Chicago Favs
Neighborhoods
Roscoe Village is a great strip to walk to for dining and shopping. Basically running from 1900 West Roscoe to 2400 West Roscoe. You'll see a range of food options and most are moderately priced.
24 locals recommend
Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village is a great strip to walk to for dining and shopping. Basically running from 1900 West Roscoe to 2400 West Roscoe. You'll see a range of food options and most are moderately priced.
Southport Corridor is a fun area. There's a lot of Boutique shops and places to get a bite to eat. It has become quite a trendy area though and isn't the most affordable area of the city for sure. The area is mainly around 3400 North Southport heading north up to 3800. This is just two or three blocks away from Wrigley Field so if you're walking to Wrigley Field, you could walk through this area. Consider brunch at Southport Grocery & Cafe and dinner at Tango Sur!
North Southport Avenue
North Southport AvenueSouthport Corridor is a fun area. There's a lot of Boutique shops and places to get a bite to eat. It has become quite a trendy area though and isn't the most affordable area of the city for sure. The area is mainly around 3400 North Southport heading north up to 3800. This is just two or three blocks away from Wrigley Field so if you're walking to Wrigley Field, you could walk through this area. Consider brunch at Southport Grocery & Cafe and dinner at Tango Sur!
Wrigley Field is just under a mile and a half from us. If you feel like getting a good walk in, it's totally doable. Or take the 77 Belmont bus heading east to Clark (great shopping area/restaurants), and walk north on Clark through Wrigleyville.
177 locals recommend
Wrigleyville
Wrigley Field is just under a mile and a half from us. If you feel like getting a good walk in, it's totally doable. Or take the 77 Belmont bus heading east to Clark (great shopping area/restaurants), and walk north on Clark through Wrigleyville.
Stroll Wicker Park and Bucktown for eclectic finds and good eats - make a reservation or discover what fits your fancy. Start on North Ave at Damen and head East, then loop around at Ashland and head back up Milwaukee Ave.
371 locals recommend
Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveStroll Wicker Park and Bucktown for eclectic finds and good eats - make a reservation or discover what fits your fancy. Start on North Ave at Damen and head East, then loop around at Ashland and head back up Milwaukee Ave.
There is an old area of Chinatown and a new area of Chinatown. They're just about a block away but if you go down there you probably want to make sure you see both of them. If you like spicy food we would highly recommend Lao Szechuan. Another place called The Phoenix is a popular dim sum place. If you go to Chinatown, the 77 Belmont Bus to the Red Line to Cermak is super easy, though driving/parking in their main lot near Cermak/Wentworth is great too.
217 locals recommend
Chinatown
There is an old area of Chinatown and a new area of Chinatown. They're just about a block away but if you go down there you probably want to make sure you see both of them. If you like spicy food we would highly recommend Lao Szechuan. Another place called The Phoenix is a popular dim sum place. If you go to Chinatown, the 77 Belmont Bus to the Red Line to Cermak is super easy, though driving/parking in their main lot near Cermak/Wentworth is great too.
Food scene
Kitsch'n on Roscoe
2005 W Roscoe StWonderful brunch!!
Southport Grocery and Cafe
3552 N Southport AveEnjoy a stroll up Southport and a decadent brunch!
Also by our house is an outstanding frozen custard shop called Scooters.
33 locals recommend
Scooter's Frozen Custard
1658 W Belmont AveAlso by our house is an outstanding frozen custard shop called Scooters.
If you're just in need of something quick and right by our house, there is a Mexican restaurant that serves good take-out at Damen/Belmont: Tonys Burrito Mex.
9 locals recommend
Tonys Burrito Méx
1957 W Belmont AveIf you're just in need of something quick and right by our house, there is a Mexican restaurant that serves good take-out at Damen/Belmont: Tonys Burrito Mex.
Incredible food, family run! Known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
14 locals recommend
Cafe El Tapatio
3400 N Ashland AveIncredible food, family run! Known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
Mostly hamburgers and sandwiches that are very unique and have a wide selection. Over 25 beers on tap, house-made ketchup, and hormone free all natural meat. Affordable and delicious!
76 locals recommend
The Bad Apple
4300 N Lincoln AveMostly hamburgers and sandwiches that are very unique and have a wide selection. Over 25 beers on tap, house-made ketchup, and hormone free all natural meat. Affordable and delicious!
