Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveBest tacos in the city.
Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen AveIntelligentsia Coffee Wicker Park Coffeebar
1609 W Division StFew spots in Chicago do the upscale-diner thing better. Order the pan-roasted ruby red trout.
128 locals recommend
Bite Cafe
1039 N Western Ave Few spots in Chicago do the upscale-diner thing better. Order the pan-roasted ruby red trout.
Scoop up bizarre but delicious flavors—sesame fig chocolate chip, maple gingersnap—at this gelato haven.
90 locals recommend
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrScoop up bizarre but delicious flavors—sesame fig chocolate chip, maple gingersnap—at this gelato haven.
The 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden of this farm-to-table eatery is a perfect spot to soak up the last days of summer.
30 locals recommend
Homestead On The Roof
1924 W Chicago AveThe 1,000-square-foot rooftop garden of this farm-to-table eatery is a perfect spot to soak up the last days of summer.
This is the place for traditional Ukrainian food and desserts.
29 locals recommend
Shokolad Pastry & Cafe
2524 W Chicago AveThis is the place for traditional Ukrainian food and desserts.
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveThere's a full-sized Delorean inside.
Ever dream of iced coffee on tap? Your dream has come true.
135 locals recommend
Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Dark Matter Coffee)
2521 W Chicago AveEver dream of iced coffee on tap? Your dream has come true.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cocktail bar hidden behind a wall mural — look for the door handle beneath the bare lightbulb. Best craft cocktails in the city.
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveCocktail bar hidden behind a wall mural — look for the door handle beneath the bare lightbulb. Best craft cocktails in the city.
Bordel
1721 W Division StAnother hidden bar with a Bohemian vibe above Black Bull.
Bite Cafe’s hole-in-the-wall neighbor hosts some of the best alt music in the city.
208 locals recommend
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western AveBite Cafe’s hole-in-the-wall neighbor hosts some of the best alt music in the city.
This dive bar lives up to its name: You’ll enjoy $2 to $3 daily beer specials while you bat around a Ping-Pong ball.
63 locals recommend
Happy Village
1059 N Wolcott AveThis dive bar lives up to its name: You’ll enjoy $2 to $3 daily beer specials while you bat around a Ping-Pong ball.
The Revel Room
1566 N Milwaukee AveSwank spot that marries the new school with old.
The Robey
2018 W North AveFantastic rooftop bar above the gorgeously appointed Robey Hotel.
Getting Around
Damen Blue Line station. Buy Ventra cards (for trains and buses) here.
121 locals recommend
Damen station
1558 N Damen AveDamen Blue Line station. Buy Ventra cards (for trains and buses) here.
Sightseeing
Super secret alert: Skip the long lines and the expensive tickets to the observatory on the 94th floor — and visit the bar on the floor above, where you'll get the same view for the price of a beer.
525 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveSuper secret alert: Skip the long lines and the expensive tickets to the observatory on the 94th floor — and visit the bar on the floor above, where you'll get the same view for the price of a beer.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StShopping
Komoda
2559 W Chicago AveProwl this hipster gift store for jewelry, candles, stationery, and more.
Sprout Home
745 N Damen AveCreate custom terrariums and more in this way-cool garden shop.
Entertainment & Activities
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StUnited Center
1901 W Madison StSoldier Field
1410 Special Olympics Dr