Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Dark Matter Coffee)
2521 W Chicago AveGreat Locally-Roasted Coffee!
Wonderful food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials! BYOB!
128 locals recommend
Bite Cafe
1039 N Western AveWonderful food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials! BYOB!
Great brunch restaurant with lots of food options, good portions, reasonable prices, and less waiting on weekends than other places in the neighborhood.
31 locals recommend
Janik's Cafe
2011 W Division StGreat brunch restaurant with lots of food options, good portions, reasonable prices, and less waiting on weekends than other places in the neighborhood.
Amazing sandwich options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with good beers on tap and a large outdoor seating area for summer days and nights.
36 locals recommend
Jerry's Sandwiches
4739 N Lincoln AveAmazing sandwich options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with good beers on tap and a large outdoor seating area for summer days and nights.
Another great brunch spot, but cash only! On weekends there can be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it for the large, fresh dishes.
75 locals recommend
Flying Saucer
1123 N California AveAnother great brunch spot, but cash only! On weekends there can be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it for the large, fresh dishes.
Indian-fusion tapas style dishes which are always tasty, plus a huge beer-on-tap menu!
65 locals recommend
Pub Royale
2049 W Division StIndian-fusion tapas style dishes which are always tasty, plus a huge beer-on-tap menu!
Great vegetarian and vegan chain restaurant in a hip neighborhood with lots of people-watching opportunities.
39 locals recommend
Native Foods
1484 N Milwaukee AveGreat vegetarian and vegan chain restaurant in a hip neighborhood with lots of people-watching opportunities.
The *best* gelato I've ever had...but they are only open in the warmer months so check before heading over so you are not disappointed! They give free samples!
90 locals recommend
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrThe *best* gelato I've ever had...but they are only open in the warmer months so check before heading over so you are not disappointed! They give free samples!
Great local restaurant in a quiet neighborhood location with excellent dishes. Good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
55 locals recommend
The Winchester
1001 North Winchester AvenueGreat local restaurant in a quiet neighborhood location with excellent dishes. Good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Parks & Nature
Beautiful walking paths, a small lake, and typically some salsa music to enjoy while strolling around this large park a few blocks west of my apartment.
293 locals recommend
Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrBeautiful walking paths, a small lake, and typically some salsa music to enjoy while strolling around this large park a few blocks west of my apartment.
Drinks & Nightlife
A dive bar which has a relaxed atmosphere, lots of outdoor seating, and ping pong tables! There is also dancing some evenings.
63 locals recommend
Happy Village
1059 N Wolcott AveA dive bar which has a relaxed atmosphere, lots of outdoor seating, and ping pong tables! There is also dancing some evenings.
Blind Robin
853 N Western AveQuick walk from my apartment and plenty of drink options.
The bar has live music shows, DJs for dance parties, and lots of drinks. Can be crowded but the monthly Soul Music Dance Parties are fun!
208 locals recommend
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western AveThe bar has live music shows, DJs for dance parties, and lots of drinks. Can be crowded but the monthly Soul Music Dance Parties are fun!
Great mixed cocktail specials and a warm environment, VERY close to my apartment.
116 locals recommend
Sportsman's Club
948 N Western AveGreat mixed cocktail specials and a warm environment, VERY close to my apartment.
Arts & Culture
Small, but well-curated modern art museum featuring Ukrainian artists and a frequently-rotating display. It's free but has some limited hours.
38 locals recommend
Ukranian Institute of Modern Art
2320 W Chicago AveSmall, but well-curated modern art museum featuring Ukrainian artists and a frequently-rotating display. It's free but has some limited hours.
Shopping
An amazing collection of gift ideas and some unique-to-Chicago items. Fun to browse, and I often end up buying something!
29 locals recommend
Komoda
2559 W Chicago AveAn amazing collection of gift ideas and some unique-to-Chicago items. Fun to browse, and I often end up buying something!
Getting Around
Milwaukee & Division station
Divvy
Divvy
Entertainment & Activities
Regal City North IMAX & RPX
2600 N Western Ave