Timeline
14:44
Walk the winding paths of the zoo grounds while the animals are active and the winter sun is still up. Admission is free, so you can linger at the Great Ape House or the Farm in the Zoo. The zoo itself closes at 6 PM, but you have time to stroll before the final entry.
16:14
Step into the Lincoln Park Conservatory, located right next to the zoo. Built in the 1890s, it offers a warm, humid respite from the cold. The plants are cared for with equal attention to the animals next door, and the glass structure catches the fading light beautifully.
16:59
Walk NNW to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. It is carefully positioned as a second stop for visitors in the area. Even if you skip the exhibits, the building and its immediate surroundings provide a quiet transition from the zoo to the evening.
17:44
Head back toward the landmark area for dinner. Tandoor Char House serves Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is a good bite before the evening nightlife kicks in further north. The flavors are bold and the atmosphere is relaxed.
18:44
End the night at RJ Grunts. This American restaurant is a staple for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. It is a reliable spot to unwind with a drink and food after the sun has set. The energy is steady and the service is consistent.
Local tip
The zoo closes at 6 PM in winter, so aim to enter at least two hours before sunset. After dark, the area around the zoo and the Notebaert Museum is well-lit but quiet.
Check before you go
- Zoo hours: Daily 9AM-6PM in winter.
- Tandoor Char House: Mo,Tu 11:00-22:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 11:00-21:00.
- RJ Grunts: Mo-Fr 11:30-23:00; Sa 10:00-23:00; Su 10:00-21:00.
Worth knowing
- Tandoor Char House is open at 17:44 only on Mo, Tu, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).