Brianna’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
My favorite neighborhood to eat in is the West Loop. Why? It's a foodie paradise! There is not one neighborhood I have found in Chicago with so many great restaurants in such close proximity as the West Loop. Head to Randolph Street for an evening out
89 místní doporučují
West Loop
My favorite neighborhood to eat in is the West Loop. Why? It's a foodie paradise! There is not one neighborhood I have found in Chicago with so many great restaurants in such close proximity as the West Loop. Head to Randolph Street for an evening out
Home to the newly opened nightclub venue/ restaurant Tao. River North is home to many of Chicago's clubs and bars apart of the nightlife scene. I recommend you head to Hubbard St. for a night out and good time.
68 místní doporučují
River North
Home to the newly opened nightclub venue/ restaurant Tao. River North is home to many of Chicago's clubs and bars apart of the nightlife scene. I recommend you head to Hubbard St. for a night out and good time.
Food scene
Atop of the Hoxton Hotel, Cabra, which means “goat” in Spanish, for Top Chef fans, Stepanie Izard strikes gold yet again, as Cabra is the newest addition to the “goat” family in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood as an open-air rooftop restaurant serving Peruvian shared plates highlighting both Latin and Japanese aspects found in Peruvian food. Cabra features two terraces, a pool, a full-service bar, intimate seating amongst fire pits, and an open kitchen concept with a six-person chef’s counter ceviche bar. The cocktail and drink menu is Latin inspired featuring wines from Central and South America and signature cocktails that have Peruvian origins, like the Pisco Sour, known for its potency and for best being enjoyed with cuisines from Peru or Chile. Cabra’s intimate open-air concept under the stars is perfect for a date night or a night out on the town.
8 místní doporučují
Cabra
200 N Green StAtop of the Hoxton Hotel, Cabra, which means “goat” in Spanish, for Top Chef fans, Stepanie Izard strikes gold yet again, as Cabra is the newest addition to the “goat” family in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood as an open-air rooftop restaurant serving Peruvian shared plates highlighting both Latin and Japanese aspects found in Peruvian food. Cabra features two terraces, a pool, a full-service bar, intimate seating amongst fire pits, and an open kitchen concept with a six-person chef’s counter ceviche bar. The cocktail and drink menu is Latin inspired featuring wines from Central and South America and signature cocktails that have Peruvian origins, like the Pisco Sour, known for its potency and for best being enjoyed with cuisines from Peru or Chile. Cabra’s intimate open-air concept under the stars is perfect for a date night or a night out on the town.
Chef-Driven food market. Chicago Time Out Market features top chefs and their restaurants. Far from a traditional food hall, Time Out Market not only has delicious eats but cooking demonstrations, two bars, arts and culture news updates, and more. With communal seating, Time Out Chicago Market is good for solo foodie travels or a group of friends and family.
15 místní doporučují
Time Out Market Chicago
916 W Fulton MarketChef-Driven food market. Chicago Time Out Market features top chefs and their restaurants. Far from a traditional food hall, Time Out Market not only has delicious eats but cooking demonstrations, two bars, arts and culture news updates, and more. With communal seating, Time Out Chicago Market is good for solo foodie travels or a group of friends and family.
Nightlife
Whiskey Business is nestled within the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood bar scene on North Milwuakee. Whiskey Business is a bi-level bar that often gets quite crowded as it features an expansive outdoor rooftop patio. For hot summer days on the patio, I’d recommend Frose, all day. Frose being the bar’s take on the refreshing popular summer slushie drink that blends rose, wine, and sometimes vodka. A fan favorite of bar beside the energetic rooftop patio is often the patio events like classic movie and karaoke nights. In addition, another hosted event for this summer includes rooftop yoga hosted every Saturday morning featuring yoga, brunch, and mimosas!
21 místní doporučují
Whiskey Business
1367 N Milwaukee AveWhiskey Business is nestled within the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood bar scene on North Milwuakee. Whiskey Business is a bi-level bar that often gets quite crowded as it features an expansive outdoor rooftop patio. For hot summer days on the patio, I’d recommend Frose, all day. Frose being the bar’s take on the refreshing popular summer slushie drink that blends rose, wine, and sometimes vodka. A fan favorite of bar beside the energetic rooftop patio is often the patio events like classic movie and karaoke nights. In addition, another hosted event for this summer includes rooftop yoga hosted every Saturday morning featuring yoga, brunch, and mimosas!
