Miriam & Alan
Things To Do
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
This pizza restaurant in Lincoln Park is so good and definitely worth checking out! It's gotten famous recently due to social media, but this place is so incredibly unique. The wait for a table is long but it's definitely worth it for the food and experience.
Willis Tower
For our international guests, the Willis Tower might definitely be something worth checking out downtown. As Europe doesn't have many skyscrapers, this will definitely impress you. You can take an elevator up to the top and see the whole city; it's pretty spectacular.
North Avenue Beach
One of Chicago's most unique attractions is that it's right on Lake Michigan! One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, North Avenue Beach is a spot right in the city that almost feels like an ocean. You can swim, lay in the sand, etc, right under Chicago's skyscrapers.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile and The Bean are must-do's in Chicago! Along this mile stretch of city there are some of the best shopping and dining locations in Chicago. You can also in Millennium Park, which is where the famous Bean statue is located.
Giordano's
If you're looking to try Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza (and you should), the local chain Giordano's is the perfect spot. They're located all over the suburbs and are a total classic here.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
If you're looking to try one of Chicago's most famous steakhouses, Gibson's is a staple here. Not only do you get quality food, but massive portions as well. It's about as Chicago/American as it gets.
Bahá'í House of Worship
In my opinion, the Baha'i Temple is one of the coolest things Chicago's suburbs has to offer. There are only a handful of these temples throughout the entire world, and this one is the only one on the North American continent. Visiting is free, and it's only about a 25 minute drive from Buffalo Grove, where we live.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a super young and happening neighborhood in Chicago. It's full of trendy bars, restaurants, and activities (including Wrigley Field where the Cubs play). The spring/summer is the perfect time to spend a day or evening here, especially if you're young. Definitely highly recommend!
Historic Downtown Long Grove
More locally, downtown Historic Long Grove is such a cool place to check out. Only a five minute drive from our house in Buffalo Grove, this town was built in the 1800's and maintained throughout the years. Now it's home to cute little shops, barn-themed restaurants, and a tavern that looks like a saloon from its original date. Long Grove also hosts Cherry and Chocolate festivals throughout the spring and summer.
The Signature Room at the 95th®
The Signature Room is a fine-dining establishment located on the 95th floor of Chicago's second-tallest skyscraper, the John Hancock Building. The views are unbeatable while you dine, as is the food (so I've heard). A hugely popular Chicago attraction!
London House Rooftop Bar
LondonHouse Chicago hotel's rooftop bar is one of the most popular rooftop spots in the city to eat and drink. It's definitely upscale, but a must-do if you're new to the city. It has great views, a very trendy vibe, and awesome drinks.
Smith & Wollensky
Where we got engaged! Smith and Wollensky's steakhouse is not only a great place to dine, but has great views of the Chicago River as well. It's perched right over the river itself, so diners feel in some ways like they're floating. Super cool and great food and drinks.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago's art museum is actually the coolest place. It's a little pricy to get in, but worth it in my opinion. However, if you're not really an art fan I wouldn't waste my time or money.
Summer House Santa Monica
You have probably seen this brunch spot on Instagram before. Summer House is a California-inspired restaurant to eat, drink, and just generally feel extra and boujee. It has great photo ops and is just all-around good vibes. Very girly, but the food's worth it even for those who don't love rose all day.
Field Museum
The Field is honestly super cool and has something for everyone. My favorite exhibits are the Hall of Gems, The Ancient Egypt Exhibit, and the Dinosaurs (they even have a fully-intact T-Rex with real fossils in the lobby named Sue). This museum is wildly popular and always changing which exhibits they have, but they're all usually amazing. I've been countless times and each time it's worth it.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanical Gardens are a super cool place for anyone who enjoys pretty landscapes and good vibes. It's also free admission (or costs $20 to park), has a restaurant that overlooks the gardens, and smells amazing. It has different exhibits including my personal favorite, which is the Japanese-inspired gardens complete with Bonsai trees, waterfalls, and bridges.
Navy Pier
I'm gonna be honest here, I've never been to Navy Pier! It's one of those tourist destinations natives say they'll always get to but never go. It's basically a pier in downtown Chicago that stretches out to Lake Michigan with rides, games, shops, and food.
The Drifter
This bar is actually a speakeasy from the 1920's prohibition era. Chicago has tons of these historical bars, but this was rated one of the best ones to check out.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Portillo's was my first job I ever got when I was sixteen years old! This is a local chain that serves classic Chicago food like Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hotdogs, and amazing burgers. I have to say the food is pretty amazing, so definitely check it out. It's also super close to my house!
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the entire country, and it has an incredible amount of charm. Even if you're not a baseball fan, the experience of seeing the Cubs play at Wrigley is a must. It's also located in Lincoln Park, which is such a fun area for night life and food before and/or after the game.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Lazy Dog is Alan and my favorite spot to eat and drink! Located super close by in Vernon Hills, this restaurant is nothing but good vibes only. It has dog-themed decor, amazing cocktails (and extensive list of them at that), and the food is super delicious. If you sit in their outdoor area, diners are also allowed to bring their dogs!
Woodfield Mall
Woodfield Mall is actually the second largest shopping mall in the USA (right after Mall of America). The place is absolutely massive and has every store and restaurant you can probably imagine. It's definitely easy to get lost, but it's very close to my house- only a fifteen minute drive to Schaumburg.