Walking through Lincoln Park and dining at the Patio at Cafe Brauer is a classic way to enjoy Chicago. The views of the skyline are striking in a natural setting near the Lincoln Park Zoo, within a huge park that stands as an oasis in the city. Walking paths enable you to explore any percentage of the 2,000-plus acres that you choose. The restaurant overlooks the Nature Boardwalk, a restored ecosystem. A visit requires some planning, with public transportation and on-site parking options and reservations accepted at the Patio. Zoo admission is free, creating more opportunities to maximize your day at Lincoln Park. There’s no place like Chicago on a clear, sunny day, practically any time of the year, so get out and enjoy it.

Lincoln Park

Jaskoomerovic/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Deanna Kelly/Getty Images The views of the Chicago skyline vary, based on the skies, the time of year and the time of day, as well as your vantage point within Lincoln Park.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images This level of exercise is not required for full enjoyment of your meal at The Point at Cafe Brauer, but a nice walk can enhance your appetite. Here’s another place to visit in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

The Patio at Cafe Brauer

Management/trip advisor

The Patio at Cafe Brauer/Facebook The patio is just east of Cafe Brauer, south of the main zoo grounds in Lincoln Park. The pond creates a peaceful setting.

Management/tripadvisor Weekend brunch is a selling point of the Patio at Cafe Brauer, with the pancakes piled high. The restaurant’s website provides information about reservations and hours of operation and the Facebook page has some nice photos. The Patio at Cafe Brauer, 2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Lincoln Park itself is a Chicago treasure, with a zoo, theater, nature museum and conservatory, and multiple playgrounds. If you’ve ever spent a day wandering the paths and marveling at the sights, you know how special spending time there is. Have you ever had this perfectly Chicagoan experience? Tell us about it in the comments!

Jaskoomerovic/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Deanna Kelly/Getty Images

The views of the Chicago skyline vary, based on the skies, the time of year and the time of day, as well as your vantage point within Lincoln Park.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images

This level of exercise is not required for full enjoyment of your meal at The Point at Cafe Brauer, but a nice walk can enhance your appetite. Here’s another place to visit in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Management/trip advisor

The Patio at Cafe Brauer/Facebook

The patio is just east of Cafe Brauer, south of the main zoo grounds in Lincoln Park. The pond creates a peaceful setting.

Management/tripadvisor

Weekend brunch is a selling point of the Patio at Cafe Brauer, with the pancakes piled high. The restaurant’s website provides information about reservations and hours of operation and the Facebook page has some nice photos.

The Patio at Cafe Brauer, 2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

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