Guidebook for Chicago
Drinks & Nightlife
Fantastic speakeasy, recently named the best cocktail bar in the USA! Sometimes hard to find amidst the ever-changing wall mural, Violet Hour is a dark, sumptuously appointed retreat from the harsh world outside, attended by nattily dressed barkeeps who exhibit a balletic facility with jigger, shaker, and glass. (Chicago Reader) Dress code always in place: no sneakers, no t-shirts, no hats. Also, no phones!
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveFantastic speakeasy, recently named the best cocktail bar in the USA! Sometimes hard to find amidst the ever-changing wall mural, Violet Hour is a dark, sumptuously appointed retreat from the harsh world outside, attended by nattily dressed barkeeps who exhibit a balletic facility with jigger, shaker, and glass. (Chicago Reader) Dress code always in place: no sneakers, no t-shirts, no hats. Also, no phones!
Lemmings is a neighborhood staple that won't be crowded or over-populated with tourists. It's a nice local bar worth stopping at if you're wanting a quieter scene. Solid brews, great staff, never over-priced.
11 locals recommend
Lemmings On Damen
1850 N Damen AveLemmings is a neighborhood staple that won't be crowded or over-populated with tourists. It's a nice local bar worth stopping at if you're wanting a quieter scene. Solid brews, great staff, never over-priced.
Wicker Park icon, has been a live music venue for over 20 years. Double Door has shaped the neighborhood's vibrant music scene for decades. ALL your favourite bands have payed here!
62 locals recommend
Double Door
Wicker Park icon, has been a live music venue for over 20 years. Double Door has shaped the neighborhood's vibrant music scene for decades. ALL your favourite bands have payed here!
Two-floor venue with a variety of live entertainment from musicians to DJs to burlesque dancers. Reggae night will draw huge crowds - expect to wait in line, but fun is guaranteed!
57 locals recommend
Subterranean
2011 W North AveTwo-floor venue with a variety of live entertainment from musicians to DJs to burlesque dancers. Reggae night will draw huge crowds - expect to wait in line, but fun is guaranteed!
Casual beer-focused bar & garden with jukebox, billiards & weekend live music with no cover charge.
14 locals recommend
Nick's Beer Garden
1516 N Milwaukee AveCasual beer-focused bar & garden with jukebox, billiards & weekend live music with no cover charge.
Trendy yet laid-back bar featuring incredibly delicious and creative cocktails plus DJs or live music every single night with no cover! FYI - they ID *everybody* ... even if you're 102!
185 locals recommend
The Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee AveTrendy yet laid-back bar featuring incredibly delicious and creative cocktails plus DJs or live music every single night with no cover! FYI - they ID *everybody* ... even if you're 102!
Food Scene
Fantastic gourmet tacos and margaritas. Lines in the summer can leave people waiting 2 hours for a taco and margarita fix, but the wait is always worth it. The have one of the best outdoor patios in the city. In a hurry? They have a walk up window, too. Cash only!
1176 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveFantastic gourmet tacos and margaritas. Lines in the summer can leave people waiting 2 hours for a taco and margarita fix, but the wait is always worth it. The have one of the best outdoor patios in the city. In a hurry? They have a walk up window, too. Cash only!
Fun bar, good food. They have a big selection of board games for rent, and host live viewings of HBO favorites like Game of Thrones.
6 locals recommend
SFCO
1941 West North AvenueFun bar, good food. They have a big selection of board games for rent, and host live viewings of HBO favorites like Game of Thrones.
Awesome breakfast joint, known for their gourmet pancakes. Often a long wait on the weekends, but worth it!
199 locals recommend
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee AveAwesome breakfast joint, known for their gourmet pancakes. Often a long wait on the weekends, but worth it!
Fun coffee shop with eclectic decor and a seriously delicious menu.
131 locals recommend
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveFun coffee shop with eclectic decor and a seriously delicious menu.
Handlebar
2311 W North AveGREAT vegetarian bar with delicious all vegetarian menu. Yum!
Rick Bayless' famous torta restaurant. It's ridiculously tasty food that won't break the bank.
39 locals recommend
Fonda Frontera
1471 North Milwaukee AvenueRick Bayless' famous torta restaurant. It's ridiculously tasty food that won't break the bank.
Amazing donuts! They serve Intelligentsia coffee. Open late!
209 locals recommend
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen AveAmazing donuts! They serve Intelligentsia coffee. Open late!
