Guidebook for Chicago

Patty
Guidebook for Chicago

Food Scene

Ethiopian food is flavorful, savory and spicy, communal and delicious. This is one of our favorite restaurants nearby. A nice walk on from our place, or an easy drive.
41 locals recommend
Ethiopian Diamond
6120 N Broadway
41 locals recommend
Ethiopian food is flavorful, savory and spicy, communal and delicious. This is one of our favorite restaurants nearby. A nice walk on from our place, or an easy drive.
Wonderful place for dessert, serving mixed with all sorts of ingredients, or make your own combination...also offers cupcakes, cookies, and EVERY kind of retro candy you can possibly imagine.
34 locals recommend
Lickity Split Frozen Custard
6056 N Broadway
34 locals recommend
Wonderful place for dessert, serving mixed with all sorts of ingredients, or make your own combination...also offers cupcakes, cookies, and EVERY kind of retro candy you can possibly imagine.
Local institution serving locally sourced, veg-friendly meals. Great local hangout, outdoor seating in nice weather. Within walking distance of our place. Good breakfast on the weekends.
54 locals recommend
Heartland Cafe
7000 N Glenwood Ave
54 locals recommend
Local institution serving locally sourced, veg-friendly meals. Great local hangout, outdoor seating in nice weather. Within walking distance of our place. Good breakfast on the weekends.
Great selection of baked goods, gluten free available. Tasty, tasty! Small seating area outdoors.
31 locals recommend
Smack Dab Chicago
6730 N Clark St
31 locals recommend
Great selection of baked goods, gluten free available. Tasty, tasty! Small seating area outdoors.
Right at the end of our block. Chicago style pizza. Need I say more?
34 locals recommend
Giordano's Pizza Rogers Park
6836 N Sheridan Rd
34 locals recommend
Right at the end of our block. Chicago style pizza. Need I say more?
Our favorite for carryout or delivery. Great thin crust and pan pizza, plus they're great neighbors to the Rogers Park neighborhood.
25 locals recommend
J.B. Alberto's Pizza
1326 W Morse Ave
25 locals recommend
Our favorite for carryout or delivery. Great thin crust and pan pizza, plus they're great neighbors to the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Easy walk to a great selection of spirits, cheeses, sauces, spices and so much more. A lovely shop for gifts, picnic supplies and conversation with the shop owners.
10 locals recommend
Rogers Park Provisions
6928 N Glenwood Ave
10 locals recommend
Easy walk to a great selection of spirits, cheeses, sauces, spices and so much more. A lovely shop for gifts, picnic supplies and conversation with the shop owners.
A favorite vegetarian restaurant in nearby Evanston. A wonderful meal! Out of town visitors who aren't vegetarians still talk about going there. Some really tasty vegan desserts too.
38 locals recommend
Blind Faith Cafe
525 Dempster St
38 locals recommend
A favorite vegetarian restaurant in nearby Evanston. A wonderful meal! Out of town visitors who aren't vegetarians still talk about going there. Some really tasty vegan desserts too.
Vegetarian and vegan comfort food. This is a great place to eat, and our non-vegetarian friends rave about it too. "We use local, seasonal ingredients and produce. All cleaning products are eco-friendly and our to-go containers are bio-degradable. We also use only FSC and Rainforest Alliance certified office paper. We practice bio-diesel conversion of our waste oil."
87 locals recommend
Chicago Diner
3411 N Halsted St
87 locals recommend
Vegetarian and vegan comfort food. This is a great place to eat, and our non-vegetarian friends rave about it too. "We use local, seasonal ingredients and produce. All cleaning products are eco-friendly and our to-go containers are bio-degradable. We also use only FSC and Rainforest Alliance certified office paper. We practice bio-diesel conversion of our waste oil."
Irish pub in Ravenswood--chips with curry, bangers and mash, Smithwicks, guinness, great staff, good food, nice atmosphere.
13 locals recommend
O'Shaughnessy's Public House
4557 N Ravenswood Ave
13 locals recommend
Irish pub in Ravenswood--chips with curry, bangers and mash, Smithwicks, guinness, great staff, good food, nice atmosphere.
Great vegetarian soul food on the South Side!
14 locals recommend
Original Soul Vegetarian
203 E 75th St
14 locals recommend
Great vegetarian soul food on the South Side!
Thai food, sticky rice, great people. Oh my. So good.
10 locals recommend
Siam Noodle & Rice Restaurant
4142 N Broadway
10 locals recommend
Thai food, sticky rice, great people. Oh my. So good.
Fresh pita and falafel, plus a wide selection of hummus, tzatziki and other great carry out foods. Connected to a restaurant, also a grocery store with a wide variety of middle eastern foods.
32 locals recommend
Middle East Bakery & Grocery
1512 W Foster Ave
32 locals recommend
Fresh pita and falafel, plus a wide selection of hummus, tzatziki and other great carry out foods. Connected to a restaurant, also a grocery store with a wide variety of middle eastern foods.
More than a coffee shop- nice menu with salads, sandwiches, great breakfast options and more. Cushion seats on the floor at the front of the place. For the traveller at heart, there are guide books to cities and countries all over the world available for purchase. Also has a small gift shop area with clothing items, artisinal jewelry, incense, soaps and other items.
53 locals recommend
Kopi Cafe
5317 N Clark St
53 locals recommend
More than a coffee shop- nice menu with salads, sandwiches, great breakfast options and more. Cushion seats on the floor at the front of the place. For the traveller at heart, there are guide books to cities and countries all over the world available for purchase. Also has a small gift shop area with clothing items, artisinal jewelry, incense, soaps and other items.
Brunch, sandwiches, coffee and PIE!
37 locals recommend
Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company
749 Chicago Ave
37 locals recommend
Brunch, sandwiches, coffee and PIE!
Walking distance, by the beach, local restaurant
25 locals recommend
Twisted Tapas
1146 W Pratt Blvd
25 locals recommend
Walking distance, by the beach, local restaurant
16 locals recommend
Charmers Cafe
1500 W Jarvis Ave
16 locals recommend
41 locals recommend
Moody's Pub
5910 N Broadway
41 locals recommend
Organic, locally sourced dishes, with some ingredients locally sourced from their rooftop garden! Local artists' work on display, and big fireplace in cold months create an inviting ambience. Great vegetarian options. Nice bar area in addition to seating for meals. Live music and open mic. Probably requires a reservation at busy times. Room available for private functions.
70 locals recommend
Uncommon Ground
1401 W Devon Ave
70 locals recommend
Organic, locally sourced dishes, with some ingredients locally sourced from their rooftop garden! Local artists' work on display, and big fireplace in cold months create an inviting ambience. Great vegetarian options. Nice bar area in addition to seating for meals. Live music and open mic. Probably requires a reservation at busy times. Room available for private functions.
Right around the corner- coffee, tea, milk shakes and frozen yogurt, plus quiche, and baked goods. A great local RP spot.
21 locals recommend
Common Cup
1501 W Morse Ave
21 locals recommend
Right around the corner- coffee, tea, milk shakes and frozen yogurt, plus quiche, and baked goods. A great local RP spot.
One of many small taquerias on Clark street, open late.
El Pueblito
6712 N Clark St
One of many small taquerias on Clark street, open late.
"Hip bakery/cafe serving coffee, creative sandwiches & housemade pastries in spare, rustic-chic digs." Order off the funky chalkboard at the counter. Start with housemade bread at what they call the “bread bar” and pick the kind of spread you’d like on it—pimento, whipped feta, maple butter, etc.
28 locals recommend
Mash Kitchen
4535 N Lincoln Ave
28 locals recommend
"Hip bakery/cafe serving coffee, creative sandwiches & housemade pastries in spare, rustic-chic digs." Order off the funky chalkboard at the counter. Start with housemade bread at what they call the “bread bar” and pick the kind of spread you’d like on it—pimento, whipped feta, maple butter, etc.
Mediterranean/Persian menu (much of it vegetarian) & lunch buffet served in a bright, airy space.
54 locals recommend
Reza's Restaurant
5255 N Clark St
54 locals recommend
Mediterranean/Persian menu (much of it vegetarian) & lunch buffet served in a bright, airy space.
Traditional Irish pub offering signature burgers, a big whiskey menu & Irish-American folk music. Fireplace in the back room, friendly service, good food.
31 locals recommend
The Grafton Pub & Grill
4530 N Lincoln Ave
31 locals recommend
Traditional Irish pub offering signature burgers, a big whiskey menu & Irish-American folk music. Fireplace in the back room, friendly service, good food.
m.henry offers globally inspired, new american style cooking. we prepare all our food from the finest natural and seasonal
94 locals recommend
m.henry
5707 N Clark St
94 locals recommend
m.henry offers globally inspired, new american style cooking. we prepare all our food from the finest natural and seasonal

