Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Chicago's steakhouse tradition may be best experienced at Gibson's, the swanky Gold Coast institution that Eater readers voted the best steakhouse in America's meatiest city.
146 locals recommend
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N Rush StChicago's steakhouse tradition may be best experienced at Gibson's, the swanky Gold Coast institution that Eater readers voted the best steakhouse in America's meatiest city.
Brendan Sodikoff's French-inspired steakhouse takes Chicago's meaty history and adds an array of bone marrow, foie gras, and craft cocktails inside perhaps the sexiest room in Chicago.
79 locals recommend
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie StBrendan Sodikoff's French-inspired steakhouse takes Chicago's meaty history and adds an array of bone marrow, foie gras, and craft cocktails inside perhaps the sexiest room in Chicago.
Rick Bayless' Mexican haven, including Xoco on the corner, is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end.
38 locals recommend
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark StRick Bayless' Mexican haven, including Xoco on the corner, is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end.
There's much more than schnitzel and spaetzle at Boho, which, under the direction of chef Jimmy Papadopolous, honors Chicago's extensive Eastern European heritage with some of the most creative dishes
13 locals recommend
Bohemian House
11 W Illinois StThere's much more than schnitzel and spaetzle at Boho, which, under the direction of chef Jimmy Papadopolous, honors Chicago's extensive Eastern European heritage with some of the most creative dishes
Superstar Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio's 1st foray into the Chicago scene has produced top-notch results. Chinese/Japanese influences mingle with Spanish flavors seamlessly and Pisco-heavy drinks
33 locals recommend
Tanta Chicago
118 W Grand AveSuperstar Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio's 1st foray into the Chicago scene has produced top-notch results. Chinese/Japanese influences mingle with Spanish flavors seamlessly and Pisco-heavy drinks
Even though chef Koren Grieveson left and Erling Wu-Bower moved to Nico Osteria, avec and chef Perry Hendrix remains one of the most consistent—and packed—spots in town.
87 locals recommend
avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph StEven though chef Koren Grieveson left and Erling Wu-Bower moved to Nico Osteria, avec and chef Perry Hendrix remains one of the most consistent—and packed—spots in town.
Some may decry this as a hipster diner, but the quality of food—crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy; foie gras, scrambled eggs and toast; and those tasty griddled burger with great cocktails
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StSome may decry this as a hipster diner, but the quality of food—crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy; foie gras, scrambled eggs and toast; and those tasty griddled burger with great cocktails
The gorgeous, expansive Japanese restaurant from the Boka Group serves nearly every style of Japanese food and drink one could imagine -- and does them all well.
48 locals recommend
Momotaro
820 W Lake StThe gorgeous, expansive Japanese restaurant from the Boka Group serves nearly every style of Japanese food and drink one could imagine -- and does them all well.
Cellar lounge, 1st-floor bar (with one of the largest chandeliers in the world) upstairs fine-dining restaurant with a menu of upscale American fare and fine wine.
7 locals recommend
The Boarding House
720 North Wells StreetCellar lounge, 1st-floor bar (with one of the largest chandeliers in the world) upstairs fine-dining restaurant with a menu of upscale American fare and fine wine.
The casual bar version of Siena Tavern on Randolph Street is constantly busy with West Loop revelers seeking cocktails and Fabio Viviani's pizza.
47 locals recommend
Bar Siena
832 W Randolph StThe casual bar version of Siena Tavern on Randolph Street is constantly busy with West Loop revelers seeking cocktails and Fabio Viviani's pizza.
Sightseeing
Be sure to stop for drinks at The Signature Room on the 95th floor!
157 locals recommend
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan AvenueBe sure to stop for drinks at The Signature Room on the 95th floor!
Shopping
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
N/S Strip of the best shopping!
Chef Mario Batali's sprawling, modern outpost featuring a range of Italian eateries & food markets.
140 locals recommend
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio StChef Mario Batali's sprawling, modern outpost featuring a range of Italian eateries & food markets.
Sprawling, stylish food hall featuring a range of Latin-inspired eateries & a market in lofty digs.
10 locals recommend
Latinicity
108 N State StSprawling, stylish food hall featuring a range of Latin-inspired eateries & a market in lofty digs.
Entertainment & Activities
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveDestination-Famous Family Fun
AMC River East 21
322 E Illinois StOffers a movie theatre, modern arcade and bowling ally!
Drinks & Nightlife
Try the Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned, "Da Mickey Finn Bird," the "Chicago Politics" that's like a Thai curry served in a brass pineapple, and the food.
8 locals recommend
Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago
19 E Ohio StTry the Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned, "Da Mickey Finn Bird," the "Chicago Politics" that's like a Thai curry served in a brass pineapple, and the food.
With its September 17 opening, Greenriver brings an NYC superstar collaboration to Chicago from Danny Meyer's Union Square Events and the team behind heralded bar The Dead Rabbit.
11 locals recommend
GreenRiver
259 East Erie StreetWith its September 17 opening, Greenriver brings an NYC superstar collaboration to Chicago from Danny Meyer's Union Square Events and the team behind heralded bar The Dead Rabbit.
Recently joining the many other fun drinking and eating spots in the gorgeous Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Milk Room is a cocktail adventure rarely experienced anywhere.
7 locals recommend
The Milk Room
12 South Michigan AvenueRecently joining the many other fun drinking and eating spots in the gorgeous Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Milk Room is a cocktail adventure rarely experienced anywhere.
A cocktail bar both retro-trendy and sophisticated enough for hipper neighborhoods, the swanky Gold Coast has one of the best new bars in town with the Cuban hotel-themed Sparrow.
Sparrow
12 W Elm StA cocktail bar both retro-trendy and sophisticated enough for hipper neighborhoods, the swanky Gold Coast has one of the best new bars in town with the Cuban hotel-themed Sparrow.
A secret bar below Sushi Dokku serves Japanese draft beer, cold draft sake, cocktails and Japanese snacks in a speakeasy-style space.
21 locals recommend
Booze Box
823 W Randolph StA secret bar below Sushi Dokku serves Japanese draft beer, cold draft sake, cocktails and Japanese snacks in a speakeasy-style space.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StLarge grocery chain offer the finest organic foods