The Lakeview area of Chicago is an awesome place to live when you’re in your twenties. Between the bars and restaurants, entertainment venues, beaches, green spaces, and lakefront trails, it has everything you could want in a neighborhood. To help you get acquainted with the area, here’s a guide to life in Lakeview, including recommendations for all the best places to go as a 20-something.
Lakeview Restaurants & Bars Near PPM Apartments
Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is packed with restaurants and bars you’ll want to visit again and again. Let’s start with breakfast: Beloved for its incredible cinnamon rolls, Ann Sather will quickly become your favorite spot for morning comfort food. PPM also has two onsite breakfast spots—Yolk (located at 2756 N. Pine Grove) and Stan’s Donuts (located at 750 N. Rush).
When you and your friends want to meet up somewhere nice, head to Maison Marcel, a French cafe with an Instagram-worthy, boho-inspired aesthetic complete with a bright, airy setting and hanging house plants. Look for unique seasonal items on the menu like Pistachio and Beet lattes.
If you keep a vegan or dairy-free diet, you’re not going to want to miss the milkshakes at The Chicago Diner. The plant-based restaurant has gluten-free menu options, too. Another vegan spot to try is Can’t Believe it’s Not Meat. When you go, order the vegan Italian Beef Sandwich.
More places to eat and drink in Lakeview
Small Cheval – Tasty American food spot on Wells.
Furious Spoon – Go here for the best Ramen in the neighborhood.
Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse – A must-visit place; expect amazing steak and service!
ROCKS Lakeview Bar – This is a great neighborhood spot for beer and burgers.
Ranalli’s Lincoln Park Pizza – A specialty pizza place with unique pies and an option for gluten-free crust.
Happy Camper Pizzeria – Another spot serving hearty pizza pies full of meaty or veggie toppings, plus calzones, salads, and more.
Fun Stuff to Do in Lakeview
Life in Lakeview offers the ultimate balance of work and play, and as a PPM resident, you’ve got lots of entertainment options right outside your door. On your days off, catch a game at Wrigley Field, or check out the latest exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. If you’re a comedy fan, get excited for shows at The Laugh Factory and The Second City—two of the best comedy clubs in Chicago.
Lakeview is also an exciting place for nature lovers to explore. From the 18.5 miles to explore on the Lakefront Trail to the Nature Boardwalk, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Belmont Harbor, and Lincoln Park Zoo, PPM’s Lakeview apartments are close to it all.
Get ready to enjoy games at Waveland Tennis, or play softball or golf at the area’s courts and fields. Plus, you’ll be close to Oak Street Beach and North Ave. beaches—so plan for summertime beach days.
Shopping in Lakeview Near PPM Apartments
Whether you’re looking for something in particular or just browsing, you won’t run out of shopping opportunities in Lakeview. Here are a few recommendations.
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- Grocery stores in Lakeview include Target, Jewel Osco, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Aldi, and Mariano’s.
- Head to Unabridged Bookstore for a massive selection of new and used books.
- Visit the Art Fair at Old Town Triangle.
- For luxury shopping, there’s no better place than the nearby Magnificent Mile.
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