Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Breathtaking Views, Famous, Family Fun, Exhibitions, Souvenirs, Photography
233 S Wacker Dr, chicago
Willis tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper, and this skyscraper is Chicago's most dominant structure and 2nd tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. On a clear day, one can see approximately 40-50 miles (65 - 80 kilometers), allowing one to easily see four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Skydeck has a ledge glass box extending 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, providing a clear view of 1,353 straight down.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Shopping, Exhibitions, Art Gallery, Educational Workshops
111 South Michigan Avenue, chicago
Founded in 1879, It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The vision of this museum is to acquire arts of all kinds and conduct exhibitions for education. This museum has the third most extensive collection of Arts in the country-consisting of approximately 300,000 works of art in 11 curatorial departments. It is an excellent place to spend time with family and friends. Riverboat cruises depart from here. The iconic ferries are fantastic for a photo op if you are not into riding them. The staff is amiable and offers excellent services. It is a must for Chicago Tourists.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping, Breathtaking Views, Family Fun, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Concerts, Sightseeing, Private Events
875 N Michigan Ave, chicago
360 Chicago is an observatory located on the 94th floor of the historic John Hancock Center in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan from over 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Visitors can also experience "The Tilt" for an additional fee; a series of floor-to-ceiling windows slowly tilt outside the building to 30°. There is also a Bar (CloudBar) to enjoy a drink (or two) while overlooking the view.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping, Breathtaking Views, Family Fun, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Concerts, Sightseeing, Private Events, Kids Friendly
201 East Randolph Street, chicago
Once a space for railways, now a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike. The view is super exciting; the park is full of joy, happiness, and cheerfulness. Boeing Gallery in the park exhibits public art. Cloud Gate (The Bean), Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden are famous places to see and relax in the park. The beautiful BP Bridge connects Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park (another great attraction). Wrigley Square and Jay Pritzker Pavilion are also additional favorite attractions.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Private Events, Birthday Parties
1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., chicago
Named after Marshall Field, who donated $1 million to build the museum, The natural history museum has nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens, showcasing 4.5+ billion years of history. One cannot see so many artifacts in a day, let alone a few hours, so visitors should devise a plan beforehand on what to cover. There are additional exhibits that cost extra.
Local Favorite, Walking Around, Wildlife, Sea World, Aquarium, Educational Workshops, Kids Friendly
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., chicago
Shedd Aquarium, a national historic landmark, has been home to more than 32,000 unique animals since 1930. It welcomes more than 2 million visitors to meet beluga whales and bluegills, rockhopper penguins and rockfish, alligators and an alligator snapping turtle, and so much more from the world's oceans, lakes, rivers, and reefs. Several permanent exhibits at Shedd include Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Stingray Touch, Oceanarium, Fantasea, One World, and 4D Theater.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Guided Tours, Family Fun, People Watching, Behind The Scenes Tours
1060 W Addison St, chicago
The home of the Chicago Cubs, originally known as Weeghman Park, was built in 1914. A unique piece of sports history still stands while most other venues get knocked down and rebuilt, it is the second oldest ballpark. An iconic landmark, it is known for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall and hand-turned scoreboard. Visitors can see this place from the outside for free or buy tour tickets to go inside, and they can also purchase tickets on the game day to get the real experience. The games are fun and exciting, regardless of the outcome.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Family Fun, Free Entry, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Birding, Wildlife, Sightseeing, Private Events, Birthday Parties, Kids Friendly
2001 North Clark Street, chicago
This 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is the only privately managed free zoo in the USA. Established in 1868 has one of the best collections of gorillas and chimpanzees in the world. They are home to snow leopards, sea lions, penguins, Stilts, polar bears, snakes, and many more. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits, with displays set up to be informative and engaging.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Dine In, Shopping, Family Fun, Free Entry, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Photography, Music, Movie Night
600 E Grand Ave, chicago
Chicago's lakefront treasure, Navy Pier, is 50 acres of unparalleled attraction space. Nearly nine million people visit Navy Pier annually, making it the most visited attraction in Illinois and the Midwest. There are many indoor and outdoor attractions at Navy Pier, such as Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children's Museum, impressively large Centennial Wheel, Carousel, Drop Tower, Navy Pier Beer Garden, and many more. You will also find shops, eateries, and theatres.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Private Events, Birthday Parties
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., chicago
One of the largest science museums in the Western Hemisphere! This fourteen acres museum offers more than 35,000 artifacts, including the World War II submarine, five-story movie screen, 40-foot tornado, and the actual United Airlines Boeing 727, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences with impressive displays. MSI is not a place where you walk around quietly and observe but to explore and expedite.