Creative cocktail list and classic throwbacks jams from the early 2000s.
Sticking with the early 2000’s theme, the bar has adorned their bathrooms in N’sync and Brittany Spears posters.
At my server’s recommendation, I went ALL IN with the Get Lei’d a rum-based cocktail that on fire, literally, as the bar takes the butt of lemon, turns it inside out and places an extra shot of rum in the butt and lights it on fire.
Bandit
841 W Randolph StCreative cocktail list and classic throwbacks jams from the early 2000s.
Sticking with the early 2000’s theme, the bar has adorned their bathrooms in N’sync and Brittany Spears posters.
At my server’s recommendation, I went ALL IN with the Get Lei’d a rum-based cocktail that on fire, literally, as the bar takes the butt of lemon, turns it inside out and places an extra shot of rum in the butt and lights it on fire.
A rarity to the South Loop altogether, VU, pronounced “view”, is a 13,000 square feet, 22-story rooftop restaurant bar featuring retractable floor to ceiling glass walls that offer tantalizing skyline city and lake views year-round. Boasting three bars, two patios, fire pits, a private karaoke room, and unparalleled views of Chicago, what’s not to love? VU is popular on Saturday nights.
15 místní doporučují
VU Rooftop Bar
133 E Cermak RdA rarity to the South Loop altogether, VU, pronounced “view”, is a 13,000 square feet, 22-story rooftop restaurant bar featuring retractable floor to ceiling glass walls that offer tantalizing skyline city and lake views year-round. Boasting three bars, two patios, fire pits, a private karaoke room, and unparalleled views of Chicago, what’s not to love? VU is popular on Saturday nights.
Special Occasions
Reservations are needed and highly recommended for this dining experience but it is well worth booking in advance.
Maple & Ash does not disappoint as the food is amazing and the service is outstanding. As apart of your dining experience, wait staff bring you surprise food or drink items while you wait for your food.
Another plus, Maple & Ash is dimly lit, with table spacing that allows just enough distance for privacy during your dinner.
I recommend trying the meatballs for an appetizer and ordering a meat dish for an entree as they do tend to sell out of meat entrees later in the evening. For the sides, the mashed potatoes and creamed spinach are delightful.
Lastly, if you're into wine, Maple & Ash has an extensive wine list. If you get overwhelmed, be sure to ask for Sommelier so they can recommend something you might like.
35 místní doporučují
Maple & Ash
8 W Maple StReservations are needed and highly recommended for this dining experience but it is well worth booking in advance.
Maple & Ash does not disappoint as the food is amazing and the service is outstanding. As apart of your dining experience, wait staff bring you surprise food or drink items while you wait for your food.
Another plus, Maple & Ash is dimly lit, with table spacing that allows just enough distance for privacy during your dinner.
I recommend trying the meatballs for an appetizer and ordering a meat dish for an entree as they do tend to sell out of meat entrees later in the evening. For the sides, the mashed potatoes and creamed spinach are delightful.
Lastly, if you're into wine, Maple & Ash has an extensive wine list. If you get overwhelmed, be sure to ask for Sommelier so they can recommend something you might like.
A quaint family-owned BYOB Italian Restaurant. All the food here is made fresh daily. Caro Mio's food pairs very well with red and white wines, and even sparkling wines. Therefore, I do recommend grabbing a bottle or two before you dine as Caro Mio is a BYOB restaurant with no corkage fee, so you don't have to be afraid to get carried away. ;)
Local Tip: Although the restaurant recently expanded their dining room, seating is still limited. I recommend making reservations for guaranteed seating.
14 místní doporučují
Caro Mio Italian Restaurant
4603 N Lincoln AveA quaint family-owned BYOB Italian Restaurant. All the food here is made fresh daily. Caro Mio's food pairs very well with red and white wines, and even sparkling wines. Therefore, I do recommend grabbing a bottle or two before you dine as Caro Mio is a BYOB restaurant with no corkage fee, so you don't have to be afraid to get carried away. ;)
Local Tip: Although the restaurant recently expanded their dining room, seating is still limited. I recommend making reservations for guaranteed seating.
