Guidebook for Chicago

Michael
Guidebook for Chicago

Food Scene

Rick Bayless restaurant. Get there in the morning if you want Churros! Possibly the best sandwich in the neighborhood! My favorite...the Gunthorp Chicken.
Mortgage Services III, LLC - Clark Street Office
Rick Bayless restaurant. Get there in the morning if you want Churros! Possibly the best sandwich in the neighborhood! My favorite...the Gunthorp Chicken.
My favorite tapas in Chicago. Take it from a guy that used to live in Spain...this is the most authentic Spanish food in all of Chicago. The owner is from Galicia...that might be why!
32 místní doporučují
Café Iberico
737 N LaSalle Dr
32 místní doporučují
My favorite tapas in Chicago. Take it from a guy that used to live in Spain...this is the most authentic Spanish food in all of Chicago. The owner is from Galicia...that might be why!
Fun and fabulous!! Looking for a night out for some awesome tacos, amazing guacamole, and possibly the best vibe in town! Look no further. Check out the club downstairs.
26 místní doporučují
Mercadito
108 W Kinzie St
26 místní doporučují
Fun and fabulous!! Looking for a night out for some awesome tacos, amazing guacamole, and possibly the best vibe in town! Look no further. Check out the club downstairs.
New to the neighborhood. I love this place for going out, for a fun group, dinner, drinks, you name it...this place has it all. Great crowd, great music, great time. Spanish/latin american flare.
Tavernita
151 W Erie St
New to the neighborhood. I love this place for going out, for a fun group, dinner, drinks, you name it...this place has it all. Great crowd, great music, great time. Spanish/latin american flare.
Breakfast. Enjoy! P.S...get the Orange-Rosemary french toast. No syrup necessary. AMAZING.
Orange Restaurant
738 N Clark St
Breakfast. Enjoy! P.S...get the Orange-Rosemary french toast. No syrup necessary. AMAZING.
Great bar food. I highly recommend the pretzels (just tell them to make sure not to overcook them). Awesome salads. I go here often.
67 místní doporučují
Benchmark
1510 N Wells St
67 místní doporučují
Great bar food. I highly recommend the pretzels (just tell them to make sure not to overcook them). Awesome salads. I go here often.
One of the best sushi places in Chicago. Make reservations.
58 místní doporučují
Sunda
110 W Illinois St
58 místní doporučují
One of the best sushi places in Chicago. Make reservations.
This is by far my favorite sushi place. It is a BYOB, so get a couple of wines at Binny's before heading over. Afterwards...take a walk south on Damen Ave and check out Bucktown. Open for dinner only
80 místní doporučují
Coast Sushi Bar
2045 North Damen Avenue
80 místní doporučují
This is by far my favorite sushi place. It is a BYOB, so get a couple of wines at Binny's before heading over. Afterwards...take a walk south on Damen Ave and check out Bucktown. Open for dinner only
Best tuna melt I have ever had! You can take the CTA bus 22 right from my apartment. It drops you off right in front.
11 místní doporučují
Frances' Deli and Brunchery
2552 N Clark St
11 místní doporučují
Best tuna melt I have ever had! You can take the CTA bus 22 right from my apartment. It drops you off right in front.
Best steakhouse...but it can be difficult to get in. Make reservations ahead of time. It's the flagship restaurant in the Gold Coast. Good people watching as well.
146 místní doporučují
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N Rush St
146 místní doporučují
Best steakhouse...but it can be difficult to get in. Make reservations ahead of time. It's the flagship restaurant in the Gold Coast. Good people watching as well.
Another fabulous Chicago steakhouse. They char their steaks though, so while some swear by this place...it's not my favorite.
22 místní doporučují
Gene & Georgetti
500 N Franklin St
22 místní doporučují
Another fabulous Chicago steakhouse. They char their steaks though, so while some swear by this place...it's not my favorite.
Good bar, stiff drinks. Can be pricey, and it can get a bit crowded. Great for watching sports.
8 místní doporučují
Bull & Bear
431 North Wells Street
8 místní doporučují
Good bar, stiff drinks. Can be pricey, and it can get a bit crowded. Great for watching sports.
Good burgers, and good salads. It's also a fun place to start your night.
17 místní doporučují
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W Hubbard St
17 místní doporučují
Good burgers, and good salads. It's also a fun place to start your night.
Frontera and Topolobampo....sister restaurants...owned by Rick Bayless. The food is exquisite. Make reservations.
38 místní doporučují
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St
38 místní doporučují
