Forget the phrase about lemonsāwhen life gives you onions, take them to Chicago. As a proud native born and raised on the West Side (the best side!), I've explored this city front to back. Follow my recommendations, and I promise you won't regret you...
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Neighborhoods
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Restaurants
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Fun Activities
Neighborhoods
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Even on an off day itās fun to catch a vibe in Wrigleyville ā¾ļø. The Chicago Cubs spirit is unmatched. Grab a bite to eat at a bar or visit the shops and themed stores to get some gear. š»
Wrigleyville Ā· Chicago, Illinois
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Check out the water taxis to downtown, the shops and the restaurants are all fun to see. Joy Yee noodle or the Korean style bakery š§ are my favorite.
Chinatown Ā· Chicago, Illinois
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Pilsen is the heartbeat of Chicago. The rich Latin culture is what keeps our rhythm going. Check out La Vaca (also on this list) for the best taco or quesadilla, or Honky Tonk BBQ while you are in the area.
Pilsen Ā· Chicago, Illinois
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Did you even come to Chicago if you didnāt get a dawg? The best place to get em is here. But shhh. We donāt want folks blowing up the spot.
Maxwell Street Market Ā· Chicago, IL
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What is there not to do in Wicker? Bookstores, thrift stores, arcades, bars, theaters. Outdoor festivals. Check it out.
Wicker Park / Bucktown ā¢ Chicago
Restaurants
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Perfect for a soul food dinner. I love that itās all you can eat when dining in, without the germs of the traditional buffet.
Pearl's Place Restaurant
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Best sushi in the entire city! Iāve been eating here for years. The ambience is unmatched. They play hip hop music and the servers are super trendy. The best on the menu is the Robata sampler.
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
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Iām not going to write much. Just going to tell you to get there early!
Batter & Berries
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Southern style goodness in the heart of Chicago. If youāre in the city with friends, a night here with live music will create a lasting memory.
Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
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After a long night, a warm plate of pancakes does the soul good. Open 24 hours. Youāre welcome.
Golden Nugget Pancake House
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If you want to grab a bite around my old stomping grounds hereās the spot. Authentic Chicago Deep Dish pizza š and a heck of a good peach cobbler. No alcohol at this location.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
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10/10 food and ambiance. The rolls?!? Ugh. Please take photos.
STK Steakhouse
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Quesadillas! Tacos! Margaritas! Everything is amazing. Salsa verde, or none at all
La Vaca Margarita Bar
Fun Activities
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Fireworks are fun in the summer and the winter! Everybody loves a good Ferris wheel ride. Check out Navy Pier for the traditional Chicago tourist attraction.
Navy Pier: Home | Chicago's Waterfront Destination
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Iāve actually caught pretty cheap tickets to a show at the last minute. The architecture inside will blow you away! #PhotoOpp
The Chicago Theatre
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Listen, if youāre gonna shop til you drop (not likely in this economy) do it in Rosemont. No crime, close to the airport. Parking. Do you hear me? PARKING.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
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Best Massage in Chicago!!! Hit them up on Groupon because thereās always a deal there.
Heavenly Massage
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Burlesque Thursdays :)
Dress to impress
Untitled Supper Club
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Free Zoo 5 minutes away from downtown, not so much parking so plan ahead. Best thing to do afterwards is head over to the Lincoln Hotel Rooftop :)
Lincoln Park Zoo Ā· Chicago, Illinois
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Scenic views for a quick afternoon drink in the Lincoln Park area
The J. Parker
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3 Levels of awesome food and drinks. Dance your heart out when DJs are in.
Mama Delia
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Itās a quick 45 away from Chicago but totally worth the drive. With all the fun and thrills everyone has a good time. Check out Gurnee Mills shopping mall if you need a break from the thrills.
Six Flags Great America
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Next level adult fun and I mean FUN. Arcade games and themed nights.
Emporium Arcade Bar
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A mix between go-karts and lacrosse. Good eats and bowling as well.
