Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
3 distinct Italian restaurants under one roof right in the middle of The Loop
7 habitants recommandent
Italian Village Restaurant
71 W Monroe St3 distinct Italian restaurants under one roof right in the middle of The Loop
Burrito Mex
6033 S Archer RdSimply some of the best Mexican food that I have ever had.
This is easily the best pizza that I have ever had. If you want to experience Chicago deep dish pizza, head to this location or one of the other Lou Malnati's restaurants scattered conveniently around town. They also have many carry-out only locations, so be sure you're not heading to one of those if you want to sit down and eat. I strongly suggest that you get two pizzas: one Lou (vegetarian) and one Classic (the opposite). They are both amazing. The menu helpfully, and pretty accurately, instructs you on how many people each pizza will feed. Further tips: you can order the pizza while you are waiting for your table so that it comes out soon after you are seated. Also, about those sizes I mentioned earlier ... round up and take some with you if it's convenient. It's just as good reheated in the oven.
513 habitants recommandent
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StThis is easily the best pizza that I have ever had. If you want to experience Chicago deep dish pizza, head to this location or one of the other Lou Malnati's restaurants scattered conveniently around town. They also have many carry-out only locations, so be sure you're not heading to one of those if you want to sit down and eat. I strongly suggest that you get two pizzas: one Lou (vegetarian) and one Classic (the opposite). They are both amazing. The menu helpfully, and pretty accurately, instructs you on how many people each pizza will feed. Further tips: you can order the pizza while you are waiting for your table so that it comes out soon after you are seated. Also, about those sizes I mentioned earlier ... round up and take some with you if it's convenient. It's just as good reheated in the oven.
Great food, good prices, a bar and lots of TVs led Airbnb hosts to vote this restaurant and bar the "Top Spot to Catch a Game" on Chicago's West Side.
11 habitants recommandent
The Ogden Chicago
1659 W Ogden AveGreat food, good prices, a bar and lots of TVs led Airbnb hosts to vote this restaurant and bar the "Top Spot to Catch a Game" on Chicago's West Side.
Take a break from the Magnificent Mile to grab some pork tacos
28 habitants recommandent
Flaco's Tacos
1116 W Granville AveTake a break from the Magnificent Mile to grab some pork tacos
So far, this is our favorite Asian food in the city. Their selection goes beyond Sushi and Thai and incorporates other East Asian dishes. Recommended: The whole menu. Specifically: Pad Thai, Basil Fried Rice, any Sushi roll that has shrimp tempura.
60 habitants recommandent
Butterfly Sushi Bar
1139 W Grand AveSo far, this is our favorite Asian food in the city. Their selection goes beyond Sushi and Thai and incorporates other East Asian dishes. Recommended: The whole menu. Specifically: Pad Thai, Basil Fried Rice, any Sushi roll that has shrimp tempura.
I know this probably shouldn't make any sort of guidebook, but this place has the best shopping mall-style bourbon chicken that I have ever had. Order an extra side of rice, and it's easily 2 meals. Phone in a takeout order or put in your order before doing some grocery shopping at Pete's. If you don't have a car, I believe they deliver, as well.
King Wok
2323 W Madison StI know this probably shouldn't make any sort of guidebook, but this place has the best shopping mall-style bourbon chicken that I have ever had. Order an extra side of rice, and it's easily 2 meals. Phone in a takeout order or put in your order before doing some grocery shopping at Pete's. If you don't have a car, I believe they deliver, as well.
Phone in an order or go to Grubhub to get delivery of a large amount of tasty pizza, fries and calzones. Their deep dish pizza is better than the better known Chicago pizzerias (exception: Lou Malnati's).
Bella Vita Pizzeria
3737 W Grand AvePhone in an order or go to Grubhub to get delivery of a large amount of tasty pizza, fries and calzones. Their deep dish pizza is better than the better known Chicago pizzerias (exception: Lou Malnati's).
Perfect for late nights! This 24-hour Mexican joint has great tacos, quesadillas, breakfast burritos and a lot more. It's about 5 minutes away by car and there is free parking right in front.