Frontera and Topolobampo....sister restaurants...owned by Rick Bayless. The food is exquisite. Make reservations.
Great italian tapas restaurant. There is also a good weekday bar crowd there. The locals tend to catch dinner and drinks at the bar.
44 místní doporučují
Quartino Ristorante
626 N State St
44 místní doporučují
Great italian tapas restaurant. There is also a good weekday bar crowd there. The locals tend to catch dinner and drinks at the bar.
While this restaurant is a chain...it is only in large cities, and frankly...the food is great. If you can't think of where to go, or what you want to eat...Grand Lux does everything. Lines can form
24 místní doporučují
Grand Lux Cafe
600 N Michigan Ave
24 místní doporučují
While this restaurant is a chain...it is only in large cities, and frankly...the food is great. If you can't think of where to go, or what you want to eat...Grand Lux does everything. Lines can form
Yep...the famous Wiener Circle. Walk in after 2am and get ready to order by cursing and shouting. PS...ask for the chocolate shake, or...maybe don't??
44 místní doporučují
The Wiener's Circle
2622 N Clark St
44 místní doporučují
Yep...the famous Wiener Circle. Walk in after 2am and get ready to order by cursing and shouting. PS...ask for the chocolate shake, or...maybe don't??
I do not recommend this place...but if you do go, stick to the salads. There are better burgers in the neighborhood.
Weber Grill
539 N State St
I do not recommend this place...but if you do go, stick to the salads. There are better burgers in the neighborhood.
granted, this is a chain restaurant, each chain has it's own menu! This is a microbrewery. The beers are pretty good. The pretzel and cheese is awesome.
16 místní doporučují
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W Grand Ave
16 místní doporučují
granted, this is a chain restaurant, each chain has it's own menu! This is a microbrewery. The beers are pretty good. The pretzel and cheese is awesome.
Good food...it is a chain, but this is the original. You can't go wrong here.
23 místní doporučují
Shaw's Crab House
21 E Hubbard St
23 místní doporučují
Good food...it is a chain, but this is the original. You can't go wrong here.
Amazing stone crabs, ridiculous bone-in filet steak, oysters etc. You will need reservations and they book up in advance. If you have one night for expensive dinner, try this, or Gibsons.
30 místní doporučují
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave
30 místní doporučují
Amazing stone crabs, ridiculous bone-in filet steak, oysters etc. You will need reservations and they book up in advance. If you have one night for expensive dinner, try this, or Gibsons.
Newer steakhouse. I had a great dinner here.
26 místní doporučují
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
25 E Ohio St
26 místní doporučují
Newer steakhouse. I had a great dinner here.
Okay...ask a Chicagoan whether he/she prefers McDonald's or Burger King, and the response should be neither- Portillo's. This is an absolute must in Chicago. Charbuger and cheese fries. fyi-fastfood
270 místní doporučují
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
270 místní doporučují
Okay...ask a Chicagoan whether he/she prefers McDonald's or Burger King, and the response should be neither- Portillo's. This is an absolute must in Chicago. Charbuger and cheese fries. fyi-fastfood
This is my favorite brazilian steakhouse. Some swear by Fogo De Chao...I tend to like this one more.
Brazzaz - The Brazilian Steakhouse
539 N Dearborn St
This is my favorite brazilian steakhouse. Some swear by Fogo De Chao...I tend to like this one more.
Unbelievable BBQ flavor!
Chicago Smile Design
437 W North Ave
Unbelievable BBQ flavor!
Possibly the best ribs in the city. I would rather go here than Twin Anchors any day.
116 místní doporučují
Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park
1804 W Division St
116 místní doporučují
Possibly the best ribs in the city. I would rather go here than Twin Anchors any day.
Great lebanese. BYOB...great place for Friday or Saturday night dinner....my favorite dish is the Shish Tawook.
Kan Zaman
617 N Wells St
Great lebanese. BYOB...great place for Friday or Saturday night dinner....my favorite dish is the Shish Tawook.
I heard great things...haven't been there yet.
24 místní doporučují
GT Fish & Oyster
531 N Wells St
24 místní doporučují
I heard great things...haven't been there yet.
Great breakfast, and wonderful coffee!
52 místní doporučují
Meli Cafe
301 S Halsted St
52 místní doporučují
Great breakfast, and wonderful coffee!
Breakfast specialists. Not the best...but you will be happy for sure.
27 místní doporučují
Yolk - River North
747 N Wells St
27 místní doporučují
Breakfast specialists. Not the best...but you will be happy for sure.
