Chicago, Illinois
Another drive-able destination from us, we’ve had various sets of friends live in the city for years now and we always love visiting!
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Hotels:
Food:
Mexican: Velvet Taco, Tuco and Blondie
Latin: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
American: Beatrix, Pick Me Up Cafe, The Publican, The Dearborn, RJ Grunts, The Hampton Social
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly: Beatrix, Basil Leaf, Uncommon Ground, The Chicago Diner, Pick Me Up Cafe
Italian: RPM Italian, Siena Tavern
Pub/Bar: Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery, Bernie’s Tap & Grill, Public House, Corridor Brewery & Provisions
Pizza: Chicago Pizza and Ovengrinder, Quartino Ristorante, Pizano’s, Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s
Breakfast/Brunch: Orange Restaurant, Public House, Yolk, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Chicago Bagel Authority, Half Sour
Boozy Brunch: Public House, Half Sour, Park & Field (bottomless Mimosas), Fremont
Upscale: Little Goat
Additional Recs:
The Allis - inside the SOHO Hotel
Big Star - specifically the Wrigleyville location for the spicy nachos and margs, can see the Jumbotron from the restaurant
Portillos - a Chicago classic and a great late night bite
Drinks:
Cindy’s - rooftop bar
J Parker Hotel - rooftop bar
Three Dots and a Dash - Polynesian/tiki themed bar
Watershed Bar - below Pops for Champagne - enter through the same door but is in the basement
The Signature Room at the 95th - pricey drinks but incredible views of downtown, especially from the women’s bathroom
Desserts:
Stan's Donuts and Coffee - A OGBL Must Visit!
Sweet Mandy B’s - Cupcakes, cookies, baked good, brownies and more, menu changes daily!
Goddess and the Baker - Famous for their rainbow cakes, they also serve breakfast
Garrett’s Popcorn - the cheddar and caramel mix is our favorite!
Coffee Shops:
Hero Coffee Bar - A OGBL Favorite
Things to do:
Buckingham Fountain - in Grant Park (in summer there’s a light show at night)
Visit any of the museums
Chicago Cultural Center - the top floor has Tiffany’s mosaic dome
Millennium Park + The Lurie Gardens - We LOVE exploring the Lurie Gardens during a day walking the city.
Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory
Shopping the Magnificent Mile (make sure to check out State Street and Michigan Ave)
The Chicago Theatre tour/see sign
Navy Pier - are you brave enough to ride the ferris wheel?
walk the Lake Shore
Architecture Riverboat Cruise - seasonal, it’s in the summer and a must-do… even if you’ve done it before.
SkyDeck Chicago - pricey but it’s that thing where you stand on the glass above the city. Views are better at the Signature Room bar
