Guidebook for Chicago
Getting Around
Google maps will send you to the Montrose station, but this one is the exact same distance and one stop south, so if you are heading downtown from my place, I suggest going to this one!
27 locals recommend
Irving Park station
Google maps will send you to the Montrose station, but this one is the exact same distance and one stop south, so if you are heading downtown from my place, I suggest going to this one!
This light/commuter rail stop is about 15 minutes walking to my place (or a shorter bike ride), and is a very nice, fast alternative method of transport to downtown Chicago (south) or the northern suburbs, including Evanston. Please note that the Metra is on a different payment system than the CTA (el train and busses).
43 locals recommend
Ravenswood station
4800 N Ravenswood AveThis light/commuter rail stop is about 15 minutes walking to my place (or a shorter bike ride), and is a very nice, fast alternative method of transport to downtown Chicago (south) or the northern suburbs, including Evanston. Please note that the Metra is on a different payment system than the CTA (el train and busses).
Essentials
Great location for a major grocery store - just a one-block walk west on Hutchinson. Open until midnight, it has a small natural and organic and gluten-free section, too!
Jewel
2200 N 17th AveGreat location for a major grocery store - just a one-block walk west on Hutchinson. Open until midnight, it has a small natural and organic and gluten-free section, too!
Medium walk or short drive/bike ride to a Trader Joe's - a good grocery type store for snacks and prepared foods.
360 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
667 W Diversey PkwyMedium walk or short drive/bike ride to a Trader Joe's - a good grocery type store for snacks and prepared foods.
Closest 24-hour pharmacy to my apartment - very convenient from the Irving Park el station or bus, too!
40 locals recommend
CVS Pharmacy
4051 N Lincoln AveClosest 24-hour pharmacy to my apartment - very convenient from the Irving Park el station or bus, too!
Parks & Nature
Welles is a lovely neighborhood park with activities, an indoor pool, concerts during the summer, lots of baseball games, and a children's playlot, plus it will soon have a native nature area. It's a relaxing place for a walk.
63 locals recommend
Welles Park
2333 W Sunnyside AveWelles is a lovely neighborhood park with activities, an indoor pool, concerts during the summer, lots of baseball games, and a children's playlot, plus it will soon have a native nature area. It's a relaxing place for a walk.
Food Scene
Nice little independent coffee shop with ice cream, pastries, games to borrow, and a warm quiet vibe. Free wifi. One block walk.
Red Eyes Coffee
4164 N Lincoln AveNice little independent coffee shop with ice cream, pastries, games to borrow, and a warm quiet vibe. Free wifi. One block walk.
Delicious food and an incredible beer selection at moderate prices. Great rooftop deck and very happening spot for seeing the north side scene, meeting a group, or date night. Quick walk down Damen!
72 locals recommend
Fountainhead
1970 W Montrose AveDelicious food and an incredible beer selection at moderate prices. Great rooftop deck and very happening spot for seeing the north side scene, meeting a group, or date night. Quick walk down Damen!
Excellent cider bar and restaurant within walking (stumbling?) distance from my home. The staff is very knowledgable and you will find ciders unavailable anywhere else! The food is well-chosen and it is a lovely night out!
27 locals recommend
The Northman
233 East RiverwalkExcellent cider bar and restaurant within walking (stumbling?) distance from my home. The staff is very knowledgable and you will find ciders unavailable anywhere else! The food is well-chosen and it is a lovely night out!
My #1 personal favorite Chicago taqueria - late night or anytime, the food is excellent, the staff is friendly, and wow, it hits the spot. It's right along the #50 Damen bus route, too!
9 locals recommend
Tonys Burrito Méx
1957 W Belmont AveMy #1 personal favorite Chicago taqueria - late night or anytime, the food is excellent, the staff is friendly, and wow, it hits the spot. It's right along the #50 Damen bus route, too!
This is my favorite Thai place in a neighborhood saturated with amazing Thai food. Its specialty is northern Thai dishes, and the menu is very comprehensive. Good fast takeout service, too.
14 locals recommend
Sticky Rice
4018 N Western AveThis is my favorite Thai place in a neighborhood saturated with amazing Thai food. Its specialty is northern Thai dishes, and the menu is very comprehensive. Good fast takeout service, too.
Gene's is a unique European grocery/deli/butcher with items you can't find anywhere else. Recommended for quick lunch (soups, salads, blintzes or pretzel-roll sandwiches) or for continental imports.
91 locals recommend
Gene's Sausage Shop and Delicatessen
4750 N Lincoln AveGene's is a unique European grocery/deli/butcher with items you can't find anywhere else. Recommended for quick lunch (soups, salads, blintzes or pretzel-roll sandwiches) or for continental imports.
Delicious Vietnamese cafe/bakery/quick-stop takeout restaurant (there is one small table) with fresh, made-to-order banh mi sandwiches, three kinds of spring rolls, other to-go vietnamese specialties, and delicious shakes/smoothies. Nearby, always delicious. and budget-friendly!
