Every time I’m back, I discover about 20 news places I want to check out from the last visit, so this list will continuously update as I explore and remember old favorites!
Dinner
Monteverde (West Loop) Right now my favorite restaurant in Chicago. When you see how long this list is, that sums it up.
Bavettes (River North) Love the food and love the atmosphere of this Chicago steak house.
Joes (River North) Old school vibe with the best king crab around.
Swift and Sons (West Loop) I love the steaks and seafood here as well. It’s a huge space but it doesn’t feel overwhelming; instead you always feel in the middle of a swanky event.
RPM Italian (River North) While some might be swayed into checking this place out for a potential Bill & Giuliana sighting, the pasta more than makes up for a celebrity no-show.
Girl & the Goat (West Loop) Stephanie Izzard’s first Chicago restaurant. I stopped in last year and was still blown away by the dishes.
Maude’s Liquor (West Loop) The cozy food and lighting make this one of my favorite stops in the fall/winter.
Sushi-San (River North) This place feels like a party! The good food was an added bonus to the fun atmosphere.
Au Cheval (West Loop) The line is long. Get their before 4:00PM. Seriously. The burgers are totally worth it. You can also check out Little Cheval if you’re in more of a rush. The menu is slightly more limited, but I do love the Old Town Location.
Duck Duck Goat (West Loop) another Stephanie Izzard concept. Come hungry and ready to share with your dinner mates.
Smyth (West Loop) I’m sad to say I haven’t made it here yet but I’ve heard great reviews so I’m adding it to my list.
Alinea (Lincoln Park) Make your reservation a few months in advance and start saving. This is a pricey place, but the meal is its own art exhibit. Perfect for a special occasion.
Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch
Summer House (Lincoln Park) I love the food here, but I also love the light airy feel to the restaurant. On a gray winter day, it is the perfect place to come in and pretend it’s a little nicer outside than maybe it is. I also love their countdown to summer. Unless it is January; then it is just depressing. =/
Protein Bar (multiple locations) quick spot to grab a healthy lunch.
Sweetgreen another great spot for a healthy lunch.
Beatrix (multiple locations) This is a favorite stop when I’m with my nephews for breakfast/brunch, but they do also have a lunch and dinner menu.
Lula Café (Logan Square) One of the best brunch spots in town.
EMA (River North) You could hit this up for dinner or brunch; I’m just partial to brunch. Another restaurant with a great menu and beautiful open design.
The Publican (West Loop) If you like meat, this is a good place to add to your list. Also available for dinner.
Nookies (Old Town/Lincoln Park) This place was a staple of my Chicago youth. And by youth, I mean my late 20’s/early 30’s. Good diner style breakfast that is cheap!!
Big Star (Wicker Park/Wrigleyville) I’m still partial to the original Wicker Park location. When I think of summer, I think of a packed Big Star patio.
So Much Pizza…
Pequod’s (Lincoln Park) Ok, so I’m not really a deep-dish pizza kind of gal. Once piece and I’m in a food coma. My exception to that rule is Pequod’s. Forget the tourist traps and hit up this one.
Piece (Wicker Park) Piece feels like it’s been around forever and I hope it always stays that way. One of my favorites.
Homeslice (Lincoln Park) /Happy Camper (Old Town) I love the pizza, and both are known for their kitschy décor. Swings at the bar, anyone? Two more fun options on a nice summer day.
Parlor Pizza Bar (West Loop/Wicker Park) Anytime I’m trying to plan a group event, this is my default.
Paulie Gee’s (Logan Square) So not deep dish as much as Detroit style and mind blowing. We have a Paulie’s in Columbus too and I keep praying they’ll bring the Detroit style to our location. Thin crust is just as delicious.
Cocktails
City Winery (West Loop/Riverfront) A stop by the riverfront location is a must on a Chicago summer day.
Ballast Point (West Loop) If Adam was making this list, there would be every brewery possible on it. This one we can both agree on. Also has a great rooftop!
Revolution Brewery (Logan Square) Speaking of breweries, this is another staple. Food is also very good.
Bar Ramone (River North) Ah, I love wine and therefore this cozy little spot is my happy place.
Cold Storage (West Loop) This spot is inside of the same building as Swift and Sons. Wonderful place to grab a cocktail and oysters prior to dinner.
J Parker (Lincoln Park) One of my favorites spots on a pretty summer day with views of downtown, the lake and Lincoln Park.
Cindy’s Yes, it is touristy but the views over the park still make it worth it.
Coffee/Sweet Treats
Do-Rite Donuts (multiple locations)
Stan’s (multiple locations)
Intelligencia (multiple locations)
Old School
Piccolo Sogno (River West) Still one of my favorite tucked away patios in all the city.
Kuma’s Corner (multiple locations) Plan for a nap after this burger!
Richard’s (River West) This is a dive bar if there ever was one.
Topo Gigio (Old Town) A staple from my Old Town days!
Twin Anchors (Old Town) Another good Old Town stop and fun movie trivia; Batman scenes were filled here.
Fireplace Inn (Old Town) The bartenders here used to know my name. Not sure if that is a good thing but needless to say, I was a regular at one time.
Wells on Wells (Old Town) Another favorite neighborhood bar.
Seadog (Wicker Park) One of my favorite things about Chicago is the number of BYOB restaurants serving really good sushi. This one is still my #1.
Places to Stay
Hotel Zachary Wrigley (Wrigleyville) Heading to Wrigley? No better place to stay.
Peninsula (Mag Mile) A splurge but still one of my favorites. I love to book spa appointments here in the winter and take full advantage of the indoor pool.
London House (Loop/Mag Mile) Central location right off Mag Mile with a great rooftop bar overlooking the river.
Soho House (West Loop) Eclectic and the place to be seen. If you don’t have a membership, pretend you do by staying the night.
Hoxton (West Loop) The West Loop is the “it” neighborhood right now and I can’t wait to go back and stay at this recently opened hotel. Looking forward to checking out Cabra Cebicheria, the new rooftop restaurant on my next trip.
The Robey (Wicker Park) Sometimes the last thing you want to do in the summer is cross town. Hello traffic! The Robey is a great boutique in Wicker Park that gives great access to the west side of the city.
Chicago Athletic Hotel (The Loop) In the heart of downtown, this hotel is a throw-back to Chicago’s history. Cindy’s sits atop the hotel and it also features my favorite blanket of all time. I loved it so much, Adam bought it for me for Christmas!
Things to Do:
Street Festivals – People suffer through months of harsh weather just for Chicago summers and there is no better way to celebrate a beautiful Saturday afternoon than at a summer festival. You can find one in just about any neighborhood. Here is an example list.
See the city by the water and rent a boat!
If renting you own boat isn’t quite your style, check out the water via the Architecture Tour. I’ve done this tour a dozen times and I still love it. There are plenty of companies running tours. Wendell is one of many options. I don’t really have a favorite. They leave from Michigan Ave and Navy Pier.
Science Museum – Chicago has so many great museums but I’m partial to the Museum of Science + Industry. It is one of my favorite places to take my nephews.
Aire – If you are a spa kind of person like me, this is one to check out. Book in advance! Especially in the winter.
Postcards To Mabel 