Four Moon Tavern is a quaint neighborhood bar tucked away. Great bar food as well.
21 locals recommend
Four Moon Tavern
1847 W Roscoe StFour Moon Tavern is a quaint neighborhood bar tucked away. Great bar food as well.
If you like Korean BBQ, there is a very good and authentic place - Cho Sun OK on Lincoln. If you don't get there early, the wait can be quite long as it's a pretty small place.
21 locals recommend
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
4200 N Lincoln AveIf you like Korean BBQ, there is a very good and authentic place - Cho Sun OK on Lincoln. If you don't get there early, the wait can be quite long as it's a pretty small place.
Big and Little's - they have a few locations and also typically have Groupon that you can purchase ahead of time and get an additional discount. They do fancy/unique combinations of tacos, sandwich, etc at moderate prices.
76 locals recommend
BIG & little's Restaurant
1034 W Belmont AveBig and Little's - they have a few locations and also typically have Groupon that you can purchase ahead of time and get an additional discount. They do fancy/unique combinations of tacos, sandwich, etc at moderate prices.
The Pizza Pot Pie is incredible and we love the Mediterranean bread! Great atmosphere, but could be long lines.
115 locals recommend
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
2121 North Clark StreetThe Pizza Pot Pie is incredible and we love the Mediterranean bread! Great atmosphere, but could be long lines.
Chicago Pizza is something that a lot of people like to do when they come to Chicago. Here is a list of the most popular Chicago style pizza places: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Oven Grinder, Gino's East, etc.
163 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveChicago Pizza is something that a lot of people like to do when they come to Chicago. Here is a list of the most popular Chicago style pizza places: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Oven Grinder, Gino's East, etc.
Steakhouse · Argentinian Restaurant - lovely atmosphere, enjoy a romantic dinner or grab empanadas at their Bodega Sur a couple doors down.
119 locals recommend
Tango Sur
3763 N Southport AveSteakhouse · Argentinian Restaurant - lovely atmosphere, enjoy a romantic dinner or grab empanadas at their Bodega Sur a couple doors down.
Black owned and outright delicious! Expect a wait, but it's worth it!
52 locals recommend
Batter & Berries
2748 N Lincoln AveBlack owned and outright delicious! Expect a wait, but it's worth it!
A 10 minute walk from the house, outstanding coffee, cocktails, sandwiches etc and a great atmosphere!
Hexe Coffee Co.
2000 W Diversey PkwyA 10 minute walk from the house, outstanding coffee, cocktails, sandwiches etc and a great atmosphere!
Delicious and a lovely mile stroll from the house (made in house from scratch and serving locally roasted Metropolis coffees).
Dip and Sip Donuts
2256 West Roscoe StreetDelicious and a lovely mile stroll from the house (made in house from scratch and serving locally roasted Metropolis coffees).
Coda di Volpe
3335 N Southport AveSouthern Italian fare including pizza, pasta, steak and seafood.
Farm to table American eats plus homemade ciders, craft beer, cocktails & tap wines.
20 locals recommend
Farm Bar
1300 W Wellington AveFarm to table American eats plus homemade ciders, craft beer, cocktails & tap wines.
Dear Margaret
2965 North Lincoln AvenueReservations required, incredible French Canadian cuisine, an art form.
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
3358 N Paulina StBrown Bag Seafood Co.
340 E Randolph StBitter Pops
3357 N Lincoln AveCHURRO PARLOR
1604 West Roscoe StreetLucy’s Cafe
2100 W Roscoe StKoi Sushi
Great atmosphere - delicious sushi!
MK NOODLE PHO
Outstanding Vietnamese food, relaxed dine in experience, a few blocks away!
Friendly neighborhood restaurant for over 35 years. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and authentic Mexican food.
6 locals recommend
Fernando's Tequila Bar & Restaurant
3450 N Lincoln AveFriendly neighborhood restaurant for over 35 years. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and authentic Mexican food.
Things to Do
Wrigley Field is just under a mile and a half from us. If you feel like getting a walk in, it's totally doable. Or take the 77 Belmont bus heading east to Clark (great shopping area/restaurants), and walk north on Clark through Wrigleyville.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is just under a mile and a half from us. If you feel like getting a walk in, it's totally doable. Or take the 77 Belmont bus heading east to Clark (great shopping area/restaurants), and walk north on Clark through Wrigleyville.