Local Favorite, Breathtaking Views, Family Fun, Free Entry, Lush, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Photography, Romantic, Kids Friendly
301 S. Columbus Dr., chicago
Buckingham fountain, one of the largest in the world, runs daily from early May through mid-October. Visitors can enjoy a major water display for 20 minutes every hour when the water goes 150 feet in the air. It is considered one of the finest ornamental fountains in America.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping, Breathtaking Views, Family Fun, Free Entry, Lush, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Concerts, Sightseeing, Photography, Private Events, Various Food Options, Romantic, Kids Friendly
331 E Randolph St, chicago
312.98 acres Grant Park, proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard offers many different attractions in its ample open space, including Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus. It is home to baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and breathtaking gardens. The park hosts music and food events, including the famous Taste of Chicago event, Grant Park Music Festival, and Lollapalooza, a well-known outdoor music festival.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Hiking, Family Fun, Free Entry, Lush, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Private Events, Picnic, Various Food Options, Romantic, Kids Friendly
337 E Randolph St, chicago
Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre magnificent recreation park offering a children's playground, a climbing wall, mini golf, picnic groves, a skating ribbon, tennis courts, roller blades, Micro Scooters & Bungee, and a formal garden. It also hosts a popular summer day camp. The park is named in honor of Maggie C. Daley (1943 – 2011), Chicago's longtime first lady, who was deeply committed to improving the lives of children and making the city culturally rich for all its citizens.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Movie Night
230 W North Ave, chicago
The improv comedy club has launched some of the biggest names in the business, including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and about 500 others. They also offer improv lessons. The comedy shows are filled with never-ending laughter. There are many levels of shows, from amateur to professional, with their own charms. It is the oldest running improv club.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Biking, Shopping, Family Fun, Free Entry, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Date Night, Kids Friendly
N Lincoln Ave & W Fullerton Pkwy, chicago
Lincoln Park is one of the most affluent and picturesque neighborhoods in Chicago. It's a few stops from the city with many exciting places, including the namesake park (Lincoln Park), beach, restaurants, museums, theatres, shops, and bars. The neighborhood is home to the country's oldest free zoo. Visitors will enjoy the manicured gardens, many lakefront green spaces, and breathtaking city views.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Relaxing, Famous, Family Fun, Free Entry, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Concerts, Sightseeing, Photography, Music, Private Events, Romantic
300 N Central Park Ave, chicago
One of the largest and most stunning conservatories was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen and was opened to the public in April 1908. This two-acre "Landscape art under glass" occupies contains many permanent plant exhibits incorporating specimens from around the world. The beautiful glass building is separated by theme and temperature/ humidity. There is a room for desert plants, one for food-producing plants, and a treehouse room for kids. Beautiful specimen plants, exquisitely well maintained. There are also ten-acre outdoor gardens.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Famous, Nightlife, Music, Dance, Movie Night, Romantic, Cocktails, Date Night
175 N State St, chicago
Legendary theatre in downtown Chicago hosts concerts, comedians, theatrical productions, and special events every year. The 3,600-seat auditorium is seven stories high, and the vertical "C-H-I-C-A-G-O" sign is one of the few such signs in existence today. The building is built in the French Baroque style featuring a miniature replica of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, and the grand lobby is modeled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles. The theater is exquisite and quite beautiful.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Dog Friendly, Hiking, Biking, Breathtaking Views, Street Performance, Family Fun, Free Entry, Lush, Exhibitions, Walking Around, People Watching, Photography, Romantic
1805 N Ridgeway Ave, chicago
The 606 is a former elevated rail line, the Bloomingdale Line, converted into a combination walking, jogging, and biking path from Ashland Avenue to North Ridgeway Avenue. The trail connects to ground-level neighborhood parks, an observatory, art installations, and other amenities. There is a lot to see architecturally, lovely plantings along the way, with many entrances and exits along the route.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Dine In, Shopping, Relaxing, Street Performance, Famous, Family Fun, Free Entry, Exhibitions, Sightseeing Tours, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Live Shows, Romantic, Date Night
Magnificent Mile, chicago
Visitors can see the Blue Man Group or House of Blues show. There is also "The Comedy Bar" for a fun time. The Chicago Cubs' official store is there if you are into sports. Many eateries are either along the Mile or on cross streets. There are some great street performances on the walkways. There are always some special events; check them out at https://www.themagnificentmile.com/things-to-do/events/ before you go. Endlessly high-end brand-name stores like LV, Burberry, Gucci, and more. Public Restrooms are available at 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Avenue), and The Shops at North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Avenue).
