Food | Finds | Fun & More!
FOOD. "the taste of Chicago"
Welcome to a food lover's paradise! Chicago is celebrated not only for its iconic deep-dish pizza and legendary Chicago-style hot dogs but also for a culinary scene that's as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the tantalizing aromas of Little Italy to the vibrant tastes of Chinatown, every corner of the city offers a unique dining experience.
Indulge in gourmet creations by world-renowned chefs, explore cozy cafes and bustling food markets, or enjoy a casual meal at one of the many rooftop bars offering stunning city views. Whether you crave haute cuisine, ethnic delights, or street food classics, Chicago's gastronomic landscape promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds. Bon appétit!
Awesome Coffee, nice quiet atmosphere! There is also one located in the South loop and in Hyde Park.
18 habitants recommandent
Sip & Savor 43rd
528 E 43rd StAwesome Coffee, nice quiet atmosphere! There is also one located in the South loop and in Hyde Park.
Ain't She Sweet Cafe
526 E 43rd StGreat sandwiches, quick service, lots of variety!
If you love vegan food, this place will satisfy your pallette!! It is small, so seating is limited, but they are well worth the wait! Open for lunch and dinner only, fyi. Make sure to try the vegan bbq wings...the are AMAZING!
10 habitants recommandent
Majani Restaurant
7167 S Exchange AveIf you love vegan food, this place will satisfy your pallette!! It is small, so seating is limited, but they are well worth the wait! Open for lunch and dinner only, fyi. Make sure to try the vegan bbq wings...the are AMAZING!
If you love pizza, you'll love this place. Its close by, quick service. They also deliver. Sandwiches leave something to be desired, but the pizza is great!
70 habitants recommandent
Ricobene's
252 W 26th StIf you love pizza, you'll love this place. Its close by, quick service. They also deliver. Sandwiches leave something to be desired, but the pizza is great!
It's on the North Side, but well worth the travel! Budget and family friendly, BYOB and great food!!
17 habitants recommandent
Isla Pilipina Restaurant
15 West Washington StreetIt's on the North Side, but well worth the travel! Budget and family friendly, BYOB and great food!!
Love the spicy fried chicken, and they actually serve sweet iced tea which is a MUST for a Southerner!
10 habitants recommandent
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
847 W Fulton MarketLove the spicy fried chicken, and they actually serve sweet iced tea which is a MUST for a Southerner!
Vegan friendly, and a must for a true coffee head! Their vegan friendly food options are also some of the best we've had at a coffee spot.
131 habitants recommandent
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveVegan friendly, and a must for a true coffee head! Their vegan friendly food options are also some of the best we've had at a coffee spot.
The food is unique and so, so good! We have not had a bad dish yet!!!
160 habitants recommandent
Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StThe food is unique and so, so good! We have not had a bad dish yet!!!
OMG. They sell food by the pound, and its worth every penny!! It can be pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with this BBQ spot. Make sure to check the menu before you depart, because they run out of things quickly (once they run out, that's it). FYI, it is a communal seating set up (i.e., picnic table type of set up), but you'll need the space for all the food!
107 habitants recommandent
Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StOMG. They sell food by the pound, and its worth every penny!! It can be pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with this BBQ spot. Make sure to check the menu before you depart, because they run out of things quickly (once they run out, that's it). FYI, it is a communal seating set up (i.e., picnic table type of set up), but you'll need the space for all the food!
This is a place for unique tacos if you love em!! Crunchy fish tacos are always good and drinks are awesome!! Slightly pricy for tacos but its a great spot to go to on a night out!
23 habitants recommandent
Antique Taco
1000 W 35th StThis is a place for unique tacos if you love em!! Crunchy fish tacos are always good and drinks are awesome!! Slightly pricy for tacos but its a great spot to go to on a night out!
Stays open all night long, strong drinks and great tacos!! This place has never let us down. There is limited seating, and it can get crowded on late nights, however.
46 habitants recommandent
Velvet Taco
1110 N State StStays open all night long, strong drinks and great tacos!! This place has never let us down. There is limited seating, and it can get crowded on late nights, however.
Great coffee!! Also have great pastries, so if you are on a diet - DON'T COME HERE lol! They also have great CYO sandwhich options, and an attached restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Located in a walkable, stroller friendly area in Hyde Park. Not to mention its across the street from a small park to take your kids to!
99 habitants recommandent
Medici On 57th
1327 E 57th StGreat coffee!! Also have great pastries, so if you are on a diet - DON'T COME HERE lol! They also have great CYO sandwhich options, and an attached restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Located in a walkable, stroller friendly area in Hyde Park. Not to mention its across the street from a small park to take your kids to!
