Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Rick Bayless restaurant. Get there in the morning if you want Churros! Possibly the best sandwich in the neighborhood! My favorite...the Gunthorp Chicken.
Mortgage Services III, LLC - Clark Street Office
Rick Bayless restaurant. Get there in the morning if you want Churros! Possibly the best sandwich in the neighborhood! My favorite...the Gunthorp Chicken.
My favorite tapas in Chicago. Take it from a guy that used to live in Spain...this is the most authentic Spanish food in all of Chicago. The owner is from Galicia...that might be why!
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Café Iberico
737 N LaSalle DrMy favorite tapas in Chicago. Take it from a guy that used to live in Spain...this is the most authentic Spanish food in all of Chicago. The owner is from Galicia...that might be why!
Fun and fabulous!! Looking for a night out for some awesome tacos, amazing guacamole, and possibly the best vibe in town! Look no further. Check out the club downstairs.
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Mercadito
108 W Kinzie StFun and fabulous!! Looking for a night out for some awesome tacos, amazing guacamole, and possibly the best vibe in town! Look no further. Check out the club downstairs.
New to the neighborhood. I love this place for going out, for a fun group, dinner, drinks, you name it...this place has it all. Great crowd, great music, great time. Spanish/latin american flare.
Tavernita
151 W Erie StNew to the neighborhood. I love this place for going out, for a fun group, dinner, drinks, you name it...this place has it all. Great crowd, great music, great time. Spanish/latin american flare.
Breakfast. Enjoy! P.S...get the Orange-Rosemary french toast. No syrup necessary. AMAZING.
Orange Restaurant
738 N Clark StBreakfast. Enjoy! P.S...get the Orange-Rosemary french toast. No syrup necessary. AMAZING.
Great bar food. I highly recommend the pretzels (just tell them to make sure not to overcook them). Awesome salads. I go here often.
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Benchmark
1510 N Wells StGreat bar food. I highly recommend the pretzels (just tell them to make sure not to overcook them). Awesome salads. I go here often.
Sunda
110 W Illinois StOne of the best sushi places in Chicago. Make reservations.
This is by far my favorite sushi place. It is a BYOB, so get a couple of wines at Binny's before heading over. Afterwards...take a walk south on Damen Ave and check out Bucktown. Open for dinner only
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Coast Sushi Bar
2045 North Damen AvenueThis is by far my favorite sushi place. It is a BYOB, so get a couple of wines at Binny's before heading over. Afterwards...take a walk south on Damen Ave and check out Bucktown. Open for dinner only
Best tuna melt I have ever had! You can take the CTA bus 22 right from my apartment. It drops you off right in front.
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Frances' Deli and Brunchery
2552 N Clark StBest tuna melt I have ever had! You can take the CTA bus 22 right from my apartment. It drops you off right in front.
Best steakhouse...but it can be difficult to get in. Make reservations ahead of time. It's the flagship restaurant in the Gold Coast. Good people watching as well.
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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N Rush StBest steakhouse...but it can be difficult to get in. Make reservations ahead of time. It's the flagship restaurant in the Gold Coast. Good people watching as well.
Another fabulous Chicago steakhouse. They char their steaks though, so while some swear by this place...it's not my favorite.
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Gene & Georgetti
500 N Franklin StAnother fabulous Chicago steakhouse. They char their steaks though, so while some swear by this place...it's not my favorite.
Good bar, stiff drinks. Can be pricey, and it can get a bit crowded. Great for watching sports.
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Bull & Bear
431 North Wells StreetGood bar, stiff drinks. Can be pricey, and it can get a bit crowded. Great for watching sports.
Good burgers, and good salads. It's also a fun place to start your night.
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Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W Hubbard StGood burgers, and good salads. It's also a fun place to start your night.
Frontera and Topolobampo....sister restaurants...owned by Rick Bayless. The food is exquisite. Make reservations.