When the weather is nice, this is a great place to have some pre-dinner drinks. That said...the steaks are not so bad here either! Head over to Clark St Ale house after for a couple pints!
21 místní doporučují
ZED451
739 N Clark St
21 místní doporučují
When the weather is nice, this is a great place to have some pre-dinner drinks. That said...the steaks are not so bad here either! Head over to Clark St Ale house after for a couple pints!
This is the some of best Italian Food in the city. Make reservations ahead of time. Take a stroll thu Old Town, catch a comedy show at Zanie's or Second City!! It's a nice way to spend an evening!
65 místní doporučují
Topo Gigio Ristorante
1516 N Wells St
65 místní doporučují
This is the some of best Italian Food in the city. Make reservations ahead of time. Take a stroll thu Old Town, catch a comedy show at Zanie's or Second City!! It's a nice way to spend an evening!
Irish pub...in the spring/summer, they have an awesome patio to go enjoy a great dinner. I recommend this for a weekday locale. The food here is very good!
8 místní doporučují
Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
661 N Clark St
8 místní doporučují
Irish pub...in the spring/summer, they have an awesome patio to go enjoy a great dinner. I recommend this for a weekday locale. The food here is very good!
I do not recommend this place. Don't get fooled. The food is not good here. You have several better options for breakfast.
11 místní doporučují
Eggsperience Cafe
35 W Ontario St
11 místní doporučují
I do not recommend this place. Don't get fooled. The food is not good here. You have several better options for breakfast.
Great bar scene, and fantastic BBQ. I would recommend Chicago Q and Smoke Daddy first, but one sure does have the better bar scene.
34 místní doporučují
Bub City
435 N Clark St
34 místní doporučují
Great bar scene, and fantastic BBQ. I would recommend Chicago Q and Smoke Daddy first, but one sure does have the better bar scene.
I heard the food is okay. I go there for drinks, and a bit of house music every so often.
49 místní doporučují
Untitled Supper Club
111 W Kinzie St
49 místní doporučují
I heard the food is okay. I go there for drinks, and a bit of house music every so often.
Some of the best sushi in Chicago. Also, enjoy the robata grill!
16 místní doporučují
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
230 W Erie St
16 místní doporučují
Some of the best sushi in Chicago. Also, enjoy the robata grill!
fancy and yummy italian, made famous by the Ransik's. don't be surprised to see some celebrities here.
41 místní doporučují
RPM Italian
52 W Illinois St
41 místní doporučují
fancy and yummy italian, made famous by the Ransik's. don't be surprised to see some celebrities here.
Best burger in the world!!!!!!!!!!! Go here for brunch. They do not take reservations.
620 místní doporučují
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St
620 místní doporučují
Best burger in the world!!!!!!!!!!! Go here for brunch. They do not take reservations.
You haven't really had a steak until you eat at Bavette's. These people just make amazing food!
79 místní doporučují
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie St
79 místní doporučují
You haven't really had a steak until you eat at Bavette's. These people just make amazing food!
I think it is a bit overrated, but not bad if you want fresh made pasta, fancy location, and a place to "be seen".
20 místní doporučují
Nellcôte
833 W Randolph St
20 místní doporučují
I think it is a bit overrated, but not bad if you want fresh made pasta, fancy location, and a place to "be seen".
Yum. just yum. I like this for lunch, but it does draw a big dinner crowd as well.
160 místní doporučují
Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph St
160 místní doporučují
Yum. just yum. I like this for lunch, but it does draw a big dinner crowd as well.
Great food, and awesome music. Oh...and killer wine selection. MAKE RESERVATIONS.
70 místní doporučují
City Winery
1200 W Randolph St
70 místní doporučují
Great food, and awesome music. Oh...and killer wine selection. MAKE RESERVATIONS.
Make reservations. This food is incredible.
496 místní doporučují
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph St
496 místní doporučují
Make reservations. This food is incredible.
haven't been here yet, but close, and gets good reviews.
65 místní doporučují
Beatrix
519 N Clark St
65 místní doporučují
haven't been here yet, but close, and gets good reviews.
great happy hour, wonderful italian dishes, low key nightlife. I like this place.
25 místní doporučují
Siena Tavern
51 W Kinzie St
25 místní doporučují
great happy hour, wonderful italian dishes, low key nightlife. I like this place.

