Sacred Art Chicago
Local art lover's paradise
Erin from Chicago
“Spotted by Locals” might as well be the nickname of the this colorful art shop/gallery–Sacred Art is 100% LOCAL. They sell original artwork created by Chicago and Midwest-based artists, ranging from paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, to one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirts, blown-glass, and miniature wind-up dioramas of pea-sized pirate ships (truly magical). I love Sacred Art, not only because they promote the work of local artists, but because the owners are almost always there, along with their irresistible door-dog Louie, engaging with folks about the stories behind the work that they sell. I have lived in Chicago over ten years, and every time I leave this space, I feel a little bit more “in-the-know” and connected to the city when I leave.
Moreover, Sacred Art’s location is a major bonus. It’s situated on Lincoln Avenue, the “main drag” through Lincoln Square, Chicago’s old German neighborhood. The stretch is sprinkled with local shops and restaurants like Mertz Apothecary, Gene’s Sausage Shop, Huettenbar, Timeless Toys, the Book Cellar, and the Grind Cafe, plus arts and entertainment hubs like One River School of Art, Old Town School of Folk, and my personal favorite directly across the street from Sacred Art–the Davis Theater, one of the few old-school, boutique movie theater in the city! I love feeding my right-brain with local art followed by cinema with a glass of wine Yep, there’s a bar connected to the theater and, yes, you can take your drinks to your seats!
Chicago Spotter Erin
About this spot
Our Chicago City Guide
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago
Lickity Split
Perfect treats!
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
Claire
Conway
Hopleaf
Beer enthusiast's delight
"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Marty's Martini Bar
MAR-teeny-tiny bar
"Marty's Martini Bar" in Chicago is the kind of bar where you know you're among adults. The atmosphere's great but what's even greater are the drinks...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Specialty ice cream shop
"Cone Gourmet Ice Cream" is a Chicago boutique ice cream parlor with truly unique flavors, known for its soft serve, hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches...
by
Sydney
Epstein
La Scarola
Cozy local Italian favorite
"La Scarola" Chicago: a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with some of the most flavorful & filling authentic fare in the city. Fancy some limoncello?
by
Sydney
Epstein
Cornelia Arts Building
Local artist studios
"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...
by
Erin
Stevens
Diversey Harbor
Beautiful scenic views
"Diversey Harbor" is a spot in Chicago that offers both the luxury of seclusion and the quality iconic views of the city's towering skyline. Really serene.
by
Sydney
Epstein
Taste of Lebanon
Tiny spot – Big taste!
"Taste of Lebanon" is one of the most cherished lunch dives in Andersonville in Chicago. I've been coming here since graduate school...
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder
My go-to Italian
"Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder" ranks as my top contender for a unique spin on hearty, warming, homemade Italian fare in the city... I love it in winter!
by
Sydney
Epstein
Sultan's Market
Quick-serve Middle Eastern
"Sultan's Market" in Chicago is a Middle-Eastern counter-serve restaurant which is the epitome of quality cheap eats. Trust me, it's really authentic too.
by
Sydney
Epstein
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Chicago?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Chicago
Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago
As featured on:
