Molly’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
This is the neighborhood you'll be staying in. It is a working class neighborhood that was occupied by Lithuanian immigrants, and others, who worked at the nearby stockyards at the turn-of-the-century. Italian and Irish immigrants soon followed. It became a hotbed of political activity and was home to Chicago's legendary political family, the Daleys.
The area has long been known for drinking (look around: the corner street-level "homes" with entrances on the corner were once bars) are there are still some places you should check out:
Shinnick's Pub (one of the oldest bars in the city)
Maria's (great beer selection)
Marz Brewing
Good eats in the neighborhood include:
The Duck Inn (higher end American fare, great cocktails...go with a friend and get the duck!)
Antique Taco (2nd location of this "fancy" taco place)
Martinez Supermercado (in the back they have a food counter - the burritos are enormous and delicious)
Northern City Chinese (although Chinatown is close, this area has some of the best northern Chinese food)
Walks (with your dog, or without):
Wilson Park (right at the end of the block on May & 34th Place) Along the river (walk west on 32nd Place and you'll bump into the river, this area was formerly known as Bubbly Creek, but has been cleaned up a bit and you'll sometimes catch the UofC rowing teams practicing)
Palmisano Park - an old quarry, dogs aren't allowed (sorry)
Other things to do:
Brideport Art Center (galleries, sculpture garden, coffee, Maritime Museum)
Co-Prosperity Sphere (gallery and local shows)
Guaranteed Rate Field (aka Sox Park aka Comiskey)
19 locals recommend
Bridgeport
This is the neighborhood you'll be staying in. It is a working class neighborhood that was occupied by Lithuanian immigrants, and others, who worked at the nearby stockyards at the turn-of-the-century. Italian and Irish immigrants soon followed. It became a hotbed of political activity and was home to Chicago's legendary political family, the Daleys.
The area has long been known for drinking (look around: the corner street-level "homes" with entrances on the corner were once bars) are there are still some places you should check out:
Shinnick's Pub (one of the oldest bars in the city)
Maria's (great beer selection)
Marz Brewing
Good eats in the neighborhood include:
The Duck Inn (higher end American fare, great cocktails...go with a friend and get the duck!)
Antique Taco (2nd location of this "fancy" taco place)
Martinez Supermercado (in the back they have a food counter - the burritos are enormous and delicious)
Northern City Chinese (although Chinatown is close, this area has some of the best northern Chinese food)
Walks (with your dog, or without):
Wilson Park (right at the end of the block on May & 34th Place) Along the river (walk west on 32nd Place and you'll bump into the river, this area was formerly known as Bubbly Creek, but has been cleaned up a bit and you'll sometimes catch the UofC rowing teams practicing)
Palmisano Park - an old quarry, dogs aren't allowed (sorry)
Other things to do:
Brideport Art Center (galleries, sculpture garden, coffee, Maritime Museum)
Co-Prosperity Sphere (gallery and local shows)
Guaranteed Rate Field (aka Sox Park aka Comiskey)
Just north of Bridgeport is Pilsen. Historically a Czech and then Mexican neighborhood, Pilsen is home to many of the areas greatest tortillerias (like El Milagro) and taquerias. It's a hot neighborhood these days and there are tons of restaurants, bars, and breweries. Make sure you walk around and check out all of the murals!
My favorite eats:
Birreria Reyes de Ocotlan
Azul 18 (chilaquiles = breakfast of champions)
Spoke & Bird (delicious bagels and other baked goods)
La Providencia Grocery (food truck parks outside on weekends - homemade quesadillas - as in the tortillas are made to order!)
Pleasant House (Savory British pies and great beer/cider)
Casa Indigo (you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu)
My favorite drinks:
Cucumber margarita at La Vaca
Punches at Punch House (also, if you go in the fall/winter, get the fondue!)
Beers at Alulu Brewery (they always change)
103 locals recommend
Pilsen
Just north of Bridgeport is Pilsen. Historically a Czech and then Mexican neighborhood, Pilsen is home to many of the areas greatest tortillerias (like El Milagro) and taquerias. It's a hot neighborhood these days and there are tons of restaurants, bars, and breweries. Make sure you walk around and check out all of the murals!
My favorite eats:
Birreria Reyes de Ocotlan
Azul 18 (chilaquiles = breakfast of champions)
Spoke & Bird (delicious bagels and other baked goods)
La Providencia Grocery (food truck parks outside on weekends - homemade quesadillas - as in the tortillas are made to order!)