Drinks & Nightlife

food is actually pretty good here too, I know it more for its nightlife. The line to get upstairs can be long, and often you might need a reservation. Instead, just head to the bar on the main floor.
33 místní doporučují
Paris Club Bistro & Bar
59 W Hubbard St
33 místní doporučují
food is actually pretty good here too, I know it more for its nightlife. The line to get upstairs can be long, and often you might need a reservation. Instead, just head to the bar on the main floor.
Considered the hottest club in Chicago...go early or risk not getting in. The owners are obnoxious, but the scene is upscale (where celebs go), and it can be fun to hang with the "beautiful people".
42 místní doporučují
Underground
56 W Illinois St
42 místní doporučují
Considered the hottest club in Chicago...go early or risk not getting in. The owners are obnoxious, but the scene is upscale (where celebs go), and it can be fun to hang with the "beautiful people".
If you are a beer lover, you will love this place. It is festive year round, and you can bring your dog to the bar. No food, but you can order in whatever you'd like. The beer list rotates monthly.
13 místní doporučují
Clark Street Ale House - River North
742 N Clark St
13 místní doporučují
If you are a beer lover, you will love this place. It is festive year round, and you can bring your dog to the bar. No food, but you can order in whatever you'd like. The beer list rotates monthly.
The fish tacos are great! Founded by the son of restauranteur Rich Melman...this place is great for dinner and drinks. It is next to the Paris Club (same owner). Expensive drinks, but good crowd.
28 místní doporučují
Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard St
28 místní doporučují
The fish tacos are great! Founded by the son of restauranteur Rich Melman...this place is great for dinner and drinks. It is next to the Paris Club (same owner). Expensive drinks, but good crowd.
Nightclub. Loud!! Typically has a large crowd.
Enclave Night Club
213 W Institute Pl
Nightclub. Loud!! Typically has a large crowd.
Y-bar and Soundbar...right next to each other. Not really worth the effort. The crowd is young...and usually popping something or another.
22 místní doporučují
Sound Bar
226 W Ontario St
22 místní doporučují
Y-bar and Soundbar...right next to each other. Not really worth the effort. The crowd is young...and usually popping something or another.
The food is fair. The bar is great ONLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE!!
7 místní doporučují
Citizen Bar
364 W Erie St
7 místní doporučují
The food is fair. The bar is great ONLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE!!
Go their for the nightlife...not for food. It is a large space, and gets a large crowd. Time for some tequila!
Moe's Cantina River North
155 W Kinzie St
Go their for the nightlife...not for food. It is a large space, and gets a large crowd. Time for some tequila!
Total Dive, but open until 4am.
7 místní doporučují
The Boss Bar
420 N Clark St
7 místní doporučují
Total Dive, but open until 4am.
Great food. Try the ribs! Great food, great drinks. Get a table with alcohol on tap...yes...that is right...alcohol on tap right there at your table. Great night out!
13 místní doporučují
