Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Polygon Cafe
5204 N Clark StYummy spicy udon noodles and sushi. Also, byob beer + wine
Lots of authentic vietnamese in our neighborhood. This is one of our favorites and it's byob
9 locals recommend
Pho 777
1104 W Argyle StLots of authentic vietnamese in our neighborhood. This is one of our favorites and it's byob
We love Southern food and recently took a trip to New Orleans. We can't wait to go back; until then, we treat ourselves to dinner at Pearl's.
19 locals recommend
Pearl's Southern Comfort
5352 N BroadwayWe love Southern food and recently took a trip to New Orleans. We can't wait to go back; until then, we treat ourselves to dinner at Pearl's.
Big Jones
5347 N Clark St$$$ For a fancy Southern meal, treat yourself to Big Jones
Fantastic brunch on the weekends (get there early to get a table) and dollar burgers on Monday nights
70 locals recommend
Big Chicks
5024 N Sheridan RdFantastic brunch on the weekends (get there early to get a table) and dollar burgers on Monday nights
Kanela Breakfast Club
3231 N Clark StA brunch favorite
Amazing brunch. Get there early to get a table.
For you early risers, they open at 7am even on weekdays and there is usually parking in a lot next door
91 locals recommend
The Bongo Room
5022 N Clark StAmazing brunch. Get there early to get a table.
For you early risers, they open at 7am even on weekdays and there is usually parking in a lot next door
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
5158 N Clark StStarbucks
1 E Delaware PlFizz Bar & Grill
3220 N Lincoln AveSushi that won't break the bank. It's yummy and BYOB
Fans of Anthony Bourdain may remember this spot from his Chicago episode
81 locals recommend
Tank Noodle
4953-55 N BroadwayFans of Anthony Bourdain may remember this spot from his Chicago episode
The Bad Apple
4300 N Lincoln AveAmazing burgers and drink menu
Appellation
5212 North Clark StreetGreat date spot and wine list
Appellation is for dinner, but Pastoral is for a great lunch.
It's not cheap but the sammies are worth every penny
44 locals recommend
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
2945 N BroadwayAppellation is for dinner, but Pastoral is for a great lunch.
It's not cheap but the sammies are worth every penny
Garcia's Restaurant
4760 N Lincoln AveGood margs in an adorable neighborhood, Lincoln Square
All of the candy for your sweet tooth. Folks also love to take their picture with the Willy Wonka wall mural outside
Candyality
5225 N Clark StAll of the candy for your sweet tooth. Folks also love to take their picture with the Willy Wonka wall mural outside
Highly recommend dinner at Glenn's Seafood, followed by dessert at Margie's across the street
179 locals recommend
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western AveHighly recommend dinner at Glenn's Seafood, followed by dessert at Margie's across the street
Glenn's seafood is also famous for their weekend brunches; they have a big wall of cereals on display
31 locals recommend
Glenn's Diner
1820 W Montrose AveGlenn's seafood is also famous for their weekend brunches; they have a big wall of cereals on display
For a fresh Chicago beer, hit up Half Acre's tasting room.
Downside: no reservations and they are no longer BYOF (in the old days you could bring your own food to enjoy with your flight of beer)
103 locals recommend
Half Acre Beer Company
4257 N Lincoln AveFor a fresh Chicago beer, hit up Half Acre's tasting room.
Downside: no reservations and they are no longer BYOF (in the old days you could bring your own food to enjoy with your flight of beer)
Amazing cupcakes and coffee. One of the owners ("Wolfie" short for Wolfgang) will tell you all about the origin of the business, named after a favorite elementary school teacher/baker
65 locals recommend
Molly's Cupcakes
2536 N Clark StAmazing cupcakes and coffee. One of the owners ("Wolfie" short for Wolfgang) will tell you all about the origin of the business, named after a favorite elementary school teacher/baker
Heritage Outpost
1325 W Wilson AveCoffee shop within walking distance of home
Drinks & Nightlife
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StVery popular bar due to a great beer menu
This venue is legendary for its live jazz. It's been around since the Capone days. One of the secret underground tunnels for Capone is underneath the bar. But don't talk too loud, the jazz lovers and musicians will give you the stink eye
471 locals recommend
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayThis venue is legendary for its live jazz. It's been around since the Capone days. One of the secret underground tunnels for Capone is underneath the bar. But don't talk too loud, the jazz lovers and musicians will give you the stink eye
Great neighborhood bar that often hosts stand up comics. If Tony the bartender is working, tell him we say Hi!
Finley Dunne's Tavern
3458 N Lincoln AveGreat neighborhood bar that often hosts stand up comics. If Tony the bartender is working, tell him we say Hi!
Replay
5358 N Clark StBAR-CADE: Drinks, pub food and old-school arcade games
Small watering hole in the Lawrence House building, a very dog-friendly apartment complex. During summer, you can sit out on the back patio to enjoy your cocktail or coffee drink in the sun.
14 locals recommend
Larry's
1020 W Lawrence AveSmall watering hole in the Lawrence House building, a very dog-friendly apartment complex. During summer, you can sit out on the back patio to enjoy your cocktail or coffee drink in the sun.
Essentials
We love this grocery store. It's a short walk from home. Coffee and pasties in their Vero cafe; Gelato; Hot meals; $7 to-go meals; Sushi; And on weekends, they even have a piano player on the ivories
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveWe love this grocery store. It's a short walk from home. Coffee and pasties in their Vero cafe; Gelato; Hot meals; $7 to-go meals; Sushi; And on weekends, they even have a piano player on the ivories
CVS
5205 N BroadwayIf you forgot to pack some toiletries, Sam's likely has what you need! There's also CVS at Broadway/Foster
New Sam's Food Mart
5038 N Sheridan RdIf you forgot to pack some toiletries, Sam's likely has what you need! There's also CVS at Broadway/Foster
Target
4466 N BroadwayOld World Market
5129 N BroadwayFor those who prefer to support small business, you can also get groceries here
Shopping
Mercantile M
5409 1/2 N Clark StFor funky souvenirs, check out the antiques and "found objects" at Mercantile
Entertainment & Activities
Catch a play at Windy City Playhouse (the most comfy theater seats ever) and enjoy a drink at their swanky bar
11 locals recommend
Windy City Playhouse
3014 W Irving Park RdCatch a play at Windy City Playhouse (the most comfy theater seats ever) and enjoy a drink at their swanky bar
Tony-award-winning regional theater.
Talk to you hosts, they may have a discount code for tickets!
51 locals recommend
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn StTony-award-winning regional theater.
Talk to you hosts, they may have a discount code for tickets!
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N Halsted StAragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence AveConcert venue
Riviera Theatre
4746 North Racine AvenueConcert venue
Parks & Nature
Foster Beach
Less than a 10 minute walk away
Everything Else
First Ascent Uptown
4718 N BroadwayIndoor Rock Climbing Gym