Chicago’s Lakefront Restaurant serves up a modern Midwestern menu alongside stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Lincoln Park, Chicago’s major urban park, stretches for miles along the shores of Lake Michigan, with bike paths, green spaces, and beaches offering a multitude of options for experiencing the park’s unique lakefront location. At Fullerton Beach, Lakefront Restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and large patio provide fantastic views of the lake along with a relaxed ambiance for enjoying brunch or dinner. 

The restaurant occupies a portion of the historic Theater on the Lake building. On weekend morning and weekdays, the restaurant’s location on the lakefront bike path within Lincoln Park makes it the perfect stop for brunch or lunch during a day of outdoor activities. The large indoor dining area has dramatic loft-style décor with table and bar seating. Walls of windows allow Lake Michigan’s brilliant blue shoreline to take center stage. Child-friendly features include a kids’ menu that arrives with crayons and a coloring page, ample space for parking a stroller, and big restrooms with changing tables. 

When the weather permits, the restaurant’s large outdoor patio offers a relaxed place to enjoy the menu and take in even more expansive views of the lake, the park, and the Chicago skyline beyond.  

The menu offers a wide range of thoughtfully prepared, casual fare. Items inspired by the restaurant’s lakefront location include fish and chips and shrimp ceviche. Standards like chicken wings, Cobb salads, and burgers can be found along with more inventive items such as vegan cauliflower tacos and elote tostados. 

The restaurant gets busy during performances at the adjoining Theater on the Lake and on summer weekends, so call ahead to find out whether you need to make a reservation. The only parking option at the restaurant is valet, for a $10 fee.