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Hidden Gems in Chicago
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items I’ve lived in Chicago for 15 years now. Here are some “hidden” gems and less mainstream recommendations for parks, restaurants, food and drinks!
Sections
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Outdoor Activities and Public Parks
Hidden Gems for more casual food and drink
Outdoor Activities and Public Parks
One of the largest conservatories in the U.S with lush tropical rooms and stunning flower displays. It’s perfect for photos, dates, solo walks, or just escaping reality for an hour. And… it’s FREE. Great place to visit in the winter!
Garfield Park Conservatory
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a secret floating walkway above the city, The 606 is it. Once an old railway, now a 2.7-mile elevated path lined with trees, murals, skyline views, and peaceful neighborhoods. Perfect for walks, runs, bikes,...
The 606
If you want one of the best skyline views in the city without the tourist crowds, go to Ping Tom Park.
Tucked away in Chinatown, it has river views, a cool pagoda-style pavilion, kayak rentals, walking paths, and sunset spots that look unreal in phot...
Ping Tom Memorial Park
If you want some of the best skyline views in Chicago without the crowds, go to Promontory Point. It has huge stone steps right along the lake, perfect picnic spots, space to relax, amazing sunrise views, and a calm, romantic vibe. It’s one of the ci...
Burnham Park Promontory Point
If you want a quiet nature escape with wildflowers, butterflies, and hidden lakefront trails, check out the Montrose Bird Sanctuary. It’s peaceful, scenic, and feels completely different from the busy beach area. In spring and fall you can see migrat...
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Hidden Gems for more casual food and drink
If you want a burger so good you’ll forget every diet you’ve ever tried, go here. A small, no-frills spot with smashed patties, crispy edges, melty cheese, and addictive sauce. It’s comfort food, messy food, late-night food… the kind you think about ...
NADC BURGER
A tucked-away coffee shop with cool, industrial vibes and some of the best matcha in the city! It’s hidden inside a shared space in the West Loop, with latte art, moody lighting, and a cozy vibe that feels like a secret spot. The Military Latte and M...
Sawada Coffee
A quiet, minimalist coffee shop that most people walk right past, but they shouldn’t! It has a warm wood interior, sunlight-filled window seats, and incredible house-roasted beans. Perfect for getting work done, reading, or just sipping a good pour-o...
Caffe Streets (@caffestreets) · Chicago, IL
If you want one of the best chicken spots in Chicago that most tourists have never heard of, go to Crisp. A tiny Korean-American shop with crunchy double-fried wings, huge burrito-style bowls, and insanely good kimchi. Nothing fancy, just addicting f...
Crisp
If you want amazing cocktails without the pretentious lounge vibe, go to Best Intentions. It looks like a neighborhood bar, but the drinks are top-tier—creative, balanced, and way better than you’d expect from a chill spot with vintage decor and pati...
Best Intentions