Things to do, eat and drink

Our Home

Our home! Help us keep the celebrations going and join us on Saturday afternoon for some casual drinks.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Ferris Bueller spent some of his day off here, so you know its good.

Cloud Gate aka The Bean

If Kanye and Chris Martin thought this was good enough to include in a music video, surely you can dedicate some time to check it out.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Michigan Avenue

Hit up Michigan Avenue for some touristy shopping. Pro Tip - Walk west on Oak street towards State Street for some less crowded and (possibly) better shopping.

Wendella Tours & Cruises

Hands down one of the coolest things to do in Chicago (if not THE coolest thing to do). It may be a bit colder this time of year, but if we’re lucky enough to have warm weather this is absolutely a MUST.

La Colombe

Treat yourself to an "OBT" coffee. You'll thank us later.

The Goddess and Grocer

For those who need a stronger coffee option, order the draft Nitro. They also have some great breakfast/lunch sandwich options if you're trying to get something a little more casual. Franco is a big fan of the Lox in a whole wheat wrap.

Real Good Juice

If you make it here, do yourself a favor, buy a Juicille Ball and Bluice Wayne, refrigerate and drink them the morning after. Thank Franco later.

Aba

Delicious Mediterranean food and a great atmosphere. Make a reservation in advance, or check out the bar for last minute seating.

The Aviary

Sister concept to Alinea, they make some really fun cocktails here. Everything on the menu is a bit of an "experience". The Old Fashioned IN the rocks is a popular one, but there's no shortage of creative ideas here. The menu is a bit pricey but you won't regret it.

Bar Sótano

Rick Bayless' latest Chicago hot spot. It's a cozy and intimate downstairs bar/restaurant with a generous mezcal collection and small Mexican dishes. Try the chapulines if you're feeling adventurous!

Barrio

Another great Mexican option with delicious cocktails. Lauren is a fan of the Jalapeno Cucumber and Franco likes the Flaming Moe (they light it on fire).... This fire thing is becoming a pattern...

Big Star

Margaritas and tacos!! Franco is convinced this place was a big reason Lauren decided to move to Chicago. It's a bit of a trek from the hotel blocks but if you can make it out here, DO IT. You can't go wrong with any of the tacos on the menu. Lori Thornton famously shocked bar-staff here with how quickly she could eat their tacos. PRO TIP - Instead of waiting for a table, walk to the back and find some bar seating. If nothing is available, wait a bit and something will open up. PRO TIP #2 - Get the Big Star Pitcher.

Cabra

An awesome spot for Peruvian tapas & ceviche with craft cocktails & views. Located in The Hoxton, go here during the day to get some cool views. PRO TIP - After brunch and weather permitting, explore the neighborhood. There are lots of bars, breweries and other restaurants in the West Loop to check out.

Cindy's

Found on the rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy's has the best view of Millennium Park. Grab a drink at the bar and head outside to soak it all in. PRO TIP: The Athletic Association also has a lobby restaurant and bar, and a game room for bocce and pool.

Dove's Luncheonette

You've never had diner food like this. Sister restaurant and next door to Big Star, Dove's is diner style and offers Tex-Mex options plus cocktails & loads of agave spirits.

Drumbar

Very cool speakeasy on the top floor of the Raffaelo Hotel. Take the elevators up (which are admittedly a bit....janky) and grab some drinks up here. Lots of good 'gram worthy shots to take here.

Dublin's Bar & Grill

We like to pretend this is our MacLaren's Pub, though its usually just the two of us hanging here. Found right at the base of our previous building, it's one of our favorite neighborhood spots. It has sneaky great food for a pub and great people watching. Pretty casual vibes if you’re looking for a divey option or to just grab a drink.

Federales

If you get the special (tequila shots that come in shot glasses made of ice) you’re encouraged to throw the empty container at a bell. It’s actually more difficult than it sounds. Go during the day to avoid the crowd at night. The food is also pretty good.

The Franklin Room

A tavern feel with a modern American menu, whiskey and tasty cocktails.

Happy Camper Pizzeria

PIZZA! Thinner, NY style. The crowd is always lively, the energy is great, and if you're lucky enough, you'll sit on a tire swing at the bar or in the cool refurbished camper they have in the back for larger groups. PRO TIP: The hangover coffee comes with a donut on top, the bloody mary with a pizza, and if you've never heard of a Chicago Handshake, you should probably just order it.

Maple & Ash

Swanky steakhouse in the heart of the Viagra Triangle (yup, that's the name of the neighborhood). We used to live right across the street, and would often drop by the bar downstairs to have some drinks and a burger. The upstairs restaurant is very good (dress sharp), but the downstairs bar is just as good and a bit more casual. The cheeseburger, meatballs and fried chicken are our favorites.

Mezcalito

Located in the basement of Mercadito, this cozy bar has delicious Mexican craft cocktails.

Parlor Pizza Bar River North

Another great thin pizza option, Parlour has a full bar and tons of seating options.

Pequod's Pizza

If you’re looking for deep dish pizza, this is our favorite. It’s a bit farther than the hotel blocks, but certainly worth it if you’re looking to fix that craving. For deep dish dining in general, you’ll need to prepare yourself mentally. It is not for the small stomached. PRO TIP - (for any deep dish experience) make a reservation or call ahead at least 45 mins with your order so that the pizza is ready when you get there.

The Publican

We went on our first Chicago date here and it's when we decided to move to the city together after school. We love their modern take on classic American dishes, and the communal tables. We even bought their cookbook to bring their food home with us! Needless to say, the Publican holds a special place in our hearts - and in our bellies. PRO TIP: Order the fresh oysters, roasted chicken and bbq carrots.

RPM Italian

For all the red carpet aficionados out there, this is one of several restaurants owned by Giuliana Rancic under the RPM brand. Super delicious Italian in a chic spot! Try to get reservations in advance, but you can't go wrong with bar seating either. PRO TIP - there's actually a second bar towards the back of the main dining room that people tend to overlook.

Small Cheval Wells

The original restaurant, Au Cheval, is AMAZING but they won't hesitate to inform you with a straight face that the wait can be ~5 hours. Opt for their pop-up option, where you can get a slight variation of their recipe at a fraction of the wait. It is not uncommon for Lauren and I to order from here multiple Sundays in a row. PRO TIP - Go all in and grab a boozy milkshake while you're here.

Siena Tavern

Another great Italian spot in a fun part of town. The meatball has an incredibly strong following, so much so that it has its own Twitter account! You can't go wrong ordering the squid ink pasta either.

Barry's Bootcamp

Don't take these classes hungover.

Equinox Gold Coast

There's a few more around town, but this one is the closest to the hotel blocks.

Flywheel Sports River North

Invite Sean Patterson to take a class with you at Flywheel. After you're done it should be abundantly clear he hasn't been using his Peloton as much as he should. Later at the reception, ask for his Peloton username.

SoulCycle - The Loop

This studio is in a very cool spot right along the Chicago River. Head over and take a walk along the riverwalk for some good Instagram shots #weatherpermitting

SoulCycle - Old Town

A bit smaller than the Loop studio but close to a ton of amazing restaurants and fun bars. Can't go wrong with the food selection around here.