I've already talked about where to eat in the Square - but if you only come up for dinner, you'll really be missing out. There are tons of great independent shops with so much cool stuff you can't help but get out your wallet. You can do all of your holiday shopping in the Square without walking more than three blocks.
Anything you need for your kitchen, buy it here. Independent, local kitchen store with helpful staff and a great selection. Be sure to pick up a copy of their cooking class schedule - the classes are held upstairs, and they're a ton of fun.
Vinyl, offbeat DVDs, used books and record players - Laurie's has something in every medium.
This is what your ideal version of an old-fashioned drug store looks like. Long glass counters filled with every imaginable potion to make you pretty and feel good.
Old-Fashioned independent toy store in Lincoln Square. Everything from board games to childrens books, with an emphasis on toys you can PLAY with, not electronic junk.
The quirkiest store in the square - and the destination for geeks like me. Everything from Star Wars toys to used board games.
Local butcher store - all free range, all natural meat. A neighborhood gem.
I avoided this store at first because of the scary name. What a mistake - it's filled with reasonably priced, approachable wines and some spirits that you can't find elsewhere in the neighborhood. A great staff will guide you to the perfect bottle.
The best independent bookstore on the North Side. A great selection, especially of books by Chicago authors, and a cafe with wine, beer and sandwiches.
If you're looking for a cute gift in Lincoln Square, this is THE place to go. Candles, mugs, dishes, art, books - you name it. And a great selection of baby products, if that's your thing.
Despite the name, it's right on Lincoln. This is a great used book store to get totally lost in for hours - stacks of books tottering everywhere. Good prices, but cash only.
Gorgeous new home goods store in Lincoln Square.
One of the best galleries for local, chicago-themed art. Find posters for your neighborhood, interesting crafts and great paintings.
Great wine and gourmet shop in Lincoln square right off of the Brown Line. Be sure to peruse their selection of local products.
Lincoln Square's local grocery store. One of the longest meat counters in town filled with homemade sausages, a huge beer selection and a rooftop garden.