Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Looks a bit cheesy from the outside. French toast is amazing - the cook/chef is the owner and makes custard style french toast with croissants. They also server Turkish Coffee - which seems hard to get in the Chicago area. Friendly and small atmosphere. About a 4 block south (south from apartment).
Wired Coffee House
3508 N BroadwayLooks a bit cheesy from the outside. French toast is amazing - the cook/chef is the owner and makes custard style french toast with croissants. They also server Turkish Coffee - which seems hard to get in the Chicago area. Friendly and small atmosphere. About a 4 block south (south from apartment).
I only went here once, not really my scene. It's like a greek/pancake/denny's style restaurant. Hopefully that description is helpful. It's fine, and it is clean - if you can't get in anywhere else, this would be a good alternative. About 2 1/2 blocks south of the apartment.
7 locals recommend
Horizon Cafe
3805 North BroadwayI only went here once, not really my scene. It's like a greek/pancake/denny's style restaurant. Hopefully that description is helpful. It's fine, and it is clean - if you can't get in anywhere else, this would be a good alternative. About 2 1/2 blocks south of the apartment.
I'm a Dunkin' fan - I know you Starbucks lovers are probably rolling over with that comment. Hopefully, it doesn't affect my review! Actually, Caribou Coffee is my favorite. Peet's bought them out int he area. And if you are a Peet's fan, there is one down in Boystown on Halsted.
My new favorite coffee shop (that also serves coffee drinks) is the Coffee and Tea Exchange on Broadway down in Lakeview.
*This is the only Dunkin' Donuts in the city that does not sell whole bean coffee.
126 locals recommend
Dunkin'
2565 W Fullerton AveI'm a Dunkin' fan - I know you Starbucks lovers are probably rolling over with that comment. Hopefully, it doesn't affect my review! Actually, Caribou Coffee is my favorite. Peet's bought them out int he area. And if you are a Peet's fan, there is one down in Boystown on Halsted.
My new favorite coffee shop (that also serves coffee drinks) is the Coffee and Tea Exchange on Broadway down in Lakeview.
*This is the only Dunkin' Donuts in the city that does not sell whole bean coffee.
Open until 4AM - in Boystown. Looks like a hole in the wall and small. Food is beautiful and good. Good prices too. It is BYOB only.
6 locals recommend
Diva Thai & Sushi Bar
3542 N Halsted StOpen until 4AM - in Boystown. Looks like a hole in the wall and small. Food is beautiful and good. Good prices too. It is BYOB only.
Interesting place. It's in a garden apartment! There are only about 10 tables. I've never waited to get in but the menu is interesting and it's very kitschy. I do want to try this place. I've seen tables put together for large groups but I wouldn't recommend for parties larger than 4.
6 locals recommend
The Flower Flat
620 W Addison StInteresting place. It's in a garden apartment! There are only about 10 tables. I've never waited to get in but the menu is interesting and it's very kitschy. I do want to try this place. I've seen tables put together for large groups but I wouldn't recommend for parties larger than 4.
Largest candy shop I have seen in the area (Lakeview). There is a chocolate shop in Old Town of comparable size. It's across the street from The Coffee and Tea Exchange.
8 locals recommend
Windy City Sweets
3308 N BroadwayLargest candy shop I have seen in the area (Lakeview). There is a chocolate shop in Old Town of comparable size. It's across the street from The Coffee and Tea Exchange.
My favorite restaurant in Lincoln Park. it is literally like walking in to a California summer house. Bar opens to the street in the summer. They also have baked goods (mostly sweets). There is an adjacent bar and pizza place - but they do not share menus.
117 locals recommend
Summer House Santa Monica
1954 N Halsted StMy favorite restaurant in Lincoln Park. it is literally like walking in to a California summer house. Bar opens to the street in the summer. They also have baked goods (mostly sweets). There is an adjacent bar and pizza place - but they do not share menus.
Open early. Great drinks. They sell some pastries. Outdoor seating in the summer.
98 locals recommend
Dollop Coffee Co.
4181 N Clarendon AveOpen early. Great drinks. They sell some pastries. Outdoor seating in the summer.
Shopping
Personally, I like Treasure Island over Jewel (across the street). It is a European style grocer - so it may feel like an independent grocer (if you are familiar with those - if any are even left). The deli is small but the people are super friendly. Also they have a parking lot. P.S. Jewel across the street is open 24 hours and they also have a parking lot.
63 locals recommend
Treasure Island Foods
Personally, I like Treasure Island over Jewel (across the street). It is a European style grocer - so it may feel like an independent grocer (if you are familiar with those - if any are even left). The deli is small but the people are super friendly. Also they have a parking lot. P.S. Jewel across the street is open 24 hours and they also have a parking lot.
Closest Walgreens to the apartment and it's right next the Sheridan Red 'L'. Large, clean store.
123 locals recommend
Walgreens
953 W Irving Park RdClosest Walgreens to the apartment and it's right next the Sheridan Red 'L'. Large, clean store.
Large liquor store right below the Sheridan Red 'L' stop. There is no lounge - bummer. I keep asking the owner, Lee, where's the lounge? P.S. there is an ice maker built into the fridge.
Sheridan-Irving L Liquor Inc
3946 N Sheridan RdLarge liquor store right below the Sheridan Red 'L' stop. There is no lounge - bummer. I keep asking the owner, Lee, where's the lounge? P.S. there is an ice maker built into the fridge.
Lakeview Ace Hardware
3921 N Sheridan RdLocal hardware store. Right next to the Sheridan Red 'L'.
Getting Around
RED LINE SHERIDAN STOP
Red Line - about 3 blocks from apartment.
Entertainment & Activities
Comedy Club. I you get there early they will usually let you in early and you will get to sit and watch comedians practice with all the other comedians. They do get well known comedians to just show up randomly.
I don't see the 'Social' event - but if you see it- GO. It's hilarious.
Also, check Living Social and Groupon for discounted tickets.
79 locals recommend
Laugh Factory
3175 N BroadwayComedy Club. I you get there early they will usually let you in early and you will get to sit and watch comedians practice with all the other comedians. They do get well known comedians to just show up randomly.
I don't see the 'Social' event - but if you see it- GO. It's hilarious.
Also, check Living Social and Groupon for discounted tickets.
Drinks & Nightlife
Skip the observatory deck and just go to the lounge. There is also a coffee and dessert bar up there.
525 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveSkip the observatory deck and just go to the lounge. There is also a coffee and dessert bar up there.
Great BBQ. Great Music. Have outdoor seating and the bar opens out to the street as well.
116 locals recommend
Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division StGreat BBQ. Great Music. Have outdoor seating and the bar opens out to the street as well.
I have not been here yet - it's on my summer list. New premier hotel with 3 bars and a roof deck.
28 locals recommend
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
85 E Wacker DrI have not been here yet - it's on my summer list. New premier hotel with 3 bars and a roof deck.
Sightseeing
Skip the line and skip paying for the observatory deck and go to the Signature Lounge instead.
157 locals recommend
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan AvenueSkip the line and skip paying for the observatory deck and go to the Signature Lounge instead.
Everything Else
Chase Bank
2228 S Western AveI believe this is the closest Chase bank.