Things To Do

Green City Farmers Market - Mary Bartleme Park

Our favorite Saturday morning stroll with Lloyd through our neighborhood. We highly recommend this farmers market! You may even find us there Saturday morning!

The Publican

Our favorite brunch spot! Don’t sleep on the crispy potatoes and the pastries!

J.P. Graziano Grocery

Best Italian sub in the city! Don’t forget the giardiniera- and don’t be shy, get the spicy! 🥵 Late night window may be open post wedding too!

Skydeck Chicago

For we Chicagoans, this is the Sears Tower, but it’s technically the Willis Tower. A short walk from the west loop, a great place to see ALL of Chicago!

Smitten Boutique

We love to shop local- and this is one of many shops on Madison Street worth visiting!

Green Street Smoked Meats

This is in our apartment building’s courtyard and a favorite for visitors.

Trivoli Tavern

SUSHI DOKKU Japanese Restaurant

Our favorite sushi spot - recommend either a patio or “booze box” reservation if you can get it!

Girl & The Goat

Girl & the Goat is an OG of the west loop- you really can’t go wrong.

Sawada Coffee

Matcha devotees this is a must visit

Garcia’s Chicago

Lauren forces Sam to go here to listen to jam band music

Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

You’re not going to find better Italian in the city - just try to grab a reservation early cuz it’s darn near impossible!

Madison Street Books

Lauren’s favorite book store… great staff

Creepies

This is one of our new favorites - and we love the name! French bistro that is delicious attached to Michelin star Elske!

Au Cheval

Pro tip: if you want a burger from Au Cheval go there at least 2 hours before you want to dine, put your name in, and then enjoy the shopping and beverages down Randolph while you wait for their text! Underrated: au Cheval brunch and their root beer float!

Cruz Blanca Taquería + Brewery

You’ve heard of Rick Bayless and Frontera? Well this is his taco spot and brewery! Great summertime vibe.

Lone Wolf Tavern

This is a bar where Sam likes to come up with new inventions and business ideas. Just the right amount of hipster. The only food they have are tamales and they are quite good.

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream

Sam’s fave ice cream shop- ask for the Cookie Monster ice cream!

Play West Loop

We LOVE this toy shop! If you have littles it’s a must visit!

Michael Jordan Statue

Sam is a decade long season ticket holder and recommends a visit to see Michael Jordan’s statue! Lauren hadn’t watched the Bulls since Jordan played until she started going to games with Sam.

Soho House Chicago

Lauren and Sam are both members and it’s one of their favorite spots to entertain guests - the ground floor restaurants and Cowshed Spa are both open to the public

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

One of the best attractions in the city!

Kingston Mines

Best place for blues in the city!

Alinea

If you like theatrics AND food, you’ll never experience anything like Alinea!

Navy Pier Wheel

A great family friendly stop… admittedly a bit for tourists but we think great for little kids

Cloud Gate

Aka “the bean”. Millenium Park is more than the bean and definitely worth a visit

The Art Institute of Chicago

Looking to have a Ferris Bueller’s Day off? Then visit the Art Institute - one of the best art museums in the world.