Guidebook for Chicago

Ryan & Lindsay
Ryan & Lindsay
Guidebook for Chicago

Everything Else

Opened spring of 2015. Elevated park connecting 4 neighborhoods from Bucktown to Humbolt Park. Trail for biking, walking and art installations.
241 locals recommend
The 606
1805 North Ridgeway Avenue
241 locals recommend
Opened spring of 2015. Elevated park connecting 4 neighborhoods from Bucktown to Humbolt Park. Trail for biking, walking and art installations.
http://greenmilljazz.com/ which originally opened in 1907 and is a regular spot for serious jazz (no talking during a set!)
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North Broadway
471 locals recommend
http://greenmilljazz.com/ which originally opened in 1907 and is a regular spot for serious jazz (no talking during a set!)
Buy a bottle of wine at the store and then grab delicious bites to drink in the lounge next door.
10 locals recommend
Lush Wine & Spirits
2232 W Roscoe St
10 locals recommend
Buy a bottle of wine at the store and then grab delicious bites to drink in the lounge next door.
Romantic, beautiful patio in the summer. French.
44 locals recommend
RM Champagne Salon
116 N Green St
44 locals recommend
Romantic, beautiful patio in the summer. French.
Great spot for a drink in the downstairs lobby. Have to be a member to go upstairs.
53 locals recommend
Soho House Chicago
113-125 N Green St
53 locals recommend
Great spot for a drink in the downstairs lobby. Have to be a member to go upstairs.

