Things To Do
Gibsons Italia
The O.G. Chicago Steakhouse...this one also includes Italian staples on their menu to go with their famous steaks. One of the best restaurant views in Chicago. Look west down the river and you're staring at Gibson's Italia.
RPM Seafood
The BEST happy hour in Chicago. Hands down. Great burger, too. I know, I know, it's a seafood restaurant, which is also great...oysters are awesome. You can walk from the hotel as it's a few blocks northwest of LondonHouse right on the river.
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta
Of all of our date spots, this has gotten the most action with us. It's where we always take our friends and family for a true Chicago pizza experience. Great ambiance and even better food. Sure, their Chicago Deep Dish is amazing if you've never had it, but their thin crust is where it's at! St. Louis tip: their toasted ravioli is the only appetizer to consider.
Pizzeria Portofino
While we're on the subject of Pizza, I throw this in not because of the pizza (artisan-style pizza), which is solid, but because the vibe here is awesome. Great summertime spot right on the river. Perfect for brunch.
Au Cheval
Have I mentioned burgers? Look it up. It's been voted best burger in the country numerous times by respected restaurant pundits. Yes, you'll have to hop in a really quick Uber, but you can walk the aioli sauce from your fries off with the mile-and-a-half trek back to the hotel. Maybe get a shake while you're there, too.
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
What's the best Steakhouse in Chicago? 9 out 10 times you'll be told Bavette's. Reservations are tough to come by, but we've had luck walking in numerous times. Everything on the menu hits. True Speakeasy vibes. Go there if you can.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Love their surf and turf. But I'm going to recommend Joe's for brunch/lunch. Great Bloody Mary and they have awesome lunch specials/sandwiches. Can't beat it.
Rossi's
Chicago has great watering holes around every corner...explore! But if you like to check true 70's dive bars off your list, then walk on over. Cash only. Don't get your hopes up. Just go for a nightcap..
Shoreline Sightseeing
Ok, this is at the top of the list of must-do's while in Chicago if you haven't before. Shoreline is directly across the river from LondonHouse. Just walk across the bridge and down the stairs to board the best Architecture Tour in the world. They have a couple different lengths of boat rides with drinks and snacks available. You get to see this beautiful city from a perspective that most don't get to see every day. And the guides are always extremely knowledgeable, so go learn something new about Chicago!
North Avenue Beach
Most out-of-towners have no idea that Chicago boasts a beautiful shoreline for families to enjoy. Pack your lunch and grab a towel before you set out for Lake Michigan. Just a 5-minute Uber away. That's it in the picture above!
Millennium Park
The Bean is here in the pavilion. Take your camera. Enough said.
Wrigley Field
We hate the Cubs, but Wrigley Field is a true national treasure. The sightlines, the intimacy of the park, the nostalgia, the sounds, the smells...only thing bad about it is the product on the field for the home team. The Cubbies are in town through the weekend into the following week if you're looking to catch a game. If you just kind of like baseball, stay an extra day and go. You'll thank me later. Go Cards!
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is really cool if you're into astronomy, but who isn't intrigued by this big rock we're on. Adler sits on the Museum Campus and also has the best vantage point of the entire Chicago Skyline looking across Lake Michigan. If you want a family/friends photo, this is the place to take it. Also on the campus are the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, and Northerly Island.
Willis Tower
First rule, don't call it Willis Tower. Don't let the fine folks that work there tell you otherwise. It's the Sears Tower. Always will be. If you're scared of heights, say a prayer. The Sears Tower has an observation deck (think it's called Skydeck) that is 1,300 feet up and has a glass ledge that will make your palms sweat. Go check out the top of the skyscraper that held the title of world's tallest building for 25 years. That's cool.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
This one's all Christina. Loves coffee (although rarely drinks it all), and hearts Starbucks. Yes, it's the biggest Starbucks in the world. It's just a few blocks north on Michigan Avenue from the hotel. I will admit it's an impressive space that is easy to relax in...go grab a couple coffees and split a muffin for 50 bucks.