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Dine In, Shopping, Relaxing, Famous, Family Fun, Free Entry, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing
646 N Michigan Ave, chicago
The world's largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago offers a selection of the rarest, most extraordinary coffees Starbucks has to offer. It's where Starbucks pushes its craft boundaries, developing a unique roast for each individual lot before experimenting with coffee as an art form—brewing, aging, infusing, and blending it into imaginative and often surprising creations. Starbucks shares these discoveries and the enjoyment of exceptional coffee with the world in the roastery.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Dog Friendly, Breathtaking Views, Famous, Family Fun, Free Entry, Lush, Sightseeing Tours, Walking Around, People Watching, Romantic
Riverwalk, chicago
The 1.25-mile path from the lakefront to Lake Street, Chicago Riverwalk, is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It connects four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade, with many places to stop and relax, various tours, and food vendors. The riverwalk offers glamorous architectural views of the city and refuge from the city's hustle and bustle.
Local Favorite, Live Shows, Cocktails, Happy Hours, Romantic, Date Night
4802 N Broadway St, chicago
Known for its jazz and poetry performances, this oldest continuously running jazz club in the U.S. opened in 1907. The bar still has the same sitting as it was 100 years ago. There's plenty of room for dancing to the fantastic live music. the Green Mill has appeared in many films. They have some excellent cocktails, and the live music is always good. The place is filled with lots of mob history in Chicago; Al Capone had a dedicated booth.
Local Favorite, Hiking, Biking, Breathtaking Views, Family Fun, Free Entry, Walking Around, Photography, Beach, Picnic, Romantic, Lake
Lakefront Trl, chicago
Chicago's 18-mile-long scenic Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile-long stretch that extends from Ardmore Street on the North Side to 71st Street on the South, connecting to great neighborhoods, parks, and beaches. The trail passes through Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, and Hyde Park neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers its own unique experiences and a lot of things to do. Visitors and locals enjoy walking, running, biking, and rollerblading on the trail. Popular places on the route include south park shore, Jackson park, promontory point, 31st street harbor, northerly island, grant park, Maggie Daley park, Ohio Street beach, North Ave beach, Lincoln Park zoo, Belmont harbor, Montrose beach, and Foster Beach.
Local Favorite, Wheelchair Accessible, Trendy, Relaxing, Music, Dance, Movie Night
3733 N Southport Ave, chicago
Opened in 1929 with a capacity of 700 seats, Music Box has been a premier venue for independent and foreign films in Chicago for the last two decades and is the largest theatre space operated full-time in Chicago. The theatre has the same architecture and design as it was when it opened with a dark blue ceiling with twinkling stars and moving cloud formations as we see in the night sky. The walls, towers, and blue ceiling take the viewers to an Italian courtyard in an open-air Tuscan palazzo.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Biking, Shopping, Family Fun, Free Entry, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Date Night
N Damen Ave & N Milwaukee Ave, chicago
Wicker park is famous for being an artsy neighborhood that always has something cool going on. There is something for everyone, including unique shopping places, trendy restaurants, coffee houses, and bars. The neighborhood is home to the historic victorian style homes built between 1873 and 1903.