Both the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Zoo are not far from the lakefront path and the beach. They are also free. It's about a 15-minute drive from our house though parking can sometimes be tricky. If you're patient and willing to walk, you can most always find free street parking on N Stockton Drive or N Cannon Drive. Though the 77 Belmont Bus to either the 22 Clark bus or 151 Sheridan bus is very convenient if you're doing public transportation.
147 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2430 N Stockton DrBoth the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Zoo are not far from the lakefront path and the beach. They are also free. It's about a 15-minute drive from our house though parking can sometimes be tricky. If you're patient and willing to walk, you can most always find free street parking on N Stockton Drive or N Cannon Drive. Though the 77 Belmont Bus to either the 22 Clark bus or 151 Sheridan bus is very convenient if you're doing public transportation.
Worth the view! We recommend getting drinks or appetizers and enjoy the view at sunset. The Magnificent Mile is a fun stretch to stroll before or after.
295 locals recommend
875 North Michigan Avenue
875 N Michigan AveWorth the view! We recommend getting drinks or appetizers and enjoy the view at sunset. The Magnificent Mile is a fun stretch to stroll before or after.
Millenium Park & Maggie Daley Park downtown is a fun place to go. It's right by a few of the other downtown attractions - e.g "the bean," the Art Institute of Chicago, etc. Architectural boat tours are also wonderful. They continue to spruce up the Chicago Riverwalk downtown.
1243 locals recommend
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StMillenium Park & Maggie Daley Park downtown is a fun place to go. It's right by a few of the other downtown attractions - e.g "the bean," the Art Institute of Chicago, etc. Architectural boat tours are also wonderful. They continue to spruce up the Chicago Riverwalk downtown.
Enjoy a stroll down the Riverwalk - find public performances, grab a drink or stop for a bite to eat. You can also sign up for kayaking or boat tours.
The Boardwalk | Riverwalk
Enjoy a stroll down the Riverwalk - find public performances, grab a drink or stop for a bite to eat. You can also sign up for kayaking or boat tours.
A nature walk by Lake Michigan that offers a great view of the skyline and leisure time by the lake. Easy Parking, or take the Damen Bus and transfer Montrose Bus.
31 locals recommend
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
A nature walk by Lake Michigan that offers a great view of the skyline and leisure time by the lake. Easy Parking, or take the Damen Bus and transfer Montrose Bus.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrEasy parking and accessible via public transportation.
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrMuseum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrKingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StA world-famous blues nightclub in Lincoln Park.
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayA popular jazz club over 100 years old.
Voted one of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world, showing arthouse films, documentaries and foreign language pictures.
152 locals recommend
Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport AveVoted one of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world, showing arthouse films, documentaries and foreign language pictures.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveGreat for young kiddos - enjoy a stroll around the pond while you're there! The Diversey bus 1/2 mile away from the house will take you straight there, street parking is very doable too.
140 locals recommend
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N Cannon DrGreat for young kiddos - enjoy a stroll around the pond while you're there! The Diversey bus 1/2 mile away from the house will take you straight there, street parking is very doable too.
RoscoeBooks
2142 W Roscoe StA wide variety of books with staff reviews!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Street Parking
Free street parking by our house is generally great. The one warning we would give is leave nothing visible in your car. That’s a general note for the city. Cars have been broken into if something looks enticing. Other than this our area is very safe, as is nearly all of the Northside of Chicago, especially during daytime hours.
The main roads are almost always meter parking. There is an app you can download that will speed up the payment process - "Park Chicago." Without the app you just have to walk to a pay box where you can insert credit car and license plate number.
Getting around
Public Transportation
You can buy a CTA Ventra card for $5 at either Walgreens or Jewel, and then add value. Children under the age of 7 are free. We recommend getting a day pass if you want to explore the city by bus and train. For single use rides, you can simply use a credit card or cash.
You can catch the 77 Belmont Bus at the end of our block right under the tracks. It runs every 7 to 15 minutes. The Brown line Paulina stop is a 10 min walk from our house and is a fun ride to downtown as it's elevated above ground the whole way. Or the 77 Belmont bus to the Belmont Redline, which is mostly underground.
Book before you go
TimeOut Chicago’s Things to Do
Check out TimeOut Chicago’s Things to Do for events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities happening this weekend!