Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Cumin
1414 N Milwaukee AveGreat Indian Cuisine!
Serves chef Rick Bayless' take on Mexican street food, plus tap beers, margaritas and a patio.
39 locals recommend
Fonda Frontera
1471 North Milwaukee AvenueServes chef Rick Bayless' take on Mexican street food, plus tap beers, margaritas and a patio.
Enso Sushi & Bar
1613 N Damen AveGreat sushi and drinks!
Same owners as the near legendary Au Cheval, it's down the street and serving burgers, fries and adult beverages.
161 locals recommend
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveSame owners as the near legendary Au Cheval, it's down the street and serving burgers, fries and adult beverages.
Francesca's Fiore
7407 Madison StGreat wine selection, great bunch and delightful menu
Filter Cafe
1373 North Milwaukee AvenueFabulous coffee shop with food and free wifi. Great, eclectic decor.
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee AveGreat pancakes. The wait is usually long.
Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
1865 N Milwaukee AveGreat Costa Rican food. It's cash only.
Great, very authentic Italian food. Chef is Italian from Milan. Also fantastic wine list.
Sofi Restaurant
616 S Dearborn StGreat, very authentic Italian food. Chef is Italian from Milan. Also fantastic wine list.
Grand Lux Cafe
600 N Michigan AveAsk to sit near a window. Great views of Michigan Ave.
Highly recommend the afternoon tea service. Reservations are required: http://tipsycakeschicago.com/tipsy-tea/
TipsyCake
1944 North Damen AvenueHighly recommend the afternoon tea service. Reservations are required: http://tipsycakeschicago.com/tipsy-tea/
Drinks & Nightlife
Divey, hole in the wall place. This is our 'Cheers'. If Seth is working, tell him Mark and Hannah sent you.
7 locals recommend
SWIG
1469 N Milwaukee AveDivey, hole in the wall place. This is our 'Cheers'. If Seth is working, tell him Mark and Hannah sent you.
Best known for their craft cocktails and distinct Mad Men vibe. Channel your inner Don Draper and head over to what used to be an old bank vault. It's an experience. Tell them Mark Mering sent you.
58 locals recommend
The Bedford
1612 West Division StreetBest known for their craft cocktails and distinct Mad Men vibe. Channel your inner Don Draper and head over to what used to be an old bank vault. It's an experience. Tell them Mark Mering sent you.
It's a speak easy. There are no signs and the door is near invisible. Typically there is a line out the door. We love it there, though, and think the wait is worth it. Check out their website.
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveIt's a speak easy. There are no signs and the door is near invisible. Typically there is a line out the door. We love it there, though, and think the wait is worth it. Check out their website.
Great winery in the city. They also have a location on the river walk, weather permitting.
70 locals recommend
City Winery
1200 W Randolph StGreat winery in the city. They also have a location on the river walk, weather permitting.
This is a little far away. I would probably recommend taking a cab or an Uber. However, it's a Chicago institution for live music. http://greenmilljazz.com/
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayThis is a little far away. I would probably recommend taking a cab or an Uber. However, it's a Chicago institution for live music. http://greenmilljazz.com/
Everything Else
Another yoga studio I like practicing at but a little farther away. I recommend Marcelyn Cole's class or Lindsay Sisti's.
19 locals recommend
Moksha Yoga Center
2528 W Armitage AveAnother yoga studio I like practicing at but a little farther away. I recommend Marcelyn Cole's class or Lindsay Sisti's.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveDelicious and pretty well known!
Alliance Bakery
1736 W Division StGreat bakery!
Arts & Culture
Great live music. Great spot for after dinner at Grand Lux Cafe.
19 locals recommend
Redhead Piano Bar
16 W Ontario StGreat live music. Great spot for after dinner at Grand Lux Cafe.
We really enjoy the symphony and highly recommend all their shows
79 locals recommend
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan AveWe really enjoy the symphony and highly recommend all their shows
Essentials
Great little market to pick up a few things to have around the apartment.
64 locals recommend
Olivia's Market
2014 W Wabansia AveGreat little market to pick up a few things to have around the apartment.
If you want to do more extensive cooking or have more snacks around than just a few items, Mariano's is what we recommend.
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveIf you want to do more extensive cooking or have more snacks around than just a few items, Mariano's is what we recommend.