18 locals recommend
Nhu Lan Bakery
2612 W Lawrence AveDelicious Vietnamese cafe/bakery/quick-stop takeout restaurant (there is one small table) with fresh, made-to-order banh mi sandwiches, three kinds of spring rolls, other to-go vietnamese specialties, and delicious shakes/smoothies. Nearby, always delicious. and budget-friendly!
Great small and cozy English pub/restaurant with comfortable and welcoming vibe. Curry chips, pints of cider or ale, lovely staff, and outdoor seating in the summer.
14 locals recommend
The Red Lion Lincoln Square
4749 N Rockwell StGreat small and cozy English pub/restaurant with comfortable and welcoming vibe. Curry chips, pints of cider or ale, lovely staff, and outdoor seating in the summer.
The best "sit-down" Mexican restaurant, beautiful, vibrant interior, family owned. and just top-notch menu and specials and drinks anytime. Can be crowded because the secret is out. This is one of Edgewater's best restaurants!
14 locals recommend
Mas Alla del Sol
5848 N BroadwayThe best "sit-down" Mexican restaurant, beautiful, vibrant interior, family owned. and just top-notch menu and specials and drinks anytime. Can be crowded because the secret is out. This is one of Edgewater's best restaurants!
This is my absolute favorite Chicago hidden gem, a Korean Buddhist vegetarian "diner" on the far Northwest side. It's beautiful, artfully prepared vegetable-based dishes with incredible flavor in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
11 locals recommend
Amitabul
6207 N Milwaukee AveThis is my absolute favorite Chicago hidden gem, a Korean Buddhist vegetarian "diner" on the far Northwest side. It's beautiful, artfully prepared vegetable-based dishes with incredible flavor in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Arts & Culture
I unconditionally recommend the Neo-Futurists to all visitors to Chicago because they put on a consistently smart, brutally heartwrenching, funny, human show that is unique and always worth every minute and penny and late night. Their long-running show, The Infinite Wrench, is a must-see in Chicago on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30pm or Sundays at 7. Very nearby and easy to get to via the #50 bus.
66 locals recommend
Neo-Futurists
5153 North Ashland AvenueI unconditionally recommend the Neo-Futurists to all visitors to Chicago because they put on a consistently smart, brutally heartwrenching, funny, human show that is unique and always worth every minute and penny and late night. Their long-running show, The Infinite Wrench, is a must-see in Chicago on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30pm or Sundays at 7. Very nearby and easy to get to via the #50 bus.
Shopping
Excellent Chicago boutique for accessories, jewelry, and lovely, thoughtful gifts. Prices are moderate, quality/style is contemporary.
Embellish Boutique, Inc.
4161 N Lincoln AveExcellent Chicago boutique for accessories, jewelry, and lovely, thoughtful gifts. Prices are moderate, quality/style is contemporary.
Hazel and Hazel Apparel are hands-down my go-to card and gift shops. They have fantastic taste in everything from home goods to jewelry, toys to handbags. It's the best gift shop in the city! They even have gift wrap service and a great staff to help you find the best, unique items.
23 locals recommend
Hazel
1835 W Montrose AveHazel and Hazel Apparel are hands-down my go-to card and gift shops. They have fantastic taste in everything from home goods to jewelry, toys to handbags. It's the best gift shop in the city! They even have gift wrap service and a great staff to help you find the best, unique items.
A treat for your senses! Merz is an old-school apothecary (think herbs, tinctures and potions) with bath and body items that are great splurges and gifts. VERY high quality advice and merchandise.
52 locals recommend
Merz Apothecary
4716 N Lincoln AveA treat for your senses! Merz is an old-school apothecary (think herbs, tinctures and potions) with bath and body items that are great splurges and gifts. VERY high quality advice and merchandise.
Entertainment & Activities
The newly updated, 90-year-old Davis is within walking/cycling distance, and shows current Hollywood movies for a couple dollars less than average, plus has a great connected bar and restaurant called the Carbon Arc. It's great for a fun night out in Lincoln Square!
104 locals recommend
Davis Theater, Chicago
4614 N Lincoln AveThe newly updated, 90-year-old Davis is within walking/cycling distance, and shows current Hollywood movies for a couple dollars less than average, plus has a great connected bar and restaurant called the Carbon Arc. It's great for a fun night out in Lincoln Square!
Music and dance shows and workshops year round in the largest community school of the arts in the U.S.! Founded in 1957 in the Old Town neighborhood, OTSFM has been here since 1997. It's WONDERFUL!
103 locals recommend
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N Lincoln AveMusic and dance shows and workshops year round in the largest community school of the arts in the U.S.! Founded in 1957 in the Old Town neighborhood, OTSFM has been here since 1997. It's WONDERFUL!