Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
This Italian small plates restaurant is one of my go to places. They have a great wine selection. They are a wine importer so you are able to buy bottles to take home if you want.
44 locals recommend
Quartino Ristorante
626 N State StThis Italian small plates restaurant is one of my go to places. They have a great wine selection. They are a wine importer so you are able to buy bottles to take home if you want.
Yolk has to be my favorite brunch places in the city. The red velvet French toast is amazing. They have a pretty large menu to select from.
45 locals recommend
Yolk Streeterville
355 E Ohio StYolk has to be my favorite brunch places in the city. The red velvet French toast is amazing. They have a pretty large menu to select from.
Portillo's is a must have if you haven’t been before. This Chicago Based Italian beef stand is casual dining experience. My standard order is a beef & fry. You can also grab a Chicago style hot dog.
270 locals recommend
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StPortillo's is a must have if you haven’t been before. This Chicago Based Italian beef stand is casual dining experience. My standard order is a beef & fry. You can also grab a Chicago style hot dog.
The Purple Pig features house made charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean fare plus a nice selections of wine. It will get very busy on the weekends and you can wait up 2 hrs after 7.
99 locals recommend
The Purple Pig Restaurant
444 Michigan AveThe Purple Pig features house made charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean fare plus a nice selections of wine. It will get very busy on the weekends and you can wait up 2 hrs after 7.
It is my favorite deep dish pizza place in Chicago. Like a lot of places in the area, the line can get long. You can order online can bring it back if you want.
18 locals recommend
Pizzeria Due
619 N Wabash AveIt is my favorite deep dish pizza place in Chicago. Like a lot of places in the area, the line can get long. You can order online can bring it back if you want.
Friends Sushi will appear as a whole in the wall when you walk in, but the sushi is amazing. I have yet to take someone there and them be disappointed.
8 locals recommend
Friends Sushi
710 N Rush StFriends Sushi will appear as a whole in the wall when you walk in, but the sushi is amazing. I have yet to take someone there and them be disappointed.
Drinks & Nightlife
It is the hot spot for celebrity spotting. You will need to make a reservation a few days in advance to get a decent time. They are located in the ‘Viagra Triangle’
146 locals recommend
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N Rush StIt is the hot spot for celebrity spotting. You will need to make a reservation a few days in advance to get a decent time. They are located in the ‘Viagra Triangle’
is great if you are looking for a little bubbly. This upscale champagne bar has nearly a 200 bottle selection to select from.
26 locals recommend
Pops for Champagne
601 N State Stis great if you are looking for a little bubbly. This upscale champagne bar has nearly a 200 bottle selection to select from.
Watershed is located below Pops at 601 N State Street, this smaller establishment has selections from several Midwest breweries. They are also known for their cocktails.
8 locals recommend
Watershed
601 N State StWatershed is located below Pops at 601 N State Street, this smaller establishment has selections from several Midwest breweries. They are also known for their cocktails.
Rocket Bar and Grill offers both upscale bar food and drinks. Their food is very good; it is often a go to spot for lunch meetings.
17 locals recommend
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W Hubbard StRocket Bar and Grill offers both upscale bar food and drinks. Their food is very good; it is often a go to spot for lunch meetings.
Shopping
It’s a large urban, mixed-use development comprising a 758,000 sq ft shopping mall and 74 story skyscraper is on the Magnificent Mile. The second largest Macy’s is located here.
327 locals recommend
Water Tower Place
835 Michigan AveIt’s a large urban, mixed-use development comprising a 758,000 sq ft shopping mall and 74 story skyscraper is on the Magnificent Mile. The second largest Macy’s is located here.
Sightseeing
I love the Shedd, where you can walk out on the terrace and get a glimpse at my favorite view of the city skyline. The Shedd is home to thousands of creatures. Tickets are about $40 adults & $30 kids
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrI love the Shedd, where you can walk out on the terrace and get a glimpse at my favorite view of the city skyline. The Shedd is home to thousands of creatures. Tickets are about $40 adults & $30 kids
Dare to step out on the SkyDeck 1,353 feet in the air. Get a 360 degree view of Chicago from 412 meters in the sky. The wait can be long if you visit during the weekend. Tickets online are $18.
324 locals recommend
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrDare to step out on the SkyDeck 1,353 feet in the air. Get a 360 degree view of Chicago from 412 meters in the sky. The wait can be long if you visit during the weekend. Tickets online are $18.
Essentials
Quick and easy with limited selection; the prices here are very competitive.
360 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyQuick and easy with limited selection; the prices here are very competitive.
This Grocery store has more of your main stream items. There is a large selection of produce, frozen, deli & fresh meats. They also have a hot and cold bar that you can grab something quick to eat.
180 locals recommend
Jewel-Osco
550 N State StThis Grocery store has more of your main stream items. There is a large selection of produce, frozen, deli & fresh meats. They also have a hot and cold bar that you can grab something quick to eat.
There is a large hot and cold bar. They are open from 8-10 daily.
836 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StThere is a large hot and cold bar. They are open from 8-10 daily.