Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Great brunch. Elena is from Santa Fe, and says it the best New Mexican food outside of New Mexico.
94 locals recommend
Flo
1434 W Chicago AveGreat brunch. Elena is from Santa Fe, and says it the best New Mexican food outside of New Mexico.
Green Zebra
1460 West Chicago AvenueOne of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country.
A wonderful Italian restaurant in an old home. Excellent quality, cozy and romantic environment.
15 locals recommend
a tavola
2148 W Chicago AveA wonderful Italian restaurant in an old home. Excellent quality, cozy and romantic environment.
A hole-in-the-wall restaurant with THE BEST piroshki . Like having a meal cooked by your Polish grandmother.
17 locals recommend
Podhalanka
1549 W Division StA hole-in-the-wall restaurant with THE BEST piroshki . Like having a meal cooked by your Polish grandmother.
Amazing French-inspired Asian food. Incredible flavors and good cocktails. Wonderful courtyard open during warmer months.
84 locals recommend
Mott St
1401 N Ashland AveAmazing French-inspired Asian food. Incredible flavors and good cocktails. Wonderful courtyard open during warmer months.
Game, oysters & tap brews are served in a stylish lodge space with TVs, a fireplace & a beer garden.
62 locals recommend
Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee AveGame, oysters & tap brews are served in a stylish lodge space with TVs, a fireplace & a beer garden.
Tocco
1266 N Milwaukee Aveoften overlooked Italian restaurant with amazing thin crust pizza.
Thin-crust pies & house brews in a sports-bar setting with karaoke & live bands some nights. We are not fans of Chicago style pizza. A favorite spot for the Dave Grohl/the Foo Fighters
488 locals recommend
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveThin-crust pies & house brews in a sports-bar setting with karaoke & live bands some nights. We are not fans of Chicago style pizza. A favorite spot for the Dave Grohl/the Foo Fighters
An amazing farm-to-table restaurant with a rooftop deck with an on-site garden.
30 locals recommend
Homestead On The Roof
1924 W Chicago AveAn amazing farm-to-table restaurant with a rooftop deck with an on-site garden.
A hidden gem of a restaurant/bar with great new american food, cocktails, and candlelight.
27 locals recommend
Ada Street
1664 N Ada StA hidden gem of a restaurant/bar with great new american food, cocktails, and candlelight.
Butterfly Sushi Bar
1139 W Grand AveA great option for Thai takeout.
Cozy and comfortable cafe with good coffee and simple/clean menu. The perfect place to settle in with a good book or get some work done.
47 locals recommend
Filter Cafe
1373 North Milwaukee AvenueCozy and comfortable cafe with good coffee and simple/clean menu. The perfect place to settle in with a good book or get some work done.
Excellent Mexican seafood. the place is very popular with the locals on Sunday, so pick another day if you want to avoid the crowds.
32 locals recommend
El Barco Mariscos
1035 N Ashland AveExcellent Mexican seafood. the place is very popular with the locals on Sunday, so pick another day if you want to avoid the crowds.
Schwa Restaurant
1466 N Ashland AveOne of Chicago's best dining experiences.
Arami
1829 W Chicago AveOur favorite neighborhood sushi spot.
The BEST gelato in the city. It is closed during the winter months, but makes for the perfect after-dinner stroll in the summer.
90 locals recommend
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrThe BEST gelato in the city. It is closed during the winter months, but makes for the perfect after-dinner stroll in the summer.
Relaxed spot with a rustic vibe serving breakfast & basic American cafe fare
55 locals recommend
The Winchester
1001 North Winchester AvenueRelaxed spot with a rustic vibe serving breakfast & basic American cafe fare
One of the best burgers in the city and a great overall menu. Prepare for a LONG wait. Visit during weekday lunch.
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StOne of the best burgers in the city and a great overall menu. Prepare for a LONG wait. Visit during weekday lunch.
Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StBBQ in rustic warehouse.
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie BlvdOur favorite farm-to-table dining spot. Excellent brunch.
Very tasty tacos with a modern twist. Try the horchata milkshake.
113 locals recommend
Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee AveVery tasty tacos with a modern twist. Try the horchata milkshake.
Mana Food Bar
Vegetarian/vegan food
Cumin
1414 N Milwaukee AveIndian and Nepalese restaurant that makes the whole street smell delicious.
Fonda Frontera
1471 North Milwaukee AvenueMexican street food from Chicago's celebrity chef, Rick Bayless
The Publican
837 W Fulton MarketExcellent food with community tables.
Bite Cafe
1039 N Western AveHealthy food at reasonable prices and typically short wait for brunch.
Folklore | Argentine Restaurant
2100 W Division StArgentinian steaks!
Milk & Honey
1920 W Division StDrinks & Nightlife
The Chipp Inn
832 N Greenview AveA classic neighborhood bar that has been around for over 100 yrs.
Five Star Bar
1424 W Chicago AveThe Bedford
1612 West Division StreetevilOlive
1551 W Division StProhibition-era bar and iconic music venue with a deep history. http://www.hideoutchicago.com/history
64 locals recommend
The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia AveProhibition-era bar and iconic music venue with a deep history. http://www.hideoutchicago.com/history
Beauty Bar
1444 W Chicago AveNightclub for dancing and getting your nails done.
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveOur favorite speakeasy-style bar.
The Charleston Bar Chicago
Great neighborhood bars with excellent old fashions.
Goose Island Taproom
1800 W Fulton StDiag Bar & Grill
2856 N Southport AveDive bar with nice patio in the back.
Maude's Liquor Bar
114 N Green StGood cocktails and amazing French food.
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
1746 W Chicago AveCash-only hangout featuring a taxidermy theme, table games & a rotating list of cocktails & beer.
116 locals recommend
Sportsman's Club
948 N Western AveCash-only hangout featuring a taxidermy theme, table games & a rotating list of cocktails & beer.
Loungey local gathering place for pairing wine & beer with gastropub plates in homey-chic digs.
173 locals recommend
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
954 North California AvenueLoungey local gathering place for pairing wine & beer with gastropub plates in homey-chic digs.
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western AveDouble Door
Parks & Nature
A quiet place within the city. Wonder in the sanctuary and almost forget you are in the City or walk along the water to get some amazing views of the Skyline.
6 locals recommend
Montrose Harbor Office
601 W Montrose AveA quiet place within the city. Wonder in the sanctuary and almost forget you are in the City or walk along the water to get some amazing views of the Skyline.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveChicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook RdWhen the city gets to be too much and you just need a walk in the trees.
11 locals recommend
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
When the city gets to be too much and you just need a walk in the trees.
Arts & Culture
Billy Goat Tavern
Michigan AvenueSpot made famous by Saturday Night Live.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveIncredible collection of modern and fine art.
Museum of Science & Industry station
Incredible improv performances at a fraction of the cost of Second City.
71 locals recommend
The iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury StIncredible improv performances at a fraction of the cost of Second City.
Neo-Futurists
5153 North Ashland AvenueAn excellent late-night improve show not to be missed.
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn StGetting Around
Milwaukee & Division station
Entertainment & Activities
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State StGreat local and independents films.
Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport AveRed Square Spa
1914 W Division StA Russian bathhouse perfect for relaxing.
Shopping
Famous shopping strip considered by many to be a Chicago MUST DO. We tend to only go for the people watching. The stores are the same stores that can be found anywhere in the country. We highly recommend supporting local businesses in the neighborhood instead.
598 locals recommend
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
Famous shopping strip considered by many to be a Chicago MUST DO. We tend to only go for the people watching. The stores are the same stores that can be found anywhere in the country. We highly recommend supporting local businesses in the neighborhood instead.