Local Favorite, Breathtaking Views, Street Performance, Family Fun, Walking Around, People Watching, Sightseeing, Photography, Picnic, Sunbathing, Swimming, Lake
1600 N Lake Shore Dr., chicago
One of Chicago’s most famous beaches, it features a unique and popular beach house with 22,000 square feet of space that features something for everyone and is permanently docked along this beach. This sleek, ocean liner-inspired building, decked out in a crisp blue and white, boasts one of the best views in the city. The beach house has upper decks and portholes for looking at the magnificent horizon or the multitudes of bikers, runners, walkers, and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail.
Local Favorite, Dine In, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating
130 E Randolph St, chicago
Established in 2004, Wildberry Café continues to delight guests with delicious dishes and welcoming hospitality. Their breakfast and lunch menus are inspired by a blend of traditional homemade recipes prepared to please the patron's taste. They use only fresh, seasonal ingredients that deliver the most delicious flavors and rich goodness.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Cocktails, Gluten Free Food, Romantic, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Healthy Food Options, Byob, Takes Reservations, Desserts
2537 N Kedzie Blvd, chicago
Lula cafe at Logan Square is inventive, market-driven, primarily organic food in a casual, funky space, hosting a trendy breakfast/brunch. They specialize in using locally sourced fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, and the patio is lovely on a warm night with the perfect atmosphere.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Gluten Free Food, Outdoor Seating, Healthy Food Options, Takes Reservations
5707 N Clark St, chicago
This award-winning cafe opened in 2003 and has been a local favorite since then. The place is known for its organic fare, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, creative comfort food, and delicious healthy breakfast/brunch. M. Henry's incredible breakfast and brunch offerings have been featured in the Food Network and Thrillist as one of the top brunch spots in America.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Tacos
449 N Clark St, chicago
Xoco—pronounced "SHO-ko"—is the Aztec word for "little sister." Rick Bayless, who runs the iconic flagship restaurant Frontera, opened the place. But there's nothing little about Xoco's bold Mexican marketplace flavors. This quick-service café from Rick and Deann Bayless is open early and closing late and proffers contemporary expressions of Mexico's most beloved street food and snacks: flaky empanadas, hot-from-the-fryer churros, frothy Mexican hot chocolate, crusty tortas, and meal-in-a-bowl caldos.
Local Favorite, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Take Outs
565 W Jackson Blvd, chicago
Lou Mitchell's father started this iconic Chicago family diner in 1923, specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. The fun part of Lou Mitchell's magic formula was added one day in 1958 when the restaurant began offering breakfast diners donut holes. A tradition was set in place, and since that day, millions of donut holes and boxes of milk duds have been sold. People from all over the world come to try Lou Mitchell's homemade food. It has been recognized both nationally and internationally with endless accolades. The list includes USA Today, American Way, newspapers, magazines, food critics, and television. "It's a must-see place."
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten Free Food, Healthy Food Options, Soup
333 East Benton Place, chicago
Eggy's, a contemporary diner, is more than just breakfast (though it does have an extensive egg-centric menu). The 60's inspired menu is full of items designed to give a home-cooked feel. Think pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers. But it has made national news for its crunchy French toast, featured on Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" as a can't-miss carby dish.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Fried Food
181 N Morgan St, chicago
Do-Rite Donuts and Chicken is famous for its artisanal donuts and savory fried chicken sandwiches. It has multiple locations in the Chicagoland area.
Local Favorite, Burgers, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Private Events, Cocktails, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, International Food, Takes Reservations
820 W RANDOLPH ST., chicago
Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard's modern diner features many creative and delicious menu items with international flavors. Its retro-chic decor, stylish rooftop deck, delightful food, and fantastic bakery make it a great breakfast/brunch spot. It features a vast menu of creative, gourmet takes on comfort food classics.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten Free Food, Happy Hours, Take Outs, International Food, Fried Food
2119 S Halsted St, chicago
In 2011, husband and wife Art and Chelsea Jackson opened Pleasant House Bakery, a small pie shop specializing in Royal Pies—their own various handmade, artisanal meat and vegetable savory pies. In 2016, they expanded their signature British-inspired, locally sourced menu in a new location, Pleasant House Pub, which also features a full bar and cafe.
