Guidebook for Chicago
Drinks & Nightlife
The closest brewery to our home, Half Acre is definitely worth checking out. They offer tours on Saturday and have a tap room / store open daily. The tap room has amazing burritos which you could also order to go along with a growler.
103 locals recommend
Half Acre Beer Company
4257 N Lincoln AveThe closest brewery to our home, Half Acre is definitely worth checking out. They offer tours on Saturday and have a tap room / store open daily. The tap room has amazing burritos which you could also order to go along with a growler.
Chicago’s first cider bar features dozens of options. The Northman boasts an intimate that is perfect for date night. They also have beer & cocktails if cider isn’t your thing. Outdoor seating available in the warm months.
27 locals recommend
The Northman
233 East RiverwalkChicago’s first cider bar features dozens of options. The Northman boasts an intimate that is perfect for date night. They also have beer & cocktails if cider isn’t your thing. Outdoor seating available in the warm months.
On weekend nights, it’s usually packed and quite a scene, especially if you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the rooftop patio. But during off-times, you’ll find a modern English pub with one of best collections of craft beer and whiskey in the city and expert bartenders to guide your experience.
72 locals recommend
Fountainhead
1970 W Montrose AveOn weekend nights, it’s usually packed and quite a scene, especially if you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the rooftop patio. But during off-times, you’ll find a modern English pub with one of best collections of craft beer and whiskey in the city and expert bartenders to guide your experience.
Great place for craft cocktails. Small bites include empanadas, tiny burgers, salads and gourmet pizzas. Outdoor seating is available.
35 locals recommend
Tiny Lounge
4352 N Leavitt StGreat place for craft cocktails. Small bites include empanadas, tiny burgers, salads and gourmet pizzas. Outdoor seating is available.
Food Scene
Lou Malnati's is our favorite spot for authentic Chicago deep dish pizza. They have outdoor seating in the warm weather months. Or you can order ahead and swing by the fast pick-up section to take home. Delivery is available as well.
163 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveLou Malnati's is our favorite spot for authentic Chicago deep dish pizza. They have outdoor seating in the warm weather months. Or you can order ahead and swing by the fast pick-up section to take home. Delivery is available as well.
A local treasure, Margie’s is a small ice cream parlour and candy store. They can get very busy, but it is definitely worth the wait. Outdoor seating available
179 locals recommend
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western AveA local treasure, Margie’s is a small ice cream parlour and candy store. They can get very busy, but it is definitely worth the wait. Outdoor seating available
Hungry for some Mexican food? You should absolutely swing by Garcia’s and grab a burrito or margarita. Garcia’s is a larger venue for a Mexican restaurant and offers a good blend of quality and pricing. Their guac is outstanding! Out late? Garcia’s is open until 4am on Saturday..
47 locals recommend
Garcia's Restaurant
4760 N Lincoln AveHungry for some Mexican food? You should absolutely swing by Garcia’s and grab a burrito or margarita. Garcia’s is a larger venue for a Mexican restaurant and offers a good blend of quality and pricing. Their guac is outstanding! Out late? Garcia’s is open until 4am on Saturday..
Miku is our favorite spot for sushi in Lincoln Square. They have a ½ off happy hour every day from 4-6pm. Their teriyaki dishes are great as well if you aren’t craving sushi.
15 locals recommend
Miku Sushi
4514 N Lincoln AveMiku is our favorite spot for sushi in Lincoln Square. They have a ½ off happy hour every day from 4-6pm. Their teriyaki dishes are great as well if you aren’t craving sushi.
Gather is a local gem. They offer a great atmosphere and even better food. We highly recommend going on Sunday for the family style dinner where you can try several different dishes. Reservations are highly recommended.
67 locals recommend
Gather
4539 N Lincoln AveGather is a local gem. They offer a great atmosphere and even better food. We highly recommend going on Sunday for the family style dinner where you can try several different dishes. Reservations are highly recommended.
Spacca Napoli serves wood-oven thin crust pizza with the freshest ingredients. Outdoor seating available. Good for kids.
83 locals recommend
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
1769 W Sunnyside AveSpacca Napoli serves wood-oven thin crust pizza with the freshest ingredients. Outdoor seating available. Good for kids.
Starbucks
6738 N Sheridan RdSandwiches, salads and baked goods along with locally roasted Intelligentsia coffee. The soup is usually excellent. If it’s crowded inside, ask to take your drink to the hidden back patio, weather permitting.
29 locals recommend
The Grind Cafe
4613 N Lincoln AveSandwiches, salads and baked goods along with locally roasted Intelligentsia coffee. The soup is usually excellent. If it’s crowded inside, ask to take your drink to the hidden back patio, weather permitting.
Entertainment & Activities
The Davis Theater was renovated a couple years ago. They have 3 theaters and an attached restaurant / bar. Davis is only a short walk away and plays the latest Hollywood films.
104 locals recommend
Davis Theater, Chicago
4614 N Lincoln AveThe Davis Theater was renovated a couple years ago. They have 3 theaters and an attached restaurant / bar. Davis is only a short walk away and plays the latest Hollywood films.
Getting Around
Damen station
1558 N Damen AveBrown line stop - easy access to downtown
Nearest Metra Station: Ravenswood Stop, 12-minute walk: 4800 N Ravenswood
Metra travels from downtown Chicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and stops at Ravinia, a popular outdoor summer concert/picnic venue.
43 locals recommend
Ravenswood station
4800 N Ravenswood AveNearest Metra Station: Ravenswood Stop, 12-minute walk: 4800 N Ravenswood
Metra travels from downtown Chicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and stops at Ravinia, a popular outdoor summer concert/picnic venue.
Closest Divvy station: Corner of Sunnyside and Damen (2-minute walk) — Go out the back door, into the alley, and turn right. You’ll see the bike station on your left when the alley ends at Sunnyside.
32 locals recommend
Divvy
Closest Divvy station: Corner of Sunnyside and Damen (2-minute walk) — Go out the back door, into the alley, and turn right. You’ll see the bike station on your left when the alley ends at Sunnyside.
Essentials
Mariano's
3358 W Touhy AveCVS Pharmacy
4051 N Lincoln AveMobil
2550 N Pulaski RdNearest gas station
Shopping
Great for Chicago themed artwork! They have so many handmade gifts from local artisans that create the perfect Chicago memorabilia.
12 locals recommend
Neighborly
4710 W Division StGreat for Chicago themed artwork! They have so many handmade gifts from local artisans that create the perfect Chicago memorabilia.
Parks & Nature
A 15-acre green space featuring numerous ballfields, indoor pool & fitness center, & concert stage.
63 locals recommend
Welles Park
2333 W Sunnyside AveA 15-acre green space featuring numerous ballfields, indoor pool & fitness center, & concert stage.
Montrose Beach