Things To Do
La Scarola
Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but this is Mark & Julie’s favorite!. Pro tip: get your name in and grab a drink across the street at The Dawson. The eggplant parm doesn’t disappoint.
Sushi Dokku
Get a reservation early. One of our favorite experiences here was having a selection picked by our server.
Chicago Blackhawks
Pro tip: take the free shuttles from Ranalli’s, Third Rail, or Crossroads to the game. You can also grab a few at Johnny’s Ice House, where Mark plays hockey! Tuesday, February 13th, 7:30 pm: Versus Vancouver Canucks Thursday, February 15th, 7:30 pm: Versus Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday, February 17th, 7:30 pm: Versus Ottowa Senators
Cruz Blanca Brewpub
This is a chill, small brewery with yummy Mexican food. Kitchen was opened by Rick Bayless
Kingston Mines
A fun bar with live blues music The place gets poppin’ around 10PM and it doesn’t close until 4/5AM $20.00 cover charge
Reggies Chicago
Are your favorite bands Rob Zombie, Slayer, Metallica, or Red Fang? This is the spot for you! Pro tip: Awesome Buffalo Wings!
Ranalli's West Loop
This is our go-to spot for a solid sports bar vibe. It has the best hot honey sorpressata (thin crust) in the city, according to Mark. The chicken tenders are buttoned up as well!
Bub City
Live Country Music ** NEAR THE HOTELS!
The Dearborn
*NEAR THE HOTELS* - Great brunch spot and easy going atmosphere.
Trivoli Tavern
Trivoli Tavern is an American tavern with continental touches hiding down the old cobblestone courtyard. Rubbing shoulders with Trivoli Tavern is The Lobster Bar. Step inside and you'll find a salty old school vibe with a menu of shellfish, sushi, sake and slushies. Pro tip: Look up their parent company/group, Hog Salt. Every location is amazing.
Third Rail Tavern
It is a divey good time and Ben, the bar manager, might give you a kiss if you mention that you know Mark Lopez.
Rebel & Rye
It’s a whiskey connoisseurs delight, without being stuffy. Mark and Julie had an impromptu dance moment here in front of the second bar to “Tennessee Whiskey”
Damen Tavern
It seems like an ordinary dive bar when you walk in, but in the back there is a dance floor that can get rowdy later at night.
Johnny's Icehouse - East
Head up to the Stanley Club to watch some awful men’s league hockey while enjoying free popcorn, pitchers of Labatt, shots of Pink Whitney, and frozen pizzas.
Nights & Weekends
If you are looking for casual cocktails or if you want to dance, this spot is for you!
Field Museum
Take some time and look at a bunch of dead dinosaurs.
WNDR Museum
WNDR is an interactive art experience. If you're feeling sassy, you can even take some cool pics for Instagram.
Adler Planetarium
Go look at some starts. I'm sure it will be an okay time.
The Art Institute of Chicago
For those artsy, fartsy folks!
Shedd Aquarium
Who doesn't like otters and the smell of fish?
Pat's Pizza & Ristorante
Go thin or go home!
Pequod's Pizza
Some may say this isn't "real Chicago deep dish", which may be true. It's more like Heaven.
The Second City
Second City is an iconic improv club. This is where big stars, like Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Eugene Levy, and so many more got their start before they became famous!
Zebra Lounge
This piano bar is as "Chicago" as it gets. Fantastic dive bar where you'll hangout with all walks of life.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
You can go ice skating at Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon, right next to Millennium Park (where "The Bean" is)!
Zanies Comedy Night Club
A comedy club where you can see some funny people perform stand up.
McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant
Looking to cure the hangover by trying some McDonald's items not available in the US?!