Drinks & Nightlife

Great place to hang out for a drink and good times with friends.
72 locals recommend
Rogers Park Social
6920 N Glenwood Ave
72 locals recommend
Great place to hang out for a drink and good times with friends.
Taproom with great beer and a cool setting- worth the drive to get there!
125 locals recommend
Lagunitas Brewing Company
2607 W 17th St
125 locals recommend
Taproom with great beer and a cool setting- worth the drive to get there!
23 locals recommend
The Glenwood
6962 N Glenwood Ave
23 locals recommend
Empirical Brew Pub
1330 West Morse Avenue
Sports bar, pool table. Right next to the Morse Red Line stop. Usual bar food. Nice place to watch a game.
8 locals recommend
Pub 626
1406 W Morse Ave
8 locals recommend
Sports bar, pool table. Right next to the Morse Red Line stop. Usual bar food. Nice place to watch a game.
Evanston based Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. is a local brewery serving Texas-inspired BBQ, wood-fired pizza, & Midwestern comfort food. Beer brewed on site
20 locals recommend
Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.
1615 Oak Ave
20 locals recommend
Evanston based Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. is a local brewery serving Texas-inspired BBQ, wood-fired pizza, & Midwestern comfort food. Beer brewed on site
Brewery with a taproom pouring house beers & offering growlers to go, with occasional food trucks.
21 locals recommend
Temperance Beer Co.
2000 Dempster St
21 locals recommend
Brewery with a taproom pouring house beers & offering growlers to go, with occasional food trucks.

