A Lincoln Square Morning Loop, According to Heidi Ordillas
We asked a local for her ideal neighborhood morning in Chicago, and she gave us the perfect lineup of AAPI-owned favorites, artisan goods, and cozy local staples around Lincoln Square. Plus, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month we're featuring a local AAPI creator.
HEIDI ORDILLAS, the creator behind @hausofheidior, is a first-generation entrepreneur, creative director, and storyteller who has built a community of 35,000+ followers through her cinematic approach to lifestyle, travel, and Chicago culture content. Her work is rooted in cultural nuance, hospitality, and a deep passion for AAPI representation. When she’s not creating content, she’s usually exploring the city’s best cafes, hidden corners, and neighborhood gems.
From Heidi directly:
"As a Lincoln Square local and member of the Filipino community, it’s been incredible to watch a wave of AAPI-owned businesses like Side Practice Coffee, Kanin, and Del Sur Bakery become the neighborhood’s true heartbeat. These modern gems, alongside old-school favorites like Nhu Lan and Bagel Miller, offer the perfect spread to grab before heading to the Lincoln Square Farmers Market or setting up a picnic at Winnemac Park."
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Side Practice Coffee
Location: 5139 N. Damen Avenue
"They are most famous for their Ube Latte, which is honestly one of my favorites in the entire city, but they also feature a unique rotation of seasonal flavors like the Red Bean Matcha topped with Pandan Vanilla cream. It doubles as a great work space and a creative third space for the neighborhood."
Kanin
Location: 5139 N. Damen Avenue
"Operating as a Filipino-Hawaiian bodega, Kanin is the neighborhood's go-to for quick, savory bites that celebrate AAPI heritage. Julius Tacadena and his crew bring incredible heart to the space, serving up one of my staple orders: the Longanisa + Egg Musubi, a handheld twist on a Filipino classic breakfast."
Del Sur Bakery
Location: 4639 N. Damen Ave
"You haven’t truly experienced the neighborhood’s Filipino food wave until you’ve tried these treats from owner and pastry chef Justin Lerias. Keep an eye on his rotation of artisanal baked goods. Some favorites I’ve tried include the Turon Danish and Chai Rolls."
Nhu Lan
Location: 2612 W. Lawrence Avenue
"For a lighter start, I love pairing a flaky Pâté Chaud with their signature Vietnamese iced coffee for that essential morning jolt. If you need something heartier to take to the park, they offer 20 kinds of bánh mì on airy, crackly baguettes baked right on-site."
Piccadilly Market
Location: 5301 N. Clark Street
"This artisanal corner store is my favorite one-stop shop for a slow Saturday. I love grabbing one of their breakfast sandwiches and a bouquet of fresh flowers to really set the weekend mood. It’s also the perfect place to snag a loaf of fresh bread to pair with whatever local gems you find later at the farmers market."
Bagel Miller
Location: 4655 N. Lincoln Avenue
"Dave and Megan Miller are such wonderful neighbors and their shop is a staple of our local artisan dough scene. I’ll grab a toasted bagel with seasonal schmear for a light bite, or one of their standout bagel sandwiches if I’m looking for a heartier breakfast before heading out."
Got a better take?
Disagree with Heidi? Think we missed something? Email us at [email protected] (subject: LINCOLN SQUARE LOOP) and put us on.
More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local's List — a series where we ask people who actually live here to share their favorite spots, routines, and opinions about the city.
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