You’re walking down Webster Avenue, past the high-end boutiques and the strollers, and you see it. It doesn’t look like a "concept." It doesn’t have a neon sign designed specifically for Instagram. It looks like Chicago. State Restaurant Lincoln Park—officially known as State Restaurant & Provisions—is one of those rare spots that manages to survive the brutal turnover of the North Side dining scene by simply being what people actually want.
It's a sports bar. But it's also a high-end kitchen. Honestly, the identity crisis is exactly why it works.
If you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, you know that Lincoln Park is usually where restaurants go to be expensive for no reason. You pay $24 for a burger because the ceiling is high and the waiter has a specific type of mustache. State flips that script. It’s located at 935 W Webster Ave, tucked right into that sweet spot near the DePaul campus but far enough away that it doesn't feel like a frat house every single night.
The Identity of a Lincoln Park Anchor
The "state" in the name isn't just a random word. It's a nod to the crossroads of the city. While many locals just call it "State," the full experience is built on this idea of being a neighborhood provisions hub.
Most people get this place wrong. They think it’s just another spot to watch the Bears lose on a Sunday. Sure, they have over 100 flat-screen TVs—literally, you can’t look in a direction without seeing a score—but the food isn't the frozen-to-fryer garbage you expect from a sports-heavy venue. They’re doing things with the menu that actually require a chef.
The space is massive.
Huge.
It covers roughly 6,000 square feet. In a neighborhood where every square inch of real estate costs a fortune, having that much breathing room is a luxury. You can actually have a conversation without rubbing elbows with the stranger at the next table. That’s rare.
What You’re Actually Eating (and Why It’s Better Than Expected)
Let’s talk about the food because that’s where the "restaurant" part of the name earns its keep.
Usually, when a bar has 100 TVs, the menu is an afterthought. At State Restaurant Lincoln Park, they’ve leaned into this "build your own" philosophy that people either love or find slightly overwhelming. Their burger menu is a legitimate standout. You aren't just picking a temperature; you're navigating a list of toppings that feels like a grocery store aisle.
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The "State Burger" is the baseline. From there, you go off the rails.
They use 100% Angus beef. It’s juicy. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you want when you’re three beers deep into a Big Ten Saturday. But they also do things like the Ahi Tuna Salad or a Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl for the people who realized they can’t eat wings for every meal of their adult lives.
- The Wings: They aren't those tiny, shriveled wings. They’re jumbo.
- The Tacos: Surprisingly decent. The blackened shrimp tacos actually have some kick.
- The Mac & Cheese: It’s heavy. It’s rich. Don't plan on doing anything productive after eating it.
The beer list is another area where they stay competitive. With over 60 drafts, they aren't just stuck in the Bud Light/Miller Lite loop. You’ll find Half Acre, 3 Floyds, and Revolution on tap regularly. They keep the local craft scene well-represented, which is basically a requirement if you want to stay open in this zip code.
Why the "Sports Bar" Label is a Bit of a Trap
If you walk into State on a Tuesday afternoon, it’s a totally different vibe. It’s quiet. People are on laptops. It feels like a neighborhood cafe with really big TVs.
But come Saturday?
It’s chaos. Controlled, high-energy chaos. State is a massive hub for alumni groups. Whether you’re a fan of the Buckeyes, the Irish, or just someone who likes the energy of a packed house, this is the unofficial headquarters for a lot of displaced fans.
The nuance here is the "Provisions" part of their original branding. They tried to bridge the gap between a sit-down eatery and a high-volume bar. They mostly succeeded. You’ll see families eating brunch at 11:00 AM while a group of 22-year-olds at the bar is starting their third round of mimosas. Somehow, the two groups don't bother each other. It’s the layout—the booths are deep and the bar is central, creating natural zones.
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The Real Cost of Dining in Lincoln Park
We have to be honest: Lincoln Park isn't cheap. State isn't a "budget" dive bar. You aren't getting $2 PBRs here. However, compared to the Michelin-star-chasing spots a few blocks away on Halsted or Armitage, the value proposition is solid.
You're looking at $16–$20 for a substantial entree.
Appetizers hover around $12–$15.
It’s fair.