13 habitants recommandent
Chavas Tacos El Original
2333 W Grand AvePerfect for late nights! This 24-hour Mexican joint has great tacos, quesadillas, breakfast burritos and a lot more. It's about 5 minutes away by car and there is free parking right in front.
Drinks & Nightlife
Richard's Bar
491 N Milwaukee AveSmoking inside is allowed. It smells like freedom.
A great place to start or end a night out, particularly on St. Patrick's Day
15 habitants recommandent
Emmit's Irish Pub
495 N Milwaukee AveA great place to start or end a night out, particularly on St. Patrick's Day
Revolution's most popular beer, the Anti-Hero IPA, is widely distributed around Chicago and outlying neighborhoods. Chances are that you will see it at many restaurants, bars and stores during your trip. Their Brewing Tap Room gives you chance to sample a wide variety of their equally good but less distributed beers. Plus, they have free hourly tours that include a complimentary beer. Anti-Hero and some others are produced year round, but each season brings a unique line up of returning favorites and new creations. With over a dozen varieties on tap at any given time, there's sure to be something for everybody every time.
101 habitants recommandent
Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
3340 N Kedzie AveRevolution's most popular beer, the Anti-Hero IPA, is widely distributed around Chicago and outlying neighborhoods. Chances are that you will see it at many restaurants, bars and stores during your trip. Their Brewing Tap Room gives you chance to sample a wide variety of their equally good but less distributed beers. Plus, they have free hourly tours that include a complimentary beer. Anti-Hero and some others are produced year round, but each season brings a unique line up of returning favorites and new creations. With over a dozen varieties on tap at any given time, there's sure to be something for everybody every time.
Cash only and there may be a line to get in to this cool but tiny bar in Bucktown.
76 habitants recommandent
Dannys
Cash only and there may be a line to get in to this cool but tiny bar in Bucktown.
Classy place in one of Chicago's skyscrapers. Outdoor seating in the summer. Good bartenders. Last time we were there, the Blackhawks were rumored to be stopping by later that night.
21 habitants recommandent
Drumbar
201 E Delaware PlClassy place in one of Chicago's skyscrapers. Outdoor seating in the summer. Good bartenders. Last time we were there, the Blackhawks were rumored to be stopping by later that night.
Apparently pronounced "SHAM-blees" the traditional pronunciation is probably more fitting. While most bars close at 3 AM, this is the closest 4 AM bar ... just don't be surprised if the people there are exactly the people you'd expect to be out past the close of overything else.
6 habitants recommandent
Shambles bar
2050 W Division StApparently pronounced "SHAM-blees" the traditional pronunciation is probably more fitting. While most bars close at 3 AM, this is the closest 4 AM bar ... just don't be surprised if the people there are exactly the people you'd expect to be out past the close of overything else.
Division Street provides the closest area to bar hop in this convenient area in south Wicker Park. The Fifty/50 and Fatpour (try the Not Your Father's Root Beer) along Division and Rainbo Club a block south on Damen are personal favorites. The Uber ride there probably won't even set you back $10. If you want to hop farther, hit this section up on your way to or back from the many bars around Damen and North Avenue.
14 habitants recommandent
Divvy Station: Damen Ave & Division St
Division Street provides the closest area to bar hop in this convenient area in south Wicker Park. The Fifty/50 and Fatpour (try the Not Your Father's Root Beer) along Division and Rainbo Club a block south on Damen are personal favorites. The Uber ride there probably won't even set you back $10. If you want to hop farther, hit this section up on your way to or back from the many bars around Damen and North Avenue.
This pub has a rotating selection of excellent beers and the bar tenders to guide you to your new favorite. Monk's is a short walk from the Clark & Lake train stop in the northwest corner of The Loop. Its hours cater to the folks working in nearby offices, so double check the hours before you go. (At the time of this writing, it is closed Sunday, only open until 5 on Saturday and closes at midnight during the week.)
13 habitants recommandent
Monk's Pub
205 W Lake StThis pub has a rotating selection of excellent beers and the bar tenders to guide you to your new favorite. Monk's is a short walk from the Clark & Lake train stop in the northwest corner of The Loop. Its hours cater to the folks working in nearby offices, so double check the hours before you go. (At the time of this writing, it is closed Sunday, only open until 5 on Saturday and closes at midnight during the week.)
