Janice & Nathan
Things To Do
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill & Dueling Pianos
Contrary to the name, this is a dive bar rather than a 'world class' establishment, but it's also where we met so it will always be near and dear to us. It is one block from Wrigley Field (go Cubs!) on Clark St., which is also home to many more bars and restaurants.
Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park neighborhood is where DePaul is, Janice's Alma Mater, but is also home to - as the name would suggest - a host of beautiful parks. The neighborhood's namesake park is located a few blocks from the lakefront and hosts the Green City Farmer's Market on Saturday's, but is full of walking trails that will take you straight to the lakefront. There is also the Lincoln Park Zoo, which offers free admission. Across the street from the park is the Hotel Lincoln, which has one of the best views of the park and the lakefront at it's rooftop bar, the J. Parker.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
A bit outside of the city, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio tour in Oak Park was one of our early and favorite dates. Wright's designs embody 'The Prairie Style,' which started in Chicago around the 1900s, and while his home and studio was one of his early projects, he went on to design many notable buildings, including the Guggenheim Museum.
Big Star
While there is a Big Star near Wrigley Field, this one is the original and where we would go after spending a Saturday at a music festival (Lollapalooza). Located in Wicker Park, a neighborhood with great shops and restaurants, Big Star has an amazing outdoor patio, with even better margaritas. Swing by for lunch, dinner or just an afternoon pick me up.
The Hoxton, Chicago
One of our favorite places to stop in for a nightcap, The Hoxton hotel not only has a great lobby bar, but is also home to Chicago Chef Stephanie Izard’s Cabra. But if Peruvian isn’t your thing, Chef Izard’s other restaurants, Little Goat and Duck, Duck Goat (two of our favorites!) are right around the corner.
The Goddess and Grocer Fulton Market
Being without a kitchen for 8+ months meant we explored nearly every local takeout option and goddess and the grocer is part of our regular rotation. The deli features sandwiches, salads, coffee and bakery items that are worth every calorie.
Renegade Craft Fair
One of the best craft fairs in the city coincidentally will take place on Sept. 10 + 11 in the Wicker Park neighborhood. It features local vendors selling anything and everything - one of our all time favorites!