Guidebook for Chicago
Drinks & Nightlife
Happy Village is the perfect summer gathering space, boasting ping pong tables inside and a cozy backyard space outside. You can order delivery from local food spots while you recline in the grass.
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Happy Village
1059 N Wolcott AveHappy Village is the perfect summer gathering space, boasting ping pong tables inside and a cozy backyard space outside. You can order delivery from local food spots while you recline in the grass.
Part of the "new" Bridgeport. Formerly a trucker hole-in-the-wall bar, Maria's Packaged Goods has an artsy vibe, matched by an extensive beer selection and terrific cocktails.
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Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar
960 W 31st StPart of the "new" Bridgeport. Formerly a trucker hole-in-the-wall bar, Maria's Packaged Goods has an artsy vibe, matched by an extensive beer selection and terrific cocktails.
Hipster watering hole with insanely cheap drinks ($2 beer, $3 mixed bevs) and interesting history. It was a burlesque club in the 1930s and still maintains its art deco flourishes.
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Rainbo Club
1150 N Damen AveHipster watering hole with insanely cheap drinks ($2 beer, $3 mixed bevs) and interesting history. It was a burlesque club in the 1930s and still maintains its art deco flourishes.
Yes the drinks are quite expensive and for some of us, difficult to justify. Once there however, the whimsy of each cocktail and the complexity will impress you. Be aware that many $$$ are involved.
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The Aviary
955 W Fulton MarketYes the drinks are quite expensive and for some of us, difficult to justify. Once there however, the whimsy of each cocktail and the complexity will impress you. Be aware that many $$$ are involved.
An Oasis in the middle of urban desert, the Hideout is a very unique, cozy live-music venue/bar. Worth a trip. Definitely a diamond in the rough.
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The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia AveAn Oasis in the middle of urban desert, the Hideout is a very unique, cozy live-music venue/bar. Worth a trip. Definitely a diamond in the rough.
California Clipper is our favorite bar. It's like walking into 1930s Chicago. The art deco bar is gorgeous, drinks are cheap + there's live country music in the vein of Johnny Cash after 10 pm!
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The California Clipper
1002 North California AvenueCalifornia Clipper is our favorite bar. It's like walking into 1930s Chicago. The art deco bar is gorgeous, drinks are cheap + there's live country music in the vein of Johnny Cash after 10 pm!
Bartenders here are really great, the special cocktails are amazing and a great value. The bar is cozy in the winter (fireplaces!) and fun in the summer with its outdoor patio.
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Scofflaw
3201 W Armitage AveBartenders here are really great, the special cocktails are amazing and a great value. The bar is cozy in the winter (fireplaces!) and fun in the summer with its outdoor patio.
Food Scene
Neither of us are vegetarians but Green Zebra gives you the goods: really delicious food (don't even miss the meat!), fun, knowledgeable staff, and great drinks.
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Green Zebra
1460 West Chicago AvenueNeither of us are vegetarians but Green Zebra gives you the goods: really delicious food (don't even miss the meat!), fun, knowledgeable staff, and great drinks.
A Chicago institution! Killer french toast, jumbo omelets, & institutional freebies: homemade doughnut holes, milk duds, a slice of orange & a prune in a dish, & a cup of vanilla soft serve to finish.
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Lou Mitchell's
565 W Jackson BlvdA Chicago institution! Killer french toast, jumbo omelets, & institutional freebies: homemade doughnut holes, milk duds, a slice of orange & a prune in a dish, & a cup of vanilla soft serve to finish.
REALLY love the brunch here but beware the mommy brigades. If you don't love toddlers, steer clear of this place.
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Milk & Honey
1920 W Division StREALLY love the brunch here but beware the mommy brigades. If you don't love toddlers, steer clear of this place.
Moist cupcakes in wide variety of flavors (passionfruit cupcakes and gianduia cupcakes are especially excellent).
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Alliance Bakery
1736 W Division StMoist cupcakes in wide variety of flavors (passionfruit cupcakes and gianduia cupcakes are especially excellent).
Fresh tasty sushi and pan-Asian fare at affordable price.
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Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago AveFresh tasty sushi and pan-Asian fare at affordable price.
Adorable cafe that boasts sandwiches named for literary works and authors.