Pleasant House (Savory British pies and great beer/cider)
Casa Indigo (you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu)
My favorite drinks:
Cucumber margarita at La Vaca
Punches at Punch House (also, if you go in the fall/winter, get the fondue!)
Beers at Alulu Brewery (they always change)
Sightseeing
Beautiful building that you can take a self-tour of for FREE. Hosts rotating art exhibits (also FREE).
203 locals recommend
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington StBeautiful building that you can take a self-tour of for FREE. Hosts rotating art exhibits (also FREE).
Great local tour company that offers walking tours of downtown and historic neighborhoods. The woman who runs it used to work with Rick Steves so you know she knows her shit.
Chicago Detours Tour Company
51 W Jackson BlvdGreat local tour company that offers walking tours of downtown and historic neighborhoods. The woman who runs it used to work with Rick Steves so you know she knows her shit.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StIt's a free zoo...enough said.
Food scene
One of my favorites for locally sourced food. Monday night farm dinners showcase what they do best, but any day is a good day to go!
936 locals recommend
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie BlvdOne of my favorites for locally sourced food. Monday night farm dinners showcase what they do best, but any day is a good day to go!
One of Chicago's pioneers in craft beer...explore beyond Daisy Cutter and you won't be disappointed.
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayOne of Chicago's pioneers in craft beer...explore beyond Daisy Cutter and you won't be disappointed.
Everyone's heard of Rick Bayless, right? The hype is true...still one of my favorite restaurants (save a bit of money and go to Frontera, the casual sister restaurant).
11 locals recommend
Topolobampo
445 N Clark StEveryone's heard of Rick Bayless, right? The hype is true...still one of my favorite restaurants (save a bit of money and go to Frontera, the casual sister restaurant).
There are so many great burgers in this meat-loving town, but this is my closest, quickest favorite.
17 locals recommend
The Burger Point
1900 South State StreetThere are so many great burgers in this meat-loving town, but this is my closest, quickest favorite.
Strings Ramen Shop
2141 S Archer AveMy favorite ramen
Shop, people-watch, eat...enjoy this market on Sundays all summer long.
135 locals recommend
Logan Square Farmers Market
3025-3113 West Logan BoulevardShop, people-watch, eat...enjoy this market on Sundays all summer long.
There are so many to choose from, but this is one of my favorite deep dish (not STUFFED) pizzas in the city.
536 locals recommend
Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueThere are so many to choose from, but this is one of my favorite deep dish (not STUFFED) pizzas in the city.
So many baked goods, so little time. If they have them, please get a canele and thank me later.
49 locals recommend
Floriole Cafe & Bakery
1220 W Webster AveSo many baked goods, so little time. If they have them, please get a canele and thank me later.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AvePie & Biscuits? Need I say more?
Lem's Bar-B-Q
311 E 75th StWant real Chicago bbq? Go here.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston AveNot Southern, not necessarily "authentic", just good.
Entertainment
Great venue for intimate music shows and good wine...not a Chicago original, but don't hold that against it.
70 locals recommend
City Winery
1200 W Randolph StGreat venue for intimate music shows and good wine...not a Chicago original, but don't hold that against it.
A great local venue...catch a show, a beer, or one of their special events (Veggie Bingo anyone?).
64 locals recommend
The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia AveA great local venue...catch a show, a beer, or one of their special events (Veggie Bingo anyone?).
For the dogs
There is an off-leash dog beach on the north side of Montrose Beach (actually at Wilson). If your dog has a lot of energy and needs a run, take them here. If you just want to be around a bunch of happy pups, visit yourself.
297 locals recommend
Montrose Beach
There is an off-leash dog beach on the north side of Montrose Beach (actually at Wilson). If your dog has a lot of energy and needs a run, take them here. If you just want to be around a bunch of happy pups, visit yourself.
A good walk (2 miles) for your dog, followed by a good beer for you.
12 locals recommend
Whiner Beer Company
1400 W 46th StA good walk (2 miles) for your dog, followed by a good beer for you.
Forget treats or want to grab a new toy? Check out this local shop...within walking distance.
Bark N' Bites
702 W 35th StForget treats or want to grab a new toy? Check out this local shop...within walking distance.
Places to chill
AIRE Ancient Baths
800 W Superior StExpensive, but so relaxing.
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary