On October 14th and 15th 2023, the Chicago Architecture Center is proud to host Open House Chicago—a free public festival that offers self-guided history and architecture trails throughout Chicago, talks and programming, and behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city. Open House Chicago remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world. This is Rachael's number one favorite yearly event in Chicago!
An easy way to see all the great sights of downtown, including one of the apartments Rachael lived in. Narrated by a local history guide!
Frequently rated the #1 art museum in the world (yes, even above the Louvre) this is a fantastic institution with high profile exhibitions rotating frequently through it's doors. An absolute must do for anyone who appreciates the arts!
Rachael and Austin's Favorite Museum to visit! Rachael was also a long time water quality scientist volunteer here. Taking a private, behind the scenes tour is recommended to get the full historical feel and see where Rachael volunteered in the labs! Advance tickets required but worth it!
One of our all time favorite spots to eat! The Dawson is THE gathering place in Chicago's River West celebrating the American crafts of food, drink & hospitality. Pro-tip --> Get the Chicken Fried Lobster if it's on the menu. You will not regret it.
We went here on our 1st date for drinks. Needless to say we had a blast! In the heart of West Loop, a great area for dinner and going out! A classic tavern with an old-school vibe offering craft beers, classic cocktails & bar bites.
In our opinion, THE best espresso martini in the city! High-style Italian steak & pasta spot on 3 levels with a vast wine list, 2 fireplaces & a roof deck. Go here for great Italian food and even better people watching. Make a reservation in advance (recommended) or try your luck with the large bar area for walk-ins! A good spot for dinner and drinks or just drinks.
The best burger in the city. No reservations taken but well worth the wait! A diner-style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs, Au Cheval elevates traditional diner fare. Guests can indulge in dishes ranging from chopped chicken liver and roasted bone marrow, to traditional sandwiches, egg-focused entrees, and the signature cheeseburger. Pro-tip -->go early, put your name in, and grab a drink at Lone Wolf (our 1st date spot) while you wait! Or stop by their sister location, Small Cheval to get a taste.
The 1st floor of the Hoxton Hotel serves GREAT cocktails and requires no reservations. Has great energy and a classic West Loop spot! Modern Mediterranean restaurant celebrating fresh, coastal ingredients from Boka Restaurant Group. Pro-tip --> this place gets bumpin' on weekend nights and turns into a fun bar. Try your luck getting in downstairs at the speakeasy called Lazy Bird for live music.
A bit of a drive but a classic Chicago Restaurant and Austin's all-time favorite meal. Try Austin's go to order - Baked Clams, baked cannelloni with meat sauce and a glass of Chianti! Don't miss the mini cannoli's (Rachael's favorite)!
A really great dinner and drinks spot we love to take people to in River North! A wine-focused restaurant featuring midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics, taking its cue from the sun-drenched wine regions of southern Europe.
Southern Italian cuisine coupled with classic Chicago neighborhood (Southport) charm can be found at Coda di Volpe. The menu focuses on the lesser-explored regions of Southern Italy and is comprised of seasonally-evolving handmade pasta dishes and house-cured meats. Using a Stefano Ferrara wood-fire oven, Coda di Volpe crafts traditional VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas served with authentic pizza shears.
Galit is a Middle Eastern Restaurant in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago, owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel. Not to mention a Michelin Star to boot! The menu focuses on a seasonal and localized approach to dishes of the Middle East and Israel’s immigrant cuisines, alongside a unique and forward-thinking beverage program.
Kasama is an award-winning (Michelin Star) bakery and modern Filipino restaurant from chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores located in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. This is NOT to be missed. It's one of Rachael's all time favorite restaurants in the city. Pro-tip --> Order ahead for breakfast on their website to skip the line and eat it on their cute patio. Order the breakfast sandwich and add the hashbrown INTO the sandwich. Mind. Blown.
One of our neighborhood staples, is this Croatian café. Easygoing daytime eatery with American & European-influenced eats, plus specialty teas & juices. Ćevapi always, burek sometimes.