Meg & George
Chicago
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep dish pizza - try the butter crust
Giordano's
Classic Chicago deep dish pizza joint - come here for sweet sauce and stuffed pies
Cindy's
Grab a cocktail and enjoy an amazing view
Portillo's Hot Dogs
A classic Chicago fast food chain. Try the Italian beef, Maxwell Street Polish, or a chocolate cake shake!
The Signature Room at the 95th®
Catch dinner or drinks at the top of a Chicago icon - the Hancock Building
Duck Duck Goat
Our favorite Chinese food restaurant and our favorite Stephanie Izzard restaurant
The Loyalist
George's favorite burger
Au Cheval
Meg's favorite burger
Firecakes Donuts
Three words: Donut ice-cream sandwiches.
District Brew Yards
Pour-your-own beer hall with four different breweries
Beatrix
Healthy and delicious brunch options
Cloud Gate
"The Bean"
Chicago Riverwalk
Loaded with bars, restaurants, and nice spots to watch the boats go by
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Our favorite museum
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
The zoo itself is free during the day, and comes alive at night during the holiday season with beautiful and festive light displays amongst the animals! Tickets are required. Monday and Tuesday nights are free and Wednesday-Sunday tickets are $5.
The Art Institute of Chicago
An institution for a reason
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Chicago's free open air Christmas Market! Be sure to grab a cup of Glühwein to stay warm!
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
Maggie Daley Park is known for its one-of-a-kind ice skating ribbon, which curves through the park’s whimsical landscape. The Skating Ribbon will be open from Nov. 19, 2021 to March 13, 2021. Admission is free — all you need to do is make an online reservation then hop on the ice! Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own.
Millenium Park Ice Rink
Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$15. Plus, take advantage of free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays from 8am–9am, where you can learn both beginner- and intermediate-level skills. Note that you'll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons this year, and if it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through March 6, weather permitting.