Guidebook for Chicago
Essentials
Great supermarket, lots of organics, a fab food court - but ask me about the $2 Whole Foods secret!
836 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StGreat supermarket, lots of organics, a fab food court - but ask me about the $2 Whole Foods secret!
Dominick's
424 West Division StreetBig chain supermarket
Wine and Booze Emporium. In another life this was Sam's Wine & Liquors, the largest supplier of Dom Perignon in the USA! If they don't have it, it isn't worth drinking. Unless it is Greek wine.
15 locals recommend
Binny's Beverage Depot
4901 W Irving Park RdWine and Booze Emporium. In another life this was Sam's Wine & Liquors, the largest supplier of Dom Perignon in the USA! If they don't have it, it isn't worth drinking. Unless it is Greek wine.
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyWe love Trader Joe's, the affordable alternative to WF
I never went to Aldi until I moved to Greece & shopped Lidl. This is the US version, really cheap no name food products & interesting imported stuff (their euro roots).
71 locals recommend
ALDI
2431 W Montrose AveI never went to Aldi until I moved to Greece & shopped Lidl. This is the US version, really cheap no name food products & interesting imported stuff (their euro roots).
Drinks & Nightlife
Sullys House
1501 N Dayton StBurgers, brews & sports - dine inside or out
The Black Duck Tavern & Grille
1800 N Halsted StCasual & friendly and open late
Sports games on the telly, live music several times a week - a rooftop terrace in the summer. And no need to drive or hail a taxi to get home. What's not to like?
10 locals recommend
Joe's on Weed St.
940 W Weed StSports games on the telly, live music several times a week - a rooftop terrace in the summer. And no need to drive or hail a taxi to get home. What's not to like?
Goose Island
Local brewery (and burgers)
Poetry slams, live music in the garden & really great beer specials make this a good stop for a nightcap on your way home.
7 locals recommend
Weeds Tavern
1555 N Dayton StPoetry slams, live music in the garden & really great beer specials make this a good stop for a nightcap on your way home.
Food Scene
Tomato Head Pizza Kitchen
823 West Eastman StreetDecent carryouts & casual, quick dine in - pizza by the slice, salads ....
Jimmy John's
51 W Division StDecent sandwich shop
Work of Art bakery was originally across the street from us and we woke to the smell of fresh bread: A lovely challenging start to the day! Now a cafe too with great breakfast/brunch.
6 locals recommend
Kingsbury Street Cafe
1523 North Kingsbury StreetWork of Art bakery was originally across the street from us and we woke to the smell of fresh bread: A lovely challenging start to the day! Now a cafe too with great breakfast/brunch.
Sono Wood Fired
800 South Clark StreetWood fired pizza, beer & wine - By one pizza get one on Tuesdays
Burgers and a bar. Just like the name says. Outdoor dining in the summer
18 locals recommend
Burger Bar Chicago - Lincoln Park
1578 North Clybourn AvenueBurgers and a bar. Just like the name says. Outdoor dining in the summer
Panera Bread
2 N Michigan AveFree wifi and tasty sandwiches, salads, bakery
Starbucks
210 W North AveCoffee & Wifi
Must be the largest Starbucks in the city: Open 24/7, fireplace in the middle and of course, WiFi
271 locals recommend
Starbucks
210 W North AveMust be the largest Starbucks in the city: Open 24/7, fireplace in the middle and of course, WiFi
1001 W North Ave
1001 West North AvenueCoffee, wifi, whatever ...
424 W Division St
424 West Division StreetCoffee, indoor and outdoor cafe
Alinea
1723 N Halsted StIt's always good to know where the nearest Radio Shack is.
Boka
1729 N Halsted StWe're home to a bunch of awarded restaurants, including Boka
Best just after the theaters all begin, and before they let out. Really good Italian food with friendly service
6 locals recommend
Vinci Restaurant
1732 N Halsted StBest just after the theaters all begin, and before they let out. Really good Italian food with friendly service
It's been there forever and Monday nights are all you can eat crab nights -- decent food, good beer & wine selection & always casual
King Crab
691 North Milwaukee AvenueIt's been there forever and Monday nights are all you can eat crab nights -- decent food, good beer & wine selection & always casual
Grab a cup to go at this compact little Starbucks at the North and Clybourn Red Line station
1599 N Clybourn Ave
1599 North Clybourn AvenueGrab a cup to go at this compact little Starbucks at the North and Clybourn Red Line station
Goose Island Brewhouse
1800 N Clybourn AveOld time favorite burgers, sandwiches and beer -
Family friendly, couple friendly, friend friendly. Killer margaritas & fajitas & homemade tortillas. If your group is big, call ahead - they are always busy.
17 locals recommend
Uncle Julio's Mexican From Scratch
855 W North AveFamily friendly, couple friendly, friend friendly. Killer margaritas & fajitas & homemade tortillas. If your group is big, call ahead - they are always busy.