Food Scene

Monday nights for their $35 3-course Farm Dinner. Consistently has items on the menu that we have to google to figure out what they are. Great drinks, fair prices, fun atmosphere.
936 locals recommend
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie Blvd
936 locals recommend
Monday nights for their $35 3-course Farm Dinner. Consistently has items on the menu that we have to google to figure out what they are. Great drinks, fair prices, fun atmosphere.
Creative food from Macau. Long waits with no reservations. Exceptional.
126 locals recommend
Fat Rice
2957 W Diversey Ave
126 locals recommend
Creative food from Macau. Long waits with no reservations. Exceptional.
Top Chef’s winner Stephanie Izard’s brilliant creation.
496 locals recommend
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph St
496 locals recommend
Top Chef’s winner Stephanie Izard’s brilliant creation.
Chicago is known for its steaks. This is a favorite spot but requires reservations in advance. The seafood tower is also a sight to be seen and tasted!
79 locals recommend
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie St
79 locals recommend
Chicago is known for its steaks. This is a favorite spot but requires reservations in advance. The seafood tower is also a sight to be seen and tasted!
Award winning and delicious! Catch a show at the Steppanwolf and eat here too.
39 locals recommend
Boka
1729 N Halsted St
39 locals recommend
Award winning and delicious! Catch a show at the Steppanwolf and eat here too.
Great cocktails and tacos!
Altiro Latin Fusion
2116 West Roscoe Street
Great cocktails and tacos!
Family friendly restaurant and brunch spot.
19 locals recommend
John's Place
2132 W Roscoe St
19 locals recommend
Family friendly restaurant and brunch spot.
Alternative coffee shop.
6 locals recommend
HERO Coffee Bar
2111 W Roscoe St
6 locals recommend
Alternative coffee shop.
Bill Kim amazing Asian food.
20 locals recommend
bellyQ
1400 W Randolph St
20 locals recommend
Bill Kim amazing Asian food.
Excellent Italian.
12 locals recommend
Formento's
925 W Randolph St
12 locals recommend
Excellent Italian.
One of the best Italian restaurants. Neighborhood gem. Cozy.
19 locals recommend
Riccardo Trattoria
2119 N Clark St
19 locals recommend
One of the best Italian restaurants. Neighborhood gem. Cozy.
Upscale Ralph Lauren restaurant serving American classics in a sophisticated setting. Great for lunch after shopping along Michigan Avenue.
18 locals recommend
RL Restaurant
115 E Chicago Ave
18 locals recommend
Upscale Ralph Lauren restaurant serving American classics in a sophisticated setting. Great for lunch after shopping along Michigan Avenue.
Pasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery backed by Giuliana & Bill Rancic
41 locals recommend
RPM Italian
52 W Illinois St
41 locals recommend
Pasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery backed by Giuliana & Bill Rancic
Elaborately plated Japanese fare & sushi pairs with sake & cocktails in ultramodern surroundings.
16 locals recommend
Juno Sushi Chicago
2638 N Lincoln Ave
16 locals recommend
Elaborately plated Japanese fare & sushi pairs with sake & cocktails in ultramodern surroundings.
Great, vibrant Italian Restaurant on Southport. Great pasta and pizza. Close to Wrigley Field. Reservations suggested. "Within months of entering Chicago's culinary world, Coda di Volpe restaurant established itself as a neighborhood favorite. This instant rise to glory is the result of Chef Thompson's extensive experiences in Italy along with his passion for food. Serving a Southern Italian fare, Thompson's Neapolitan handmade pies are the showstoppers of the menu that should not be given a miss. Besides culinary plates like Beef short ribs and meatballs, the menu also features sweet options like Apple Crostata. Visit Cola di Volpe to relish true Southern Italian flavors."
39 locals recommend
Coda di Volpe
3335 N Southport Ave
39 locals recommend
Great, vibrant Italian Restaurant on Southport. Great pasta and pizza. Close to Wrigley Field. Reservations suggested. "Within months of entering Chicago's culinary world, Coda di Volpe restaurant established itself as a neighborhood favorite. This instant rise to glory is the result of Chef Thompson's extensive experiences in Italy along with his passion for food. Serving a Southern Italian fare, Thompson's Neapolitan handmade pies are the showstoppers of the menu that should not be given a miss. Besides culinary plates like Beef short ribs and meatballs, the menu also features sweet options like Apple Crostata. Visit Cola di Volpe to relish true Southern Italian flavors."
Tacos and Margaritas near Wrigley Field.
17 locals recommend
Tuco And Blondie
3358 N Southport Ave
17 locals recommend
Tacos and Margaritas near Wrigley Field.
A vintage sports club with a seasonal & local farm focused menu. Craft cocktails & beers on a 6,000 sq ft patio to soak in the beautiful Chicago summers. Outdoor fire pit. Great weekend brunch cafe.
72 locals recommend
Park & Field
3509 W Fullerton Ave
72 locals recommend
A vintage sports club with a seasonal & local farm focused menu. Craft cocktails & beers on a 6,000 sq ft patio to soak in the beautiful Chicago summers. Outdoor fire pit. Great weekend brunch cafe.
"Dos is a partnership between two husband and wife teams: Chef Brian Enyart (14-year veteran of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo) and Pastry Chef Jennifer Jones Enyart (Charlie Trotter’s, Topolobampo), as well as Michael Rotolo (20-year Lettuce Entertain You veteran/Joe’s Stone Crab) and Erika Martinez Rotolo (Lettuce Entertain You). Inspired by the boldness and bounty of Mexico, the menu is an original interpretation of Mexican cuisine that embraces contemporary flavors and ingredients. Guests can enjoy thoughtful fare in the restaurant’s dining room and spacious open air bar area, or on its seasonal 40-seat al fresco patio. The restaurant is Chicago Magazine’s Top 5 “Best New".
27 locals recommend
Dos Urban Cantina
2829 W Armitage Ave
27 locals recommend
"Dos is a partnership between two husband and wife teams: Chef Brian Enyart (14-year veteran of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo) and Pastry Chef Jennifer Jones Enyart (Charlie Trotter’s, Topolobampo), as well as Michael Rotolo (20-year Lettuce Entertain You veteran/Joe’s Stone Crab) and Erika Martinez Rotolo (Lettuce Entertain You). Inspired by the boldness and bounty of Mexico, the menu is an original interpretation of Mexican cuisine that embraces contemporary flavors and ingredients. Guests can enjoy thoughtful fare in the restaurant’s dining room and spacious open air bar area, or on its seasonal 40-seat al fresco patio. The restaurant is Chicago Magazine’s Top 5 “Best New".
Located at the end of our block within a 2 minute walk, Le Sud is a wonderful French Bistro open for dinner. It's been written up on Eater as a Hot New Restaurant. They only take reservations for half the restaurant, so there are tables for walk-ins. Great wine list. We love the Steak Frites and Duck.
9 locals recommend
Le Sud
2301 W Roscoe St
9 locals recommend
Located at the end of our block within a 2 minute walk, Le Sud is a wonderful French Bistro open for dinner. It's been written up on Eater as a Hot New Restaurant. They only take reservations for half the restaurant, so there are tables for walk-ins. Great wine list. We love the Steak Frites and Duck.
The coffee is fabulous!
Pilates + Coffee
2144 W Roscoe St
The coffee is fabulous!
Although it looks gritty, it's considered authentic Mexican food and the tacos are great! Very popular late night. Most just order at the counter and take to go.
9 locals recommend
Tonys Burrito Méx
1957 W Belmont Ave
9 locals recommend
Although it looks gritty, it's considered authentic Mexican food and the tacos are great! Very popular late night. Most just order at the counter and take to go.
You might spot a Chicago Cubs player dining here on a regular basis. Family owned, authentic Cuban food.
17 locals recommend
Cuba 312
2054 W Roscoe St
17 locals recommend
You might spot a Chicago Cubs player dining here on a regular basis. Family owned, authentic Cuban food.
Local and cozy Italian Restaurant.
16 locals recommend
Piazza Bella Trattoria & Osteria
2114 W Roscoe St
16 locals recommend
Local and cozy Italian Restaurant.
Italian-Mediterranean sharing plates & classic cocktails in swanky digs with lounge & booth seating. We love this restaurant and dine here often. Reservations recommended.
34 locals recommend
Ella Elli
1349 W Cornelia Ave
34 locals recommend
Italian-Mediterranean sharing plates & classic cocktails in swanky digs with lounge & booth seating. We love this restaurant and dine here often. Reservations recommended.