Things To Do
McCormick Plaza is converted into an Ice Rink during Chicago winters. You can now skate for FREE until March 8 within Millennium Park, right below the Chicago Bean or Cloud Gate Structure.
Local Tip: Skating is FREE if you have your own skates. If you do not, you may rent skates and lockers within the park.
McCormick Tribune Plaza
1 N Michigan AveMcCormick Plaza is converted into an Ice Rink during Chicago winters. You can now skate for FREE until March 8 within Millennium Park, right below the Chicago Bean or Cloud Gate Structure.
Local Tip: Skating is FREE if you have your own skates. If you do not, you may rent skates and lockers within the park.
Doporučení související s městem
Místní doprava
CTA Trains are the quickest way to get around the city
CTA Trains help you get around and avoid traffic or rideshare surge pricing during busy times during the day. However, be sure to allow extra travel time should delays occur
Co si před odjezdem rezervovat
Popular Tourist Attraction
The most renowned tour to do within the city during the spring and summer months is the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour. Enjoy a boat tour down the Chicago River and hear all about the history of some of Chicago's most famous buildings. While there is more than one tour offered throughout the day, these tours do tend to sell out quite often.
Jak ušetřit
Chicago's Popular and Historical Sights
The best way to save money on site-seeing and attractions during your stay in Chicago is to purchase a City Pass or City GO Card. Both passes give you access to a set amount or select attractions within Chicago for one low price! I have City Passes available during your stay for a discount but for an additional fee.
Cestování s dětmi
Attractions & Experiences For Little Ones
The Museum of Science & Industry has a lot of interactive and hands-on exhibits for children of all ages. Chicago's Navy Pier has a Children's Museum and other Family Friendly attractions and programming offered daily. Boat tours from Navy Pier give little ones a full view of Chicago's skyline. The 360 Observation Deck at The John Hancock Building features TILT. Maggie Daley Park features a rock climbing wall, roller skating, and mini-golf all in the heart of downtown.
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Lollapalooza July 30- August 2
Chicago is home to Lollapalooza. A four-day music festival jam-packed with musical performances in various genres including alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Aside from booking one, two, or maybe three of your favorite artists, Lollapalooza is known for having the best food vendors featuring some of the best restaurants in Chicago. My Place is just a short 14-minute drive from Grant Park where the festival is hosted.
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Riot Fest
If it’s the middle of September, Summer and Chicago’s music festival season is just about over but you’re not quite ready for either to end. Luckily, Riot Fest is just around the corner!
Riot Fest brings a lineup of rock, hip-hop and punk acts to Chicago’s Douglas Park for a three-day carnival of music (there's even a Ferris wheel). Douglas Park is just a short 7-9 minute drive or one train stop away from my home.
Pro Tip: If attending the festival wear comfortable shoes. There is limited seating in the park during the event. Also, be mindful if it rains the park will be muddy.
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The Taste of Chicago July 8-12
Hosted in Chicago’s Grant Park a week after the 4th of July, The Taste is an annual, free outdoor food festival showcasing Chicago’s diverse dining and restaurant community. The Taste features taste food portions from participating vendors. Food portions are purchased with festival tickets available for purchase at the entrances of the festival. Known for being a family-friendly event. The festival is also known for lively performances from renowned bands and musicians throughout the course of the week.
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Chicago Gourmet
In the last week of September, you can always find me in Chicago’s Millennium Park for Chicago Gourmet.
Chicago Gourmet is a true culinary experience. It’s a week of show-stopping culinary events from Chicago’s top chefs and sommeliers. The week is finished off with the main event in Millennium Park, with cooking demos from celebrity chefs, wine classes and mixology seminars.
Chicago Gourmet is my favorite because it features hundreds of restaurants from all over Chicago, and the north, south, and west suburbs and hundreds maybe close to 1,000 liquor vendors!
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The Chicago Auto Show February 8-17
Chicago's Auto Show is one of the largest in the country. Fortantely for you if you're interested in visiting the Auto Show while in Chicago, my home is just a short 11-minute drive from McCormick Place Complex where the auto show is held.