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my life in chicago summarized in a list
65
items these things i hold dear to my heart when i think about my time in chicago and want to share these wonderful experiences with more people
Map
Sections
6
chicago by foot
chicago eats
chicago sweets
if you want to break the bank
activities that keep me sane
chicago booze
chicago by foot
i am all about walkable cities, which is why i was drawn to chicago in the first place. these are my favorite places you'll catch me at taking a long stroll
such a great place to walk when the weather is nice (and even when it's cold!). beautiful sight of the city from the park PLUS a free zoo
Lincoln Park
hands down my favorite things to do in the city. you can rent bikes from navy pier/divvy bike the trail, spend a day swimming in the lake or just stroll and people watch
Lakefront Trail
i used to live in river north and this was probably where i was most times. there's a spot at the end of the walk with chairs where i would sit and read/people watch. such a vibe during the summer time with live music and restaurants with outdoor sea...
Chicago Riverwalk
cute cute cute “hipster” area that you can easily spend a whole day at. coffee shops, clothing stores, book shops, thrifting, good eats at in one spot
Wicker Park
so fun walking around here, many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants in a little area. also a park near by to get a great view of the city from the south (ping tom park)
Chinatown
best area of chicago in my (biased) opinion. walking down broadway st is always a fun activity. many cafes a long the way (omi, intellegenisa, tsaocha, etc), little trinket shops, grocery stores (marianos, trader joes), book stores (barnes and noble,...
Lake View East
I’m vietnamese so of course exploring the vietnamese neighborhood is a must! Really great food and dessert options
Argyle
cute neighborhood to explore. coffee shops, comic stores, trinket stores, record shops
Andersonville
has a really nice view of the city, restaurants, boat tours and events periodically! during the summers they do fireworks on wed/sat
Navy Pier
one of chicago’s “beaches”, one of the best views in my opinion. perfect for swimming, picnics, volleyball or running
Oak Street Beach
chicago eats
where i've spent most of my money honestly
i had this when i first visited chicago like 3+ years ago and been obsessed with it since. great quality fish and big selection to choose from. literally my FAVORITE sushi spot
Sushi + | Rotary Sushi Bar
the BEST thai food ever. i am not exaggerating, like the pad thai is TOP TIER (and i honeslty was sick of pad thai until i tried theirs). but also has little thai street snacks too which pack so much flavor
Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food
my go to when it comes to dimsum. located in chinatown, it's close to many dessert places for afterwards!
Triple Crown Chicago
best happy hour deal in the city me thinks. you have to sit at the bar to get happy hour (4-6pm) but a pitcher of sangria is $22 and the tapas are like $1.50-$5. GREAT deal and i always leave full and drunk
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
went to this place all the time when i lived in river north. always got the bluefin tuna + avocado, spicy salmon and spicy scallop rolls
River North - Sushi San
hits so hard in the winter. all you can eat hot pot and the quality of the stuff is actually so good. always a good time
Happy Lamb Hot Pot
the TASTIEST hotpot broth i’ve ever had. the herbal chicken broth is literally so addicting. a la carte menu but so so worth
Qiao Lin Hotpot
chinese hand pulled noodles!! the broth and noodles were so delicious as well as the other main entrees they have (pork belly, fried fish, fried tofu). and a lot of asians were eating there so you know it’s legit
YooYee 喜又
the yummiest kbbq i’ve had here, a little bit far from the city BUT so many banchans and the meat quality is great
San Soo Gab San
i think everyone in chicago agrees this is one of the OG kbbq spots. tight little space and a little intimidating but the food is really good plus it’s BYOB!
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
michelin guide recommended, gets packed on weekends. really good bang for your buck, high quality delicious food for a reasonable price. fav things to order are the dan dan noodles, spicy wonton dumplings, garlic green beans and chili chicken!!
MCCB Chicago
they have little restaurants inside as well as a “food court”, nice place to get small desserts, pizza or groceries
Eataly
mediterranean food - the softest pita bread plus really yummy hummus
Aba
classic choice for Hawaiian food. pork katsu + short rib plate is the way to go. also love a good spam musubi
Aloha Eats
you can create your own bowl + choose your own broth/stir fry, the soup flavor is so addicting!!
ZHANGLIANG MALATANG
chicago sweets
for when you deserve a little sweet treat
really creamy matcha lattes, love the mango shaved ice. packed with people playing board games or doing work, overall cute vibes
OMI Cafe
the best jasmine milk tea ive had in the city. also a great place for food (popcorn chicken, short rib plates, beef noodles). cannot rave about this place enough
Taipei Cafe
YUMMIEST fruit tea (grapefruit and peach green tea supremacy). so refreshing and light. I am a milk tea girl but this place put me on to fruit teas
TSAoCAA
japanese souffle panackes!! such a treat, so airy and fluffy
Hanabusa Cafe
for all you matcha lovers out there. the dango is so chewy and the drinks are bomb.com
Matcha En
opened up very recently but i’ve been back like 3 times in one week - premium tea taste and the owners are soooo nice
Chazui Tea Tower
elevated filipino pastries and drinks. quite literally the best parties i’ve ever had, the flavors were so unique and such a treat (ube, pandan, calamansi, turon). line up before opening to avoid the huge queue!!
