M & A
Things To Do
Wendella Tours & Cruises
We highly recommend taking an architecture boat tour (weather permitting) down the Chicago River as the best possible way to see the city. The tour guides are incredibly funny, and drinks are served onboard (usually cash bars). We especially love taking the tour that also includes a trip out onto Lake Michigan! This is our personal favorite tour group (we've gone on the tour at least 5 times ourselves) Tickets must be purchased in advance (on the Company's website)
North Avenue Beach
Enjoy a walk on the beach for great views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline
The Art Institute of Chicago
Our favorite museum in Chicago, and home to paintings such as Nighthawks (Edward Hopper), American Gothic (Grant Wood), A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat), and Monica's favorite room in any museum: The Miniatures Room (absolutely worth the visit) Also on exhibit this summer will be Kehinde Wiley's painting of President Obama and Amy Sherald's portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama
Cindy's
A gorgeous rooftop bar in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with views of the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park We recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it's an extremely popular spot
The Peninsula Chicago
Enjoy an incredible meal in the beautiful hotel lobby Reservation required
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
Our go-to restaurant for any out-of-town visitor or special occasion for what we think is the best Italian food in Chicago Make sure to order the Burrata E Ham appetizer! We recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it's an extremely popular restaurant
Little Goat Diner
Our favorite breakfast spot in Chicago (part of the Girl and the Goat franchise), although they serve a full menu all day You have to order a side of crumpets and a cinnamon roll! We recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it's an extremely popular restaurant
Fado Irish Pub
We had to include our favorite Irish bar, where you can find us most Saturday mornings during the soccer season Enjoy Irish coffees, beers, and a full English breakfast while you watch the match No reservation required (although it can get crowded if there's a big game)
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
Our favorite Southern spot in Chicago! Amazing for brunch in the morning or elegant fried chicken and cocktails for dinner, especially outside on the beautiful patio in the summer We recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it's an extremely popular restaurant
Green Street Smoked Meats
A great spot for BBQ in Chicago Get some pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and sides of elote corn, baked beans, and cornbread Green Street doesn't offer reservations
Small Cheval
The fast-casual version of the famous Au Cheval (same great burger, without the wait!) Enjoy a burger, fries, milkshake, and fantastic views of the Chicago River Small Cheval doesn't offer reservations
Time Out Market Chicago
A new market in the West Loop, featuring booths from 19 of the best restaurants in Chicago Enjoy creative hot dogs from Duck Inn Dogs, healthy bowls from Fare, pastries and coffee from Lost Larson, burgers from Mini Mott, charcuterie from The Purple Pig, and ice cream from Pretty Cool Also featured is Secret Sound, a hidden speakeasy Tiki Bar! Time Out Market doesn't offer reservations
Portillo's Hot Dogs
A famous casual Chicago spot for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and beer It is definitely a uniquely Midwestern experience! Portillo's doesn't offer reservations
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A famous pizza chain in Chicago for a chance to try some deep-dish pizza! We recommend making a reservation, as wait times can be extremely long