Parks & Nature

Just a beautiful place to be. Accessible by car, train, or even bike if you want a longer ride.
167 locals recommend
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd
167 locals recommend
Just a beautiful place to be. Accessible by car, train, or even bike if you want a longer ride.
Beach house, summer time restaurant, and sometimes a public piano, parks for kids, and plenty of space to walk, play frisbee, picnic, grill, play tennis...and so on!
7 locals recommend
Tobey Prinz Beach Park
1050 W Pratt Blvd
7 locals recommend
Beach house, summer time restaurant, and sometimes a public piano, parks for kids, and plenty of space to walk, play frisbee, picnic, grill, play tennis...and so on!
"The Morton Arboretum, a 1,700-acre living museum, champions trees throughout the world via scientific study, conservation, and advocacy."
51 locals recommend
The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53
51 locals recommend
"The Morton Arboretum, a 1,700-acre living museum, champions trees throughout the world via scientific study, conservation, and advocacy."
Spectacular view of the city skyline, right on the water, beautiful parks and places to picnic, walk, run, ride a bike, swim etc etc.
112 locals recommend
Promontory Point
5491 S Shore Dr
112 locals recommend
Spectacular view of the city skyline, right on the water, beautiful parks and places to picnic, walk, run, ride a bike, swim etc etc.
Great for running, bike riding, walking, exploring the lake front.
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail
229 locals recommend
Great for running, bike riding, walking, exploring the lake front.

Arts & Culture

Local theater that uses a small space to great effect. 5 minute walk from our house.
16 locals recommend
Lifeline Theatre
6912 N Glenwood Ave
16 locals recommend
Local theater that uses a small space to great effect. 5 minute walk from our house.
"A global theatrical force, CST is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition."
25 locals recommend
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 E Grand Ave
25 locals recommend
"A global theatrical force, CST is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition."
Striking architectural building in a beautiful setting.
120 locals recommend
Baha'i House of Worship
100 Linden Ave
120 locals recommend
Striking architectural building in a beautiful setting.
8 locals recommend
Chicago Historical Society
1601 N Clark St
8 locals recommend
149 locals recommend
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E 56th Pl
149 locals recommend
Music venue, "The Bean", ice skating in the winter, public fountain, gardens, near public transportation.
1243 locals recommend
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St
1243 locals recommend
Music venue, "The Bean", ice skating in the winter, public fountain, gardens, near public transportation.
The Atrium is a beautiful place to read, rest, drink coffee while you're exploring State Street and downtown sites
Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren station
The Atrium is a beautiful place to read, rest, drink coffee while you're exploring State Street and downtown sites
21 locals recommend
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph St
21 locals recommend
532 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago Ave
532 locals recommend

Essentials

Locally owned grocery store- small but still well-stocked!
53 locals recommend
Morse Fresh Market
1430 W Morse Ave
53 locals recommend
Locally owned grocery store- small but still well-stocked!
24 hour pharmacy
142 locals recommend
CVS
771 N Ogden Ave
142 locals recommend
24 hour pharmacy
24 hour walgreens
202 locals recommend
Walgreens
4801 N Lincoln Ave
202 locals recommend
24 hour walgreens
18 locals recommend
Jewel-Osco
9449 Skokie Blvd
18 locals recommend
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago Ave
866 locals recommend
66 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1211 Chicago Ave
66 locals recommend
61 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
6020 N Cicero Ave
61 locals recommend
47 locals recommend
Devon Market
1440 W Devon Ave
47 locals recommend

Getting Around

Buy tickets online or on the train. Best way to get to Ravinia Park, or easy trip downtown.
43 locals recommend
Ravenswood station
4800 N Ravenswood Ave
43 locals recommend
Buy tickets online or on the train. Best way to get to Ravinia Park, or easy trip downtown.

Sightseeing

Boat tours, walking tours, building tours, lake tours. Go see the city!!
114 locals recommend
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr
114 locals recommend
Boat tours, walking tours, building tours, lake tours. Go see the city!!
348 locals recommend
Willis Tower Skydeck
348 locals recommend
295 locals recommend
875 North Michigan Avenue
875 N Michigan Ave
295 locals recommend