J & J
Things To Do
The Art Institute of Chicago
We have spent many a winter afternoon roaming the halls of the Art Institute. We love the American wing, the Monets, and the exhibits are always amazing.
Au Cheval
Au Cheval has been listed as "the best burger in America", and we agree. We went for John's birthday the first year we were both living in Chicago. Order a burger and a beer or wine from their curated menu, and don't forget to get their thick, crispy bacon on your burger. Au Cheval does not take reservations, and wait times can be several hours. Put your name in and explore the neighborhood or have a drink at any of the nearby bars while you wait.
Bar Avec
Avec is a West Loop mediterranean restaurant with additional locations in River North. One is Avec River North, which is in the first floor of the same building as Bar Avec. We went to Bar Avec, on the rooftop, for our 6th anniversary dinner. It has incredible views of the River North neighborhood and serves a similar menu to either of the restaurants. We love this place! Making reservations ahead of time is highly recommended.
Beacon Doughnuts
Jenn stumbled across this spot when she was lost searching for parking, and it quickly became a household favorite for weekend mornings. Grab doughnuts in the alley, then stroll down the block to La Colombe for a cortado or draft latte to go with.
Chicago Architecture Center
Grab boat tour tickets for an afternoon on the water seeing the local architecture! The boat tours guided by CAC volunteers are the best in the city and the best tourist attraction in the country for good reason!
Divvy
Our #1 weekend activity from March-October is long bike rides around the city. Rent a Divvy bike from any of the stations around the city and enjoy a bike ride along the lakefront trail. We recommend ending your ride at a local brewery for a recovery drink.
Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana West Loop
Forno Rosso offers delicious Neapolitan pizza in a stylish bar in the West Loop. The owner is usually in and checking on your experience. John loves the spicy olive oil they have at each table, and the bufala mozzarella is delightful if you want a tasty appetizer. You cannot go wrong ordering their pizzas.
Goose Island Brewhouse
We used to live just a few blocks away from this location, Goose Island's original brewhouse, and it became a favorite for any occasion -- out of town visitors, dinner, or a flight of beers at the end of a bike ride. We went nearly every week during the first few months of the pandemic. They have all your Goose Island favorites as well as location-specific pours. We are obsessed with their Safari Boys fruited "Florida lager" beer and the cheese curds.