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Frontera Grill
445 N Clark StFrontera and Topolobampo....sister restaurants...owned by Rick Bayless. The food is exquisite. Make reservations.
Great italian tapas restaurant. There is also a good weekday bar crowd there. The locals tend to catch dinner and drinks at the bar.
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Quartino Ristorante
626 N State StGreat italian tapas restaurant. There is also a good weekday bar crowd there. The locals tend to catch dinner and drinks at the bar.
While this restaurant is a chain...it is only in large cities, and frankly...the food is great. If you can't think of where to go, or what you want to eat...Grand Lux does everything. Lines can form
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Grand Lux Cafe
600 N Michigan AveWhile this restaurant is a chain...it is only in large cities, and frankly...the food is great. If you can't think of where to go, or what you want to eat...Grand Lux does everything. Lines can form
Yep...the famous Wiener Circle. Walk in after 2am and get ready to order by cursing and shouting. PS...ask for the chocolate shake, or...maybe don't??
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The Wiener's Circle
2622 N Clark StYep...the famous Wiener Circle. Walk in after 2am and get ready to order by cursing and shouting. PS...ask for the chocolate shake, or...maybe don't??
I do not recommend this place...but if you do go, stick to the salads. There are better burgers in the neighborhood.
Weber Grill
539 N State StI do not recommend this place...but if you do go, stick to the salads. There are better burgers in the neighborhood.
granted, this is a chain restaurant, each chain has it's own menu! This is a microbrewery. The beers are pretty good. The pretzel and cheese is awesome.
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Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W Grand Avegranted, this is a chain restaurant, each chain has it's own menu! This is a microbrewery. The beers are pretty good. The pretzel and cheese is awesome.
Good food...it is a chain, but this is the original. You can't go wrong here.
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Shaw's Crab House
21 E Hubbard StGood food...it is a chain, but this is the original. You can't go wrong here.
Amazing stone crabs, ridiculous bone-in filet steak, oysters etc. You will need reservations and they book up in advance. If you have one night for expensive dinner, try this, or Gibsons.
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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand AveAmazing stone crabs, ridiculous bone-in filet steak, oysters etc. You will need reservations and they book up in advance. If you have one night for expensive dinner, try this, or Gibsons.
Newer steakhouse. I had a great dinner here.
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
25 E Ohio StNewer steakhouse. I had a great dinner here.
Okay...ask a Chicagoan whether he/she prefers McDonald's or Burger King, and the response should be neither- Portillo's. This is an absolute must in Chicago. Charbuger and cheese fries. fyi-fastfood
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Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StOkay...ask a Chicagoan whether he/she prefers McDonald's or Burger King, and the response should be neither- Portillo's. This is an absolute must in Chicago. Charbuger and cheese fries. fyi-fastfood
This is my favorite brazilian steakhouse. Some swear by Fogo De Chao...I tend to like this one more.
Brazzaz - The Brazilian Steakhouse
539 N Dearborn StThis is my favorite brazilian steakhouse. Some swear by Fogo De Chao...I tend to like this one more.
Chicago Smile Design
437 W North AveUnbelievable BBQ flavor!
Possibly the best ribs in the city. I would rather go here than Twin Anchors any day.
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Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division StPossibly the best ribs in the city. I would rather go here than Twin Anchors any day.
Great lebanese. BYOB...great place for Friday or Saturday night dinner....my favorite dish is the Shish Tawook.
Kan Zaman
617 N Wells StGreat lebanese. BYOB...great place for Friday or Saturday night dinner....my favorite dish is the Shish Tawook.
GT Fish & Oyster
531 N Wells StI heard great things...haven't been there yet.
Meli Cafe
301 S Halsted StGreat breakfast, and wonderful coffee!
Breakfast specialists. Not the best...but you will be happy for sure.
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Yolk - River North
747 N Wells StBreakfast specialists. Not the best...but you will be happy for sure.
When the weather is nice, this is a great place to have some pre-dinner drinks. That said...the steaks are not so bad here either! Head over to Clark St Ale house after for a couple pints!
