Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Balena - Temporarily Closed
3600 North Clark StreetGreat Food and adjacent to the Steppenwolf Theatre
A perfect marriage of great food and people watching. Brought to you by the Lettuce Entertainment Group
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Summer House Santa Monica
1954 N Halsted StA perfect marriage of great food and people watching. Brought to you by the Lettuce Entertainment Group
The perfect breakfast and the owner used to work for Oprah, how's that for a CHICAGO experience.
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Kingsbury Street Cafe
1523 North Kingsbury StreetThe perfect breakfast and the owner used to work for Oprah, how's that for a CHICAGO experience.
Can you say margarita? Fun, festive place when you're craving Mexican.
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Uncle Julio's Mexican From Scratch
855 W North AveCan you say margarita? Fun, festive place when you're craving Mexican.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N LaSalle DrBest steak in the Windy City.
Dickens Street Public House
2060 N Cleveland AveAwesome Irish pub and serve a great brunch.
Stop here after a CUBS game or VERY late at night. Celebrities love this place. George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and other famous faces have stopped by. Add it to your speedial.
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The Wiener's Circle
2622 N Clark StStop here after a CUBS game or VERY late at night. Celebrities love this place. George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and other famous faces have stopped by. Add it to your speedial.
Dee's
1114 W Armitage AveChinese in the hood.
Chicago has an amazing GREEK town, but this casual restaurant is a local favorite. Try the Kalamata chicken and surprisingly they make a "memorable" cheeseburger.
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Athenian Room
807 W Webster AveChicago has an amazing GREEK town, but this casual restaurant is a local favorite. Try the Kalamata chicken and surprisingly they make a "memorable" cheeseburger.
Guiliana Rancic and Bill Rancic represent the R and M stands for Melman. Hipsters go here, but the food is damn good.
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RPM Italian
52 W Illinois StGuiliana Rancic and Bill Rancic represent the R and M stands for Melman. Hipsters go here, but the food is damn good.
The Drake
140 E Walton PlCape Cod room - try the bookbinder soup, you won't be sorry.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StTwo words - Deep Dish, discuss!
FIG & OLIVE
104 E Oak StNew restaurant in Chicago located in the posh Gold Coast neighbor.
Giordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveDeep Dish Pizza near the gold coast
Can you say it correctly? If so, then you can order sweet or savory treats and dine at the communal table with friends.
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Le Pain Quotidien
1000 W Armitage AveCan you say it correctly? If so, then you can order sweet or savory treats and dine at the communal table with friends.
Yes; another pizza place, but it's religion here, so check it out.
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Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueYes; another pizza place, but it's religion here, so check it out.
Grant Achatz, Michelin 3 star rating & named best restaurant in America 3x.
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted StGrant Achatz, Michelin 3 star rating & named best restaurant in America 3x.
Have you ever bought a ticket for dinner instead of a reservation?
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Next Restaurant
953 W Fulton MarketHave you ever bought a ticket for dinner instead of a reservation?
Cash only, but worth the trip to the ATM.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start here. An easy walk from Fremont.
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Jam 'n Honey
958 W Webster AveCash only, but worth the trip to the ATM.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start here. An easy walk from Fremont.
Boka restaurant group brings you the best farm to table experience in the neighborhood.
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Perennial Virant
1800 N Lincoln AveBoka restaurant group brings you the best farm to table experience in the neighborhood.
Great for espresso and a croissant, and a short walk from Fremont.
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Floriole Cafe & Bakery
1220 W Webster AveGreat for espresso and a croissant, and a short walk from Fremont.
The food truck that grew up and became a store front. Ridiculously delicious.
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5411 Empanadas | Lakeview
2850 N Clark StThe food truck that grew up and became a store front. Ridiculously delicious.
Protein Bar & Kitchen
352 N Clark StSUPER healthy, and just around the corner from Fremont.
Epic Burger
1000 W North AveTheir burgers are epic.
Peet's Coffee
1000 W North AveDrink it there out of the large porcelain cup.
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
1655 North Sedgwick StreetBest ribs in town.
Starbucks
210 W North Avelike lemmings to the sea...
Old school steakhouse located right under the noisy L on Franklin.