Local Favorite, Famous, Burgers, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Takes Reservations, Fried Food
3411 N Halsted St, chicago
Chicago Diner has been serving innovative and delicious vegan and vegetarian fare since 1983. True to their signage, "meat free since '83," all of their menus are a take on the classic American diner with a twist. It has earned numerous accolades from various media outlets for its fantastic food. They use local, seasonal ingredients and produce. All their cleaning products are eco-friendly, to-go containers are bio-degradable, and they practice bio-diesel conversion of waste oil.
Local Favorite, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Cafe, Take Outs
401 N Franklin St, chicago
This doughnut place, correctly named for its tiny vaulted entrance, serves artisanal handcrafted doughnuts in different flavors in small batches to preserve quality. It's popular with the local crowd and tourists for its vibrant and sugary delights.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Juice Bar, Healthy Food Options, Soup
3552 N Southport Ave Ste 1, chicago
Specialty grocery-cafe fusion place uses local ingredients to create artisanal culinary dishes, lunch boxes, ready-to-cook food, and gift baskets serving breakfast and lunch all day. They showcase numerous local food artisans. Customers come here to experience the from-scratch fare and unique dishes, including the occasional secret supper.
Local Favorite, Famous, Nightlife, Vegetarian Options, Cocktails, Take Outs, Italian, Takes Reservations, Soup, Pasta
2207 N Clybourn Ave, chicago
Pequod's Pizza has gained a cult following for its pan-style deep dish Pizza with a caramelized crust edge. The Pizza gained popularity with word of mouth, and Pequod's became the best-known secret for Pizza in Chicago. Mozzarella cheese is cooked along the edge of a cast-iron pan creating a crust unlike any other hence the name "caramelized crust." Customers get blown away after tasting the pie with the savory sauce and flavorful toppings.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Seafood, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten Free Food, Small Plates, Takes Reservations, Desserts
444 N Michigan Ave, chicago
Jimmy Bannos Jr., a fourth-generation restaurateur, opened this place after graduating from the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University and working for other nationally renowned chefs in Italy and New York City (Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich). He also traveled through Italy, Greece, and the United States, cultivating his culinary approach from the region's culture and food. Since opening in 2009, The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades. In 2014, Chef Jimmy received his first James Beard Award for "Rising Star Chef." The Purple Pig has been a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient since 2011 and has collected numerous culinary and wine awards nationally.
Local Favorite, Burgers, Seafood, Salad, Gluten Free Food, Date Night, Desserts, Brisket
3800 N Pulaski Rd, chicago
Since opening in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood in late 2006, Smoque has garnered a large and loyal following of locals and visitors alike, BBQ devotees. They have been consistently ranked among Chicago's best restaurants and the nation's best BBQ spots, winning many awards along the way.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Pizza, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating
1769 W Sunnyside Ave, chicago
For over a decade, Spacca Napoli has made pizza faithful to the authentic Neapolitan style. The dough is tended daily as a blend of love and craft and baked in an oven built by third and fourth-generation artisans from Napoli. Ingredients are carefully sourced from trusted vendors, many of which are unavailable anywhere else in Chicago. Wines and music are selected to create just the right experience and mood. Spacca Napoli preserves and elevates hearty, rustic dishes in a beautiful space while showcasing the essence of the Italian experience.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Burgers, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Pizza, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Healthy Food Options, Date Night, Takes Reservations, Tacos, Desserts, Pasta
1954 N Halsted St, chicago
Summer house offers a vibrant, light, airy, and summer vibe to its guest in terms of food, ambiance, and everything they do. A large atrium with a beautiful setting and all-weather spaces would surely delight everyone. They serve dishes from modern American Cuisine and a few internationally inspired dishes.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Take Outs, Healthy Food Options
623 N State St, chicago
Sweetgreen is a fresh, plant-forward, and earth-friendly restaurant. Three college graduates started it for a healthier, faster, more nutritious option. Their mission is to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food, and their goal is not to sacrifice quality over convenience. Their rotating seasonal menu offers a wide variety of warm and cold vegan, vegetarian, and meat salads, soups, and bowls with savory, house-made dressings and a slice of bread.