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ZED451
739 N Clark StWhen the weather is nice, this is a great place to have some pre-dinner drinks. That said...the steaks are not so bad here either! Head over to Clark St Ale house after for a couple pints!
This is the some of best Italian Food in the city. Make reservations ahead of time. Take a stroll thu Old Town, catch a comedy show at Zanie's or Second City!! It's a nice way to spend an evening!
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Topo Gigio Ristorante
1516 N Wells StThis is the some of best Italian Food in the city. Make reservations ahead of time. Take a stroll thu Old Town, catch a comedy show at Zanie's or Second City!! It's a nice way to spend an evening!
Irish pub...in the spring/summer, they have an awesome patio to go enjoy a great dinner. I recommend this for a weekday locale. The food here is very good!
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Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
661 N Clark StIrish pub...in the spring/summer, they have an awesome patio to go enjoy a great dinner. I recommend this for a weekday locale. The food here is very good!
I do not recommend this place. Don't get fooled. The food is not good here. You have several better options for breakfast.
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Eggsperience Cafe
35 W Ontario StI do not recommend this place. Don't get fooled. The food is not good here. You have several better options for breakfast.
Great bar scene, and fantastic BBQ. I would recommend Chicago Q and Smoke Daddy first, but one sure does have the better bar scene.
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Bub City
435 N Clark StGreat bar scene, and fantastic BBQ. I would recommend Chicago Q and Smoke Daddy first, but one sure does have the better bar scene.
I heard the food is okay. I go there for drinks, and a bit of house music every so often.
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Untitled Supper Club
111 W Kinzie StI heard the food is okay. I go there for drinks, and a bit of house music every so often.
Some of the best sushi in Chicago. Also, enjoy the robata grill!
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Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
230 W Erie StSome of the best sushi in Chicago. Also, enjoy the robata grill!
fancy and yummy italian, made famous by the Ransik's. don't be surprised to see some celebrities here.
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RPM Italian
52 W Illinois Stfancy and yummy italian, made famous by the Ransik's. don't be surprised to see some celebrities here.
Best burger in the world!!!!!!!!!!! Go here for brunch. They do not take reservations.
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Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StBest burger in the world!!!!!!!!!!! Go here for brunch. They do not take reservations.
You haven't really had a steak until you eat at Bavette's. These people just make amazing food!
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie StYou haven't really had a steak until you eat at Bavette's. These people just make amazing food!
I think it is a bit overrated, but not bad if you want fresh made pasta, fancy location, and a place to "be seen".
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Nellcôte
833 W Randolph StI think it is a bit overrated, but not bad if you want fresh made pasta, fancy location, and a place to "be seen".
Yum. just yum. I like this for lunch, but it does draw a big dinner crowd as well.
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Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StYum. just yum. I like this for lunch, but it does draw a big dinner crowd as well.
Great food, and awesome music. Oh...and killer wine selection. MAKE RESERVATIONS.
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City Winery
1200 W Randolph StGreat food, and awesome music. Oh...and killer wine selection. MAKE RESERVATIONS.
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StMake reservations. This food is incredible.
Beatrix
519 N Clark Sthaven't been here yet, but close, and gets good reviews.
great happy hour, wonderful italian dishes, low key nightlife. I like this place.
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Siena Tavern
51 W Kinzie Stgreat happy hour, wonderful italian dishes, low key nightlife. I like this place.
Drinks & Nightlife
food is actually pretty good here too, I know it more for its nightlife. The line to get upstairs can be long, and often you might need a reservation. Instead, just head to the bar on the main floor.
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Paris Club Bistro & Bar
59 W Hubbard Stfood is actually pretty good here too, I know it more for its nightlife. The line to get upstairs can be long, and often you might need a reservation. Instead, just head to the bar on the main floor.
