Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Chicago deep dish with a twist...they crisp the cheesy crust on the outside!
536 locals recommend
Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueChicago deep dish with a twist...they crisp the cheesy crust on the outside!
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston AveIt's all in the name...
I'm not good at picking favorites but some say "best burger in Chicago" and it's really darn good. Can experience 2-3 hour wait during dinner rush so put your name in and head to a bar in the vicinity or Haymarket Brewery for an excellent beer selection. Small Cheval in Wicker Park also has the burgers, with a more laid back atmosphere.
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StI'm not good at picking favorites but some say "best burger in Chicago" and it's really darn good. Can experience 2-3 hour wait during dinner rush so put your name in and head to a bar in the vicinity or Haymarket Brewery for an excellent beer selection. Small Cheval in Wicker Park also has the burgers, with a more laid back atmosphere.
3 Arts Club Cafe
1300 N Dearborn StThe most gorgeous cafe I've ever seen (google it!)
The first reference to the “brownie” in America appeared in the Sears Roebuck Catalog published in Chicago in 1898. Try the original brownie at this opulent art deco lobby cafe!
Lockwood Restaurant & Bar
17 E Monroe StThe first reference to the “brownie” in America appeared in the Sears Roebuck Catalog published in Chicago in 1898. Try the original brownie at this opulent art deco lobby cafe!
Argyle station
Tasty Vietnamese food options
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
1000 N California AveNot just dessert, go for breakfast!
Mr. Beef On Orleans
666 N Orleans StClassic Chicago Italian beef
Parks & Nature
Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrBeautiful park with walking/bike paths and lagoon.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveAbsolutely stunning! Get lost in the greenery!
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StFree zoo in a nice neighborhood by the lake
Essentials
Armitage Produce
3334 W Armitage AveSightseeing
Note: The Signature Room (95th floor) is an expensive restaurant and you should have a reservation. The Signature Lounge (96th floor) is open to the public and you can get the best city views for a much lower price and no need to make it a meal time (they have $8 beers and $16 cocktails I think).
525 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveNote: The Signature Room (95th floor) is an expensive restaurant and you should have a reservation. The Signature Lounge (96th floor) is open to the public and you can get the best city views for a much lower price and no need to make it a meal time (they have $8 beers and $16 cocktails I think).
Drinks & Nightlife
One of my favorite clubs for techno/tech house music. Sound-Bar across the street is also good for trance music.
19 locals recommend
Spybar
646 N Franklin StOne of my favorite clubs for techno/tech house music. Sound-Bar across the street is also good for trance music.
400-person capacity Chicago house music mainstay since 1982. Located by Wrigley Field and underneath Metro rock venue. Laid back vibes, great underground music.
44 locals recommend
Smartbar
3730 N Clark St400-person capacity Chicago house music mainstay since 1982. Located by Wrigley Field and underneath Metro rock venue. Laid back vibes, great underground music.
Expensive but delicious drinks and exquisite decor atop the Chicago Athletic Association building. Amazing views down Michigan Ave. Expect a wait to take the elevator up. An alternative is to visit the Game Room on the 2nd floor where you'll find full size bocce, shuffleboard and multiple bars.
139 locals recommend
Cindy's
12 S Michigan AveExpensive but delicious drinks and exquisite decor atop the Chicago Athletic Association building. Amazing views down Michigan Ave. Expect a wait to take the elevator up. An alternative is to visit the Game Room on the 2nd floor where you'll find full size bocce, shuffleboard and multiple bars.
Entertainment & Activities
Largest beach, volleyball nets in the summer. Can get crowded if weather is nice. You can also walk to Oak Street Beach from here which is smaller and nestled in the city along Lake Shore Drive to the South.
44 locals recommend
North Avenue Beach station
Largest beach, volleyball nets in the summer. Can get crowded if weather is nice. You can also walk to Oak Street Beach from here which is smaller and nestled in the city along Lake Shore Drive to the South.