Welcome to Chicago

So thrilled you’re in my favorite city!! Here’s a list of resident-recommended tourist-y ideas (local approved!) and restaurants that I absolutely adore!

The Deep Dish Deal

  1. Don’t go to Uno’s or I’ll never speak to you again.
  2. Lou Malnatis- You’re either a Lou’s or a Gio’s family (it’s a HUGE debate in this city) and the O’Neill’s are diehard Lou’s fans! My dad and I like the sausage, Martha likes the cheese with tomatoes, so its totally your call. Their tavern style is actually super slept on too so if deep dish isn’t your thing, try it!
  3. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder-The one and only Pizza pot pie in the city! The wait here is absolutely insane but its also kinda worth it. You can usually put your name in and go down the street or to their bar for a drink, but don’t expect to eat for like 1-3 hours before you head over to this spot.

Restaurants

Brunch

  1. Kanela Breakfast Club (this has several locations but I prefer the one in Old Town- 1552 N Wells Street) Hands down, the best crab cake benedict in the city! Also perfect for hot cocoa in the winter! Warning: on Saturdays, they get super slammed so call ahead and check the wait time, during the week you should be all good though

Dinner

  1. Gemini in Lincoln Park (2075 N Lincoln Ave) This was my GO-TO spot for dinner when I lived in Chicago… seriously I was there like 3-4 times a month. Just a great spot for good food and cocktails (you have to try the squirtsky if you’re a vodka fan). Their salmon is one of my favorite preparations in the city
  2. Andros in Logan Square (2542 N Milwaukee Ave) Hands down, the best Greek food in the city, (their chef was stolen from the top LEYE restaurant in Chicago)- and I studied abroad in Greece so I’m super picky. Very traditional, try their tzatziki and Saganaki (no, it shouldn’t arrive at the table on fire, contrary to popular belief!) This is also a great spot to try Greek Wine, the restaurant’s SOMM really knows her stuff and has curated a very great list. If you’re feeling extra adventurous go for some Ouzo, they have a very cool table-side presentation for it
  3. Gretel in Logan Square (2833 W Armitage) Biggest whiskey wall in the entire city, its VERY cool! The owners have an interesting menu concept here, they basically picked like 35 things that THEY like and made the very best version of it for their restaurant. So they have like 1 VERY good burger, and 1 VERY good bowl of Ramen, it’s a trendy spot for the neighborhood.
  4. Bernie’s in River North (660 N Orleans St) Apparently, they have the best brunch in the city, but I’ve never tried it. Really cute rooftop with just an overall good vibe. Try the Hummus with Lamb if you’re feeling a good sharable app.
  5. Gibson’s Italia in Fulton River District (233 N Canal St) This is the best view of the river in the city. Seriously. Its such a dreamy sight in the winter at night when its snowing, seriously… swoon! Check out the bar on the second floor if you get there early its super fun.
  6. Chicago Cut in River North (300 N LaSalle Drive) Another great steakhouse option on the river, I would do this one in the summer though because there’s really nothing quite like watching the boats go by on the River and sipping a glass of cab on a summer evening.
  7. Joe’s Imports in Fulton Market (813 W Fulton Market) great cocktails and shareable entrees, check it out with a group! Ask to be seated in the Cellar Room if there is a fun group of you!

Bars

  1. Wills Northwoods Inn in Lakeview East (3030 N Racine Ave) Super chill neighborhood bar, with a massive Wisconsin theme. Great beers on draft and a solid darts set up. One of my favorites
  2. Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville (3506 N Clark St) Country bar with live music and a huge dance floor!
  3. 80 Proof in Old Town (1500 N Wells St) Bar food during the day, dance floor at night, they have a retractable roof so it doesn’t get insanely hot which is nice during the summer
  4. Federales in The West Loop (180 N Morgan Street) Home of the famous tequila bell! Their shot glasses are made of ice so it’s a big deal to come take shots here and throw your glass at this bell on the patio. It’s a cool vibe if you’re into craft tequila and a night “outside” the city.

Stuff to do!

  1. The Bean at Millennium Park- Did you even visit Chicago if you didn’t take pics next to this iconic statue? Millennium Park was built in 2004 and is now a tourist staple. Really cute for pics or a walk around- but don’t eat here, huge tourist trap!
  2. Art Institute of Chicago- If you’re even remotely into art this is a must-do! The museum has fantastic everyday exhibits and they do an incredible job of bringing global things in. My favorite part of the everyday collection is the Hawthorn Rooms! Go check it out
  3. TILT at 360 Chicago- So I’ve done this once and it scared the daylights out of me! But everyone else thinks it’s really cool. It actually is a great way to get a panorama view of the city but be warned- its an expensive tourist trap!
  4. Architecture Tour on the River- This is the one touristy thing I will ALWAYS do with people who come in from out of town. The architecture in Chicago is unparalleled and there is such a rich history. I love being on the river for this but there is also a great walking/Segway option that people seem to love too.