Great service and awesome Senegalese food! Ample seating, quiet and family friendly. They are open for lunch and dinner.
22 habitants recommandent
Yassa African Restaurant
3511 S King DrGreat service and awesome Senegalese food! Ample seating, quiet and family friendly. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Awesome pizza and beer! Very family and stroller friendly. Has outside seating as well!!
31 habitants recommandent
Connie's Pizza
2373 S Archer AveAwesome pizza and beer! Very family and stroller friendly. Has outside seating as well!!
This spot is great for breakfast!! Smaller space, open only for breakfast and lunch, so plan accordingly!
199 habitants recommandent
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee AveThis spot is great for breakfast!! Smaller space, open only for breakfast and lunch, so plan accordingly!
Unique foods, specializing in organic breakfast items. Coffee is great too!
36 habitants recommandent
Spoke & Bird
205 E 18th StUnique foods, specializing in organic breakfast items. Coffee is great too!
Great place for late nights eats not far away for burgers and fries!! Plan carefully as the place gets crowded easily, so call ahead.
Mikkey's Retro Grill
8711 E 55th StGreat place for late nights eats not far away for burgers and fries!! Plan carefully as the place gets crowded easily, so call ahead.
Great for a Chicago twist on Mississippi Delta food items. Great drinks, music and food food food!!! Also one of the easier places to find parking on the street.
8 habitants recommandent
The Delta
1745 W North AveGreat for a Chicago twist on Mississippi Delta food items. Great drinks, music and food food food!!! Also one of the easier places to find parking on the street.
Gilt Bar
230 W Kinzie StJust good food and strong drinks. Yum!
El Cid
2645 N Kedzie AveAwesome Mexican food, budget friendly and the magaritas are great!
Awesome food, BYOW for the sangria they will make at your table for you. The wait is LONG and seating can be tight inside, especially during the cold weather but well worth it, so plan accordingly. They also have multiple locations. Outside seating as well for a warm night.
182 habitants recommandent
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
2540 W Armitage AveAwesome food, BYOW for the sangria they will make at your table for you. The wait is LONG and seating can be tight inside, especially during the cold weather but well worth it, so plan accordingly. They also have multiple locations. Outside seating as well for a warm night.
If you like spicy fried chicken, THIS is the place to go!! Sooo good, nice portions and SPICY - as in RED HOT! They also have non-spicy for those of us who can't handle all of that.
Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken
2520 S Halsted StIf you like spicy fried chicken, THIS is the place to go!! Sooo good, nice portions and SPICY - as in RED HOT! They also have non-spicy for those of us who can't handle all of that.
When the cravings for a perch & wing combo arrive. We run here. Decide in advance if you want to add mild sauce. It's a chicago staple.
Harold’s Chicken #88 Meets Beer
When the cravings for a perch & wing combo arrive. We run here. Decide in advance if you want to add mild sauce. It's a chicago staple.
For those NYC pizza lovers, we get it. Yet, this place might make you fall back in love with fresh oven baked pies. Fresh ingredients and an amazing crust. What more can I say.
18 habitants recommandent
Pizzeria Due
619 N Wabash AveFor those NYC pizza lovers, we get it. Yet, this place might make you fall back in love with fresh oven baked pies. Fresh ingredients and an amazing crust. What more can I say.
Just go here! Its literally 7 minutes at most driving. Amazing food.
9 habitants recommandent
Triple Crown Restaurant
2217 S Wentworth AveJust go here! Its literally 7 minutes at most driving. Amazing food.
MingHin Cuisine
2168 S Archer AveIn the heart of all the action. Chinatown's best Dim Sum.
FINDS. "the arts and culture scene"
Chicago is a vibrant canvas of arts and culture, offering an enriching experience for all who visit. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, including the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, home to masterpieces spanning centuries. Theater enthusiasts will revel in the dynamic theater scene, from Broadway-style productions in the Theater District to cutting-edge shows in off-Loop theaters.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each brimming with their own cultural heritage and artistic expressions. Enjoy live music, from the soulful blues bars to grand symphony concerts. Marvel at the public art installations that adorn the streets, including the iconic Cloud Gate in Millennium Park.
Every turn in Chicago presents an opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of arts and culture that makes this city truly unique. Whether you're an art aficionado, a theater lover, or simply seeking to soak in the local culture, Chicago's vibrant arts scene promises a memorable and inspiring visit.
Awesome exhibits. Can be crowded or noisy during the middle of the day, but its a great place to go to early or later if possible. They also have a great coffee and tea bar, a restaurant (although pricey and sometimes slow service during peak hours) and a place where you can listen to live music.
