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Things To Do

Here's some of our favorite spots to eat/drink, as well as some activities to check out if you've never done Chicago before! We live in Logan Square, so lots of these spots are near there! List will start with recommendations by the hotel block (River North) and branch out as you scroll.

avec River North

141 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Upscale Mediterranean food. River North.

Pizzeria Portofino

317 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Italian restaurant directly on the Chicago River downtown. River North.

Beatrix

519 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Bistro/bar with American food, several locations but this one is closest to the hotels! River North.

XOCO

65 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Mexican street food, Rick Bayless spot. River North.

Architecture River Tour

401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided boat tour on the river through downtown Chicago with information about the history/architecture of the city.

Cafecito

7 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606

Casual cuban sandwiches and coffee, we would go a lot when we were at Columbia. Located in the loop.

Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago

19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Cool cocktail bar/lounge. River North.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

218 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Fancy steakhouse. Great food and super cozy atmosphere. River North.

The Art Institute of Chicago

111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603

A must see if you enjoy art museums of any kind! Located in the loop.

OUD Coffee & Cafe River North

714 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Coffee! Some pastries and sandwiches too. River North.

Aba

302 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Upscale Mediterranean. Fulton Market.

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

233 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Donuts and fried chicken. River North.

International Museum of Surgical Science

1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610

Surgical/medical museum in a beautiful old building on Lake Shore Drive. Think Mutter Museum vibes. Gold Coast.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

439 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Deep dish! River North.

Old Town Ale House

219 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610

Old school divey bar previously visited by Anthony Bourdain <3 Located in Old Town.

The Wiener's Circle

2622 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

Maybe the most classic Chicago dog spot. Come ready to be roasted by the staff and know your order

J.P. Graziano Grocery

901 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Legit Italian sub spot/grocery store. Casual. Fulton Market.

Pequod's Pizza

2207 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

Another deep dish option. Lincoln Park.

Handlebar

2311 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Vegetarian/vegan friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar. We go for breakfast a lot! Has a patio! Logan Square.

Scofflaw

3201 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Gin focused cocktail bar with a patio and great dinner options. Logan Square.

Central Park Bar

2924 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Indoor/outdoor bar with a killer happy hour 5-7 M-F. Avondale.

Ramen Wasabi - Logan Square

2101 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Great ramen spot. No reservations but worth a wait, another one of our go to spots. Logan Square.

GO Tavern & Liquors

3219 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Super divey friendly neighborhood bar, sells booze too. Our local go to. Logan Square.

Metric

2021 West Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60612

Some of the best coffee in Chicago, great pourover and espresso. Near the wedding venue as well. West Town.

Loaf Lounge

2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Casual bakery/breakfast sandwich spot with coffee. Avondale.

Lula Cafe

2537 North Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60647

New American-ish restaurant with a great brunch as well as dinner. Logan Square.

Banh Mi Spot

2631 North Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Bahn Mi/rice bowls, casual spot. Logan Square.

Damn Fine Coffee Bar

3317 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Coffee spot open until 5, usually where we go to do busy work in a cafe! Try the raspberry cold brew. Logan Square.

Pizza Lobo Logan Square

3000 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Casual pizza spot with a huge patio, good for groups (you order via QR code.) Logan Square.

Bloomingdale Trail Park

1802 West Bloomingdale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622

Elevated bike/walking path through Logan Square. We take this to bike to the YMCA at the western end! Logan Square.

Redhot Ranch

2449 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Cash only super classic Chicago spot for smashburgers, hot dogs, fried shrimp, etc. Many a late night have ended here. Logan Square.

Myopic Books

1564 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622

Super cozy book store with winding rows of shelves. Been coming here since we moved here! Wicker Park.

Parson's Chicken & Fish (Logan Square)

2952 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Several locations, this one is by our house. Fried chicken and fish with fun cocktails and a huge patio. Get a pickle shot. Logan Square.

Garfield Park Conservatory

300 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624

Beautiful conservatory, donations encourage and reservations required. Garfield Park.

The Empty Bottle

1035 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622

Divey bar/music venue. Ukrainian Village.

Emporium Arcade Bar

2363 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Barcade where we had William's 30th birthday party! Logan Square.

For all the days along the way
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