Public House
400 N State St
13 místní doporučují
Great food. Try the ribs! Great food, great drinks. Get a table with alcohol on tap...yes...that is right...alcohol on tap right there at your table. Great night out!
Karaoke bar...dive bar. Cheap drinks.
90 místní doporučují
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle Dr
90 místní doporučují
Karaoke bar...dive bar. Cheap drinks.
Take the elevator to the top. Great outdoor bar on top of the Dana Hotel. The patio is only open until 11pm.
30 místní doporučují
Vertigo Sky Lounge
2 West Erie Street
30 místní doporučují
Take the elevator to the top. Great outdoor bar on top of the Dana Hotel. The patio is only open until 11pm.
Go here for happy hour in the spring or summer. Or...go here for dinner/drinks. The bar is mainly outdoors, on top of the Wit Hotel in the loop (state st and lake st). Reminds me of Miami.
67 místní doporučují
ROOF on theWit
201 N State St
67 místní doporučují
Go here for happy hour in the spring or summer. Or...go here for dinner/drinks. The bar is mainly outdoors, on top of the Wit Hotel in the loop (state st and lake st). Reminds me of Miami.
Small concert venue and Bar.
64 místní doporučují
House of Blues Chicago
329 N Dearborn St
64 místní doporučují
Small concert venue and Bar.
Great place for dinner and drinks along the river. Sit outside...which means only go here when the weather is nice!
6 místní doporučují
Bridge House Tavern
321 N Clark St
6 místní doporučují
Great place for dinner and drinks along the river. Sit outside...which means only go here when the weather is nice!
Possibly my most favorite bar in Chicago. It is a throwback to the old Playboy days of Chicago. A definite must for night life. The food here is actually rather good too! Enjoy!!
1301 N State Pkwy
1301 North State Parkway
Possibly my most favorite bar in Chicago. It is a throwback to the old Playboy days of Chicago. A definite must for night life. The food here is actually rather good too! Enjoy!!
Fun Bar. Opened in 2012.
Municipal Bar + Dining Co.
216 W Ohio St
Fun Bar. Opened in 2012.
new bar, my friend developed it. Opened in March, 2013.
15 W Illinois St
15 West Illinois Street
new bar, my friend developed it. Opened in March, 2013.
Great Live Music!! Low key place.
12 místní doporučují
Underground Wonder Bar
710 North Clark Street
12 místní doporučují
Great Live Music!! Low key place.
Nice bar with a good vibe, and oh so close! Lines form at midnight.
8 místní doporučují
Stout Barrel House & Pizza
642 N Clark St
8 místní doporučují
Nice bar with a good vibe, and oh so close! Lines form at midnight.
They do it again...Bavette's, Au Cheval, Gilt Bar, and Maude's. These guys just know how to do food!
59 místní doporučují
Maude's Liquor Bar
114 N Green St
59 místní doporučují
They do it again...Bavette's, Au Cheval, Gilt Bar, and Maude's. These guys just know how to do food!
Good bar, great happy hour location.
31 místní doporučují
Hub 51
51 W Hubbard St
31 místní doporučují
Good bar, great happy hour location.
from the guys at Fifty/50, this place has class, elegance, and stiff drinks.
10 místní doporučují
The Berkshire Room
15 E Ohio St
10 místní doporučují
from the guys at Fifty/50, this place has class, elegance, and stiff drinks.

