Forget lemons. When life gives you onions, take them straight to Chicago. Born and raised on the West Side, Iβve eaten my way through this city from front to back, and after all that research, I have opinions.
Follow my lead for the food, the atmos...
Map
Sections
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Neighborhoods
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Restaurants
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Fun Activities
Neighborhoods
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Fulton Market is where Chicagoβs industrial past meets its glossy, very grown up present, with converted warehouses, ambitious restaurants, stylish hotels, and some seriously good people watching.
The neighborhood has an energy that feels creative ...
Fulton Market Β· Chicago, IL
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Even on an off day itβs fun to catch a vibe in Wrigleyville βΎοΈ. 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. π»
Wrigleyville Β· 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 π§ are my favorite.
Chinatown Β· Chicago, Illinois
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Did you even come to Chicago if you didnβt get a dawg?
If you want to understand old Chicago, spend some time around Maxwell Street and Taylor Street, where immigrant history, street markets, blues, Italian American culture, and neighborhood food a...
Maxwell Street Market Β· Chicago, IL
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Pilsen has a creative pulse that you can feel before you even start exploring, with colorful murals, independent galleries, and street art woven into the character of the neighborhood.
The food is just as expressive, with authentic Mexican cuisine,...
Pilsen Β· 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 β’ Chicago, IL
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Old Town is a neighborhood over from Lincoln Park Zoo and The J Parker. With cafes, bars, shops and parks itβs a pretty chill place to end or start the day.
Old Town β’ Chicago, IL
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Hyde Park is where Chicago gets a little more cultured, a little more historic, and honestly, a whole lot more interesting.
Tucked along the lakefront and shaped by the presence of the University of Chicago, this neighborhood blends grand architect...
Hyde Park Β· Chicago, IL
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The Magnificent Mile is Chicago shopping at its most glamorous, packed with luxury boutiques, iconic department stores, restaurants, hotels, and plenty of city energy along Michigan Avenue. Itβs a must for a polished shopping day with a little sights...
The Magnificent Mile
Restaurants
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If you want to grab a bite around my old stomping grounds hereβs the spot. Authentic Chicago Deep Dish pizza π and a heck of a good peach cobbler. No alcohol at this location.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
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Perfect for a soul food dinner. I love that itβs 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! Iβve 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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Iβm 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 youβre 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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Tasty eats in the heart of Bridgeport. Letβs be clear, retro pink is the energy and the delicious pancakes are a must with honey butter.
Stussy's Diner
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The spot has that rare downtown Chicago atmosphere that makes dinner feel like part of the sightseeing experience, with elegant interiors, beautiful details, and the energy of Michigan Avenue just outside.
The service is polished, attentive, and we...
Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar
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After a long night, a warm plate of pancakes does the soul good. Open 24 hours. Youβre welcome.
Golden Nugget Pancake House
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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
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A flavorful menu paired with a Chicago River view makes Porter Kitchen & Deck feel like one of those dining experiences where the setting is almost as memorable as the meal.
The patio is the move, giving you front row views of the river and sur...
Porter Kitchen & Deck
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Donβt ask, just go! π
The Soul Food Lounge
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Jamaican cuisine gets the spotlight at Jaβ Grill, where jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, red snapper, plantains, and rice and peas bring the flavors of the island straight to Hyde Park.
The food has the kind of bold seasoning and generous portions...
Ja' Grill Hyde Park
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: Chicago's Waterfront Destination
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Iβve 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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3 Levels of awesome food and drinks. Dance your heart out when DJs are in.
Mama Delia
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If you love museums that feel a little unexpected, the International Museum of Surgical Science is such a fascinating Chicago find.
Housed inside a historic Lake Shore Drive mansion and filled with centuries of medical artifacts, surgical instrumen...
International Museum of Surgical Science
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Listen, if youβre 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 thereβs always a deal there.
Heavenly Massage
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Itβs 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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The Museum of Science and Industry is one of those Chicago experiences that makes learning feel genuinely exciting, with immersive exhibits, hands on science, historic artifacts, and enough to explore that one visit barely scratches the surface.
Be...
Griffin MSI
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There is something fabulous about seeing Chicago from the river instead of fighting your way through downtown traffic, especially when the skyline is putting on a show.
The water taxi makes getting between the Magnificent Mile, the Riverwalk, and C...
Chicago Water Taxi
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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 Β· 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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Coffee becomes a full blown experience at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, housed in a striking multi level space on Michigan Avenue.
The dramatic interior, elevated coffee program, and immersive roasting experience make it feel far more like a dest...
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
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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.
WhirlyBall Chicago
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Hidden beneath Old Town, Cache has the kind of intimate, atmospheric setting that makes you feel like you have stumbled into a secret rather than simply gone out for drinks. The speakeasy inspired lounge channels the artistic drinking dens of 1920s P...