Like other cities, Chicago has its own speakeasy inspired bar serving up meticulously crafted cocktails. House rules include "No cell phones" and "Don't bring anyone that you wouldn't bring to your mother's house for Sunday dinner." The cocktails here are pricey (~$15+), but they are worth it. Get there early evening or on weekdays to avoid the lines.
355 habitants recommandent
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveLike other cities, Chicago has its own speakeasy inspired bar serving up meticulously crafted cocktails. House rules include "No cell phones" and "Don't bring anyone that you wouldn't bring to your mother's house for Sunday dinner." The cocktails here are pricey (~$15+), but they are worth it. Get there early evening or on weekdays to avoid the lines.
Right across from The Aviary, this bar and restaurant also serves up some delicious cocktails.
28 habitants recommandent
La Sirena Clandestina
954 W Fulton MarketRight across from The Aviary, this bar and restaurant also serves up some delicious cocktails.
The fanciest cocktails in the city come from this west side hideout that frequently is featured on lists of America's best bars. The drinks are expensive ($25+) but worth it for the unique taste and experience that each provides. My recommendation: Get there early evening, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting in line. The drink prices don't seem so bad when you realize the complexity of each cocktail. Thus, you can sip your cocktail for the better part of an hour. If you bring good company, you'll enjoy yourself more than you would over the three microbrews that would set you back about the same amount time, money and sobriety. You might even decide to have another one. If you don't want to travel to far for some food or more drinks, La Sirena Clandestina across the street is a friendly, low key, less expensive option.
77 habitants recommandent
The Aviary
955 W Fulton MarketThe fanciest cocktails in the city come from this west side hideout that frequently is featured on lists of America's best bars. The drinks are expensive ($25+) but worth it for the unique taste and experience that each provides. My recommendation: Get there early evening, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting in line. The drink prices don't seem so bad when you realize the complexity of each cocktail. Thus, you can sip your cocktail for the better part of an hour. If you bring good company, you'll enjoy yourself more than you would over the three microbrews that would set you back about the same amount time, money and sobriety. You might even decide to have another one. If you don't want to travel to far for some food or more drinks, La Sirena Clandestina across the street is a friendly, low key, less expensive option.
Sightseeing
The Sears Tower Skydeck is totally touristy, but also very neat. Officially renamed the Willis Tower, this formerly tallest building in the world provides a 360 degree view of Chicago. The lines can get long, but a trip here can fit into almost any schedule. You can go at the beginning of your trip and get the lay of the land or at the end of your trip and see where you've been. You can go during the day and look out over Lake Michigan or at night and see the lights of the city. Just make sure to go when the skies are clear!
348 habitants recommandent
Willis Tower Skydeck
The Sears Tower Skydeck is totally touristy, but also very neat. Officially renamed the Willis Tower, this formerly tallest building in the world provides a 360 degree view of Chicago. The lines can get long, but a trip here can fit into almost any schedule. You can go at the beginning of your trip and get the lay of the land or at the end of your trip and see where you've been. You can go during the day and look out over Lake Michigan or at night and see the lights of the city. Just make sure to go when the skies are clear!
A required stop for all Chicago tourists is to snap a picture of yourself in the giant, reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, known more commonly as "The Bean" for its shape. At the north end of Millennium Park, The Bean is right near the Art Museum, the park's amphitheater, many summer shows and events and some restaurants and cafes across the street. It is also possible to walk south across the park to the Field Museum, Soldier Field, the Planetarium and the Aquarium.
473 habitants recommandent
Porte des nuages
201 E Randolph StA required stop for all Chicago tourists is to snap a picture of yourself in the giant, reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, known more commonly as "The Bean" for its shape. At the north end of Millennium Park, The Bean is right near the Art Museum, the park's amphitheater, many summer shows and events and some restaurants and cafes across the street. It is also possible to walk south across the park to the Field Museum, Soldier Field, the Planetarium and the Aquarium.
Parks & Nature
Chicago's best dog park is this wide open section of beach where your pooch can be off leash and run (or swim) around to its heart's content.
