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March 21, 2026
Chicago, IL, Café Brauer

Laura + Samuel

Things To Do

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo is basically our backyard! Café Brauer is actually part of this FREE zoo, so wander around with the animals before the ceremony or make a morning of it!

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory

2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Another free gem in our neighborhood, Lincoln Park Conservatory is a perfect way to spend a chilly day inside with nature. It is directly next to the Zoo and a particular favorite of ours!

Soloway coffee

Soloway coffee

2275 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

Our very favorite breakfast & coffee stop. Don't be deterred by a long line, they move quickly and we guarantee the pistachio croissant or breakfast sandwich are worth it!

Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi

2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614

Our favorite romantic date night, Mon Ami Gabi is classic, delicious French fare. Laura likes it because it is approximately 20 steps from our apartment so she can wear heels on a date night without worrying about her feet hurting - but the amazing food and ambiance is also a draw!

Get touristy!

Get touristy!

If it's your first time in Chicago (or if it's your 100th), you can never go wrong with the classic tourist stops! The Bean, Millennium Park, comedy show at Second City, an architecture boat tour, the Riverwalk, Navy Pier - the options are endless.

Milton Lee Olive Park

Milton Lee Olive Park

East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

If you're downtown visiting Navy Pier or the river, make sure to stop by this sweet park with the best view of the skyline! It is Laura's favorite view and happens to also be where Sam proposed.

D4 Irish Pub & Cafe

D4 Irish Pub & Cafe

East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

If you're hitting the tourist spots and need a downtown stop for food or a drink, we'd be remiss to not recommend D4. Laura & Kat lived above this restaurant bar for 4 years and spent many nights giggling with a Boozy Apple (their signature drink) in hand. When Sam entered the chat, it became a go-to date night (often including Kat as well) and is where we fell in love. It's a special spot - if you go make sure to say hi to our favorite bartender, Marco!