Things To Do
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Wendella Tours & Cruises
We always take guests on the architecture boat cruise (pictured here with Meghan!). You can get tickets in advance, or buy them at the dock. There is a bar on boat, so you can make it boozy if you wish! There is so much history and incredible architecture in Chicago, this is the best way to take it all in.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Kristin has only lived places where there is a free zoo...this feels like a good theme! Free entry, great opportunity to walk around (hello steps!), and you can say hi to all the animals.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Kyle's happy place - if you're an art (or Ferris Bueller) fan, this spot is a must.
Cloud Gate
A tourist must! Check out the Bean, stroll Millennium Park, and slowly make your way to the lake - the view is worth it!
Chicago Riverwalk
Sunny day? Looking for a drink or a snack? Take a stroll on the Riverwalk: your choices are endless and the people watching is immaculate.
North Shore Beach Park
Yes, Chicago has a beach! Lake Michigan graces us with a few beautiful beach areas, great to lay out and relax if the weather allows. If the sand is not for you, the Lakefront trail is a great spot to run, walk, or ride bikes. The views of the skyscrapers are worth it.
The Museum Campus
An amazing spot full of museums and entertainment, including an aquarium, natural history museum and planetarium. Great for families and it has one of the best (and Kristin's favorite) views of the city, especially around sunset.
Wrigley Field
Unfortunately the Cubs are away the weekend of our wedding! If you are staying late, they are back Monday evening against the Rockies. The area around Wrigley (Wrigleyville) is a cool spot with restaurants and bars (with lots of new country bars) even if you just want to see the stadium from the outside and snap a pic.
Rate Field
The Cubs might not be in town - but the White Sox are! They play at home Tuesday through Sunday, so if baseball is your thing, you should take a look at tickets. Metro accessible and known for their food selection, Rate Field would be a fun stop to add to your trip if the game times work out.
Cindy's Rooftop
The apps are good, the cocktails are great, but the icing on the cake is the view from the patio - the city, the bean, and the lake. It's worth checking out - and its at the top of the iconic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
Cash only join that doesn't take reservations. Their house salad, feta bread, and "grinder" sandwiches are out of this world, but what they are really know for is their pizza pot pie. It is served to you in a bowl that they flip out as they serve you - dinner and a show.
Coffee Shops
Ground Up, Collectivo, Domo, Cafe Umbria, Swada Worth the hype: Check out the Starbucks Reserve/Roastery on Michigan Ave - it's the biggest and a cool spot for coffee, cocktails, pastries, snacks, and special Chicago x Starbucks swag.
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Best Burger: Au Cheval & Small Cheval (the fast causal version) Italian: Monteverde, Alla Vita, Quartino Ristorante Mediterranean: Aba, Avec, Ema Chicago Dog: The Wiener's Circle, Fatso's Last Stand, Red Hot Ranch Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati's (multiple locations), Pequod's Pizza Tavern Style Pizza: Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna and Nancy's (across the street from us!) Chicken Parm: Ciccio Mio (good luck getting a reservation...); alternative is best Chicken Parm Sandwich at The Vig and Nonna's, both near our apartment Good for big groups: Parlor Pizza, Happy Camper, Beatrix Sandwiches: JP Graziano for Italian, Mr. Beef for Italian Beef (and if you are fans of the Bear), Schneider Deli for great pastrami Best Late Night Bar: Lottie's (if you are a fan of Chicago Fire, it's Molly's) If you know Kristin, you know she is obsessed with Stephanie Izard, so check out: Duck Duck Goat, Girl & The Goat, Cabra, Little Goat Diner if you get the chance Must take a shot of: Malort!