297 habitants recommandent
Montrose Beach
Chicago's best dog park is this wide open section of beach where your pooch can be off leash and run (or swim) around to its heart's content.
Humboldt Park is a scenic and gigantic park here on the West Side. Rolling hills, gardens and creeks encourage peaceful strolls. Paved trails allow for running or biking. As is the norm in Chicago, the park lends its name to the surrounding neighborhood. The large Puerto Rican population in this neighborhood make the park a fitting home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Plus, this cultural influence makes the park the home of a pristine proturf soccer field and a handful of taco trucks.
293 habitants recommandent
Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrHumboldt Park is a scenic and gigantic park here on the West Side. Rolling hills, gardens and creeks encourage peaceful strolls. Paved trails allow for running or biking. As is the norm in Chicago, the park lends its name to the surrounding neighborhood. The large Puerto Rican population in this neighborhood make the park a fitting home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Plus, this cultural influence makes the park the home of a pristine proturf soccer field and a handful of taco trucks.
Two stops away on the Green Line, the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Airbnb hosts voted it the "Best Kept Secret" in Chicago's west side.
258 habitants recommandent
Conservatoire de Garfield Park
300 N Central Park AveTwo stops away on the Green Line, the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Airbnb hosts voted it the "Best Kept Secret" in Chicago's west side.
Arts & Culture
The Second City
230 W North AveLegendary comedy venue
Chicago's best museum in my opinion is the Museum of Science and Industry. It's a little farther south than the other major Chicago museums, but it is easy enough to get to from the Green Line. Plan to spend all day there, though. There is a ton of interesting things to do whether you are 8 years old, 80 or in between.
483 habitants recommandent
Musée des sciences et de la technologie
5700 S Lake Shore DrChicago's best museum in my opinion is the Museum of Science and Industry. It's a little farther south than the other major Chicago museums, but it is easy enough to get to from the Green Line. Plan to spend all day there, though. There is a ton of interesting things to do whether you are 8 years old, 80 or in between.
The iO Theatre is home to the Improvised Shakespeare Company on most weekends. The players perform in Shakespearean language an entirely improvised 2-act play based on a title suggested by the audience. The result is consistently hilarious.
71 habitants recommandent
The iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury StThe iO Theatre is home to the Improvised Shakespeare Company on most weekends. The players perform in Shakespearean language an entirely improvised 2-act play based on a title suggested by the audience. The result is consistently hilarious.
Along with the PrivateBank Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Oriental Theatre is home to many great Broadway shows. The tickets can be pricey, but the good shows are definitely worth it. As season ticket holders, we can provide info on the shows and may even have access to discounted tickets.
29 habitants recommandent
James M. Nederlander Theatre
24 W Randolph StAlong with the PrivateBank Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Oriental Theatre is home to many great Broadway shows. The tickets can be pricey, but the good shows are definitely worth it. As season ticket holders, we can provide info on the shows and may even have access to discounted tickets.
Shopping
Known for its shopping, the "Mag Mile" has everything from supersized version so f your typical mall stores (a 3-story H&M, an 8-story Macy's) to single brand boutiques (a Rolex store where you can try on a watch that costs more than many automobiles and a Burberry store whose entire building façade is in the company's iconic pattern).
598 habitants recommandent
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
Known for its shopping, the "Mag Mile" has everything from supersized version so f your typical mall stores (a 3-story H&M, an 8-story Macy's) to single brand boutiques (a Rolex store where you can try on a watch that costs more than many automobiles and a Burberry store whose entire building façade is in the company's iconic pattern).
Essentials
For our guests that are driving here, this is a great grocery store 5 minutes away. It has a wide selection including plenty of fresh produce, herbs, meat and seafood. (For our guests who aren't driving, let me know if you need anything, and I will pick it up.)
200 habitants recommandent
Pete's Fresh Market
2333 W Madison StFor our guests that are driving here, this is a great grocery store 5 minutes away. It has a wide selection including plenty of fresh produce, herbs, meat and seafood. (For our guests who aren't driving, let me know if you need anything, and I will pick it up.)