Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Tavern On Rush
1031 N Rush StI can't even describe this place. Possibly the most beautiful space in Chicago. Totally worth checking out, but can have long waits, so get there early. Or grab a coffee at the coffee counter and wander around the store while you wait.
54 locals recommend
3 Arts Club Cafe
1300 N Dearborn St I can't even describe this place. Possibly the most beautiful space in Chicago. Totally worth checking out, but can have long waits, so get there early. Or grab a coffee at the coffee counter and wander around the store while you wait.
Open until 4 on the weekends. Innovative tacos, frozen margs, and red velvet cake.
46 locals recommend
Velvet Taco
1110 N State St Open until 4 on the weekends. Innovative tacos, frozen margs, and red velvet cake.
La Fournette
1547 N Wells StQuaint, authentic french cafe. Amazing quiche and croissants.
Sprinkles Chicago
50 E Walton StTwo words: Cupcake. ATM.
A little pricey for what it is, but a good place in the neighborhood to grab a salad or coffee.
69 locals recommend
The Goddess and Grocer
1649 N Damen AveA little pricey for what it is, but a good place in the neighborhood to grab a salad or coffee.
Hashbrowns Cafe
1155 N Wells St Get the killer hashbrowns. Trust me.
Chicago is very into donuts at the moment - there are tons of gourmet donut shops - Doughnut Vault, Stan's, Glazed and Infused, Do-Rite - but Firecakes is by far the best.
17 locals recommend
Firecakes Donuts
68 W Hubbard StChicago is very into donuts at the moment - there are tons of gourmet donut shops - Doughnut Vault, Stan's, Glazed and Infused, Do-Rite - but Firecakes is by far the best.
Drinks & Nightlife
The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StLaid back, kitchey, vaguely tiki-themed bar. Not like the typical clubby bars in the River North neighborhood.
8 locals recommend
Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago
19 E Ohio St Laid back, kitchey, vaguely tiki-themed bar. Not like the typical clubby bars in the River North neighborhood.
Part of the Chicago Athletic Association. There are other bars here, including the more upscale Cherry Circle Room and Cindy's Rooftop bar. The Game room is fun and a bit rowdy, and features shuffleboard, pool, foosball, and bocce ball.
49 locals recommend
The Gage
24 S Michigan Ave Part of the Chicago Athletic Association. There are other bars here, including the more upscale Cherry Circle Room and Cindy's Rooftop bar. The Game room is fun and a bit rowdy, and features shuffleboard, pool, foosball, and bocce ball.
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
85 E Wacker DrAbsolute BEST view of Chicago. You can wait in line and pay $20 to go to 360 Chicago, on the 94th floor of the Hancock tower, or you can skip the line and go to the signature lounge on the 95th floor of the Hancock tower for a cocktail. The prices are steep, but at the end of the day, it's about the same as going to the observation deck, plus you get a drink!
525 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveAbsolute BEST view of Chicago. You can wait in line and pay $20 to go to 360 Chicago, on the 94th floor of the Hancock tower, or you can skip the line and go to the signature lounge on the 95th floor of the Hancock tower for a cocktail. The prices are steep, but at the end of the day, it's about the same as going to the observation deck, plus you get a drink!
Sightseeing
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph StAlso known as the bean. Must see!
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
Parks & Nature
Rent beach gear, have a cocktail at the waterfront bar, get a massage, or go for a jog or bike ride along the lake front trail
176 locals recommend
Oak Street Beach
Rent beach gear, have a cocktail at the waterfront bar, get a massage, or go for a jog or bike ride along the lake front trail
Grant Park
337 E Randolph StEntertainment & Activities
What a great way to see the city! Tour guides are knowledgeable and share great info about the city's history and architecture.
12 locals recommend
Chicago Line Cruises
465 N McClurg CtWhat a great way to see the city! Tour guides are knowledgeable and share great info about the city's history and architecture.
Essentials
Closes at 10 on weekdays, 9 on Saturday and Sunday. Sells alcohol
44 locals recommend
Treasure Island Foods
Closes at 10 on weekdays, 9 on Saturday and Sunday. Sells alcohol
SoulCycle OLTN - Old Town
1225 N Wells StArts & Culture
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveLesser known than Second City, but a more laid back experience. Fun place for drinks and an improv show.
71 locals recommend
The iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury StLesser known than Second City, but a more laid back experience. Fun place for drinks and an improv show.