Drinks & Nightlife

High end, delicious and always impeccable service.
29 locals recommend
Blackbird Restaurant
619 W Randolph St
29 locals recommend
High end, delicious and always impeccable service.
Boasts some of the best burgers in town delivered to your table with straight talk and heavy metal attitude
152 locals recommend
Kuma's Corner
2900 W Belmont Ave
152 locals recommend
Boasts some of the best burgers in town delivered to your table with straight talk and heavy metal attitude
Decadent brunch. No reservations.
199 locals recommend
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee Ave
199 locals recommend
Decadent brunch. No reservations.
Amazing cocktail selection. Go upstairs.
37 locals recommend
The Barrelhouse Flat
2624 N Lincoln Ave
37 locals recommend
Amazing cocktail selection. Go upstairs.
Excellent Turkish / Mediterranean food.
33 locals recommend
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
2147 W Roscoe St
33 locals recommend
Excellent Turkish / Mediterranean food.
Excellent beer list, craft cocktails and casual food. Great place to watch the game.
16 locals recommend
Commonwealth Tavern
2000 W Roscoe St
16 locals recommend
Excellent beer list, craft cocktails and casual food. Great place to watch the game.
Our favorite local bar! One of the best beer gardens in the city.
36 locals recommend
Village Tap
2055 W Roscoe St
36 locals recommend
Our favorite local bar! One of the best beer gardens in the city.
Tacos and margaritas with people watching. Poplular and crowded with outdoor patio.
1178 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
1178 locals recommend
Tacos and margaritas with people watching. Poplular and crowded with outdoor patio.
Top notch craft cocktails, speakeasy vibe.
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave
355 locals recommend
Top notch craft cocktails, speakeasy vibe.
French and best hamburger in town.
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St
620 locals recommend
French and best hamburger in town.
Family friendly dining along Southport.
75 locals recommend
Crosby's Kitchen
3455 N Southport Ave
75 locals recommend
Family friendly dining along Southport.
Famous small and intimate music venue.
83 locals recommend
Schubas Tavern
3159 N Southport Ave
83 locals recommend
Famous small and intimate music venue.
Old school bowling with people who pick up the pins. A very Chicago bar. Bowling reservations recommended.
34 locals recommend
Southport Lanes & Billiards
3325 N Southport Ave
34 locals recommend
Old school bowling with people who pick up the pins. A very Chicago bar. Bowling reservations recommended.
Warehouse-style spot brewing seasonal beers to pair with creative gastropub cooking in funky digs.
42 locals recommend
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
3446 N Southport Ave
42 locals recommend
Warehouse-style spot brewing seasonal beers to pair with creative gastropub cooking in funky digs.