532 habitants recommandent
Musée d'Art Contemporain de Chicago
220 E Chicago AveAwesome exhibits. Can be crowded or noisy during the middle of the day, but its a great place to go to early or later if possible. They also have a great coffee and tea bar, a restaurant (although pricey and sometimes slow service during peak hours) and a place where you can listen to live music.
This is the location of all Johnson Publishing Archive, University of Chicago Glass Lantern Slides and much more about AA history, art, etc. Hours are limited so plan carefully. Not ideal for small kids that like to be hands on as exhibits are archives for careful handling.
18 habitants recommandent
Stony Island Arts Bank
6760 S Stony Island AveThis is the location of all Johnson Publishing Archive, University of Chicago Glass Lantern Slides and much more about AA history, art, etc. Hours are limited so plan carefully. Not ideal for small kids that like to be hands on as exhibits are archives for careful handling.
Awesome exhibits, kid friendly. Can get crowded on weekends and peak times. We suggest an uber if possible because parking can be expensive.
1159 habitants recommandent
L'Institut d'Art de Chicago
111 S Michigan AveAwesome exhibits, kid friendly. Can get crowded on weekends and peak times. We suggest an uber if possible because parking can be expensive.
If you want to go to outer space without leaving the comforts of Chicago, this is where you want to be! Family friendly, many exhibits and points of interest that will keep both adults and kids busy. Beautiful view off the lake!
393 habitants recommandent
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrIf you want to go to outer space without leaving the comforts of Chicago, this is where you want to be! Family friendly, many exhibits and points of interest that will keep both adults and kids busy. Beautiful view off the lake!
Beautiful stain-glassed domes, exhibits and events!!
203 habitants recommandent
Centre culturel de Chicago
78 E Washington StBeautiful stain-glassed domes, exhibits and events!!
Théâtre de Chicago
175 N State StHome to one of Bronzeville's art staples, showcasing art related to the African Diaspora.
21 habitants recommandent
Gallery Guichard
436 E 47th StHome to one of Bronzeville's art staples, showcasing art related to the African Diaspora.
Lovely sight to see, great if you want to take in a Broadway show in Chicago!
11 habitants recommandent
Broadway In Chicago
17 N State StLovely sight to see, great if you want to take in a Broadway show in Chicago!
FUN. "my kind of town"
As the sun sets, Chicago's nightlife comes alive with an energy that's contagious. This city after dark is a playground for night owls, offering an exhilarating mix of experiences. Dance the night away at cutting-edge nightclubs, where world-class DJs spin the latest beats. For a more laid-back evening, visit one of the city's many jazz or blues clubs, where the soulful rhythms provide a quintessential Chicago experience.
The cocktail scene here is second to none, with innovative mixologists serving up both classic and avant-garde concoctions in stylish lounges and hidden speakeasies. Enjoy a comedy show at one of the renowned improv theaters, a tradition that has given rise to many famous comedians.
For those who seek a night under the stars, rooftop bars offer breathtaking views of the city skyline, perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. Chicago's nightlife is diverse and vibrant, ensuring that there's something exciting for every type of visitor. Discover the magic of Chicago at night and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Music and food is great. They serve small plates so it's not a place for a long sit down meal, but the drinks are great! Parking can be tough in the area so we suggest getting there a tad earlier than you normally would.
172 habitants recommandent
The Promontory
5311 S Lake Park Ave WMusic and food is great. They serve small plates so it's not a place for a long sit down meal, but the drinks are great! Parking can be tough in the area so we suggest getting there a tad earlier than you normally would.
Awesome drinks and stunning views on the top level. They also have an entire floor dedicated to billiards, shuffleboard, chess and checkers. Not to mention the awesome history behind the entire hotel!!
53 habitants recommandent
Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan AveAwesome drinks and stunning views on the top level. They also have an entire floor dedicated to billiards, shuffleboard, chess and checkers. Not to mention the awesome history behind the entire hotel!!
You can get a hair cut AND a strong drink at this 70-s themed babershop! Be mindful of parking as it can be limited and lines for the bar part of the shop can be long outside.
16 habitants recommandent
Blind Barber
948 W Fulton MarketYou can get a hair cut AND a strong drink at this 70-s themed babershop! Be mindful of parking as it can be limited and lines for the bar part of the shop can be long outside.
Ok. Didn't think this was going to be this good. Such an awesome curated experience. Go!!!!
American Writers Museum
180 North Michigan AveOk. Didn't think this was going to be this good. Such an awesome curated experience. Go!!!!
One of the city's most fashion forward neighborhoods. Wicker Park has always been a hub for culture and great people. Go here for Drinks. Tell Chris we said hello!
