Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveBest burger in town!
Their seasonal menu is always changing, but you can always count on their brioche french toast and several different types of homemade hot chocolate.
108 locals recommend
Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen AveTheir seasonal menu is always changing, but you can always count on their brioche french toast and several different types of homemade hot chocolate.
This BYOB sushi place will satisfy you if you like basic/classic sushi or like to try out experimental rolls.
Nori Sushi - Wicker Park, Chicago
1393 N Milwaukee AveThis BYOB sushi place will satisfy you if you like basic/classic sushi or like to try out experimental rolls.
This great local spot offers classic deli fare as well as fun alcoholic milkshakes for those of age.
11 locals recommend
Frances' Deli and Brunchery
2552 N Clark StThis great local spot offers classic deli fare as well as fun alcoholic milkshakes for those of age.
This local taco place is busy pretty much all the time for a reason. If you get a seat, you can enjoy one of their amazing margaritas. If you want, you can use their walk-up window and get your tacos to go.
1176 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveThis local taco place is busy pretty much all the time for a reason. If you get a seat, you can enjoy one of their amazing margaritas. If you want, you can use their walk-up window and get your tacos to go.
Great Thai food right around the corner. Sit in or take away, either way the service is quick and the food is delicious.
14 locals recommend
Silom 12
1846 N Milwaukee AveGreat Thai food right around the corner. Sit in or take away, either way the service is quick and the food is delicious.
Hands down the best thin crust pizza in the city. Get a classic or use some of their creative toppings. Either way, their enormous, piping hot pizzas are going to please you. Head over on Saturday nights and enjoy live band karaoke as well!
488 locals recommend
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveHands down the best thin crust pizza in the city. Get a classic or use some of their creative toppings. Either way, their enormous, piping hot pizzas are going to please you. Head over on Saturday nights and enjoy live band karaoke as well!
This unassuming vegetarian restaurant is absolutely delicious. They use veggies creatively and well. You will never leave hungry.
140 locals recommend
Handlebar
2311 W North AveThis unassuming vegetarian restaurant is absolutely delicious. They use veggies creatively and well. You will never leave hungry.
This authentic local gem has incredible felafel and schawarma as well as the best homemade hummus I've ever had.
99 locals recommend
Sultan's Market
2057 W North AveThis authentic local gem has incredible felafel and schawarma as well as the best homemade hummus I've ever had.
Fairgrounds is an adorable coffee shop that supports our local schools with part of their profits.
26 locals recommend
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
1620 N Milwaukee AveFairgrounds is an adorable coffee shop that supports our local schools with part of their profits.
Some of the best ramen in the city is served at Furious Spoon. Don't plan to sit and savor for hours, as it's a small space with communal tables, but it's delicious and fun.
52 locals recommend
Furious Spoon Wicker Park
Some of the best ramen in the city is served at Furious Spoon. Don't plan to sit and savor for hours, as it's a small space with communal tables, but it's delicious and fun.
Very popular local brunch place. You'll be waiting in line on the weekend, but it's worth the wait. Weekdays usually have no wait, especially for small parties.
199 locals recommend
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee AveVery popular local brunch place. You'll be waiting in line on the weekend, but it's worth the wait. Weekdays usually have no wait, especially for small parties.
Great pie, great brunch. Amazing outdoor seating when the weather's nice. Just a great hidden gem.
468 locals recommend
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveGreat pie, great brunch. Amazing outdoor seating when the weather's nice. Just a great hidden gem.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lottie's Pub
1925 W Cortland StKaraoke every night of the week starting at 8pm! Awesome atmosphere.
The BTP is a local staple, with different events including trivia and open mics every night of the week. It also has a great beer garden in summer.
11 locals recommend
Bucktown Pub
1658 W Cortland StThe BTP is a local staple, with different events including trivia and open mics every night of the week. It also has a great beer garden in summer.
This local gem has an excellent beer selection and great atmosphere. This bar is open all day and offers free wifi so you can get work done or stay late and have a drink (or three).
119 locals recommend
Map Room
1949 N Hoyne AveThis local gem has an excellent beer selection and great atmosphere. This bar is open all day and offers free wifi so you can get work done or stay late and have a drink (or three).
Local bar that plays sports, but doesn't feel like a sports bar. Great owners, good beer, and ridiculously huge sandwiches.
6 Degrees
1935 N Damen AveLocal bar that plays sports, but doesn't feel like a sports bar. Great owners, good beer, and ridiculously huge sandwiches.
If you like fancy cocktails and eclectic decor, Scofflaw is the place for you.
584 locals recommend
Scofflaw
3201 W Armitage AveIf you like fancy cocktails and eclectic decor, Scofflaw is the place for you.
Sightseeing
Hoyne Avenue, south of North Avenue is full of beautiful, historic homes. Go for a nice walk and enjoy!
1600 N Hoyne Ave
1600 North Hoyne AvenueHoyne Avenue, south of North Avenue is full of beautiful, historic homes. Go for a nice walk and enjoy!
