Lincoln Park Chamber

They say a glass a day keeps the doctor away...or maybe that's just wistful thinking. These spots in Lincoln Park are perfect for wine lovers who just want to relax after a long day.

Cover image by Mattieu Johannon on Unsplash

Lincoln Park Wine Lovers

Share a bottle with friends in a lively tapas bar that celebrates Spanish culture.

This tapas bar has been a fixture in Chicago since 1985, the creation of renowned Chef Gabino Sotelino and Rich Melman, the founder of Lettuce Entertain You. Sotelino felt that Spanish culture and gastronomy needed representation in the Chicago restaurant scene. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! hosts many events that highlight Spanish culture, including Flamenco performances. 

Guests can enjoy a beverage menu that boasts an extensive Spanish wine list. It includes red and white wine flights for those who want a variety to sample and the list also features six types of signature sangria ranging from classic red and white to seasonal flavors like white peach and passion fruit. 

For those who are especially big fans of wine, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Offers their Spanish wines at half price on Tuesday nights.

Sip on the best that Spain has to offer right in Lincoln Park

Post photo from María Renée Batlle via Flickr.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

When it comes to great wine selections, The Kennison has nothing to lie about.

Tip A Glass To One Of Chicago's Most Famous Con-Men

The Kennison strives to deliver a modern American menu full of twists on familiar dishes. The name of the restaurant is a nod to David Kennison, a Lincoln Park resident in the 1800s who told extraordinary stories about his past, such as his involvement in the Boston Tea Party and the Revolutionary War. Kennison was so popular that when he passed away, he had the largest funeral attendance recorded at the time. Today, historians widely accept that Kennison likely told elaborate lies.

Regardless of its namesake’s flair for tall tales, The Kennison doesn’t mess around when it comes to its wine selection; guests get to choose from a variety of reds, whites, sparkling, and rosés. The wines hail from countries abroad: France, Austria, Spain, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand. For those who want something a little closer to home, The Kennison also has wines from California, Oregon, and Washington.

In comparison to the selections available, guests are slightly limited by the wines they can enjoy by the glass. All the more reason, then, to bring along friends to share a bottle and enjoy the hip atmosphere of The Kennison. 

Take some time to enjoy the wines at The Kennison with friends

The Kennison

Longing for the beach? Summer House Santa Monica offers a Southern California getaway.

Summer House Santa Monica gives Chicago a chance to escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of California. Guests experience a bit of Southern California with the restaurant’s beach house décor and a retractable glass ceiling.

Summer House’s California-inspired menu is complemented by a curated wine list that heavily features grapes from all over California. Summer House takes care to provide multiple varieties of each grape; while many wines can be enjoyed by the glass, most wines are served by the bottle for groups and wine enthusiasts. 

California regions represented on Summer Houses’s list include Los Carneros AVA, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, Sonoma County, and reserve wines date as far back as 1999. If you’re not feeling like a California wine, however, you can also choose grapes hailing from other countries such as France, Germany, and New Zealand.

Summer House lets you enjoy the vibes and tastes of the West Coast

Adventure photo of a California beach from josephbergen via Wikimedia Commons.

Summer House Santa Monica

Love French wines but can't buy the ticket? Chez Moi has you covered.

France is renown for many things, but one of its most well-known treasures is its wine. With great soil and centuries of perfecting wine-making techniques, the French boast some of the best grapes in the world. But before you pack your bags, walk along Halstead Street to Chef Dominique Tougne’s Chez Moi (“Home” or “My Place”). 

Chef Tougne was born and raised in France, and trained to be a chef from the age of 14. Naturally, his restaurant’s wine stores are full of selections from regions across France. True to its name, Chez Moi has a wine to meet your tastes and make you feel right at home. In the mood for a merlot as you catch up with friends? Have a glass of Château St-Bernard for $13. Is it a special occasion? Chez Moi has bottles from other vineyards that go up to $160.

Guests can expect the same level of wine variety in type and pricepoints across all reds, whites, and champagnes. Don’t let the expensive wines fool you, however. Chez Mom is an approachable place to enjoy quality food and wine. As Chicago Mag remarked about the restaurant: 

“Chez Moi is unique, all right: deliberately unhip and decidedly authentic.”