Considered the hottest club in Chicago...go early or risk not getting in. The owners are obnoxious, but the scene is upscale (where celebs go), and it can be fun to hang with the "beautiful people".
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Underground
56 W Illinois StConsidered the hottest club in Chicago...go early or risk not getting in. The owners are obnoxious, but the scene is upscale (where celebs go), and it can be fun to hang with the "beautiful people".
If you are a beer lover, you will love this place. It is festive year round, and you can bring your dog to the bar. No food, but you can order in whatever you'd like. The beer list rotates monthly.
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Clark Street Ale House - River North
742 N Clark StIf you are a beer lover, you will love this place. It is festive year round, and you can bring your dog to the bar. No food, but you can order in whatever you'd like. The beer list rotates monthly.
The fish tacos are great! Founded by the son of restauranteur Rich Melman...this place is great for dinner and drinks. It is next to the Paris Club (same owner). Expensive drinks, but good crowd.
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Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard StThe fish tacos are great! Founded by the son of restauranteur Rich Melman...this place is great for dinner and drinks. It is next to the Paris Club (same owner). Expensive drinks, but good crowd.
Enclave Night Club
213 W Institute PlNightclub. Loud!! Typically has a large crowd.
Y-bar and Soundbar...right next to each other. Not really worth the effort. The crowd is young...and usually popping something or another.
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Sound Bar
226 W Ontario StY-bar and Soundbar...right next to each other. Not really worth the effort. The crowd is young...and usually popping something or another.
Citizen Bar
364 W Erie StThe food is fair. The bar is great ONLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE!!
Go their for the nightlife...not for food. It is a large space, and gets a large crowd. Time for some tequila!
Moe's Cantina River North
155 W Kinzie StGo their for the nightlife...not for food. It is a large space, and gets a large crowd. Time for some tequila!
The Boss Bar
420 N Clark StTotal Dive, but open until 4am.
Great food. Try the ribs! Great food, great drinks. Get a table with alcohol on tap...yes...that is right...alcohol on tap right there at your table. Great night out!
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Public House
400 N State StGreat food. Try the ribs! Great food, great drinks. Get a table with alcohol on tap...yes...that is right...alcohol on tap right there at your table. Great night out!
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrKaraoke bar...dive bar. Cheap drinks.
Take the elevator to the top. Great outdoor bar on top of the Dana Hotel. The patio is only open until 11pm.
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Vertigo Sky Lounge
2 West Erie StreetTake the elevator to the top. Great outdoor bar on top of the Dana Hotel. The patio is only open until 11pm.
Go here for happy hour in the spring or summer. Or...go here for dinner/drinks. The bar is mainly outdoors, on top of the Wit Hotel in the loop (state st and lake st). Reminds me of Miami.
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ROOF on theWit
201 N State StGo here for happy hour in the spring or summer. Or...go here for dinner/drinks. The bar is mainly outdoors, on top of the Wit Hotel in the loop (state st and lake st). Reminds me of Miami.
House of Blues Chicago
329 N Dearborn StSmall concert venue and Bar.
Great place for dinner and drinks along the river. Sit outside...which means only go here when the weather is nice!
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Bridge House Tavern
321 N Clark StGreat place for dinner and drinks along the river. Sit outside...which means only go here when the weather is nice!
Possibly my most favorite bar in Chicago. It is a throwback to the old Playboy days of Chicago. A definite must for night life. The food here is actually rather good too! Enjoy!!
1301 N State Pkwy
1301 North State ParkwayPossibly my most favorite bar in Chicago. It is a throwback to the old Playboy days of Chicago. A definite must for night life. The food here is actually rather good too! Enjoy!!
Municipal Bar + Dining Co.
216 W Ohio StFun Bar. Opened in 2012.
15 W Illinois St
15 West Illinois Streetnew bar, my friend developed it. Opened in March, 2013.
Underground Wonder Bar
710 North Clark StreetGreat Live Music!! Low key place.
Nice bar with a good vibe, and oh so close! Lines form at midnight.