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Bourgeois Cafe
738 W Fullerton AveAdorable cafe that boasts sandwiches named for literary works and authors.
It might not be the most authentic, but it still has a wide variety of delicious food vendors, including cheese, wine, beer, Vietnamese banh mi, Belgian waffles and frites, and baked goods.
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Chicago French Market
131 N Clinton StIt might not be the most authentic, but it still has a wide variety of delicious food vendors, including cheese, wine, beer, Vietnamese banh mi, Belgian waffles and frites, and baked goods.
Great cafe in the Heart of Pilsen. A fun place to stop before or after you hit up the National Museum of Mexican Art.
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Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StGreat cafe in the Heart of Pilsen. A fun place to stop before or after you hit up the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Delicious Mexican food and absurd value. Bring your cash though, as they do not take cards.
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Nuevo Leon Restaurant
1515 West 18th StreetDelicious Mexican food and absurd value. Bring your cash though, as they do not take cards.
It’s worth taking a field trip to the Andersonville neighborhood anchored around a meal at the Hopleaf, where the food somehow manages to match the incredible brews available.
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Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StIt’s worth taking a field trip to the Andersonville neighborhood anchored around a meal at the Hopleaf, where the food somehow manages to match the incredible brews available.
Delicious, authentic Thai food. Be sure and request the "secret" menu.
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Tac Quick
1011 W Irving Park RdDelicious, authentic Thai food. Be sure and request the "secret" menu.
Arguably one of the best places in the city for Chicago pizza. This location is take out only, but I recommend taking it across the street to Wicker Park for a pizza picnic. Cornmeal butter crust = !
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StArguably one of the best places in the city for Chicago pizza. This location is take out only, but I recommend taking it across the street to Wicker Park for a pizza picnic. Cornmeal butter crust = !
Delicious tacos-and cheap! The whiskey-centric bar pairs well. Always a mad-house, prepare to wait for a table. Patio is perfect for people watching.
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Big Star
1531 N Damen AveDelicious tacos-and cheap! The whiskey-centric bar pairs well. Always a mad-house, prepare to wait for a table. Patio is perfect for people watching.
For those of us who grew up in the 80s, Wormhole provides a heavy, comforting dose of nostalgia and delicious coffee to boot. There is an actual DeLorean in the shop.
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The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveFor those of us who grew up in the 80s, Wormhole provides a heavy, comforting dose of nostalgia and delicious coffee to boot. There is an actual DeLorean in the shop.
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's new gourmet take on a throw-back diner. Amazing flavor combos in basic diner classics plus delicious coffee, a full bar, and oddities like pork toffee milkshakes.
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Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StTop Chef winner Stephanie Izard's new gourmet take on a throw-back diner. Amazing flavor combos in basic diner classics plus delicious coffee, a full bar, and oddities like pork toffee milkshakes.
Fun twist on traditional tacos. The closest analogue is Big Star, but Antique Taco is less hyped. It's therefore a welcome choice when you want an affordable, no frills, delicious meal.
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Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee AveFun twist on traditional tacos. The closest analogue is Big Star, but Antique Taco is less hyped. It's therefore a welcome choice when you want an affordable, no frills, delicious meal.
A uniquely Chicago establishment, located near the waste management plant. The beautifully prepared meal you are about to consume is reward for the funky surroundings. Very highly recommended!
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Ada Street
1664 N Ada StA uniquely Chicago establishment, located near the waste management plant. The beautifully prepared meal you are about to consume is reward for the funky surroundings. Very highly recommended!
New coffeehouse close to the apartment. Very cute little spot and opens quite early-- 5 a.m. if you're in search of a caffeine fix.
Ugly Mug Cafe
1458 W Chicago AveNew coffeehouse close to the apartment. Very cute little spot and opens quite early-- 5 a.m. if you're in search of a caffeine fix.
As a pie connoisseur, I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to these flaky pastry desserts. Hoosier Mama is AMAZING. This tiny little store front has every kind of sweet (plus a few savory) pie.
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Hoosier Mama Pie Company
1618 W Chicago AveAs a pie connoisseur, I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to these flaky pastry desserts. Hoosier Mama is AMAZING. This tiny little store front has every kind of sweet (plus a few savory) pie.
This intimate spot consistently delivers great flavors, whether the dishes are straightforward or a bit creative. It's BYOB and quite popular. Put in your name and hang out @ the apt. while you wait.
