This book shop that doubles as a cafe has been a staple of Lincoln Square for more than 2 decades

Newsbreak / Local Business Spotlight / August 7, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Square, The Book Cellar has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s literary scene since 2004. It’s not just a place to find your next great read—it’s a haven where pages meet pour-overs, and where wine and words flow in equal measure.

The story begins with Susan Takacs, a former Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner who, after years in medicine, saw a different kind of need in her neighborhood—a space for community, conversation, and culture on the northwest side of the city. A lifelong lover of books (and wine), Susan imagined a shop where locals could grab a novel, sip a glass of red, and feel at home. Read More Here.