Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
El Barco is a Mexican restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. It doesn't look like much from the outside but you will be impressed with the tequila wall and the food. One of my favorites!
32 locals recommend
El Barco Mariscos
1035 N Ashland AveEl Barco is a Mexican restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. It doesn't look like much from the outside but you will be impressed with the tequila wall and the food. One of my favorites!
West Town Bakery & Diner
1916 W Chicago AveWest Town Bakery & Diner is the perfect spot for brunch
The only coal fire oven in Chicago! Not your classic Chicago style deep dish pizza but it's a great thin crust alternative.
97 locals recommend
Coalfire
1321 W Grand AveThe only coal fire oven in Chicago! Not your classic Chicago style deep dish pizza but it's a great thin crust alternative.
Oiistar
1385 N Milwaukee AveAmazing ramen and fabulous sangria!
Two words...soup dumplings. One of the only restaurants in Chicago that makes them and they're one of my favorite foods on the planet. I've had 80% of their dishes and have never been disappointed.
Lao Shanghai
2163 S China PlTwo words...soup dumplings. One of the only restaurants in Chicago that makes them and they're one of my favorite foods on the planet. I've had 80% of their dishes and have never been disappointed.
I actually haven't been yet but my friends have been telling me that I have to go. Will be trying it soon!
117 locals recommend
Summer House Santa Monica
1954 N Halsted StI actually haven't been yet but my friends have been telling me that I have to go. Will be trying it soon!
Great place for brunch. I always order the sage fried chicken and waffles.
22 locals recommend
Hash House a Go Go
Great place for brunch. I always order the sage fried chicken and waffles.
Higher end restaurant with a fantastic small plates menu. If you can't get a reservation, they let you standby at the bar in case they have a cancellation.
496 locals recommend
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StHigher end restaurant with a fantastic small plates menu. If you can't get a reservation, they let you standby at the bar in case they have a cancellation.
One of my favorite burger bars in the city, I recommend the blue cheese burger. Plus they always have a milkshake of the month.
65 locals recommend
DMK Burger Bar
2954 N Sheffield AveOne of my favorite burger bars in the city, I recommend the blue cheese burger. Plus they always have a milkshake of the month.
Chef Bill Kim's casual restaurant that delivers! The Asian Bolognese is my favorite dish but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
36 locals recommend
Urbanbelly
1542 N Damen AveChef Bill Kim's casual restaurant that delivers! The Asian Bolognese is my favorite dish but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Café Iberico
737 N LaSalle DrTapas and sangria, fun atmosphere and great location.
Drinks & Nightlife
I love Five Star because they have great beer specials, it's close to my house and their food is well above the average bar food. Try the grilled cheese!
53 locals recommend
Five Star Bar
1424 W Chicago AveI love Five Star because they have great beer specials, it's close to my house and their food is well above the average bar food. Try the grilled cheese!
Karaoke without a stage that isn't intimidating. Just a load of fun and a large beer menu. And free popcorn.
50 locals recommend
Lottie's Pub
1925 W Cortland StKaraoke without a stage that isn't intimidating. Just a load of fun and a large beer menu. And free popcorn.
Essentials
Incredibly low prices in the city and they have just about anything you need, except alcohol. Plus you can take the Chicago Ave bus (#66) door to door.
7 locals recommend
Walmart Express
225 West Chicago AvenueIncredibly low prices in the city and they have just about anything you need, except alcohol. Plus you can take the Chicago Ave bus (#66) door to door.
New high end grocery store and you can take the Chicago Ave bus (#66) door to door.
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveNew high end grocery store and you can take the Chicago Ave bus (#66) door to door.
Shopping
CVS
771 N Ogden AveConvenient location and they carry liquor.
Arts & Culture
I recently kayaked on their "architectural" tour (bit of a stretch). None the less, it was a REALLY fun time and the guides were hilarious. A different and active way to view the city.
9 locals recommend
Kayak Chicago
1220 N Magnolia AveI recently kayaked on their "architectural" tour (bit of a stretch). None the less, it was a REALLY fun time and the guides were hilarious. A different and active way to view the city.