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Ruxbin
851 North Ashland AvenueThis intimate spot consistently delivers great flavors, whether the dishes are straightforward or a bit creative. It's BYOB and quite popular. Put in your name and hang out @ the apt. while you wait.
This is our favorite restaurant in Chicago. The Asian street food fare packs delicious flavors, the cocktails are complex and fun and the staff is wonderful-- very passionate about food and service.
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Mott St
1401 N Ashland AveThis is our favorite restaurant in Chicago. The Asian street food fare packs delicious flavors, the cocktails are complex and fun and the staff is wonderful-- very passionate about food and service.
Excellent Mexican taqueria open late. The guys at the counter are friendly and fun and the food always hits the spot. Bring cash, since they don't accept credit cards.
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Taqueria Traspasada 2
811 N Ashland AveExcellent Mexican taqueria open late. The guys at the counter are friendly and fun and the food always hits the spot. Bring cash, since they don't accept credit cards.
Adorable new neighborhood spot a stone's throw away from the apt. open for breakfast, brunch, and now dinner. Local ingredients shine in the tasty dishes the chef prepares. It's BYO which is nice.
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The Winchester
1001 North Winchester AvenueAdorable new neighborhood spot a stone's throw away from the apt. open for breakfast, brunch, and now dinner. Local ingredients shine in the tasty dishes the chef prepares. It's BYO which is nice.
Bite Cafe has the best late night non-fast food around (and you can eat at normal hours, too). Delicious new American w/ a French twist, this place is a terrific value.
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Bite Cafe
1039 N Western AveBite Cafe has the best late night non-fast food around (and you can eat at normal hours, too). Delicious new American w/ a French twist, this place is a terrific value.
Speaking of walking back in time, this old time soda fountain is a Chicago institution. Be prepared to indulge in throwback sundaes and shakes the size of your head. Definitely worth a trip.
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Margie's Candies
1960 N Western AveSpeaking of walking back in time, this old time soda fountain is a Chicago institution. Be prepared to indulge in throwback sundaes and shakes the size of your head. Definitely worth a trip.
Shopping
Cute local spot selling greeting cards, candles, plants, and miscellaneous gifts.
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RR #1 Chicago
814 N Ashland AveCute local spot selling greeting cards, candles, plants, and miscellaneous gifts.
Antiques and random oddities. You can get lost in this place for awhile ooh-ing and ahh-ing at all of the items.
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Woolly Mammoth
1513 W Foster AveAntiques and random oddities. You can get lost in this place for awhile ooh-ing and ahh-ing at all of the items.
Great store to buy wine, craft beers, and spirits. Knowledgeable staff and wine tastings most evenings.
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The Noble Grape
802 N Bishop StGreat store to buy wine, craft beers, and spirits. Knowledgeable staff and wine tastings most evenings.
Arts & Culture
A wonderful museum-- the first Mexican cultural center/museum in the Midwest and the largest nationally.
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Nasjonalmuseet for meksikansk kunst
1852 W 19th StA wonderful museum-- the first Mexican cultural center/museum in the Midwest and the largest nationally.
Incredible Chicago and southern blues bands play all night long at this spot. Always great fun.
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Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StIncredible Chicago and southern blues bands play all night long at this spot. Always great fun.
Highly recommend Adler After Dark. This monthly evening hour event (for $12) is a fun group activity. Look at sunspots and planets via telescopes, & enjoy one of the best skyline views of the city.
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Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrHighly recommend Adler After Dark. This monthly evening hour event (for $12) is a fun group activity. Look at sunspots and planets via telescopes, & enjoy one of the best skyline views of the city.
Great for a wander especially in summer when there is bound to be a free concert happening in the Pritzker Pavilion
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Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StGreat for a wander especially in summer when there is bound to be a free concert happening in the Pritzker Pavilion
A great museum to wander some afternoon. It isn't huge, which makes it a great size for soaking in art without becoming totally overwhelmed.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveA great museum to wander some afternoon. It isn't huge, which makes it a great size for soaking in art without becoming totally overwhelmed.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveA must see-- an incredible, vast collection.
Made locally famous by their long-running show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind": 30 plays in 60 minutes, this is a fun interactive theater piece that has something for everyone.
