area for all skill levels.
While the Lakefront Trail stretches from Ardmore Avenue to 71st St, Lakeview’s trail portion rests between Fullerton Ave on the south to Irving Park Rd. Take the Sheridan Red Line to Irving Park Road and you can get on the trail in less than 15 minutes.
Watch a Live Show in the Belmont Theater District
Credit: Belmont Theater District
Did you know Lakeview has the largest theatrical hub in Chicago? You can catch a live performance show and more at The Belmont Theater District. It has over 20 theatres with hundreds of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
The Belmont Theater District’s most popular destinations include:
•Laugh Factory Chicago: A historic comedy club since 1979 featuring world-famous comedians like Tiffany Haddish, Dane Cook, and Dave Chappelle.
•Briar Street Theater: Home to the popular entertaining Blue Man Group show in Chicago.
•Music Box Theater: The largest full-time operating film theater in Chicago, featuring independent and international films
The district spans across Belmont Ave between Southport and N Broadway. Various public transit options are scattered throughout the area. The Broadway & Cornelia bus stop takes you to the heart of the hub via Bus 36. Convenient train stations in this area include Belmont Station, Addison Station, and Southport Station.
Eat at the Best Restaurants in Lakeview
There are multiple Michelin-starred Lakeview, Chicago restaurants worth dining at. Whether you’re searching for upscale food or a romantic date night, below are the three best restaurants in Lakeview to try.
Tanuki Sushi & Grill
Credit: Tanuki Sushi & Grill
You may have seen the hottest summer food trend in Chicago— taking a “sushi-zza” to split with your friends at the lakefront. Tanuki Sushi & Grill offers over 30 different maki rolls that you can have packaged into a pizza box for easy transport. Their innovative, authentic, and contemporary Japanese cuisine has solidified their spot as a local favorite.
The Wellington Brown Line station is a one-minute walk. It’s also accessible via Bus 77 or Bus 36 routes.
mfk.
Credit: mfk.
Have you ever tried Catalan cuisine? If you haven’t heard of it, you can try it for the first time in Lakeview at mfk. Also known as Catalan mountain cuisine, it stems from Northern Catalonia and Andorra in Spain, but the food is also similar to the western Mediterranean.
mfk. is not only a Michelin-starred restaurant but also a recipient of this prestigious award every year since it opened in 2014—making it one of the best places to eat in Lakeview, Chicago! It serves exquisite dishes like squid ink tostadas, smoked piquillo croquettes, and tobiko tacos.
The Diversey & Sheridan/Lakeview bus stop is a one-minute walk via Bus 76. The Diversey Browne/Purple Line station is less than a 15-minute walk away.
Dear Margaret
Credit: Dear Margaret
Get more Michelli-starred food in Lakeview, Chicago, at Dear Margaret. This restaurant serves French-Canadian cuisine and is award-winning for many reasons. Their delicious dinner menu includes rabbit liver tartlets with pickled apple, oyster mousse with osetra caviar, and roasted cabbage crepes with crispy garlic.
The Diversey & Lakewood bus stop is about a five-minute walk via Bus 76. The Wellington Brown/Purple Line station is about a 10-minute walk.
Lakeview Luxury Apartments: Rent Your Dream Place Today
Living in Lakeview, Chicago brings you the best of both worlds: city and beachside lifestyles in one neighborhood. At TLC Management, we can help you live luxuriously in this special gem of a community. As property owners and managers for over 36 properties within and around Chicago, we have the local expertise to find your dream apartment.
We have two locations with luxury apartments for rent in Lakeview, each with unique amenities and conveniences.
Our The Annabelle Apartments in Lakeview offer contemporary living, including:
•Classic façade or renovated apartments with high ceilings and walk-in closets in a quieter corner
•One block from the lakefront and steps to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stations
•Bicycle storage room, cat-friendly pet policy, and no security deposit required!
Our Park Wellington Apartments in Lakeview East bring traditional city living, including:
•Classic masonry midrise building with wall-to-wall closets and cityscape views
•Steps to local parks, lakeside beaches, shopping, and CTA stations
•Bicycle storage room, pet-friendly policy, and no security deposit required!
Browse our Chicago apartment listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to find your new home today!