The service is usually what you’d expect from a high-volume Chicago spot—fast, efficient, and generally no-nonsense. If you're looking for a waiter to explain the "provenance of the microgreens," you’re in the wrong place. If you want your beer refilled before it’s empty, you’re in the right place.
The Tech and the Atmosphere
One thing that genuinely sets State Restaurant Lincoln Park apart is the audio-visual setup. Most bars have a "main game" and everything else is muted. State uses a system where they can isolate audio for different sections.
It sounds like a small detail.
It’s not.
If you’re there for a specific NHL game while everyone else is watching the NFL, they can actually make it so you can hear your game. That’s a level of technical investment you don't see in your average corner pub.
Then there’s the patio. Chicagoans live for patio season. The outdoor seating at State provides some of the best people-watching in the city. You get the mix of DePaul students, young professionals, and the "old guard" of Lincoln Park who have owned their brownstones since the 70s.
Addressing the Common Complaints
No place is perfect. If you check the reviews for State, you’ll see the same few gripes pop up.
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First, the noise. If there is a major sporting event happening, it is loud.
Loud.
Like, "can’t hear the person next to you" loud. If you’re planning a first date and you actually want to learn about the other person’s childhood, maybe don't go during the North Side derby or a playoff game.
Second, the "bro" factor. Lincoln Park has a reputation for attracting a certain... energetic crowd. On weekend nights, the demographic shifts younger. If that’s not your scene, the early evening or weekday lunch hours are your best bet.
Expert Tips for Visiting State Restaurant
If you're heading there, do it right. Don't just show up on a Saturday at 1:00 PM and expect a table for six.
- Reservations: They actually take them for groups. Use that. Don't be the person standing in the entryway for 45 minutes.
- The "Secret" Comfort Food: The grilled cheese and tomato soup combo is better than it has any right to be. It's the ultimate "Chicago winter" meal.
- Parking: It’s Lincoln Park. Parking is a nightmare. The restaurant doesn't have a dedicated lot. Take the Brown Line to Armitage and walk, or be prepared to circle the block for 20 minutes looking for a permit-free spot.
- Game Days: Check their social media or website to see which alumni group has "claimed" the bar for the day. If you’re a Michigan fan and it’s an Ohio State bar that day, you might want to know that before you walk in wearing maize and blue.
The Cultural Significance of the Neighborhood Pub
Places like State are the glue of Chicago neighborhoods. As the city becomes more corporate and "luxury" apartments take over every corner, the large-scale independent restaurant is a dying breed.
It’s easy to dismiss a sports bar as "just a bar." But State serves as a communal living room. It’s where people went when the Cubs won in 2016. It’s where people go when they want to complain about the weather over a plate of nachos. It’s a staple of the 60614 zip code.
The fact that they survived the 2020 restaurant crisis—and came out the other side with their menu intact—says a lot about their management and the loyalty of the local crowd. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re just making sure the wheel is well-oiled and comes with a side of truffle fries.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out State Restaurant & Provisions, here is how to maximize the experience without the typical frustrations:
- Check the Schedule: Always look at the sports calendar. If the Blackhawks are in the finals or the Bears are playing a night game, the vibe will be 10x more intense. Plan accordingly.
- Order the "Build Your Own": Don't settle for a pre-configured burger. The quality of the ingredients is high enough that you should customize it to your specific tastes.
- Utilize the Weekday Specials: Like many Chicago institutions, they run specials during the week that make the price point much more attractive. Taco Tuesdays or wing specials are common.
- Walk the Neighborhood After: You're a short walk from Oz Park and some of the best architecture in the city. Grab a meal at State, then do the "Lincoln Park Walk" to burn off the calories.
State Restaurant Lincoln Park isn't trying to be a Michelin-starred destination. It’s trying to be the most reliable, high-quality version of a Chicago sports bar. In a city that takes its food and its sports equally seriously, that’s a winning combination. Whether you’re there for the 100 TVs or the surprisingly good Ahi Tuna, it’s a foundational piece of the Webster Avenue corridor.
Practical Information:
- Location: 935 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Vibe: High-energy sports hub meets refined American grill.
- Best For: Group outings, alumni game watches, and elevated pub food.
- Note: Very kid-friendly during daytime hours, much less so after 9:00 PM on weekends.