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Neo-Futurists
5153 North Ashland AvenueMade locally famous by their long-running show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind": 30 plays in 60 minutes, this is a fun interactive theater piece that has something for everyone.
Free!! admission and one of the greatest collections of Middle Eastern and Eastern art and artifacts.
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Oriental Institute Museum
1155 E 58th StFree!! admission and one of the greatest collections of Middle Eastern and Eastern art and artifacts.
Incredible ensemble-based theater routinely poached for Broadway. The set design is almost always jaw-dropping and the artistic lineup intriguing. Absolutely worth a visit. steppenwolf.org
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Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N Halsted StIncredible ensemble-based theater routinely poached for Broadway. The set design is almost always jaw-dropping and the artistic lineup intriguing. Absolutely worth a visit. steppenwolf.org
Aside from NPR, this Tony-award winning theater is by far the classiest thing on Navy Pier. Something for everyone from classic Shakespeare, to Sondheim, to international theater & family productions.
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 E Grand AveAside from NPR, this Tony-award winning theater is by far the classiest thing on Navy Pier. Something for everyone from classic Shakespeare, to Sondheim, to international theater & family productions.
We love this old movie theater. They play great independent flicks + select new releases. You can get cocktails + popcorn from the little bar inside and movie tickets are crazy cheap, esp. matinees.
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The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee AveWe love this old movie theater. They play great independent flicks + select new releases. You can get cocktails + popcorn from the little bar inside and movie tickets are crazy cheap, esp. matinees.
Sightseeing
Chicago's largest public beach. Can be overwhelming, but there are multiple "beaches" that make up North Avenue Beach. The closer you are to Fullerton Avenue (north), the quieter the beach.
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North Avenue Beach station
Chicago's largest public beach. Can be overwhelming, but there are multiple "beaches" that make up North Avenue Beach. The closer you are to Fullerton Avenue (north), the quieter the beach.
Great little park for hanging out. Home to the Wicker Park and Bucktown Farmers Market every Sunday from June 3-October 28. 8 am-2 pm.
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Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveGreat little park for hanging out. Home to the Wicker Park and Bucktown Farmers Market every Sunday from June 3-October 28. 8 am-2 pm.
Beautiful Art Deco/Gothic campus. Site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition; site of the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, part of the Manhattan Project.
Harper Memorial Library
1116 E 59th StBeautiful Art Deco/Gothic campus. Site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition; site of the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, part of the Manhattan Project.
This gate was erected in 1879, the entrance to the Famous/Infamous Chicago Union Stockyards. Appallingly depicted in Upton Sinclair's 1906 expose The Jungle, the stockyards closed in 1971.
Union Stockyard Gate
South Peoria StreetThis gate was erected in 1879, the entrance to the Famous/Infamous Chicago Union Stockyards. Appallingly depicted in Upton Sinclair's 1906 expose The Jungle, the stockyards closed in 1971.
1 of 5 buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. On the grounds are many relics of Chicago history, including a Louis Sullivan cornice from the Stock Exchange, which was demolished in 1965.
St. Ignatius College Prep
1076 Roosevelt Rd1 of 5 buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. On the grounds are many relics of Chicago history, including a Louis Sullivan cornice from the Stock Exchange, which was demolished in 1965.
While this was where FLW resided and worked, there are numerous other buildings he designed in the surrounding area. The tour here is excellent, the docents can provide really fascinating information.
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Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago AveWhile this was where FLW resided and worked, there are numerous other buildings he designed in the surrounding area. The tour here is excellent, the docents can provide really fascinating information.
Everything Else
A truly welcoming yoga studio. Allyson is incredibly nurturing and all of the instructors are knowledgeable and give wonderful, straight-forward classes. Drop in class is $16.
OmBodies Yoga
855 W Blackhawk StA truly welcoming yoga studio. Allyson is incredibly nurturing and all of the instructors are knowledgeable and give wonderful, straight-forward classes. Drop in class is $16.
Our favorite florist. The staff, who have day jobs cataloguing insects at The Field Museum (so cool!) always put together whimsical bouquets. There are a few fun flora-fauna gift items here too.
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Asrai Garden
1935 W North AveOur favorite florist. The staff, who have day jobs cataloguing insects at The Field Museum (so cool!) always put together whimsical bouquets. There are a few fun flora-fauna gift items here too.