Beatnik beats a Moroccan drum in Lincoln Park

Created by the Bonhomme Hospitality Group, Beatnik is a Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar known for exotic decor. Named after the unconventional cultural movement known as the Beat Generation, Beatnik takes this 1950s concept and runs with it.

Creative expression is in every corner of the two popular restaurants already found in the Windy City. Following the success of Beatnik on the River and Beatnik West Town, the owners, Daniel Alonso and Maison Bonhomme, are hoping the third time is a charm with Beatnik Lincoln Park. Located at 2576 North Lincoln Avenue, the newest Beatnik on the block takes over the space of Neon Gardens, a pizza joint that only lasted a year. Before that, Broken English Taco Pub fared better from 2020 through 2023 before turning into a bodega.

Beatnik is planning to beat that bad juju with longevity and staying power.

It is centered in prime real estate with Sheffield Avenue on one side and Lincoln Avenue on the other and the bustling neighborhood is full of activity.

Before opening in September, the team invited the press for a special friends-and-family night to practice their skills. Several of the bartenders were still in training that night to handle the extensive menu of tropical cocktails. There are standard offerings such as a margarita or mai tai, then the mixologists throw everything but the kitchen sink into drinks like You Realize This Mean War with vodka, French Vermouth, tangerine, carrot, ginger, lemon and the clever Love My Children Equally…But with mezcal tequila, mango, corn, harissa, lime.

Their spirit-free concoctions include the Snooze Button, cold brew coffee, salted coconut water, sweet cream and the Egyptian Mint Lemonade, a blended green shake. The Snooze Button was unavailable on press night and the substituted smoothie took a while to make, but it was delicious.

The cuisine incorporated the global theme of the surroundings and atmosphere into each dish. Braised chickpeas were blended with Tuscan kale to make creamy hummus and the Halloumi hit the right notes with quince jam and turmeric yogurt.

The salads stood out thanks to the fattouch with baby kale, kalamata olives and a dill vinaigrette.

For mains, don't miss the half chicken tangine with saffron couscous and lamb kefta in a golden raisin hot sauce.

Finish the experience with a slice of pistachio cheesecake for dessert.

The interiors contain the over-the-top decorations that Beatnik is known for, like vintage chandeliers, massive plants and large area rugs covering the floor.

There is a private space available for bookings in the back and bar seating in front.

Attached to Beatnik Lincoln Park, yet next door at 2580 N. Lincoln Ave., is Beatnik's sister establishment titled Lolo y Lola, which was also opened by the Bonhomme Group. The venue seats 22 people as a walk-in space, offers no reservations, but is available for scheduled private events.

Lolo y Lola supplies a variety of rare wines and Estrella Galicia beer on tap. Appetizers include pickled mussels and brown anchovy toast.

Tapas range from garlic shrimp dishes to West Coast Oysters. Spanish pintxos, skewers of meat, are offered for light bites beginning at 3 p.m. daily.

Both bohemian Bonhomme restaurants are lively hot spots, but Beatnik beats Lolo y Lola with an expansive layout and options for open-air seating. During high-volume occasions, Lolo y Lola can be awkward for patrons to maneuver in the narrow corridor. For those searching for something up close and personal, Lolo is perfecto.

Visit beatniklincolnpark.com and loloylolachicago.com for more information.