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Gene & Georgetti
500 N Franklin StOld school steakhouse located right under the noisy L on Franklin.
No hype, just good Italian and theatre friendly menu to get you out the door before the lights go down.
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Trattoria Gianni
1711 N Halsted StNo hype, just good Italian and theatre friendly menu to get you out the door before the lights go down.
Great food, ambiance, wine list is notable and in warmer months the outdoor area is something special.
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Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted StGreat food, ambiance, wine list is notable and in warmer months the outdoor area is something special.
Crazy experience trying to get a table here, but worth it. Stephanie Izzard, Chef
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Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StCrazy experience trying to get a table here, but worth it. Stephanie Izzard, Chef
Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StCasual restaurant - diner like
The Parthenon
314 S Halsted StGreat view of the "Sears Tower" from this restaurant on Halstead. OPA!
Greek Islands
200 S Halsted StBest Greek off Halstead - plus complimentary valet parking
Every night is Armando's birthday and if you're lucky he'll bring you a tequila shot to your table to celebrate.
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La Scarola
721 W Grand AveEvery night is Armando's birthday and if you're lucky he'll bring you a tequila shot to your table to celebrate.
Shopping
Lori's Shoes
824 W Armitage AveGreat Deals on shoes, accessories, jewelry. A local favorite!
Boutique Heaven! Perfect for grabbing a last minute outfit when you need it, gifts, and the owner is LOVELY!
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art effect boutique clothes, jewelry & unique gifts store in Lincoln Park, Chicago's best shops
934 W Armitage AveBoutique Heaven! Perfect for grabbing a last minute outfit when you need it, gifts, and the owner is LOVELY!
J.Crew
929 W North AveWhen you want to channel your inner Jenna Lyons - relax, it's in the hood.
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio StDisneyland for Foodies
Stylists shop here, designers shop here, interior design fans shop here. Shelter magazines frequently source the best in home design from this fabulous store.
Jayson Home
1885 N Clybourn AveStylists shop here, designers shop here, interior design fans shop here. Shelter magazines frequently source the best in home design from this fabulous store.
Apple Lincoln Park
801 W North AveDid you forget your charger again?
Sur La Table
755 W North AveFoodie fans - a place to buy foodies stuff.
REI
905 W Eastman StWhen you're cold, go here for stuff.
Check out their vast array of cooking classes to show you how to use all your fancy purchases.
Williams-Sonoma
1550 N Fremont StCheck out their vast array of cooking classes to show you how to use all your fancy purchases.
Best Buy
1000 W North AveIn case you need something from here, it's close to home.
MICHAEL ANTHONY
Aveda products
TABULA TUA
1015 W Armitage AveHigh-end tabletop items and other home goods. Great place for hostess gifts.
barker & meowsky
1003 W Armitage AveDon't forget to buy a souvenir for your furry friend.
French Woman's boutique with more than 40 locations worldwide. Their first US location: Chicago, go figure.
Cotelac
1159 W Webster AveFrench Woman's boutique with more than 40 locations worldwide. Their first US location: Chicago, go figure.
INTERMIX
841 W Armitage AveEdited selection of trending designers in an intimate shopping setting.
MAC Cosmetics
910 West Armitage AvenueLove that this is so close to home.
Love looking in the window on a Sat when everyone is getting their brows dyed.
Benefit Cosmetics Boutique & BrowBar
852 W Armitage AveLove looking in the window on a Sat when everyone is getting their brows dyed.
Lush Cosmetics
859 W Armitage AveSoap is the star of the show at this local boutique.
Great gift wrapping papers, cards, stationary and last minute novelty gifts.
