Laura & Christina
Things To Do
Brave Space Alliance
Spread the love, Brave Space Alliance is a non for profit here in Chicago. We encourage our guests to donate and or follow/share. We are so lucky to get to live our truths in a safe environment but for so many other queer folks that isn't always the case. Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city. We strive to empower, embolden, and educate each other through mutual aid, knowledge-sharing, and the creation of community-sourced resources as we build toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples.
The Whale
We first went when Laura got her first promotion while we were together. Since then, we have celebrated every anniversary here. The appetizers and deserts are where they excel. The crab rolls and pineapple upside down cake are a must. Their mixologist is always on point. $$$
Pequod's Pizza
Best deep dish in the city and if anyone tells you different, they have clearly never been here. $
Portillo's Chicago – Canal and Taylor
If you have never had a Chicago style hotdog before go here. If you have had one go to Weiner circle. And never ask for ketchup. This specific portillos is the Disney World of Chicago Hotdogs. Get their chopped salad and sub for chicken tenders. You are welcome. $
Salt burgers + fries
This is a two-for-one. They have burgers similar to in-n-out but spicer. Inside the restaurant there is also a cream puff bakery where they make them to order. 10/10. $
Cheesie's Pub & Grub - Lakeview
Laura's college stomping ground. Nothing better than a grilled cheese after a night out, trust me. Ask anyone she went to college with. Go to order tenderizer or the caprese with a side of fries. The pesto mayo dip is a must. $
Lardon
Go for lunch, they have a sandwich of the month created by local chef. They also have custom charcuterie boards that are one of the best you'll ever have. $$$
Mr. Beef
Amazing Italian beef. This is where they shoot "The Bear." Cash only. $
GG's Chicken Shop
TBH we found this place because it is walking distance from the urgent care we go to. This is where we go after the doctor every time. Recommend the garlic ranch on EVERYTHING. Elote is a must. Personally we like the rotisserie chicken or tenders over the sandwiches. But honestly the entire menu is incredible. $$
Luella's Southern Kitchen
The first time we went was for Laura's mother's birthday. Everything on this menu is insanely good. The shrimp and grits, the chicken and waffles. The sweet potato. Honestly go with a group, order everything. Some times the wait for the food is long but it is WORTH IT. $$
Mercat a la Planxa
Laura's favorite restaurant in the city. Go for brunch, go for dinner. Tapas on another level. Fun Fact: It's next to the Blackstone hotel which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Chicago is you are into that. $$$
Ramen-San Lincoln Park
One of Christina's favorite restaurants. Some of the best ramen in the city. Also try their boa and sticky wings. You have to get the desert, if you are full get it to go. Make a reservation they are always packed. $$
La Josie
Gifted to us during our engagement, this has become one of our downtown favorites. When we say we dream about their lobster tacos, we mean it. *this photo is our exact order haha
Soul Prime
The Tik Tok speaks for its self. Keith Lee Approved. Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7279298719458069803?lang=en $$
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Some of the best Tapas in the city. We've celebrated birthdays, promotions and eaten MANY a bacon wrapped date here. $$$
Vaca’s Creamery
Vegan Ice cream with a mission. They are more expensive for these three reasons: 1. We are tipless and pay our staff above a living wage. 2. We believe in using quality ingredients that align morally with vegan values above all. 3. All of our ice cream, waffle cones, sauces and toppings (but a few that are sourced from great suppliers) are painstakingly made within our 400 square foot shop, with love and care, by the hands of employees who are paid fairly. We use high quality, certified gluten-free oat milk for our chocolate and vanilla soft serve. In truth, our prices could be much lower if we were not committed to these concepts, if we bought mass-produced toppings, a cheaper oat milk, or let our employees depend on tips; but we refuse to not give it our best and contribute to unjust systems simply because it is the norm. AND IT'S SOOOOO GOOD. $$
Emporium Arcade Bar
Super fun arcade bar, this is what Dave and Busters thought they'd be. Perfect mix of dive bar and games, with a tamale man that stops by and taco truck inside. Logan Square location is our personal favorite. $
Scarlet Bar
For the Gays: One of the best clubs in boys town. Always a vibe.
Splash Chicago
For the Gays: Our other must in boystown. Check out the drag brunches, and tell Marco we sent you <3
The River Kitchen and Bar - Drag Brunch
For Anyone: One of the best Drag Brunches in the city for everyone. Great food. Be prepared for a SHOW and tip the queens, bring cash they have singles. $$
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill & Dueling Pianos
For Anyone: One of the best bars in Wrigley. Batting cages and games upstairs, dive bar downstairs. Outdoor seating. Get the buffalo shrimp.
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the best Museums in the city. Where we saw Bisa Butler's work for the first time, who is now one of our favorite artists This also houses Laura's favorite piece of all time "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat.
The Neo-Futurists
At THE INFINITE WRENCH you’ll see thirty original plays in sixty minutes; written and performed by The Neo-Futurist Ensemble. Each play offers something different, be it funny, profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irreverent, terrifying, or a song; all are truthful and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived experiences of the performers. With new plays every week. THE INFINITE WRENCH is The Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and ever-changing attempt to shift the conventions of live performance and speak to those unreached or unmoved by traditional theater.
Drunk Shakespeare
"Drink sir, is a great provoker..." Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 3 The stage is set in a hidden venue. Five professional actors meet as members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. One of them has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking... and what they're drinking! Craft cocktails are available for purchase throughout the show. Show runs 90mins. Entry is strictly 21+. They always perform Macbeth.
Grasshopper Club
Grasshopper Club started with a family from the South Side of Chicago and their vision to create a local dispensary that goes beyond merely selling flower. As a Chicago-born, Black-owned business, our mission is rooted in heritage and legacy. Apart from delivering premium curated products and personalized service, we’re committed to building career paths and ownership opportunities within Grasshopper Club to create a more diverse ecosystem in the industry.