Guidebook for Chicago
Essentials
Mariano's
3358 W Touhy AveTarget
4466 N BroadwayThe Target on Peterson is a little nicer depending on what you need. If you’re just looking for basics (i.e. forgot your toothpaste, this one is closer to us.
394 locals recommend
Target
4466 N Broadway The Target on Peterson is a little nicer depending on what you need. If you’re just looking for basics (i.e. forgot your toothpaste, this one is closer to us.
Food Scene
Amazing bahn mi sandwiches! I usually get the avocado/ vegetarian, but I’m sure the others are just as good.
9 locals recommend
Banh Mi & Co
3227 N BroadwayAmazing bahn mi sandwiches! I usually get the avocado/ vegetarian, but I’m sure the others are just as good.
Band of Bohemia
4710 N Ravenswood Ave If you are a foodie, this is definitely the place for you.
Heritage Outpost
1325 W Wilson AveOne of my favorite brunch places in the city. Wonderful selection of both savory and sweet!
91 locals recommend
The Bongo Room
5022 N Clark StOne of my favorite brunch places in the city. Wonderful selection of both savory and sweet!
Sweet Mandy B's
1208 W Webster Ave Seriously some of the best cupcakes and sweets imaginable.
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark St Bar restaurant with excellent food.
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveGreat food and beer selection. One of my favorite places to go when I’m downtown.
49 locals recommend
The Gage
24 S Michigan Ave Great food and beer selection. One of my favorite places to go when I’m downtown.
A place my family likes to go to for birthday, etc., brunches/dinners. The food is incredible and the staff/sommeliers are knowledgeable and friendly.
13 locals recommend
Cherry Circle Room
12 S Michigan Ave A place my family likes to go to for birthday, etc., brunches/dinners. The food is incredible and the staff/sommeliers are knowledgeable and friendly.
Getting Around
Lawrence Red Line Station
Drinks & Nightlife
One of the best beer bars in the city if you’re a beer connoisseur. I used to live in this neighborhood and the staff is always friendly and usually willing to give you a sample if you’re uncertain about your selection.
119 locals recommend
Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave One of the best beer bars in the city if you’re a beer connoisseur. I used to live in this neighborhood and the staff is always friendly and usually willing to give you a sample if you’re uncertain about your selection.
Schubas Tavern
3159 N Southport AveOne of the best intimate music venues in the city.
Good pub fare and decent drink selection. Monday night $5 burger special.
58 locals recommend
Fat Cat Restaurant & Bar
4840 N BroadwayGood pub fare and decent drink selection. Monday night $5 burger special.
If you’re a blues fan, highly recommend Kingston Mines. Will be a cover, usually $10-20 I believe.
458 locals recommend
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StIf you’re a blues fan, highly recommend Kingston Mines. Will be a cover, usually $10-20 I believe.
Cindy's
12 S Michigan AveArts & Culture
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveMuseum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveParks & Nature
Might be a little less crowded/more residents than tourists because this is the only beach in the area that doesn't have a parking lot nearby.
96 locals recommend
Kathy Osterman Beach House
5800 N Lake Shore Dr Might be a little less crowded/more residents than tourists because this is the only beach in the area that doesn't have a parking lot nearby.
Foster Beach
Good for volleyball or just laying out. Walkable from our building.
Love the view of the city and skyline from here. Driving distance from our apartment. If you have bikes and don’t mind the ride, you can take the lakefront paths to get there.
338 locals recommend
North Avenue Beach
Love the view of the city and skyline from here. Driving distance from our apartment. If you have bikes and don’t mind the ride, you can take the lakefront paths to get there.
Montrose Beach
Sightseeing
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveStunning views while enjoying a cocktail or two.