Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Caffè Streets
1750 W Division StThe best coffee shop in the city, luckily right around the corner
Upscale, modern Greek - they've got a beautiful rooftop, and they're open for brunch on Sundays. Don't miss the sea bass!!
30 locals recommend
Taxim
1558 N Milwaukee AveUpscale, modern Greek - they've got a beautiful rooftop, and they're open for brunch on Sundays. Don't miss the sea bass!!
Its reputation may precede it - but the tacos are worth it. If the line for the restaurant is daunting, grab some food to go from the window!
1178 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveIts reputation may precede it - but the tacos are worth it. If the line for the restaurant is daunting, grab some food to go from the window!
Homestyle Mexican - an ideal spot to do some people-watching too (I love to sit in the window!)
113 locals recommend
Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen AveHomestyle Mexican - an ideal spot to do some people-watching too (I love to sit in the window!)
Straight from Naples - Italian soccer fans posted up inside included! Some of my favorite pizza in the city.
17 locals recommend
Pizza Metro
1707 W Division StStraight from Naples - Italian soccer fans posted up inside included! Some of my favorite pizza in the city.
Cumin
1414 N Milwaukee AveAuthentic Indian & Nepalese restaurant - open for lunch!
Long-standing dessert shop with house-made ice cream and chocolates - and bulk Jelly Bellys!
6 locals recommend
Mr. Kite's The Chocolate Shop
2120 W Division StLong-standing dessert shop with house-made ice cream and chocolates - and bulk Jelly Bellys!
Sibling restaurant to popular bibimbap restaurant further north on Damen, they make killer sushi burritos AND kimchi fries AND Korean wings
13 locals recommend
En Hakkore Sushi Burrito & Poke Bowl
1467 N Milwaukee AveSibling restaurant to popular bibimbap restaurant further north on Damen, they make killer sushi burritos AND kimchi fries AND Korean wings
Drinks & Nightlife
An old neighborhood standby dive bar - there's usually live music (as you can tell by the name) and a nice patio open in the summer.
19 locals recommend
Phyllis Musical Inn
1800 W Division StAn old neighborhood standby dive bar - there's usually live music (as you can tell by the name) and a nice patio open in the summer.
Essentials
Jewel-Osco
3531 N BroadwayWicker Park Farmers Market
1425 N Damen AveSunday mornings between June and October
Shopping
Penelope's
1913 W Division StCurated boutique with womens and mens clothing, as well as home goods.
4 stories of used books - you're sure to find something you didn't expect you needed for the plane ride home!
118 locals recommend
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee Ave4 stories of used books - you're sure to find something you didn't expect you needed for the plane ride home!
Zines, small press fiction, and a wonderfully-curated section of children's books.
33 locals recommend
Quimby's Bookstore
1854 W North AveZines, small press fiction, and a wonderfully-curated section of children's books.
Arts & Culture
The Den Theatre
1331 N Milwaukee Ave200-seat playhouse with regularly-rotating plays
Non-profit gallery showcasing emerging artists, with weekend viewing hours
13 locals recommend
Heaven Gallery
1550 N Milwaukee AveNon-profit gallery showcasing emerging artists, with weekend viewing hours
Getting Around
Division station
Blue Line stop - just head east on Division! You can't miss it.