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Paper Source
3543 N Southport AveGreat gift wrapping papers, cards, stationary and last minute novelty gifts.
The Blues Jean Bar
2210 N Halsted StDenim lovers will spend some quality time here.
Club Monaco Lincoln Park
2206 N Halsted StSame Club Monaco in other cities, but nearby
lululemon
3556 N Southport AveYogis - the mothership is calling
Home decor store featuring vintage & reproduction furniture pieces, accessories and now clothing. The owner is a dear friend of mine, don't forget to say hi to her bulldog assistant, Babs.
The Painted Lady
1822 W Grand AveHome decor store featuring vintage & reproduction furniture pieces, accessories and now clothing. The owner is a dear friend of mine, don't forget to say hi to her bulldog assistant, Babs.
Arts & Culture
Gary Sinise and two friends started this amazing theatre in the 70s. For 35 years it has turned out quality productions including most recently, August: Osage County. Must See Theatre - this is it!
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Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N Halsted StGary Sinise and two friends started this amazing theatre in the 70s. For 35 years it has turned out quality productions including most recently, August: Osage County. Must See Theatre - this is it!
Notable artists who have played Double Door include local acts, The Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Liz Phair, Cheap Trick as well as the Rolling Stones, Kings of Leon, Cypress Hill, Kanye West, et al.
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Double Door
Notable artists who have played Double Door include local acts, The Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Liz Phair, Cheap Trick as well as the Rolling Stones, Kings of Leon, Cypress Hill, Kanye West, et al.
Bill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey - it all started here. The world's premier comedy club/theatre and school of improvisation just down the street.
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The Second City
230 W North AveBill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey - it all started here. The world's premier comedy club/theatre and school of improvisation just down the street.
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StWhen you want to hear the blues...this is your place.
Victory Gardens won a Tony award for best regional theater
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Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N Lincoln AveVictory Gardens won a Tony award for best regional theater
In the mood for a flick, then you're in luck because its walking distance from Fremont.
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Regal Webster Place
1471 W Webster AveIn the mood for a flick, then you're in luck because its walking distance from Fremont.
Recent hits The Doyle and Debbie Show and Motherhood the Musical. Last year, John Leguizamo chose the Royal George’s mainstage to try out material for his latest Broadway-bound solo show.
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Royal George Theatre
1641 N Halsted StRecent hits The Doyle and Debbie Show and Motherhood the Musical. Last year, John Leguizamo chose the Royal George’s mainstage to try out material for his latest Broadway-bound solo show.
Theatre on the Lake
2401 N Lake Shore DrIt's a theater that's by the lake.
If it's a movie that the average joe hasn't heard of, then head here for tickets. Don't forget to arrive early so you can stop by 5411 Empanadas first.
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Landmark's Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark StIf it's a movie that the average joe hasn't heard of, then head here for tickets. Don't forget to arrive early so you can stop by 5411 Empanadas first.
United Center
1901 W Madison StHome of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrA jurassic museum
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveCheck out the David Bowie exhibit!
Drinks & Nightlife
A pub and there's lots of them in the Windy City, but this one is pretty cozy.
The Black Duck Tavern & Grille
1800 N Halsted StA pub and there's lots of them in the Windy City, but this one is pretty cozy.
Paris Club Bistro & Bar
59 W Hubbard StGreat for late night, don't go before 10pm
Underground
56 W Illinois StLate night destination with 20 somethings abound.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W Hubbard StGreat Sunday brunch
The Aviary
955 W Fulton MarketGrant Achatz tackles the cocktail and wins!
The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia AveFunky lil place, but fun.
Kincade's Bar & Grill
950 W Armitage AveLocal joint, that's about it.
Glascott Saloon
2158 N Halsted StGreat local pub nearby
Lil place tucked in an alley, fireplace scene super cozy, romantic destination.
