Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Intelligentsia Coffee Broadway Coffeebar
3123 N BroadwayThis is seafood-focused Spanish tapas restaurant has amazing food & killer cocktails.
8 locals recommend
mfk. restaurant
432 W Diversey PkwyThis is seafood-focused Spanish tapas restaurant has amazing food & killer cocktails.
For the perfect brunch just blocks away from my apartment. Hard to go wrong here but don't miss the Bircher Muesli and Alaskan Crab Benedict.
19 locals recommend
Mortar and Pestle
3108 N BroadwayFor the perfect brunch just blocks away from my apartment. Hard to go wrong here but don't miss the Bircher Muesli and Alaskan Crab Benedict.
For a perfect Peruvian meal and pisco sour in River North. One of my favorite bites of all time is their nigiri with beef and quail egg on it.
33 locals recommend
Tanta Chicago
118 W Grand AveFor a perfect Peruvian meal and pisco sour in River North. One of my favorite bites of all time is their nigiri with beef and quail egg on it.
In walking distance to my apartment-great rotating menu of Mexican shared plates; BYOB and food is sourced locally!
31 locals recommend
Chilam Balam
3023 N BroadwayIn walking distance to my apartment-great rotating menu of Mexican shared plates; BYOB and food is sourced locally!
Another great restaurant in walking distance of my apartment. Great wine list and Italian food. Don't skip the burrata.
19 locals recommend
Ceres' Table
3124 N BroadwayAnother great restaurant in walking distance of my apartment. Great wine list and Italian food. Don't skip the burrata.
Great place to pick up cheeses, a baguette, wine and jam. Staff is knowledgable and very helpful. Perfect for a picnic in the park!
44 locals recommend
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
2945 N BroadwayGreat place to pick up cheeses, a baguette, wine and jam. Staff is knowledgable and very helpful. Perfect for a picnic in the park!
Publican has become a Chicago classic and is not always easy to get into. Their meat-focused menu and communal seating make for a great night. I live for the pork rinds. (Publican Anker in Bucktown is equally good but with a seafood focus and PQM is great for if you just need a sandwhich to go.)
97 locals recommend
The Publican
837 W Fulton MarketPublican has become a Chicago classic and is not always easy to get into. Their meat-focused menu and communal seating make for a great night. I live for the pork rinds. (Publican Anker in Bucktown is equally good but with a seafood focus and PQM is great for if you just need a sandwhich to go.)
Underrated wine bar with phenomenal food. The charcuterie board and wine list are my go to but the burger and anything else I've ever tried here have never disappointed me.
173 locals recommend
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
954 North California AvenueUnderrated wine bar with phenomenal food. The charcuterie board and wine list are my go to but the burger and anything else I've ever tried here have never disappointed me.
Drinks & Nightlife
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StFor live blues all night... very casual.
This gorgeous hotel has so much to offer. The top floor, Cindy's, has unbeatably good cocktails and amazing views of the city. The second floor has the Library Room--romantic and cozy--perfect for a cold night; the Game Room--where you can play pool or life-size backgammon; and Cherry Circle Room--if you're into a very swanky french meal complete with a traveling bar cart and all (don't skip the beef tartare).
53 locals recommend
Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan AveThis gorgeous hotel has so much to offer. The top floor, Cindy's, has unbeatably good cocktails and amazing views of the city. The second floor has the Library Room--romantic and cozy--perfect for a cold night; the Game Room--where you can play pool or life-size backgammon; and Cherry Circle Room--if you're into a very swanky french meal complete with a traveling bar cart and all (don't skip the beef tartare).
Some the most beautiful views of the city. This place a little off the beaten path for a tourist. It's barely a year old but always packed on the weekends. Always make a reservation but, trust me, its worth it.
51 locals recommend
The Robey
2018 W North AveSome the most beautiful views of the city. This place a little off the beaten path for a tourist. It's barely a year old but always packed on the weekends. Always make a reservation but, trust me, its worth it.
Arts & Culture
We are truly lucky to have this gem in Chicago. If you have an inclination for art you cannot miss this. Second largest French Impressionist collection in the world.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveWe are truly lucky to have this gem in Chicago. If you have an inclination for art you cannot miss this. Second largest French Impressionist collection in the world.
Rhona Hoffman Gallery
1711 West Chicago AvenueGetting Around
Broadway & Barry station
Divvy
Shopping
For a luxury with uniquely curated collection of clothes, homewares, cookbooks and natural skincare.
SPACE 519
200 E Chestnut StFor a luxury with uniquely curated collection of clothes, homewares, cookbooks and natural skincare.
The Gallery Bookstore Ltd
923 W Belmont AveHole-in-the wall used book store off the Red Line
Everything Else
Allyu Spa
600 W Chicago AveJust a relaxing albeit expensive day at the spa.