Enjoy some of the best labels France has to offer with Chez Moi

Post photo of a sauvignon blanc, from alison fayre via Wikimedia Commons.

Chez Moi

A neighborhood spot where you can relax over wine and discover new labels.

If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate space where you can chat with others over a good glass of wine, J9 Wine Bar is the place for you. Sonya Mlodzek grew up in Lincoln Park, and her late father actually bought the building in 1975. She created J9 (the nickname of her late sister Jeanine) to be a neighborhood spot where locals and visitors can meet.

No matter your price point or taste, you’ll be sure to find a glass or bottle of wine that suits you. J9 Wine Bar features grapes from regions across 13 different countries and four states in America, including a reserve of vintage wines that go as far back as 1990. Wines range from $13-16 a glass, and most of the affordable options range between $40-60.

If you're looking to be part of a community of wine lovers, J9 frequently hosts events educating locals on wine labels and helping them discover wines from other places. J9 also curate wines bi-monthly for its own Wine Club members.

J9 helps its patrons learn about wines from across the globe

Post photo of a charcuterie board from Joss D (https://inthekitch.net) via Flickr. 

J9 Wine Bar

The most romantic restaurant in America offers an expansive wine list, including its own label

If you’re a wine lover, chances are you also enjoy cheese. Geja’s Café has been in Chicago since 1965.  and its fans herald it as the most romantic restaurant in Chicago and the entire country. 

The fondue dining experience, live guitar performances and the Spanish décor provide an atmosphere perfect for special occasions

But a meal featuring meats and cheese naturally needs wine. Geja’s Café has an extensive wine list, extending 10 pages on their website! While you’ll find famous labels from New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, they heavily feature grapes from California and other places along Historic Highway 101.

Geja’s Café also offers three distinct Private Reserve wines bottled with its own label. Their Private Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are made from carefully selected juice then produced and bottled by the San Antonio Winery in California, which began in 1917. It is not only the sole producing winery in Los Angeles, but also the last of more than one hundred that once lined the Los Angeles River Basin.

Wines from the most romantic restaurant in Chicago are a click away

Adventure photo of a fondue pot taken from 663highland via Wikimedia Commons.

Geja's Café

ANN ARBOR

ASHEVILLE

ATLANTA

AUSTIN

BALTIMORE

BOSTON

CHARLESTON

CHARLOTTE

CHICAGO

CLEVELAND

COLUMBUS

DALLAS

DENVER

DETROIT

GRAND RAPIDS

HOUSTON

KANSAS CITY

LAS VEGAS

MAINE

MIAMI

MILWAUKEE

MINNEAPOLIS

NASHVILLE

NEW ORLEANS

NEW YORK

ORLANDO

PHILADELPHIA

PHOENIX

PITTSBURGH

PORTLAND

RICHMOND

SAN ANTONIO

SAN DIEGO

SAN FRANCISCO

SAN JOSE

SANTA FE

SAVANNAH

SEATTLE

SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY

ST. LOUIS

TAIPEI

TAMPA

THE PALM BEACHES

TORONTO

TUCSON

VANCOUVER

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON D.C.

INSPIRATION

Destinations

We are adding new cities every week!

Featured Cities

Plan your next getaway

Where Do You Want To Go?

Choose Chicago

Chicago Theatre

Chicago Museums

Experiences Near Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Learning Expedition Chicago

SEMC 2019

Maine Archives and Museums

THINGS TO DO

event test

HI Chicago

Building Museums 2020

VAM Guide to Northern Virginia Museums

NCMC Annual Meeting Guide

DEMO - Winter park

Utah Museums Directory

VAMONDE

Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of ten iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, 50 years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Summer House Santa Monica

1954 N Halsted St Chicago

Food & Drinks

Bringing The West Coast To Chicago

Find hotels near this post

Lincoln Park Wine Lovers

Summer House Santa Monica

Other pages in this Story

Related Experiences

Summer House Santa Monica

Summer House Santa Monica

1954 N Halsted St Chicago

Food & Drinks

Bringing The West Coast To Chicago

Find hotels near this post

Lincoln Park Wine Lovers

Summer House Santa Monica

Other pages in this Story

Related Experiences

Summer House Santa Monica

Download our app to experience the content you're previewing right now.

Watch, Listen, and Learn

Stories happen here

Find your inspiration