Entertainment & Activities
If you like comedy, you should check it out in its purest form at iO Chicago. This theater as pumped out many of your favorite comedians over the years and isn't as expensive as The Second City.
71 locals recommend
The iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury StIf you like comedy, you should check it out in its purest form at iO Chicago. This theater as pumped out many of your favorite comedians over the years and isn't as expensive as The Second City.
This small, intimate comedy theater will allow you to catch up-and-coming improvisers when they're starting out.
6 locals recommend
The Comedy Clubhouse
1462 N Ashland AveThis small, intimate comedy theater will allow you to catch up-and-coming improvisers when they're starting out.
This old-fashioned theater shows new and old films alike. They often host talk-backs with filmmakers and actors as well as film festivals of all kinds. Check out their regular Rocky Horror Picture show late night on weekends.
152 locals recommend
Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport AveThis old-fashioned theater shows new and old films alike. They often host talk-backs with filmmakers and actors as well as film festivals of all kinds. Check out their regular Rocky Horror Picture show late night on weekends.
One of the last free zoos in the world is a lovely place to go for a walk or to bring the family to take in the awesome animals.
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StOne of the last free zoos in the world is a lovely place to go for a walk or to bring the family to take in the awesome animals.
Enjoy free admission to our amazing local museums on these dates:
Adler Planetarium
September 12-16
October 10 (Columbus Day)
November 11 (Veterans Day)
December 3-9
Museum of Science and Industry
September 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
October 4-6
November 3, 10
December 1
Field Museum
September 10, 17, 18, 19
October 2, 16, 30, 31
November 27
December 3, 4, 18
Shedd Aquarium
September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
The Art Institute
Thursdays from 5 to 8pm (year-round)
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveEnjoy free admission to our amazing local museums on these dates:
Adler Planetarium
September 12-16
October 10 (Columbus Day)
November 11 (Veterans Day)
December 3-9
Museum of Science and Industry
September 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
October 4-6
November 3, 10
December 1
Field Museum
September 10, 17, 18, 19
October 2, 16, 30, 31
November 27
December 3, 4, 18
Shedd Aquarium
September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
The Art Institute
Thursdays from 5 to 8pm (year-round)
If you liked watching Who's Line Is It Anyway growing up then you'll enjoy the shows at ComedySportz. Most of the short form improv shows are family-friendly and on Sunday nights you can see 3 different teams play for only $5.
13 locals recommend
CSz Theater Chicago
1501 North Kingsbury StreetIf you liked watching Who's Line Is It Anyway growing up then you'll enjoy the shows at ComedySportz. Most of the short form improv shows are family-friendly and on Sunday nights you can see 3 different teams play for only $5.
The Shedd is a wonderful aquarium in a beautiful old building. Enjoy the architecture and the wildlife all at once. They have dolphin & whale shows a couple times a day where you can see their famous Belugas and their rescued Otters. The Shedd is a well-known research institution and rescue center for marine life. They have jazz nights on Wednesdays in the summertime as well where you can explore the exhibits and hang out on the patio and enjoy beautiful skyline and lake views.
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrThe Shedd is a wonderful aquarium in a beautiful old building. Enjoy the architecture and the wildlife all at once. They have dolphin & whale shows a couple times a day where you can see their famous Belugas and their rescued Otters. The Shedd is a well-known research institution and rescue center for marine life. They have jazz nights on Wednesdays in the summertime as well where you can explore the exhibits and hang out on the patio and enjoy beautiful skyline and lake views.
The Logan Theater plays first and second run films in a beautiful old movie-house. They have a bar in the lobby so you can make a night of it all in one place.
315 locals recommend
The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee AveThe Logan Theater plays first and second run films in a beautiful old movie-house. They have a bar in the lobby so you can make a night of it all in one place.
Getting Around
The Blue Line runs directly to/from O'Hare International Airport as well as all the way downtown.
17 locals recommend
Damen & Milwaukee/North Ave
The Blue Line runs directly to/from O'Hare International Airport as well as all the way downtown.
Essentials
This walgreens has all the essentials, a clinic and pharmacy, and it also happens to be in a beautifully restored bank.
38 locals recommend
Walgreens Pharmacy
1601 N Milwaukee AveThis walgreens has all the essentials, a clinic and pharmacy, and it also happens to be in a beautifully restored bank.
Parks & Nature
Enjoy one of the most beautiful pieces of Lincoln Park. Enjoy a nice walk or stay for a while to enjoy the various seating areas around the pond. A short walk from the beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, and public transportation into downtown.
48 locals recommend
North Pond
2610 N Cannon DrEnjoy one of the most beautiful pieces of Lincoln Park. Enjoy a nice walk or stay for a while to enjoy the various seating areas around the pond. A short walk from the beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, and public transportation into downtown.
In the summer, this is a delightful beach to spend time. Not as crazy and full of young people as North Avenue Beach, easy to find parking and also accessible by public transportation. It's a great way to spend a summer day.
297 locals recommend
Montrose Beach
In the summer, this is a delightful beach to spend time. Not as crazy and full of young people as North Avenue Beach, easy to find parking and also accessible by public transportation. It's a great way to spend a summer day.