Entertainment & Activities

http://www.msichicago.org/ At the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Just a very fun place for the science nerd in all of us (and for kids!)
483 locals recommend
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr
483 locals recommend
http://www.msichicago.org/ At the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Just a very fun place for the science nerd in all of us (and for kids!)
One of the best aquariums in the country, the Shedd focuses on conservation and research, this place reassures you that the Balugas, sea otters, seal lions, and little fishes are all being well taken
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr
673 locals recommend
One of the best aquariums in the country, the Shedd focuses on conservation and research, this place reassures you that the Balugas, sea otters, seal lions, and little fishes are all being well taken
One of the oldest and one of the few free zoos in the country! Just take a stroll through!
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
1117 locals recommend
One of the oldest and one of the few free zoos in the country! Just take a stroll through!
Family friendly brunch.
23 locals recommend
Bakin' & Eggs: A Lovely Idea
3120 N Lincoln Ave
23 locals recommend
Family friendly brunch.

Sightseeing

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces on the University of Chicago campus. Take the tour and then walk around the rest of campus though the Gothic ivory tower courtyards
66 locals recommend
Frederick C. Robie House
5757 S Woodlawn Ave
66 locals recommend
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces on the University of Chicago campus. Take the tour and then walk around the rest of campus though the Gothic ivory tower courtyards
If you are intrigued and want more, a great documentary to watch before or after your visit is the PBS produced special “Chicago: City of the Century” (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/)
241 locals recommend
Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark St
241 locals recommend
If you are intrigued and want more, a great documentary to watch before or after your visit is the PBS produced special “Chicago: City of the Century” (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/)
The modern wing opened in 2009. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, it showcases not only world class art, but the design of a modern space overlooking the industrial past of Chicago.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave
1159 locals recommend
The modern wing opened in 2009. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, it showcases not only world class art, but the design of a modern space overlooking the industrial past of Chicago.
241 locals recommend
The 606
1805 North Ridgeway Avenue
241 locals recommend

Essentials

Organic Grocery store about 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from unit.
836 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted St
836 locals recommend
Organic Grocery store about 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from unit.
Brand new Grocery store 5 minute walk from unit.
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago Ave
866 locals recommend
Brand new Grocery store 5 minute walk from unit.

Shopping

Stylish mid priced clothing for men and women. Great jewelry and large selection of jeans.
6 locals recommend
The Denim Lounge
2039 W Roscoe St
6 locals recommend
Stylish mid priced clothing for men and women. Great jewelry and large selection of jeans.
Cinnamon Boutique features unique yet versatile clothing, jewelry & accessories for women and is located in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. We carry all your favorite lines, including Rebecca Taylor, Joie, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Autumn Cashmere, Mother Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Frame Denim, McGuire, Diane Von Furstenburg, MZ Wallace, Calleen Cordero, and Black Halo, among many others! There is never a shortage of accessories at Cinnamon with plenty of jewelry, hand bags, belts and shoes to complement any ensemble. Whether you need a casual daytime outfit, dressy evening attire, or an outfit that does both, we have you covered! Cinnamon offers personalized shopping experiences
14 locals recommend
Cinnamon Boutique
2104 W Roscoe St
14 locals recommend
Cinnamon Boutique features unique yet versatile clothing, jewelry & accessories for women and is located in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. We carry all your favorite lines, including Rebecca Taylor, Joie, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Autumn Cashmere, Mother Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Frame Denim, McGuire, Diane Von Furstenburg, MZ Wallace, Calleen Cordero, and Black Halo, among many others! There is never a shortage of accessories at Cinnamon with plenty of jewelry, hand bags, belts and shoes to complement any ensemble. Whether you need a casual daytime outfit, dressy evening attire, or an outfit that does both, we have you covered! Cinnamon offers personalized shopping experiences
A charming and well-stocked privately owned bookstore. The staff is very knowlegeable and it's a neighborhood favorite.
10 locals recommend
RoscoeBooks
2142 W Roscoe St
10 locals recommend
A charming and well-stocked privately owned bookstore. The staff is very knowlegeable and it's a neighborhood favorite.