Things To Do

Wendella Boats

The easiest and least cheesy way to be a tourist. Learn all about the history and architecture of Chicago while cruising down the Chicago River and venturing out on Lake Michigan. A must do.

Portillo's Hot Dogs

Wet, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake shakes, what more do you need?

Lincoln Park Zoo

The second best free zoo in the country.

North Avenue Beach

Big Star

This whiskey and taco joint has one of the most sought after patio seats in the city. Go for authentic Mexican street fair, a robust whiskey selection, and dangerous margaritas. You've been warned.

Wrigley Field

If you haven't crossed Wrigley Field off your bucket list, you could catch the Cubs play the Braves

The Second City

Basically, Saturday Night Live Middle School

UP & UP

Great drinks, great views.

Goddess and Grocer

Our home away from home when we don't feel like cooking. Basically our home.

Piece Brewery & Pizzeria

NOT deep dish or St. Louis style, but our favorite pizza in Chicago

Wicker Park Neighborhood

Check out our neighborhood full of shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. There's an actual park too.

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Lincoln Hall

Metro

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

The best coffee shop in walking distance from the hotel. Just head south down Morgan and you'll run right into it.

Stan's Donuts

Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Not sure if you'll see the line or smell the goodness first. If you're in the Wicker Park neighborhood, stop in.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The J. Parker

Chicago Jazz Festival

Known for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival is a favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition. It promotes awareness and appreciation for all forms of jazz through free, quality live musical performance. Since 1979, the festival's mission is to showcase Chicago's vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists to encourage and educate a jazz audience of all ages.

Parson's Chicken & Fish

Unofficially the inventor of the boozy slush in Chicago. The friend chicken and fish are well worth the wait.

Shake Shack - West Loop

What started as a food cart in a New York park, has quickly become one of the fastest growing chains in the country. Luckily there is one within walking distance of the Ace Hotel. Fun fact, the founder was born and raised in St. Louis.

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

Also within walking distance from the hotel, this is a good spot to get your donut or fried chicken sandwich fix.

Penelope's

A Wicker Park staple, this boutique carries both men's and women's local and international trends. We spend more time and money here than we'd like to admit.

Una Mae's

Clothes, apothecary, and gifts for everyone. Don't miss the vintage shop in the basement.