Revolver
One of the city's most fashion forward neighborhoods. Wicker Park has always been a hub for culture and great people. Go here for Drinks. Tell Chris we said hello!
Sightseeing Anyone?
You can look out over the tower and see the entire city!! Great place to take kids (especially if they are not afraid of heights). Better for older kids, fyi.
295 habitants recommandent
875 Avenue du Michigan Nord
875 N Michigan AveYou can look out over the tower and see the entire city!! Great place to take kids (especially if they are not afraid of heights). Better for older kids, fyi.
Porte des nuages
201 E Randolph StEveryone comes to Chicago to see the Bean!!!
Formerly known as the Sears tower, you can come here to see the entire city in the glass elevator! A must see for those visiting. Plan accordingly as lines can get long for the sightseeing elevator.
348 habitants recommandent
Willis Tower Skydeck
Formerly known as the Sears tower, you can come here to see the entire city in the glass elevator! A must see for those visiting. Plan accordingly as lines can get long for the sightseeing elevator.
Are you a parks & nature buff?
Great tourist spot. You can walk on the Ribbon, lots of space to play!! For smaller kids, we suggest going during the day, before peak times as it can get crowded.
175 habitants recommandent
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StGreat tourist spot. You can walk on the Ribbon, lots of space to play!! For smaller kids, we suggest going during the day, before peak times as it can get crowded.
They have Movies at the Park during the Summer, close to U of C, great grassy knolls, and there is an ice skating rink for those just learning or for smaller kids.
8 habitants recommandent
Midway Plaisance Ice Rink
1130 Midway PlaisanceThey have Movies at the Park during the Summer, close to U of C, great grassy knolls, and there is an ice skating rink for those just learning or for smaller kids.
More Entertainment?
Great for kids!! The museum has many things suitable for school age kids, and will keep them entertained!
204 habitants recommandent
Museum of Science & Industry station
Great for kids!! The museum has many things suitable for school age kids, and will keep them entertained!
On top of being an aquarium, they have events such as Jazzin' at the Shed for the adults to listen to music, food, drinks, etc. Check the website prior to your departure for various events!
673 habitants recommandent
Aquarium Shedd
1200 S Lake Shore DrOn top of being an aquarium, they have events such as Jazzin' at the Shed for the adults to listen to music, food, drinks, etc. Check the website prior to your departure for various events!
Beautiful golf course in South Shore Chicago, only minutes away. Off the lakefront for a beautiful view!!
24 habitants recommandent
Jackson Park Golf Course
6401 S Richards DrBeautiful golf course in South Shore Chicago, only minutes away. Off the lakefront for a beautiful view!!
White Sox Stadium within walking distance for family friendly fun! Wrigley Field is great, but true Southsiders do White Sox baseball...no pressure ;-)
91 habitants recommandent
Chicago White Sox
333 W 35th StWhite Sox Stadium within walking distance for family friendly fun! Wrigley Field is great, but true Southsiders do White Sox baseball...no pressure ;-)
Great beach, beautiful views, kid friendly!! Also has a rubber park for the kids as well as water trikes!!
80 habitants recommandent
31st Street Beach station
Great beach, beautiful views, kid friendly!! Also has a rubber park for the kids as well as water trikes!!
The place to go for bowling and bar food! It can get to be a tad pricey, fyi, but its family friendly as well.
27 habitants recommandent
Pinstripes
435 E Illinois StThe place to go for bowling and bar food! It can get to be a tad pricey, fyi, but its family friendly as well.
Come here if you want to take a walk down memory lane and play Pac Man, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong and much more!! Walking distance to Fulton Market where there is a plethora of places to eat and things to do!
21 habitants recommandent
Emporium Fulton Market
839 W Fulton MarketCome here if you want to take a walk down memory lane and play Pac Man, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong and much more!! Walking distance to Fulton Market where there is a plethora of places to eat and things to do!
Need Transportation?
Green Line/Red Line train. Generally safe, but take precaution, especially before and after peak times. You can pay for a trip at the station, or use a Ventra card, available at any Walgreens and CVS. Trains run 7 days a week.
35th-Bronzeville-IIT station
Green Line/Red Line train. Generally safe, but take precaution, especially before and after peak times. You can pay for a trip at the station, or use a Ventra card, available at any Walgreens and CVS. Trains run 7 days a week.
Metra Train - goes directly downtown but has more limited hours than the CTA, especially on weekends. Check transit schedules accordingly!
35th Street "Lou" Jones / Bronzeville station
106 W 35th StMetra Train - goes directly downtown but has more limited hours than the CTA, especially on weekends. Check transit schedules accordingly!