Del Sur Bakery
this place has legit premium tea flavor, worth the trip to chinatown just to drink this. my favorite is the jasmine tea with whipped cream!!
Molly Tea (Chicago)
if you want to break the bank
amazing places i've been to that are on the expensive side but also so very worth the experience
tasting menu that left me so full i couldn't even finish my dessert. very generous portion of food that kept getting better each course. very intimate setting, much like a well furnished home
Valhalla
first all beef omakase in chicago. like kbbq but on crack. meat selection was so JUICY and melts in your mouth. a one way ticket to flavortown for real
Bonyeon
sushi omakase i had on my 24th birthday. i will always think of her. presentation was everything and the butteriest fish i've ever landed in my mouth
Mako
little fancy sushi date. located in a hotel, it has a beautiful view of the city while you're dining. i think the chutoro nigiri here changed my life
Miru
trying the burrate e ham from here with the mostarso sauce is unforgetable. i am still trying to chase the high to this day.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
one of the first high end japanese places i've been to and it left a lasting impression. the temaki hand rolls are insane and the chef selection of nigiri is phenomenal
Itoko
delish and premium/quality japanese hand rolls - the caviar/truffle toro roll was a S tier bite
Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar
ate here for my birthday dinner, the quality of just the rice alone was mind blowing (they use a thicker grain of rice that has a nice mouthfeel), and ofc the flavors and quality of the fish was amazing. the owner was there that day and he was cookin...
Kyoten Next Door
intimate little speakeasy in west loop, literally had to be taken through a restaurant to the basement and a key to be let in. on the pricier side but cool to experience at least once
The Office
went during restaurant week, really well thought out menu. worth going during restaurant week!!
Boka
activities that keep me sane
little experiences all over the city that make life worth living
Chicago vintage festivals are always happening across the city and always are a hit. a great variety of vendors and a good way to explore the area after. Fun for solo dates or with friends!
Chicago Vintage Fest
dance classes for all types of levels/genres! love bryan and matt's classes on mondays. also kpop dance classes on saturdays that always look lively
The Puzzle Box
a little outside the city but highly recommend over any other spas in chicago. they always have a deal on groupons and literally such a pleasant, relaxing and cleansing time.
King Spa & Sauna
took a pottery class here that allows byob! got a deal off groupon but such a fun experience trying it out for the first time
Color Cocktail Factory
art museums have my heart. you can get in for free on the first sundays of the month if you have bank of america. always something interesting to stare at
The Art Institute of Chicago
look forward to this every summer. small festival in the vietnamese neighborhood with food and merchandise vendors. great way to explore local stores
Argyle Night Market - Uptown Chamber of Commerce
the only reason to wake up early on saturdays. great selection of produce and other stuff like bread, meats, flowers, etc. apparently a place for meeting hot people too
Green City Market Lincoln Park - Chicago
a summer in chicago isn't complete without being on a boat in the lake
Knot My Boat Charters
cutest little farmers market in lakeview east. my go to spot for flowers and pastries!
Nettelhorst French Market
a very nice movie theatre - reclining seats, order from your seat. and the food is actually good
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Wrigleyville
one of my favorite festivals in the summertime. so many thai vendors and very cool performances
Thai Festival Chicago
driving range in my neighborhood, on a nice day it’s nice to see so many people out. also has a little place in the front for food/drinks
Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf
i wfh so i picked up rover as a way to get my steps in and play with cute dogs (plus get paid!!). love that it keeps me active and lets me explore a new part of town
Rover - Dog Walking
random estate sales here and there - very fun to browse and sometimes you get good finds! plus u get to explore a random house you would never otherwise be in
A Little Unlimited, Estate Sale Services
started a 8 week class recently and have been really enjoying it! the instructor is really nice and it’s just a fun activity as a creative outlet
Ceramics by Leo
chicago booze
places i’ve been that have nice vibes and good drinks
a speakeasy disguised as a barber shop in west loop. love the vibes and the drinks are good/strong
Blind Barber
bar in front, dance space in the back. very cool vibes and they have a pool table
aliveOne
margaritas come out in large glasses - very tasty and they have a lot of diff flavors!!!
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway
tropical tiki bar speakeasy located downtown. drinks are really delish/strong and the food is also good!! very cool vibe and a hot spot for happy hour/post work social
Three Dots and a Dash
not even sure if this is open to the public but it’s possible to get a guest pass. great views of the city and my fav drink to get is the bramble on!
Remedy Tenant Lounge & Bar - Aon Center
a very popular bar, gets packed but fun to go to order the tequila in an ice shot and throw it at the bell
Federales Tacos & Tequila - Fulton Market, Chicago
so many yummy drinks, the vibes and interior are great and they have REALLY good chicken caesar salad wraps
Little Victories
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