Great place for a quick breakfast, serving Metropolis coffee. Hot fresh bagels, with house-made schmear. Try the Sriracha!!
8 locals recommend
Brobagel
1931 W North AveGreat place for a quick breakfast, serving Metropolis coffee. Hot fresh bagels, with house-made schmear. Try the Sriracha!!
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveGREAT pie and solid brews. Open late.
Pizza by the slice, and oh so yummy - you'll want to get two! Great lunch special - $6.95 for a slice and a gourmet salad. Best deal around. Open extra-late!
25 locals recommend
Dimo's Pizza Wicker Park
1615 N Damen AvePizza by the slice, and oh so yummy - you'll want to get two! Great lunch special - $6.95 for a slice and a gourmet salad. Best deal around. Open extra-late!
Umami Burger Wicker Park
1480 N Milwaukee AveYUMMM!! Excellent Burgers. You won't be disappointed.
The original Lillie's Q! Award winning barbeque in a contemporary setting. Over 40 craft-beer selections, and specialty moonshine cocktails.
34 locals recommend
Lillie's Q
417 North Ashland AvenueThe original Lillie's Q! Award winning barbeque in a contemporary setting. Over 40 craft-beer selections, and specialty moonshine cocktails.
Hybrid eatery, butcher shop & salumeria serving meat-oriented American fare & drinks in woody digs. Deli / Restaurant - they make a darn good sandwich!
27 locals recommend
Chop Shop
2033 W North AveHybrid eatery, butcher shop & salumeria serving meat-oriented American fare & drinks in woody digs. Deli / Restaurant - they make a darn good sandwich!
VEGAN. Totally and completely vegan. And deeeeelish! Try the nachos. YUM!
39 locals recommend
Native Foods
1484 N Milwaukee AveVEGAN. Totally and completely vegan. And deeeeelish! Try the nachos. YUM!
Burgers and fries. The BEST burgers and fries. This is a baby-brother to uber-famous Au Cheval (in West Town), and which is also worth checking out if you're over that way!
161 locals recommend
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveBurgers and fries. The BEST burgers and fries. This is a baby-brother to uber-famous Au Cheval (in West Town), and which is also worth checking out if you're over that way!
Hip family-friendly American eatery known for its seasonal fare, rich desserts & hot chocolate. MUST STOP for dessert! - Open late
108 locals recommend
Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen AveHip family-friendly American eatery known for its seasonal fare, rich desserts & hot chocolate. MUST STOP for dessert! - Open late
Rated #1 in the city for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's is right around the corner. My favorite: the house salad (it's seriously SO GOOD), and The Malnati Chicago Classic pie.
** THIS IS A CARRY-OUT ONLY LOCATION so call ahead and place an order! (773) 395-2400
513 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StRated #1 in the city for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's is right around the corner. My favorite: the house salad (it's seriously SO GOOD), and The Malnati Chicago Classic pie.
** THIS IS A CARRY-OUT ONLY LOCATION so call ahead and place an order! (773) 395-2400
New sandwich shop opened by celebrity chef Jeff Mauro. Seriously GOURMET - you won't regret this decision.
7 locals recommend
Pork & Mindy's
1623 N Milwaukee AveNew sandwich shop opened by celebrity chef Jeff Mauro. Seriously GOURMET - you won't regret this decision.
ICE CREAM!!!! The best damn ice cream you'll have in Chicago... maybe anywhere. Perfect on a hot summer day!
131 locals recommend
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee AveICE CREAM!!!! The best damn ice cream you'll have in Chicago... maybe anywhere. Perfect on a hot summer day!
Buzz Killer Espresso
Awesome espresso and specialty drinks!
Ready to splurge for an unforgettable dinner? This is the place to go. Modern American dining & craft cocktails in a former bathhouse with a vintage vibe.
59 locals recommend
Trench
2039 West North AvenueReady to splurge for an unforgettable dinner? This is the place to go. Modern American dining & craft cocktails in a former bathhouse with a vintage vibe.
Considered one of THE BEST restaurants in Chicago, this is a real Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails. The brunch in INCREDIBLE and a bit more budget-friendly. While the dinner might set your wallet back a bit, the meal will surely be one of the best you've ever had!
830 locals recommend
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveConsidered one of THE BEST restaurants in Chicago, this is a real Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails. The brunch in INCREDIBLE and a bit more budget-friendly. While the dinner might set your wallet back a bit, the meal will surely be one of the best you've ever had!