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RM Champagne Salon
116 N Green StLil place tucked in an alley, fireplace scene super cozy, romantic destination.
Nellcôte
833 W Randolph StScene-y
Soho House Chicago
113-125 N Green StNew watering hole in town, hipsters are lining up out front.
Entertainment & Activities
In the summer, there's "jamming at the zoo" and holiday time brings "the festival of lights". In the meantime, check out the awesome polar bear, have lunch and pretend you're starring in a rom - com.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StIn the summer, there's "jamming at the zoo" and holiday time brings "the festival of lights". In the meantime, check out the awesome polar bear, have lunch and pretend you're starring in a rom - com.
Cupcakes, cakes and cookies - once you experience it, you'll fly back just for a container of icing.
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Sweet Mandy B's
1208 W Webster AveCupcakes, cakes and cookies - once you experience it, you'll fly back just for a container of icing.
Apollo Theater Chicago
2550 N Lincoln AveKid - Friendly shows
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrGreat for kids
Sightseeing
This awesome school is located just around the corner.
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DePaul University Welcome Center
2400 N Sheffield AveThis awesome school is located just around the corner.
You hate yourself if you don't stop here! Architect, Renzo Piano's recent addition to the museum is a treat for the eyes. Have lunch in the modern wing, but make time for the miniatures downstairs.
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The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveYou hate yourself if you don't stop here! Architect, Renzo Piano's recent addition to the museum is a treat for the eyes. Have lunch in the modern wing, but make time for the miniatures downstairs.
Go Bears! But if you're not cheering for the home team (aka GO PACKERS), this is also a great place to see a concert
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Soldier Field
1410 Special Olympics DrGo Bears! But if you're not cheering for the home team (aka GO PACKERS), this is also a great place to see a concert
Skyscrapers 'R us! Lunch or a drink from the 96th floor is something to add to your list.
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360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan AveSkyscrapers 'R us! Lunch or a drink from the 96th floor is something to add to your list.
If you're thinking SEARS TOWER, that's okay because locals still call it that. Are you brave enough to venture out on the "ledge"?
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Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrIf you're thinking SEARS TOWER, that's okay because locals still call it that. Are you brave enough to venture out on the "ledge"?
A gift to the city and a great place for classical music in the summer coupled with firework displays that are magical especially if you're with someone special.
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Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StA gift to the city and a great place for classical music in the summer coupled with firework displays that are magical especially if you're with someone special.
Did you know the power switch for the fountain is located in Atlanta? Just some local trivia for ya, but this fountain is ground zero at Lollapalooza.
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Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus DrDid you know the power switch for the fountain is located in Atlanta? Just some local trivia for ya, but this fountain is ground zero at Lollapalooza.
Bucktown
High Fidelity fans represent!
Grab your Birkin & have lunch at Barney's with friends right after maxing out your credit card.
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Gold Coast
Grab your Birkin & have lunch at Barney's with friends right after maxing out your credit card.
Another awesome Chicago neighborhood. Every June they host the Wells Street art festival. Lots of restaurants, boutiques, and sports bars line Wells Street.
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Old Town
Another awesome Chicago neighborhood. Every June they host the Wells Street art festival. Lots of restaurants, boutiques, and sports bars line Wells Street.
Leo Burnett
Real life "Mad Men" agency
Tribune Tower
Catch the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker bus tours here.
Known for its ivy covered brick outfield wall and that damn goat incident. Go cubbies.
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Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StKnown for its ivy covered brick outfield wall and that damn goat incident. Go cubbies.
Shedd Akvarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrKid - friendly
Essentials
This location is a super store and features an Asian restaurant, diner and wine and cheese bar along with all things organic, and pricey.
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Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StThis location is a super store and features an Asian restaurant, diner and wine and cheese bar along with all things organic, and pricey.
Treasure Island Foods
2121 North Clybourn AvenueLocal grocery store targeting higher end audience.
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyCalifornia inspired grocery
Binny's Beverage Depot
4901 W Irving Park RdOut of wine, cheese, vodka?