Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Reno
2607 N Milwaukee AveOur favorite pizza in the neighborhood. Cash Only but worth it.
The signature latte of the same name is on our list of crave-able items in the city. A short 10 minute walk from the house.
109 locals recommend
Ipsento Coffee
2035 N Western AveThe signature latte of the same name is on our list of crave-able items in the city. A short 10 minute walk from the house.
If you're veggie or vegan (or not!) this spot is one of our go to's. Unique diner inspired vegan dishes and solid non vegan items too. Also the best non-milk milkshakes you've ever had.
136 locals recommend
The Chicago Diner, Logan Square
2333 North Milwaukee AvenueIf you're veggie or vegan (or not!) this spot is one of our go to's. Unique diner inspired vegan dishes and solid non vegan items too. Also the best non-milk milkshakes you've ever had.
Locally owned and long standing staple Italian in the neighborhood. Thursday evenings they offer a Prix Fixe deal!
34 locals recommend
Buona Terra
3608 N California AveLocally owned and long standing staple Italian in the neighborhood. Thursday evenings they offer a Prix Fixe deal!
Starbucks
210 W North AveIt's a starbucks!
Chicago local and now national chain. Fantastic espresso.
114 locals recommend
Intelligentsia Coffee - Logan Square
2642 N Milwaukee AveChicago local and now national chain. Fantastic espresso.
Locally owned spot for killer pie slices and brunch.
In warmer months the pie garden is a great spot to hang on sunny days. Can be quite busy on weekends, but worth the wait.
468 locals recommend
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveLocally owned spot for killer pie slices and brunch.
In warmer months the pie garden is a great spot to hang on sunny days. Can be quite busy on weekends, but worth the wait.
This is your brunch spot! Expect a wait during peak hours, but also worth it. Be sure to order off the specials menu. All ingredients are sourced locally.
936 locals recommend
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie BlvdThis is your brunch spot! Expect a wait during peak hours, but also worth it. Be sure to order off the specials menu. All ingredients are sourced locally.
Quite possibly one of the best burger you have ever had. Simple 3 item menu burgers / fries / shakes. Order all 3.
161 locals recommend
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveQuite possibly one of the best burger you have ever had. Simple 3 item menu burgers / fries / shakes. Order all 3.
Drinks & Nightlife
Right at the end of the block and the largest collection of pinball machines in the city. Hands down our favorite bar in the city.
65 locals recommend
Logan Arcade
2410 W Fullerton AveRight at the end of the block and the largest collection of pinball machines in the city. Hands down our favorite bar in the city.
Large arcade bar with table games, foosball, air hockey and pool. Great for large groups.
139 locals recommend
Emporium Logan Square
2363 N Milwaukee AveLarge arcade bar with table games, foosball, air hockey and pool. Great for large groups.
Slippery Slope
2357 N Milwaukee AveLocal spot for drinks, skeeball and dance parties.
The Owl
2521 N Milwaukee AveHip bar with hip folks.
Essentials
Large Target with Starbucks and full grocery. A quick walk across Western Ave.
394 locals recommend
Target
4466 N BroadwayLarge Target with Starbucks and full grocery. A quick walk across Western Ave.
Walgreens
4010 W Lawrence AveGreat small grocery store with bakery, deli and meat counters. Carries lots of local produce/ingredients and a large variety of organic items.
27 locals recommend
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
2500 N Elston AveGreat small grocery store with bakery, deli and meat counters. Carries lots of local produce/ingredients and a large variety of organic items.
Parks & Nature
Cute and quiet boulevard park with "natural" playground and a running path.
57 locals recommend
Palmer Square Park
2200 N Kedzie AveCute and quiet boulevard park with "natural" playground and a running path.
Haas Park
2402 N Washtenaw AveThe local park. Great playground, soccer field and field house.
A true hidden gem in Chicago. One of the largest conservatories in the country, with both indoor and outdoor gardens. Entrance is always FREE! Children's gardens both inside and out, provide great access to nature. Perfect for a family outing or a fun date. Open late on Thursday evenings.
258 locals recommend
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveA true hidden gem in Chicago. One of the largest conservatories in the country, with both indoor and outdoor gardens. Entrance is always FREE! Children's gardens both inside and out, provide great access to nature. Perfect for a family outing or a fun date. Open late on Thursday evenings.
Forget that you're in a big city and explore hiking trails through forest, prairie, and marshland. You're sure to see many birds, squirrels, and maybe even deer. Plus, it's free to the public.
12 locals recommend
North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N Pulaski RdForget that you're in a big city and explore hiking trails through forest, prairie, and marshland. You're sure to see many birds, squirrels, and maybe even deer. Plus, it's free to the public.
Historic park with a beautiful field house and boathouse (which includes a restaurant), multiple hiking trails around lagoons, playgrounds and baseball diamonds, plus a free beach!
34 locals recommend
Humboldt Park Boathouse
1301 North Humboldt DriveHistoric park with a beautiful field house and boathouse (which includes a restaurant), multiple hiking trails around lagoons, playgrounds and baseball diamonds, plus a free beach!
All the beaches along Lake Michigan are great, but Foster is usually quiet, has ample parking, a snack shop and restrooms, is family friendly, and has a wheelchair and stroller accessible board walk down to the water. All Chicago beaches have life guards.
101 locals recommend
Foster Beach
All the beaches along Lake Michigan are great, but Foster is usually quiet, has ample parking, a snack shop and restrooms, is family friendly, and has a wheelchair and stroller accessible board walk down to the water. All Chicago beaches have life guards.
Entertainment & Activities
80 year old theater with first run movies, late night cult classics and a full bar.
315 locals recommend
The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee Ave80 year old theater with first run movies, late night cult classics and a full bar.
Iconic bowling alley with restaurant and bar. Short walk from studio.
25 locals recommend
Diversey River Bowl
2211 W Diversey PkwyIconic bowling alley with restaurant and bar. Short walk from studio.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrOne of the only free zoos in the country, it features tons of amazing animals. Many of the exhibits are newly renovated. There is also a full farm and a small, but beautiful conservatory.
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StOne of the only free zoos in the country, it features tons of amazing animals. Many of the exhibits are newly renovated. There is also a full farm and a small, but beautiful conservatory.
Shopping
Locally owned toy store with a great selection of toys, games, and books. The staff is beyond helpful. Perfect to browse for gifts (free wrapping) and let the kids play/read. Check their site for ongoing free story, art, and music times.
21 locals recommend
Play
3109 W Logan BlvdLocally owned toy store with a great selection of toys, games, and books. The staff is beyond helpful. Perfect to browse for gifts (free wrapping) and let the kids play/read. Check their site for ongoing free story, art, and music times.
Shop 1021
2650 N Milwaukee AveGreat for unique cards, gifts, and Chicago themed items.
Fleur
2651 N Milwaukee AveStunning flower shop that also carries boutique items.
Great selection of books with a large children's area. Staff is very helpful and friendly.
32 locals recommend
City Lit Books
2523 N Kedzie BlvdGreat selection of books with a large children's area. Staff is very helpful and friendly.
Getting Around
Western station
1900 N Western AveWestern CTA Blue Line Station. Elevator available
California station
2211 N California AveCalifornia CTA Blue Line Station
Divvy Rental is one block from studio. Locations also located throughout the city for easy drop off/pick up.
38 locals recommend
Divvy
Divvy Rental is one block from studio. Locations also located throughout the city for easy drop off/pick up.