Things To Do
Link to our Favorite Places Google Map
Sarah and Mikko's favorite spots as a Google Map so you can wander the city and check out what's close by
The Art Institute of Chicago
Sarah’s favorite museum in Chicago
Beauty Bar Chicago
A fun place to dance! Fun fact: Mikko bought Sarah a drink and they danced to Daft Punk before they started dating.
Charis Listening Bar
Amazing bar owned by our buddy and pal, Alex J
Chi Cafe
Mikko has had so many late night orders here that they 1) have his number saved and 2) know his order
Chicago NASCAR Street Race
There is a NASCAR event happening in Chicago on this weekend if that's your thing!
Dorian’s
Record store/after hour cocktail spot
Estereo
Fun cocktails, excellent selfie bathroom, many a drinks have been had here by Sarah and Mikko
Garfield Park Conservatory
"Underrated spot for botanicals" - SJ
The Green Mill
A fun spot for local jazz, where Sarah and Mikko went on early dates together
Guthries Tavern
One of Sarah's early stomping grounds (bonus: has board games)
Humboldt Park
A favorite Mikko birding spot and where Sarah frequently jogged when she lived nearby.
Kingston Mines
Historic blues bar, where Mikko fell in love with the blues as a kid
Lincoln Park Zoo
The wonderful free zoo where we met! Go see Sarah's chimpanzee, gorilla and macaque friends or stroll through Nature Boardwalk where Mikko spent time battling geese. You can also check out the Caldwell Lily pond where Mikko and Sarah would eat lunch together and where Mikko proposed.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
One of two of Mikko's favorite deep dish spots that then became one of Sarah's. The OG location is in Lincolnwood, north of the city, which cannot be beat, but the chain locations around the city will do in a pinch.
Lutz Bakery
Sehr gut German bakery, which provided sustenance on the morning Sarah and Mikko started looking at wedding venue's
MCCB Chicago
Another solid Chinatown spot for us both
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
World-renowned birding location - heads up, the beach nearby might be absolutely crazy for the weekend of July 4th though
National Museum of Mexican Art
Deeply underrated museum and where Sarah introduced Mikko to her parents
New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation
Hear us out - yes, it's out of the way, but it's also the best bagel in Cook County (New Yorkers don't judge, it's not a fair comparison)
Old Town Pub
(In)arguably the best bar wall art in the city - Anthony Bourdain's favorite bar in Chicago. Cash only
Pequod's Pizza
Second of two of Mikko's favorite deep dish spots that then became one of Sarah's
Phoenix Restaurant
Dim sum! A Chinatown go-to for us both
Pilsen Vintage
A stop on Sarah and Mikko's first official date and a great thrift spot
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Underrated city park. Also you can take the water taxi from here and it's a fun way to see the city
Punch House
Where Mikko and Sarah shared a punch bowl and their first kiss
Queen Mary
Solid snacks, good cocktails, near where our good friends Haley and Paul used to live
Rainbo Club
Late night dancing spot for Sarah and Mikko
Rose's Lounge
A good dive that feels like drinking in your grandma’s basement in high school
Rubi’s Tacos
Absurdly good tacos. Fun fact: During his first month living in Pilsen, Mikko spent 1/3 of his income here.
Small Cheval- Wicker Park
Favorite burger in town—so good, we might owe it a few years of our lives.
Shedd Aquarium
Mikko’s favorite museum in Chicago
Uncle Mike's Place
A solid Filipino breakfast and just blocks away from our wedding venue!
Valois Restaurant
Cash only, cafeteria-style spot where Mikko has spent many a hungover mornings in Hyde Park
Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
Best tavern slice in Chicago in Mikko's opinion.
West Loop
A hub of delicious restaurants near our venue to explore
Wicker Park
A favorite Sarah/Mikko stroll with bookstores, coffee shops and other shopping