Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Amazing food, excellently prepared, whiskey bar with awesome cocktails. I’m not a big meat eater, but with this gastro pub, I always make an exception. Fun vibe. They don’t take reservations so get their really early or just enjoy yourself at the bar while you wait. Go for dinner, but their weekend brunch is pretty delicious too!
830 locals recommend
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveAmazing food, excellently prepared, whiskey bar with awesome cocktails. I’m not a big meat eater, but with this gastro pub, I always make an exception. Fun vibe. They don’t take reservations so get their really early or just enjoy yourself at the bar while you wait. Go for dinner, but their weekend brunch is pretty delicious too!
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveLou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveThe Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveTango Sur
3763 N Southport Aveavec Restaurant
615 W Randolph StMetric Coffee Co.
2021 W Fulton StMolly's Cupcakes
2536 N Clark StJeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee AveBangers and Lace
1670 W Division StSawada Coffee
112 N Green StWakamono
3313 N BroadwayAu Cheval
800 W Randolph StBang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveMargie's Candies
1960 N Western AveGreen City Market Lincoln Park
1817 N Clark StSteingold's of Chicago
3737 North Southport AvenueTuscan Hen Market
4019 N Damen AveHeritage Bicycles
2959 N Lincoln AveGarrett Popcorn Shops
173 Michigan AvePortillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StSightseeing
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StBest guided tour in the city. Plus you get to relax on a boat while you view and learn about some of Chicago’s most spectacular architecture (that you might not otherwise see on land).
47 locals recommend
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
RiverwalkBest guided tour in the city. Plus you get to relax on a boat while you view and learn about some of Chicago’s most spectacular architecture (that you might not otherwise see on land).
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrHot Tix - Mag Mile Location
Parks & Nature
An urban get away and probably some of the best "nature" in the city. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” it’s is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the nation. One of Chicago’s best kept secrets - it’s always beautiful, warm and FREE!
258 locals recommend
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveAn urban get away and probably some of the best "nature" in the city. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” it’s is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the nation. One of Chicago’s best kept secrets - it’s always beautiful, warm and FREE!
A great spot for a picnic under a tree (weather permitting) or sit and relax in the in the European-style gazebo to the west. Best public park in Lincoln Square - North Center area. For the ‘littles’ it has 2 playgrounds, small splash pad in summer, plus five baseball diamonds, a year-round indoor swimming pool (just check the schedule first) and 15 acres to take a walk through. Montrose and Lincoln Avenues.
63 locals recommend
Welles Park
2333 W Sunnyside AveA great spot for a picnic under a tree (weather permitting) or sit and relax in the in the European-style gazebo to the west. Best public park in Lincoln Square - North Center area. For the ‘littles’ it has 2 playgrounds, small splash pad in summer, plus five baseball diamonds, a year-round indoor swimming pool (just check the schedule first) and 15 acres to take a walk through. Montrose and Lincoln Avenues.
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StNorth Avenue Beach
Arts & Culture
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveThe Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveThe Chicago Theatre
175 N State StGetting Around
You can transfer to the Red and Purple Line from here as well as ALL lines if you take it downtown. For your best travel value pick up an unlimited ride CTA pass. http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/unlimitedridecards.aspx
27 locals recommend
Irving Park station
You can transfer to the Red and Purple Line from here as well as ALL lines if you take it downtown. For your best travel value pick up an unlimited ride CTA pass. http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/unlimitedridecards.aspx
Essentials
Good prices, great selection of snacks, frozen foods, plenty of organic options, and none of their dairy contain rgbh (hormone free). Also well priced is their large variety of beer, wine and some spirits.
360 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyGood prices, great selection of snacks, frozen foods, plenty of organic options, and none of their dairy contain rgbh (hormone free). Also well priced is their large variety of beer, wine and some spirits.
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StShopping
This shop has a collection of one-of-a-kind, limited-editon jewelry designed and handcrafted by Chicago metalsmith, Theresa Cowan. You can find some beautiful and unique statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals.
Mineralogy Jewelry Studio + Goods
1944 W Montrose AveThis shop has a collection of one-of-a-kind, limited-editon jewelry designed and handcrafted by Chicago metalsmith, Theresa Cowan. You can find some beautiful and unique statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals.
Neighborly offers a selection of independant and ethically-made gifts, home goods and artwork that are mostly all made in the Midwest. Think a well curiated modern, mid-century, minimal Etsy shop - but in person! A great spot to pick-up cool (and not tacky) Chicago souvenir.
12 locals recommend
Neighborly
4710 W Division StNeighborly offers a selection of independant and ethically-made gifts, home goods and artwork that are mostly all made in the Midwest. Think a well curiated modern, mid-century, minimal Etsy shop - but in person! A great spot to pick-up cool (and not tacky) Chicago souvenir.
Madewell
932 N Rush StHalf Pint Shop
Gather Home + Lifestyle
2321 W North AveRenegade Craft Fair
Penelope's
1913 W Division StUnabridged Bookstore
3251 N BroadwayReckless Records
929 W Belmont AveMerz Apothecary
4716 N Lincoln AveLe Labo
1618 N Milwaukee AveSPACE 519
200 E Chestnut St