See the skyline with a cocktail in hand. Try Cindy's, in the Loop near the Art Institute. Try Raised, just south of the river in the Loop. Try Cabra, in the heart of West Loop. Try the J. Parker, overlooking Lincoln Park.
If you want to live like Ryan and Sarah, escape downtown to check out one of our favorite breweries. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in Logan Square Dovetail Brewery in Ravenswood Half Acre Beer Co in Andersonville Sketchbook Brewing Co in Evanston We also love these taprooms: Map Room in Bucktown Hopleaf in Andersonville Bitter Pops in Lake View
We're serious - we actually really like these activities. Cruise the Chicago River on a Chicago Architectural Boat Tour (try Shoreline or Wendella). Take a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago (one of our favorite places 😉). Rent a bike from Divvy and ride along the Lakefront Trail. Walking or jogging is great, too! Visit The Bean at Millennium Park. Walk around Lincoln Park; there's a farmer's market on Saturday mornings! If they're in town, check out a Cubs game in Wrigleyville. Stroll on the Chicago River Walk.
If you have extra time to spend in Evanston, here are some of our favorite things to do. Walk through the Northwestern University campus bordering Lake Michigan; make sure to check out the Lakefill. Grab a drink at the classic alumni bar, Bat 17. Dear to Sarah's heart, try the coffee at Coffee Lab. We love the Evanston brewery scene, too: Sketchbook, Temperance, Double Clutch. If you'd prefer to stay in Evanston for the weekend, we recommend the Graduate Evanston.
Did you know Ryan lived in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood until he was 2?! And that Sarah's love for Chicago began with many childhood trips, especially those to visit her cousin (and our officiant!), Alison. You simply must go to the Lincoln Park Zoo (and it's free!). For crazy views from a skyscraper, check out the Willis Tower's (formerly the Sears Tower) Skydeck or the Hancock's 360 Chicago. For the girls, consider an experience at the American Girl Doll Store. See the fishies 🐠 at the Shedd Aquarium. See dinosaur bones 🦖 at the Field Museum. Roam Navy Pier; there's a giant Ferris Wheel for any ride-lovers.
Long list loading.... Monteverde Bavette's Tango Sur DeNucci's Spacca Napoli Monkey's Paw Athenian Room Rose Mary Riccardo Trattoria / Enoteca Chef's Special Bar Roma Village Tap Au Cheval Yellowtail Craft Pizza BEST BRUNCH IN CHICAGO (AND SHHHH KEEP IT A SECRET): Bodega Sur
By the time of the wedding, we'll have lived in the Chicagoland for a cumulative 20 years.