Dunkin'
2565 W Fullerton AveFor those who want something other than Starbucks...
For those who want something other than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts and for the Californians visiting us.
25 locals recommend
Peet's Coffee
1000 W North AveFor those who want something other than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts and for the Californians visiting us.
They claim they've brought in special water from NY to boil their bagels. I'm not sure whether that is true (though it is kind of far fetched) but their bagels are way better than those chain places.
7 locals recommend
NYC Bagel Deli
1001 W North AveThey claim they've brought in special water from NY to boil their bagels. I'm not sure whether that is true (though it is kind of far fetched) but their bagels are way better than those chain places.
Fresh, tasty & budget friendly - dine in or carry out - simple menu with lots of options.
Olive Mediterranean Grill
1001 W North AveFresh, tasty & budget friendly - dine in or carry out - simple menu with lots of options.
Casual burger joint that a lot of folks love. It's ok and good for nourishment when you're contemplating a new fridge next door at Best Buy, else go to Burger Bar or Goose Island.
14 locals recommend
Epic Burger
1000 W North AveCasual burger joint that a lot of folks love. It's ok and good for nourishment when you're contemplating a new fridge next door at Best Buy, else go to Burger Bar or Goose Island.
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen
1625 N Halsted StLove their food, good prices, great service.
Love this place, the service is friendly (and fast if you're going to the theater) but book a table because they get crowded (not only on theater nights)
25 locals recommend
Balena - Temporarily Closed
3600 North Clark StreetLove this place, the service is friendly (and fast if you're going to the theater) but book a table because they get crowded (not only on theater nights)
Family friendly, good thin crust pizza (*not "Chicago" style). Great broasted chicken, too.
Marcello's Restaurant
Family friendly, good thin crust pizza (*not "Chicago" style). Great broasted chicken, too.
Shopping
REI
905 W Eastman StEverybody's favorite recreational outfitter ... and great clothes & shoes for everyday, too
Apple Lincoln Park
801 W North AveEverybody's favorite adult toy store
Crate and Barrel
850 W North AveHousewares, furniture, and just fun browsing. The original IKEA.
The Container Store
908 W North AveNeed a box? Or a bag? Or an organizing idea? It's here.
1001 W Weed St
1001 West Weed StreetComing very soon to Weed Street -
SEPHORA
938 W North AveForget your eyeliner? It's here.
Housewares, and interesting wedding gifts if you've come for a wedding and forgotten a gift
Restoration Hardware - Closed
938 W North AveHousewares, and interesting wedding gifts if you've come for a wedding and forgotten a gift
Crate and Barrel Outlet
1860 W Jefferson AveThe "younger" version of the big Crate and Barrel across the street.
Coming from abroad and need a pay as you go plan - Unlock your cell before heading across the pond and then gran a local number from here.
T-Mobile
824 W North AveComing from abroad and need a pay as you go plan - Unlock your cell before heading across the pond and then gran a local number from here.
west elm
1000 W North AveSome people love this place, great fun home furnishings store - fun to browse
Need a cable or want to buy a "disposable" phone with a local Chicago number for your trip? This is the place.
21 locals recommend
Best Buy
1000 W North AveNeed a cable or want to buy a "disposable" phone with a local Chicago number for your trip? This is the place.
Always know where you closest pharmacy is (we have a first aid kit in the apartment, but for things that require a prescription or for more targeted over the counter stuff....
142 locals recommend
CVS
771 N Ogden AveAlways know where you closest pharmacy is (we have a first aid kit in the apartment, but for things that require a prescription or for more targeted over the counter stuff....
Am I too old or to disinterested to know who shops here? Yep! But its always busy with clothes hunters.
8 locals recommend
Express
913-49 W North AveAm I too old or to disinterested to know who shops here? Yep! But its always busy with clothes hunters.
Everything Else
MICHAEL ANTHONY
Salon, spa ... best pedicures around town
XSport Fitness
2310 W Logan Blvd24 hour gym with day passes & swimming pool
Citibank
539 N Michigan AveIn case you need cash & bank at Citi
Arts & Culture
Piper's Alley
230 W North AveImprov and Comedy
The Second City
230 W North AveDo I really need an excuse for recommending Second City?
Two theater spaces & a garage theater space mean you can almost always see something good on stage at Steppenwolf when visiting Chicago.
109 locals recommend
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N Halsted StTwo theater spaces & a garage theater space mean you can almost always see something good on stage at Steppenwolf when visiting Chicago.
Three theaters in one: A variety of shows pass through here. I love their main stage - not too small, not too big and no bad seat in the house.
10 locals recommend
Royal George Theatre
1641 N Halsted StThree theaters in one: A variety of shows pass through here. I love their main stage - not too small, not too big and no bad seat in the house.