Local Favorite, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Seafood, Salad, Outdoor Seating, Fried Food
4609 N Lincoln Ave, chicago
Luella Southern Kitchen is named after Chef Darnell Reed's great-grandmother, who moved from Mississippi to Chicago in 1943. She inspires love and passion for the delicious southern meals at this place. Darnell travels worldwide and within the US to find more flavors and inspirations to apply in his restaurant. Luella is a well-known southern comfort institution in Chicago and has been featured in various media and TV outlets for its delicious goodness.
Local Favorite, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Salad, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Soup, Date Night, Takes Reservations
4801 N Broadway, chicago
Demera, which opened in November of 2007 by the owner and chef Tigist Reda, is one of Chicago's favorite Ethiopian restaurants and a staple of the Ethiopian-American community of Chicago. Situated within Uptown's vibrant and colorful neighborhood, Demera serves Chicago residents and visitors daily, allowing guests to experience Ethiopian hospitality and a lot of flavors. Demera has received excellent reviews from many media outlets, including Eater 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Hungry Hound, Yelp, Zagat, Check Please!, And Michelin Guide Recommended.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Cocktails, Full Bar, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Takes Reservations, Tacos
1531 N Damen Ave, chicago
Big Star is a bourbon, beer-focused, taco-serving, late-night establishment in the heart of Chicago's Wicker Park and Wrigleyville neighborhoods. Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Chris Miller's menu, inspired by authentic Mexican street food, is complemented by an extensive house-selected single-barrel bourbon program. Housed in a defunct 1940's gas station, the Wicker Park taqueria and its highly sought-after patio have been a neighborhood staple for ten years. Wrigleyville's two-story branch is nestled just across the street from Wrigley Field.
Local Favorite, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Cocktails, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Fried Food, Deli
2552 N Clark St, chicago
Frances' has been a landmark in Lincoln Park for 80 years, serving diners breakfast, lunch, and brunch (before it was even a thing)! It has always been known for its comfort food, generations-old family recipes, and sandwiches too big to finish in one sitting. With his original team, Chicago-famous Chef and personality Derek Rylon has been perfecting his culinary skills and recipes for over 30 years. His iconic following is a testament to his gift for creating unbelievable dishes at Frances'.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Famous, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, International Food, Salad, Romantic, Date Night, Takes Reservations, Tacos
1559 N Milwaukee Ave, chicago
As the name suggests, Bloom Plant Based Kitchen is a 100% plant-based and gluten-free establishment in the wicker park neighborhood in Chicago. They offer a wide variety of dishes without using animal products to focus on bringing flavorful, healthy, and affordable vegan food to the everyday family while being desirable and appealing to even the non-vegan. The dining room welcomes the guests with its bright light, lots of greenery, and fun vibe.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Cocktails, Full Bar, Take Outs, Takes Reservations, Desserts
1927 W North Ave, chicago
Opened in July 2001, Piece, the most award-winning brewpub in Chicago, has been serving New Haven-style pizza, honey butter fried chicken, handcrafted lagers, and ales produced in small batches in our seven-barrel brewhouse. The Piece has won 28 medals, including Champion Small Brewpub at the World Beer Cup in 2006.
Local Favorite, Trendy, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Pizza, Coffee Tea, Cocktails, Full Bar, Romantic, Date Night, Takes Reservations
2121 N Clark St, chicago
Opened in 1972, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder has become a favorite of worldwide pizza connoisseurs who have graced the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. The ever-famous "upside-down" individual pot pie is made from scratch with triple-raised Sicilian bread-type dough; a homemade sauce consisting of olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, whole plum tomatoes, and a special blend of cheeses; sausage made from prime Boston butts; and doorknob-size, whole, fresh mushrooms. A Vegetarian Pizza Pot Pie is available as well.
Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Gluten Free Food, Desserts, Pasta
520 W Taylor St, chicago
In 1963, Dick Portillo started Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called "The Dog House." Years later, Portillo's has become a brand synonymous with Chicago. People say it's not a real trip to Chicago unless you eat at Portillo's. There are more than 70 locations across several states of Portillos'. They are famous for the Chicago Hot Dog containing mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickles, and sports peppers piled onto a steamed poppy seed bun.