Max & Jerica
Things To Do
The Classic Chicago Deep Dish: Giordano’s
Giordano’s is the most well known place for deep dish pizza, and usually the spot that people go to as they’re in more accessible locations. Every Chicagoan is going to have their opinion on who makes it best, but we’ll let you decide.
Jerica’s Choice of Deep Dish: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Jerica’s choice pick for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. Every Chicagoan is going to have their opinion on who makes it best, but we’ll let you decide.
Max’s Choice of Deep Dish: Gino’s East - South Loop
Max’s choice for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. Every Chicagoan is going to have their opinion on who makes it best, but we’ll let you decide.
Cheesie's Pub & Grub Wicker Park
We went to Cheesie's on our first date and our first not-a-date (back when the whole more-than-friends territory was foggy). Fancy grilled cheese and sweet tater tots - what could be simpler and more satisfying than that? This Cheesie's location is in a great neighborhood for exploring.
Wicker Park
This neighborhood is great for exploring, but this block is a classic haunt for our friend group when they're visiting the city! Just check out these fun stops on North Milwaukee Avenue alone: - Cheesie's Pub & Grub on North Milwauke - Harold's Chicken Shack (two words: mild sauce. You wanna feel like a true Chicagoan? Get you some chicken drenched in mild sauce). - Emporium Arcade Bar on North Milwaukee - Reckless Records - The Halal Guys on North Milwaukee
Apple Michigan Avenue
Okay so Jerica might be a little biased in saying that you should totally visit the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue, a gorgeous glass jewel in the heart of downtown Chicago, right off the DuSable bride, hugging the Chicago River bustling with boat tours and the River Walk, but.... she's not wrong. A few tips if you do swing by: 1. Yes, you can use the phone chargers without judgement, as long as COVID restrictions have calmed down. 2. Some days when business is slow, the employees don't mind the chat, but we are a global flagship store, so we keep busy with customers. 3. You don't need to go in the store to see the view - you'll have just as much fun gazing from the River Walk. 4. If your trip to the store is for business rather than pleasure, book an appointment first. The wait times are no joke.
Museum Campus Drive
You can’t go wrong with spending a day on the Museum Campus. Some of Chicago’s most amazing spaces (and space museums) live here! Check out such tourist hot spots as Millennium Park (Home of “The Bean”), Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and ice skating in Maggie Daley Park. You can venture further into the Museum Campus for the actual museums by take the Shoreline Water Taxi right to them! Ideal if you’re heading there from Navy Pier or Apple Michigan Avenue. Otherwise there’s plenty of public transit headed that way. Explore the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum - home to the Twitter famous former Dino, Sue!
Portillo's Hot Dogs
So what you’re gonna do is you’re gonna go to Portillo’s (any of their locations), get you a Chicago meat staple like a Chicago Style hot dog or an Italian Beef sandwich, side of cheese fries, and a Chocolate Cake shake (that’s their chocolate cake blended RIGHT INTO THE SHAKE). Don’t ask questions. Just trust us. There’s a reason Portillo’s had to expand their reaches into the rest of Illinois.
Chinatown
A lot of cities have a Chinatown, but Chicago’s is a gem right off of the Red Line train, which runs right into downtown. Enjoy the quiet but exciting neighborhood, authentic eats, karaoke bars, and picturesque views! It’s been a favorite spot for Max and Jerica’s friends when low on funds, as the sights were free to take in!
Pilsen
Pilsen is a rustic and authentic cultural neighborhood, home to many of Chicago’s Latino/a/x familia! The Pink Line train runs through many stops for the Pilsen neighborhood, but get off at 18th for a mini churro shop in the station, or at Damen for a quick walk to the National Museum of Mexican Art. On warmer days, it’s nice to walk around and check out all the murals. Chillier days are better for stopping into local eateries or checking out some of the new businesses moving in to this colorful corner of the city. And for the adventurous visitors craving some good authentic Mexican food, head deep into Pilsen to Tortilleria El Milagro. You may recognize the name from our favorite store brand tortillas.