Upscale Tex-Mex diner eats plus cocktails & lots of tequila in retro digs with counter seats & a jukebox. Popular lunch spot!
113 locals recommend
Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen AveUpscale Tex-Mex diner eats plus cocktails & lots of tequila in retro digs with counter seats & a jukebox. Popular lunch spot!
In the mood for Ramen and loud hip-hop music? This is the place to go. Dine-in only. (Get the furious sauce *on the side* unless you REEEEEALLY like spicy food!)
52 locals recommend
Furious Spoon Wicker Park
In the mood for Ramen and loud hip-hop music? This is the place to go. Dine-in only. (Get the furious sauce *on the side* unless you REEEEEALLY like spicy food!)
Just opened, this is a great spot for a quick Mediterranean bite. Schwarma/falafel/pita/etc. Yummy and cheap!
Rumi Middle Eastern Grill
1534 N Milwaukee AveJust opened, this is a great spot for a quick Mediterranean bite. Schwarma/falafel/pita/etc. Yummy and cheap!
Sushi burrito and Korean BBQ - YUMMMMY! This is our new favourite spot in the 'hood!
13 locals recommend
En Hakkore Sushi Burrito & Poke Bowl
1467 N Milwaukee AveSushi burrito and Korean BBQ - YUMMMMY! This is our new favourite spot in the 'hood!
Amazing new Ramen spot - order an extra egg, you won't regret it!
9 locals recommend
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
1482 N Milwaukee AveAmazing new Ramen spot - order an extra egg, you won't regret it!
Everything Else
Seriously the fanciest Walgreens you will ever see - it used to be a bank. Big store, can get all the essentials and even some groceries.
246 locals recommend
Walgreens
3646 North BroadwaySeriously the fanciest Walgreens you will ever see - it used to be a bank. Big store, can get all the essentials and even some groceries.
Great studio in the neighborhood! They have an awesome introductory rate of $21 for 21 days of UNLIMITED yoga! Perfect for the traveling yogi!
Eb and Flow Yoga Studio
2125 W North AveGreat studio in the neighborhood! They have an awesome introductory rate of $21 for 21 days of UNLIMITED yoga! Perfect for the traveling yogi!
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
1800 W North AveOpen 24 hours, just in case!
Essentials
Great little neighborhood market, offering lots of local items, quality organic options, and they have a great cheese counter!
64 locals recommend
Olivia's Market
2014 W Wabansia AveGreat little neighborhood market, offering lots of local items, quality organic options, and they have a great cheese counter!
Shopping
Record shop where you can find just about anything! Mostly Vinyl, but they have a selection of CD/BluRay/DVD/etc. as well.
111 locals recommend
Reckless Records
929 W Belmont AveRecord shop where you can find just about anything! Mostly Vinyl, but they have a selection of CD/BluRay/DVD/etc. as well.
High-end re-sale shop. All clothing is designer and in great condition, worth the stop! Always something new for the traveling fashionista.
15 locals recommend
Crossroads Trading
1519 N Milwaukee AveHigh-end re-sale shop. All clothing is designer and in great condition, worth the stop! Always something new for the traveling fashionista.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful park in the middle of of a super hip area. Lots of green space, a huge water fountain, and kids playground. Be sure to check out the FARMERS MARKET held here on Sundays (8am-2pm) June through October! Also, FREE YOGA IN THE PARK every Tuesday at 6:30 from June through August.
371 locals recommend
Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveBeautiful park in the middle of of a super hip area. Lots of green space, a huge water fountain, and kids playground. Be sure to check out the FARMERS MARKET held here on Sundays (8am-2pm) June through October! Also, FREE YOGA IN THE PARK every Tuesday at 6:30 from June through August.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands and featuring 26 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats: McDonald Woods, Dixon Prairie, Skokie River Corridor, and Lakes and Shores. If you have a car, it's worth the trip! Open year-round.
167 locals recommend
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook RdThe Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands and featuring 26 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats: McDonald Woods, Dixon Prairie, Skokie River Corridor, and Lakes and Shores. If you have a car, it's worth the trip! Open year-round.
Sightseeing
Skip the $20 admission to the viewing deck and head straight to the Signature Room for a cocktail - located only one floor lower than the tourist deck, you won't pay admission and the views are just as spectacular!
157 locals recommend
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan AvenueSkip the $20 admission to the viewing deck and head straight to the Signature Room for a cocktail - located only one floor lower than the tourist deck, you won't pay admission and the views are just as spectacular!