Give Thanks and Shop Local this Thanksgiving!

Celebrate Thanksgiving the neighborhood way! From pre-order feasts and festive dining menus to cooking classes, pies, and hostess gifts — our local businesses have everything you need to make the holiday special (and stress-free!).

Want to hone your skills before Thanksgiving? The Chopping Block is hosting several Thanksgiving cooking classes including vegetarian options. Or take a cocktail class at KOVAL to prepare for Thanksgiving. Learn how to make 3 cocktails, get recipes, and learn about the distillery.

A Pretty Flower will be open Thanksgiving Day (10 am-12 pm) for pickup only. Special Thanksgiving floral arrangements available - Perfect to beautify your home or bring as a gift to your host.

Don't feel like cooking? Artango Bar & Steakhouse is hosting a Thanksgiving Day 3-course prix-fixe menu with live Latin jazz starting at 5 pm. Au Levain has hand-crafted Thanksgiving pies, quiches & more (make sure you get your order in by November 15). Pre-order Thanksgiving dinner (for 4 or 8) from Luella's Southern Kitchen. Vaca’s Vegan Creamery has vegan & gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts: Pumpkin Flan, Pecan Praline Ice Cream Pie, Vanilla Bean & Pumpkin Pie Pints.

Will your adult (or adultish) kids be home for Thanksgiving? jookie, a portrait boutique is offering Home-for-the-Holidays portrait sessions (Nov 22–29, excluding Thanksgiving Day) - ideal for family photos this season.

Local Happenings

There’s plenty to explore around Lincoln Square and Ravenswood this weekend!

Start your Saturday, November 8, with some mindful movement at Kiku Matsu Dojo’s Open House. Discover Aikido, the art of peace, during a free trial class for kids at 10:30 am and adults at 12noon. It’s a great chance to try something new, connect with the community, and experience the spirit of this traditional Japanese martial art. Sign up here.

If treasure hunting is more your speed, head to the first-ever Waters Elementary School Community Yard Sale, happening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find an assortment of new and gently used items, from home goods to kids’ clothing, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Waters, the parent-led group that supports educational programs at the school.

As evening rolls in, raise a glass to Platform 47 as they celebrate their 2nd Anniversary Party starting at 7:30 p.m. Expect music, food, drinks, and the lively atmosphere that has made this neighborhood favorite a go-to spot for good times and community connection.

Then on Sunday, November 9, take a peek inside one of the neighborhood’s top international schools at the Lycée Français de Chicago Open House. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can tour the school, meet teachers, and learn about the Lycée’s bilingual, globally focused curriculum. Register here to attend and see what makes this institution such a standout in the community.

Tuesday, November 11, join the American Legion Tattler Post for their Veterans Day Celebration! They will be open at 2pm with food and live music later in the evening. Stop by to raise a glass, enjoy great company, and help celebrate all who have served.

Wherever the weekend takes you, there’s no shortage of ways to connect, celebrate, and explore right here in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Planning for the holiday season is upon us, and this typically means that we as an organization promote local food pantries and food drives to help our neighbors in need. This year, with the government shutdown and SNAP benefits in limbo, it's more important to share information to the community. Whether you're in need of some extra support this holiday season, or you're able to give a little extra this year, here are some local options:

The Friendship Center - Did you know every dollar you donate generates eight meals at The Friendship Center? Due to in-kind donations and bulk buying discounts, your monetary donations go a long way. They also have over 200 volunteer opportunities a week and are always looking for folks to host a food/goods drive. They also manage the Friendship Pet Food Pantry with monthly food distribution for Chicago residents who are in need of temporary assistance to feed their pets.

As tho holiday season approaches, Common Pantry is partnering with local Jewel-Osco stores to receive the holiday meals they distribute to families. The number of meals they receive depends on the donations given at checkout. Shop Jewel and donate what you can to help ensure they have enough holiday meals for our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Now through December 15, Hazel will be accepting donated items including non-perishable foods, canned foods, dried beans, personal hygiene products and more. Donated items will be taken to Common Pantry and The Friendship Center for distribution.

The Inside Scoop

The ribbon has been officially cut at MOLASSES! The Damen Avenue shop moved a few blocks over this fall to their new space at 4617 N. Lincoln Avenue.

The Lincoln Square Farmers Market has only 2 Tuesday Markets left for the season! There's still some amazing late season produce from crisp apples to hearty squash and fresh greens. The final market of the season is Tuesday, November 18.

PastaFi is now open at 1818 W Montrose Avenue in Ravenswood, serving up fresh, flavorful pasta tossed in your choice of sauce, all in super convenient takeout boxes and at an unbeatable value. Join them in celebrating their Grand Opening this Friday, November 7, and try PastiFi for yourself!

L&M Fine Foods is paring up with Irene's Finer Diner. Now when you order a bagel sandwich from L&M, it will come on a a hand crafted bagel from Irene's, rising bagel superstars!

Local Job Opportunities

Looking for your next opportunity close to home? Businesses and organizations across Lincoln Square and Ravenswood are hiring for a variety of roles from full-time and part-time positions to short-term seasonal jobs perfect for the holidays.

Current openings include teaching roles at Pilgrim Lutheran School, creative positions at Bunny Ears Art House, and hospitality opportunities with The NOW Massage. You’ll also find listings for retail and service roles at spots like Tailorbird Fabrics and other local favorites preparing for the busy season ahead.



Whether you’re hoping to build your career, pick up extra hours, or simply get more involved in the neighborhood, there’s something for everyone.

LSR in the News

For more articles on Lincoln Square and Ravenswood businesses, click here.

• Chicago's Quant Neighborhood is a Pedestrian-Friendly Spot with Diverse Shopping And a Renowned Oktoberfest
• Food Pantry in Ravenswood Sees Increased Demand Amid SNAP Pause
• Proposed Fit City Kids at 5820 N Milwaukee Gets Big Thumbs Up From Residents

Have you seen a local business featured? Send the article information to info@lincolnsquare.org!