This ain’t your tourist guide. These are the actually good Chicago spots— low-key legends, hidden gems, and local faves that keep us locals coming back.
Map
Sections
6
South Loop
Downtown
West Loop
Northside
Chinatown
Southside
South Loop
Lesser known, old school Italian vibe. Great cocktails
Victory Tap | South Loop
My favorite delicatessen in Chicago. Iykyk.
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Super cute, locally owned cafe. Take a stroll in the garden outside with your coffee
The Spoke and Bird
Downtown
Take me here on my birthday. This is what I want.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Our favorite local spot with a dog menu
Caffè Oliva at Ohio Street Beach
Gorgeous views, incredible food, wonderful ambiance. This is where you take your partner for an anniversary or a place for celebration.
RPM Seafood
Such a fun spot on the riverwalk, and dog friendly!
The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Riverwalk
Delicious spot for lunch
The Goddess & Grocer
Traditional, iconic steakhouse.
Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
High quality customer service! I have rented a bike here and got a brand new bike. All the workers are lovely and super helpful.
Bobby's Bike Hike - Chicago Bike, Walking & Food Tours
My absolute favorite place to take kids on a rainy day in Chicago! The butterfly house is a must!
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Bring your dog and enjoy a beer on the patio. Oh and ask for the tater kegs!
Lizzie McNeill's - Chicago
Killer vibe, immaculate service. Better steak.
RPM Steak
You could spend all day here and still not see it all.
The Art Institute of Chicago
West Loop
Incredible service, stellar and unique dishes, and fun ambiance
Rose Mary
Cute speakeasy that turns into a club at night
Blind Barber
Northside
Such a fun activity for friends, partners or even kids!
Color Me Mine
My fav one stop shop for all local art vendors. They have tons of different artists shops on site
Andersonville Galleria
My favorite burger in Chicago. Also cheap.
Redhot Ranch – Chicago's best burgers, fries and dogs
Chinatown
Taking a water taxi is such a fun way to see the city and to get from downtown to Chinatown! HIGHLY recommend.
Chinatown Water Taxi Stop
Iconic spot for dumplings. Plan to wait a little bit.
QXY | dumplings
Another fantastic choice for dumplings if QXY is busy
Hing Kee Restaurant
Dry chili chicken. Say it with me: dry chili chicken 🌶️
Mccb | MCCB Chicago | 时尚食谱
Stop here first and grab a yummy coffee drink or fruity smoothie!
ORDER NOW - Joy Yee
Take the water taxi to Ping Tom Memorial Park and walk around before you grab lunch in Chinatown. I’ve see so many baby ducklings over here too 🐣
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Southside
A great spot to see some lovely plants and flowers
Garfield Park Conservatory
High quality, southern inspired cuisine with a flair ✨
Virtue Restaurant
An absolute UNIT of a museum. Plan to spend your entire day here and still maybe have to come back. Pro tip: there’s an exhibit that has baby chickens hatching in an incubator. Huge hit with the kids (and animal obsessed adults)
