Things To Do
Albany Park
Where we call home! There are tons of great places to eat + explore in and around our neighborhood. Eris Brewing - cidery with a large patio, very family friendly (closer to Irving Park) Horner Park - giant park with tons of space for little ones + four legged friends Horner Park Farmer's Market - cozy market, great coffee (Saturday AM) Kabobi - Persian food with portions so big you'll have leftovers all weekend Khepri Cafe - delicious seasonal sweet treats + coffee Kim's Home Cooking - must-try Korean fried chicken Lawrence Fish Market - delicious, fresh sushi for take-out Miko's Italian Ice - Bri's favorite Summertime Chi treat Nhu Lan Bakery - our favorite Bahn Mi Nubar Cafe - Mediterranean inspired coffee drinks, treats, and brunch San Juanito Taqueria - delicious and affordable Somethin' Sweet - excellent breakfast treats, mochi donuts!
Andersonville
A historically Swedish neighborhood, Andersonville is now a largely LGBTQIA+ community, full of incredible food, drinks, and shopping. Andersonville Antiques - cool selection of Chicago vintage finds Brown Elephant - giant, unique thrift shop Defloured Bakery - the best gluten free bakery Fiya - delicious Middle Eastern inspired small plates Gethsemane - gorgeous plant and floral shop Hopleaf Bar - incredible list of beer and wine with delicious parings - can't miss the moules-frites La Colombe Coffee Workshop - check out their seasonal draft latte Lady Gregory's - a gluten free paradise (fish and chips, French onion soup, and more) Pho 888 - delicious pho Sun Wah - Chicago's best peking duck Strange Cargo - local print shop and curated gifts Women & Children First - the best bookstore in Chicago
Chicago Loop
Chicago's downtown can be a visitor's dream, just follow our guide and don't fall for overpriced tourist traps! Art Institute of Chicago - a Chicago must-see Chicago Cultural Center - beautiful architecture, free entry Chicago Water Taxi - an economical option to hit the Chicago River, ride the Taxi all the way to Chinatown for dim sum + karaoke Cindy's Rooftop - gorgeous views and delicious cocktails City Winery at the Riverwalk - views of the Chicago River + chilled rosé, need we say more? Garrett's - the Chicago Mix popcorn will change your life Millennium Park - if you're new to Chicago, you have to check out Cloud Gate (The Bean) The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Riverwalk - enjoy some of our favorite ciders with a view Wendella Architecture Boat Tour - if you do anything in the Loop, do this tour - we highly recommend the combo tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
Lincoln Square
Accessible by the CTA Brown Line, Lincoln Square is full of great restaurants, bars, and shopping. It's a historically German neighborhood, and very charming. Apero Wine Bar - get your fix of natural wine + tinned fish Gene's Sausage Shop - rooftop brats + beer The Getaway - delicious cocktails, fun vibes Merz Apothecary - 150 year old pharmacy and boutique, many-a-treasure to be found Neighborly - art and trinkets made by local artists, the perfect souvenir stop Richochet's - a Chicago dive bar classic Small Cheval - little sister to Au Cheval, a great burger and GF chickie tendies Vaca's - ice cream with GF and DF options, trust us - it's amazing!
Logan Square
We both called Logan Square home for many years. Check out Logan Square for some of Chicago's trendiest spots, including great food, shopping and night life. Bungalow by Middle Brow - delicious pizza, beer, and wine Central Park Bar - great vibes, great patio, dog friendly bar (closer to Avondale) Club Lucky - a Chicago Italian classic, you must try their dirty martini (closer to Bucktown) Colectivo Coffee - one of our favorite cafes, originally based out of Milwaukee Daises - yummy pasta Easy Does It - wine bar with good vibes Logan Square Farmer's Market - Sunday AM, giant market with lots of treasures Red Hot Ranch - our favorite Chicago dog Remedy - our favorite bar! Logan Square Farmer's Market - a can't miss for Sunday morning Longman & Eagle - upscale bar fare Lula Cafe - another Chicago classic, very delicious Marige's Candies - giant ice cream sundaes, a Chicago must-do Staropolska - traditional Polish fare, must try the pierogi sampler (closer to Avondale)
Museum Campus
The Chicago Museum Campus offers gorgeous lakefront views and museums suitable for all ages! Accessible by ride share or public transit, we recommend checking out the following museums and grabbing a Chicago dog from a local street vendor: Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium (our fav)
West Loop (Fulton Market)
The West Loop, also known as the Fulton Market District, is known for its culinary scene. These are only a few recommendations, but know that you cannot go wrong dining in this neighborhood! Boquería - one of our favorite Spanish tapas restaurants, great happy hour Cruz Blanca Taproom - yummy brews and food Duck Duck Goat - Chinese inspired yummy stuff Gaijin - great happy hour, delicious okonomiyaki and other Japanese inspired bites Girl & the Goat - delicious!! Green Street Smoked Meats - some of our favorite Chicago BBQ Formento's - classic Chicago Italian fare Lone Wolf - our favorite West Loop dive bar (well, as dive as it gets for the West Loop) Trivoli Tavern - a Chicago classic, great for a pre-Green Street Smoked Meats cocktail
West Town
West Town has great bars and restaurants, and is just a hop, skip and jump away from the Loop. A great option for exploring if you are staying downtown. Chef's Special Cocktail Bar - our #1 favorite Chicago restaurant (closer to Bucktown) Dorothy Downstairs - one of three Chicago lesbian bars, incredible vibes and cocktails Lao Peng You - delicious dumplings!!! Lost Girls Vintage - cute local vintage shop Rainbo Club - cash only, unparalleled dive bar (we spent the evening here on our first night as friends!) Sportsman's Club - another Chicago dive bar with a great patio Queen Mary Tavern - known for their Sunday oysters and martinis