Everything Else

Best beach in the city for partying at the beach...or just for biking, walking, people watching, etc.
39 místní doporučují
Castaways
1603 N Lake Shore Dr
39 místní doporučují
Best beach in the city for partying at the beach...or just for biking, walking, people watching, etc.
lower key than North Ave Beach. There is a nice restaurant there right on the beach/boardwalk.
176 místní doporučují
Oak Street Beach
176 místní doporučují
lower key than North Ave Beach. There is a nice restaurant there right on the beach/boardwalk.
Go here during the summer and catch a concert.
7 místní doporučují
Grant Park Music Festival
337 E Randolph St
7 místní doporučují
Go here during the summer and catch a concert.
Check out the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field all at once!
657 místní doporučují
Fieldovo muzeum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr
657 místní doporučují
Check out the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field all at once!
It's free admission on Tuesdays! If you like art, I recommend going. They change exhibits each year.
12 místní doporučují
Fine Arts Building
410 S Michigan Ave
12 místní doporučují
It's free admission on Tuesdays! If you like art, I recommend going. They change exhibits each year.

Shopping

Greatest ice cream sunday you will find! Enjoy!! (p.s. Not sure why they list this on Michigan Ave. The door to the ice cream shop is on Pearson).
11 místní doporučují
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
400 N Michigan Ave
11 místní doporučují
Greatest ice cream sunday you will find! Enjoy!! (p.s. Not sure why they list this on Michigan Ave. The door to the ice cream shop is on Pearson).

Essentials

Your typical grocery store.
180 místní doporučují
Jewel-Osco
550 N State St
180 místní doporučují
Your typical grocery store.
Great groceries...best value!! Great wine! Kosher meats! Cheeses, fruits, etc. Awesome prices!
360 místní doporučují
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey Pkwy
360 místní doporučují
Great groceries...best value!! Great wine! Kosher meats! Cheeses, fruits, etc. Awesome prices!
Organic groceries. Great everything...but can be expensive.
836 místní doporučují
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted St
836 místní doporučují
Organic groceries. Great everything...but can be expensive.
24-hour Walgreens store & pharmacy.
202 místní doporučují
Walgreens
4801 N Lincoln Ave
202 místní doporučují
24-hour Walgreens store & pharmacy.
Famous international boutique high quality grocery store. Enjoy the best prosciutto, cheese, pasta, beer, wine, etc in the world. Their meats are amazing. I buy fish from here all the time.
140 místní doporučují
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio St
140 místní doporučují
Famous international boutique high quality grocery store. Enjoy the best prosciutto, cheese, pasta, beer, wine, etc in the world. Their meats are amazing. I buy fish from here all the time.

Sightseeing

Great view of the city, but DO NOT go to the observatory deck. Rather...go one floor below to The Signature Room restaurant and sit with a cocktail while taking in the view.
111 místní doporučují
360 CHICAGO
875 N Michigan Ave
111 místní doporučují
Great view of the city, but DO NOT go to the observatory deck. Rather...go one floor below to The Signature Room restaurant and sit with a cocktail while taking in the view.
Tallest building in Chicago, in the USA, and 7th tallest in the world. The tour to the Skydeck is rather awful, and the restaurants there are only open during work hours. Stil, you have to see it!!
324 místní doporučují
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr
324 místní doporučují
Tallest building in Chicago, in the USA, and 7th tallest in the world. The tour to the Skydeck is rather awful, and the restaurants there are only open during work hours. Stil, you have to see it!!
Chicago Board of Trade - pretend to be Ferris Bueller and take a tour. Schedule ahead of time!!
CME - Chicago Mercantil Exchange Group
Chicago Board of Trade - pretend to be Ferris Bueller and take a tour. Schedule ahead of time!!
Take a cruise on an architectural RIVER tour of the city.
114 místní doporučují
Centrum architektury v Chicagu
111 E Wacker Dr
114 místní doporučují
Take a cruise on an architectural RIVER tour of the city.
Gorgeous building. The bar is alright....
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Gorgeous building. The bar is alright....