When you are living on DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus, it’s easy to get bored with the same restaurants and shops that you see every day on the commute down Fullerton Avenue on your way to and from class. Luckily, one of Lincoln Park’s hidden treasures is just around the corner.

The 1200 block of Webster Avenue, just two blocks away from the Belden-Racine dorm, is usually viewed as a residential area, but shops and restaurants have come into the neighborhood and are there to stay. With a variety of restaurants, shops and bakeries, wandering down Webster Avenue is a great way to spend those rough Saturday mornings.

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Derby

1224 W. Webster Ave.

(773) 248-0900

Mon.-Fri.: 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat.: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Price: $$

Reservations: Not necessary

Bar: Stocked with nightly drink specials

Vibe: Relaxed, modern sports bar

Restaurant type: Bar and grill

Derby Bar and Grill is the newest restaurant to be added to the Big Onion Tavern group (which owns other restaurants like Fat Pour, Irish Oak, and Brunch), and is also the newest restaurant on Webster Avenue. Just two blocks away from DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus, this restaurant will not disappoint. With two bars and three different dining areas, including one outdoors, Derby can accommodate any party. Derby has about 50 TVs to cater to the sports fans of Chicago and as an added twist, Derby is also known for being a Mizzou bar. Derby has daily food and drink specials, including the popular “Ladies Nights” that takes place every Thursday, where women can get half-price salads, wraps and bottles of wine.

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Campus Gear

1111 W. Webster Ave.

(773) 477-5585

Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat./Sun.: 10 a.m. – 5p.m.

If you’re sick of the DePaul gear offered at the bookstores then Campus Gear might be your solution. While the prices are still comparable to the DePaul bookstores, Campus Gear provides clothing for schools all over the United States as well as fan gear for NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, NCAA and even DePaul’s Greek life. Campus Gear has been around for over 20 years and they have the merchandise to prove it. However, if cluttered stores make you feel claustrophobic, then steer clear of Campus Gear. It may be in a small space ,but it has a large amount of merchandise.

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Johns Place

1200 W. Webster Ave.

(773) 525-6670

Mon.: closed, Tues.-Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat.: 8 a.m. -11 p.m., Sun.: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Price: $$

Reservations: Not needed

Bar: Fully stocked and discounted drink specials weekly

Vibe: Relaxed, Family friendly

Restaurant type: Locals, neighborhood hangout

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, John’s Place will remind you of your favorite restaurant from your hometown. Every Sunday night at John’s Place is family night that features tableside balloon-making along with entertainment from a magician. But if kids aren’t your forte, stick to Saturday and Sunday brunch because their breakfast menu and mimosas will not disappoint.

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Moose Jaw

1445 W Webster Ave. #9

(773) 529-1111

Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Price: $$$

Store Type: Outdoor athletic gear

Vibe: Friendly/helpful sales people

Looking for a place to get a new winter jacket or outdoor apparel? You don’t have to make the trek downtown to the North Face store; Lincoln Park’s own Moose Jaw can meet all your winter needs. Located on Webster Avenue just a few doors down from Barnes and Noble, this store specializes in outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and accessories. With brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hard Wear, Marmot and Black Diamond, this store feels like a smaller and more intimate Dicks Sporting Goods.

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Sweet Mandy B’s

1208 W. Webster Ave.

(773) 244-1174

Mon.-Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun.: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Price: $-$$

Vibe: one of a kind vintage bakery

Restaurant type: bakery

Perhaps one of Chicago’s most famous bakeries, Sweet Mandy B’s has made sweet treats for countless public figures including President Barack Obama. Located right around the corner from DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus, Sweet Mandy B’s vintage-inspired shop is the perfect place to grab cupcakes for a friend’s birthday or even cookies for yourself after a rough day of classes. Sweet Mandy B’s was just recently seen in MTV’s newest series “Underemployed” as the doughnut shop where one of the main characters, Sophia, was underachieving. Aside from starring in television shows, Sweet Mandy B’s specializes in cakes, cookies, bars, cupcakes, pies, as well as holiday and seasonal treats.