Things To Do
Chicago Architecture Center
Check out the amazing views from our very own Chicago River. This River gave birth to the city as we know it today.
Nick's Beer Garden
NICK'S BEER GARDEN is predominantly known for its great beer selection, but you should also know that it's an amazing live music venue with some of the hottest local bands providing the sounds for the evening. Out of all the neighborhood bars that we've been to in the Wicker Park area, this one comes out on top as far as service, value, and quality go. They're open late most nights, and the staff is comprised of true bar veterans who really know the ropes and how to show you a good time. We love the polished wooden bar and the pool tables! Lots of great times have been had at Nick's, and many more on the way!
The Signature Lounge at the 96th
See the Chicago skyline like a local! Instead of waiting for hours in line to visit the city's sky deck attractions, make a reservation for the Signature Lounge at the Hancock Tower! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Ask for a window seat and for the price of a cocktail ($14-$20), you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and Lake Michigan. The food and drinks here are top notch, but we recommend taking in a few cocktails, a glass of wine, or a beer during sunset. The best view is from the ladies restroom, so make a pit stop while you're there!
Mysterious Chicago Walking Tours
Take a walking tour of Chicago with one of the best guides! Adam Selzer from Mysterious Chicago Tours offers a variety of in-person tours throughout Chicago. Check out his website for tickets, times, and locations. Check out Adam's virtual tours before your visit to Chicago! We can't recommend him highly enough!
Doughnut Vault
This doughnut shop is so good, Anthony Bourdain paid this place a visit in 2012. The line for this place can stretch pretty long, but the wait goes quickly and the coffee is top notch.
The Publican
Beer, Pork, and Oysters served in a hip fun environment, and it's also home of one of the best charcuterie boards in town! Meals can be served family style here, so if you're going out with a group, the portions are sure to satisfy!
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city, because it is free and open to everyone! No tickets or reservations required!
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
A stylish departure from a traditional steakhouse, Bavette’s embraces French flair without the formality, blending fine dining with unabashed fun.
Sprinkles Chicago ATM
For Sprinkles addicts on the go, swing by the Cupcake ATM! Conveniently located on the bakery's patio, the Cupcake ATM is continuously restocked day and night with a variety of freshly baked cupcake flavors and even cupcakes for dogs! Pick up a doggie cupcake for Nutmeg on your visit!
Au Cheval
A diner-style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs, Au Cheval elevates traditional diner fare. Guests can indulge in dishes ranging from chopped chicken liver and roasted bone marrow, to traditional sandwiches, egg-focused entrees, and the signature cheeseburger. We recommend the cheeseburger!
Redhead Piano Bar
This is a great little bar if you like piano bars. It is very low key and caters to an upscale clientele. You don't need to wear a suit or anything, but dress to impress.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Located down a brick paved alley in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, the nationally acclaimed Green Street Smoked Meats beckons guests with rock music and house smoked, Central Texas-inspired BBQ served at the counter in a warehouse-style restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. We recommend the $5 sink beers.
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Welcome to an Urban Oasis in the middle of Chicago! This beautifully cultivated nature preserve is free and open to everyone! Take the half mile hike around the nature Boardwalk which is connected to the Lincoln Park Zoo. On a relaxing walk down the boardwalk around the pond, you will see some of the plants and wildlife native to Illinois. This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, meet up with some friends, enjoy nature, or see the Fantastic Chicago skyline.
The Lincoln Park Farmers Market (Saturdays 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Take an early morning jaunt to the Lincoln Park Farmer's Market to pick up breakfast from one of their food stalls, or a cup of coffee and a pastry fresh from the oven. There's more to this market than fresh produce, so let your eyes and nose be your guide. We recommend bringing a picnic blanket or outdoor chair to the market, as seating is sparse.
The Green Mill
This Art Deco-style jazz club in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood has a storied speakeasy past from the days of prohibition. Sit back and listen to some of the best jazz and cabaret music in the city. One of the last classic Chicago lounges left in the city.
The Drifter
The Drifter is located in an authentic 20s-era speakeasy in the basement of the Green Door Tavern. This is a first-come first-serve experience and is well worth the $6 cover charge.
Goose Island Brewhouse
Established in 1988, Chicago's original craft brewery is one of the OG's of America's craft beer scene. Tours of are available by reservation Monday-Thursday, and we recommend booking one in advance whenever possible! Otherwise, sit back and enjoy lunch and a pint at this groundbreaking brewery.
Chicago Wine Fest @ Lincoln Park Zoo (Saturday, October 2 - Various Ticketed Times)
The Chicago Wine Fest is an elevated wine tasting experience that aims to stimulate all of your senses. This year's event will be held at Lincoln Park Zoo's Regenstein Small Mammal - Reptile House and Foreman Pavilion. Come throw back some great food and enjoy live musical performances, all while sampling some of the best varietals from around the world. VIP (with one-hour early entry) and General Admission Tickets available for various times during the day. Tickets sell out fast, so buy yours right away!
Chicago Pride Parade (Sunday, October 3 - Time TBA)
Parade route map: http://chicagopride.gopride.com/img/New_2012_Route_Chicago_PRIDE_PARADE_MAP.gif Parade route: Montrose and Broadway and then moving south on Broadway to Halsted and continuing south on Halsted to Belmont where it turns east to Broadway and then south on Broadway to Diversey where it again turns east on Diversey to the end point at Cannon Drive
Navy Pier Beer Garden
Navy Pier is probably a front for the mafia, which is why we typically avoid this place. A recent renovation to the property coupled with their outdoor beer garden makes this spot worth a visit. Stroll, grab a drink, but hold off on shopping.
Terrace 16
A must visit location in the heart of Chicago! Terrace 16 is located in Trump Tower, and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Chicago River. Advance reservations recommended, especially at sunset and in the evening.
Cloud Gate (Chicago Bean)
Chicago is well-known for it's public art and sculptures. A visit to the Cloud Gate (affectionally known as the Bean by locals) is a hot spot for Instagram influencers and tourists. To beat the crowd, we recommend visiting this spot super early in the morning with a to-go cup of coffee. Walk over to Buckingham Fountain for a quintessential Chicago selfie.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
The scoops at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream have a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body, with bright flavor and clean finish. Jeni's doesn't use synthetic flavorings, dyes, or off-the-shelf mixes, and are allergy friendly. With flavors such as Gooey Butter Cake, Darkest Chocolate, Coffee with Cream and Sugar, Brambleberry Crisp, and Wildberry Lavender, you'll find a flavor you'll want to devour. Splurge and get two scoops with a waffle cone!
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
This stylish and tech savvy museum features modern and contemporary artists from all over the world. Their featured exhibit for Fall 2021 is "ATRIUM PROJECT:ORKIDEH TORABI".
The Art Institute of Chicago
Visit one of the best art museums in the world! Immerse yourself in paintings, objects, and curiosities ranging from ancient civilizations to modern art and everything in between. Claude Monet? Got him! Georgia O'Keef? Got her! Selfie hunters welcome! Check out "Fantastic Landscapes: Hokusai and Hiroshige" to see two masters of Japanese Art.
Small Cheval Wells
Better burger and even better fries at Small Cheval! With great outdoor seating and an extensive beer selection, this is a cheap and easy spot for a quality lunch in a beautiful setting!