Babs & Brad
Chicago Guide
Piece Brewery
If you're looking for Chicago deep dish, this is not your spot. Piece is our neighborhood go-to spot for great thin crust. It also happens to be an award-winning brewpub. Our order: Pepperoni, banana peppers, red sauce.
Fatso's Last Stand
No Chicago list is complete without a good hot dog spot. Yes, you could go to Portillos (we have no *beef* with them), but this is a local favorite. Get a char dog and ask for it "dragged through the garden" aka with all the good stuff on it.
Jack & Ginger's
At this point, you can be certain there is a Brad-shaped spot carved into a barstool at this local spot. Wrigley is probably the only other watering hole Brad has spent more time at during his time in Chicago. It is Barb's dream to to secure a spot on the Buck Hunter leader board.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
It is Babs' quest in life to make a pie as good as Bang Bang. Brad is happy to research Bang Bang's many flavors in support of that goal — Brad's fav is key lime, Babs loves any of the fruit pies with the pastry crust. Their biscuits are also magical.
J.P. Graziano Grocery
The Italian sub slaps, but it's the Mr. G (which they're known for) that really makes this Italian deli noteworthy. Grab a sandwich on the way out of town and get a bottle of giardiniera to take home.
Cindy's
If you want to #doitforthegram, head to Cindy's, a rooftop bar in the Chicago Athletic Association (hotel). Enjoy tasty cocktails overlooking Millennium Park, home to the Bean aka the Cloud Gate sculpture. It's also walking distance to Sears Tower aka Willis Tower. (Yes, Chicago people are stubborn and like to call things by names that the world at large doesn't always use).
Paradise Park
Named after Brad's favorite Nashville bar. Chicago's version is unfortunately cleaner and doesn't serve Natty Light on tap, but is a good spot to go for brunch and a few drinks during the day.
Old Town Ale House
It's dark, it's musty, it's cash only and it is a Chicago delight. Across the street from Second City, this historic dive bar was the watering hole for Roger Ebert, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert and more. The walls are filled with portraits of patrons and politicians, though the latter are not depicted as kindly. If you make a weekend out of your visit, see a show at Zanies just around the corner or of course the historic Second City.
The Up Room
The Up Room on the rooftop bar of the Robey Hotel is a great place to grab a drink + a view all at once.
Sluggers
It's a bar. It's batting cages. It's a great time (or so we think. We've never been sober.)
Pequod's Pizza
Chicago is known for the holy trinity of deep dish: Lou's, Giordano's and Gino's. The true Chicagoan's deep dish: Pequods. The caramelized crust sets it apart. It's hard to get dine-in, so plan ahead or get it delivered.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Just around the corner from the Robey Hotel, Stan's has the best gourmet donuts around. It's also a little bit too conveniently located by the future Nelsens' apartment.
Big Star
Another spot right by the Robey Hotel, Big Star is known for its tasty tacos and lethal margarita pitchers.