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Stout Barrel House & Pizza
642 N Clark StNice bar with a good vibe, and oh so close! Lines form at midnight.
They do it again...Bavette's, Au Cheval, Gilt Bar, and Maude's. These guys just know how to do food!
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Maude's Liquor Bar
114 N Green StThey do it again...Bavette's, Au Cheval, Gilt Bar, and Maude's. These guys just know how to do food!
Hub 51
51 W Hubbard StGood bar, great happy hour location.
from the guys at Fifty/50, this place has class, elegance, and stiff drinks.
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The Berkshire Room
15 E Ohio Stfrom the guys at Fifty/50, this place has class, elegance, and stiff drinks.
Everything Else
Best beach in the city for partying at the beach...or just for biking, walking, people watching, etc.
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Castaways
1603 N Lake Shore DrBest beach in the city for partying at the beach...or just for biking, walking, people watching, etc.
lower key than North Ave Beach. There is a nice restaurant there right on the beach/boardwalk.
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Oak Street Beach
lower key than North Ave Beach. There is a nice restaurant there right on the beach/boardwalk.
Grant Park Music Festival
337 E Randolph StGo here during the summer and catch a concert.
Check out the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field all at once!
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The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrCheck out the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field all at once!
It's free admission on Tuesdays! If you like art, I recommend going. They change exhibits each year.
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Fine Arts Building
410 S Michigan AveIt's free admission on Tuesdays! If you like art, I recommend going. They change exhibits each year.
Shopping
Greatest ice cream sunday you will find! Enjoy!! (p.s. Not sure why they list this on Michigan Ave. The door to the ice cream shop is on Pearson).
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Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
400 N Michigan AveGreatest ice cream sunday you will find! Enjoy!! (p.s. Not sure why they list this on Michigan Ave. The door to the ice cream shop is on Pearson).
Essentials
Jewel-Osco
550 N State StYour typical grocery store.
Great groceries...best value!! Great wine! Kosher meats! Cheeses, fruits, etc. Awesome prices!
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Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyGreat groceries...best value!! Great wine! Kosher meats! Cheeses, fruits, etc. Awesome prices!
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StOrganic groceries. Great everything...but can be expensive.
Walgreens
4801 N Lincoln Ave24-hour Walgreens store & pharmacy.
Famous international boutique high quality grocery store. Enjoy the best prosciutto, cheese, pasta, beer, wine, etc in the world. Their meats are amazing. I buy fish from here all the time.
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Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio StFamous international boutique high quality grocery store. Enjoy the best prosciutto, cheese, pasta, beer, wine, etc in the world. Their meats are amazing. I buy fish from here all the time.
Sightseeing
Great view of the city, but DO NOT go to the observatory deck. Rather...go one floor below to The Signature Room restaurant and sit with a cocktail while taking in the view.
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360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan AveGreat view of the city, but DO NOT go to the observatory deck. Rather...go one floor below to The Signature Room restaurant and sit with a cocktail while taking in the view.
Tallest building in Chicago, in the USA, and 7th tallest in the world. The tour to the Skydeck is rather awful, and the restaurants there are only open during work hours. Stil, you have to see it!!
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Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrTallest building in Chicago, in the USA, and 7th tallest in the world. The tour to the Skydeck is rather awful, and the restaurants there are only open during work hours. Stil, you have to see it!!
Chicago Board of Trade - pretend to be Ferris Bueller and take a tour. Schedule ahead of time!!
CME - Chicago Mercantil Exchange Group
Chicago Board of Trade - pretend to be Ferris Bueller and take a tour. Schedule ahead of time!!
Take a cruise on an architectural RIVER tour of the city.
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Chicago Arkitekturcenter
111 E Wacker DrTake a cruise on an architectural RIVER tour of the city.
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Gorgeous building. The bar is alright....