Gina & Christopher
C & G's Guide to Chi-City
The Loop
The Loop is the area surrounding the hotel. It can be quiet after business hours, but some recs of ours include: CINDY'S ROOFTOP - sip artisanal cocktails while taking in magnificent views of Millennium Park, inside of the beautifully maintained historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. (Also check out the Game Room bar, Cherry Circle Room, or Milk Bar -- limited reservations to taste rare whisky & scotch) Across the street you will find "the Bean"! CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER - we love to play tourist in our own city, and highly recommend any walking tours or especially the river tours! *** With or without a tour, architectural gems we recommend exploring include: - The Monadnock Building: tallest load-bearing brick building in the world, designed by Burnham & Root - The Rookery Building: one of the most historically significant buildings in Chicago, around the corner from the W! - The Chicago Cultural Center: home to the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world, awe-inspiring
West Loop
Take the Pink Line from Quincy to Morgan to arrive in West Loop/Fulton Market -- the restaurant mecca of Chicago! Walk down Randolph or Fulton Market to shop and dine. Our faves (though you can't go wrong in this neighborhood): DUCK DUCK GOAT - this would be Gina's choice for her last meal on earth. AU CHEVAL - 2-3hr wait but this burger is WORTH it if you plan for it! Put your name in, and grab a drink next door at Lone Wolf, or walk up and down Randolph while you wait. TIMEOUT MARKET - rotating food stalls showcasing a plethora of Chicago's best spots. Check out Tony's rooftop for great cocktails, beer, wine, or frosé, while enjoying a great view of the city. THE HOXTON - chic hotel with awesome lobby bar and restaurant, Cira; basement speakeasy with live music and great cocktails, Lazy Bird; and indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, Cabra. HAMBURGER UNIVERSITY - McDonald's training facility at their global headquarters, that offers international menu items!
River North
Just north of the river from the Loop, the aptly named River North was Christopher's home for many years post-grad, and home to many a date night in the early years. Our favorites: QUARTINO - a formal meal in the dining room is great, or do it like us: in the bar, fonduta fountain (with veggies, so it's healthy), salumi salad, and a drink! GIBSON'S - THE best steak in Chicago, don't let anyone tell you otherwise MASTRO'S - a close second, but the piano bar really shines here! BROKEN SHAKER (at the Freehand) - the best kept secret in River North! EATALY - a food and shopping destination all in one, we have been known to spend hours in here
Wicker Park
Take the blue line to Division, and check out: TORTELLO - handmade pasta to die for, no reservations needed! LITTLE VICTORIES - darts, billiards, so perfectly "Chicago" BORDEL - super cool speakeasy with burlesque! MACHINE - "Engineered Dining and Drink" + flower shop PHYLLIS' MUSICAL INN - bring cash to drink at this dive opened in 1954 (and not upkept one bit since) while you wait for your table at Tortello * * * Take the blue line one stop further to Damen, and there's plenty to see at Six Corners: PIECE PIZZA - not "Chicago-style", but a favorite of Chicagoans BLUE LINE LOUNGE - cheap drinks and cracker thin pizza INA MAE TAVERN - another locals' favorite! DOVE'S LUNCHEONETTE - same here! THE ROBEY - cute hotel with rooftop club, great food in the cafe, and tiki drinks in the bar! MYOPIC BOOKS - try not to lose track of time in here
Bucktown & Logan Square
Continue down the Blue Line and you'll arrive at Western, check out these gems: IRAZU - killer Costa Rican food featured on Diners, Drive-In's and Dives 90 MILES CUBAN CAFE - killer Cuban, also a Triple D feature! MARGIE's CANDIES - candy shop & ice cream parlor, founded in 1921 and alleged favorite of Al Capone * * * Next stop, California Blue Line: TAQUERIA MORAN - right under the stop, best Mexican in the city BUNGALOW by MIDDLE BROW - sourdough bread/pizza that brought a tear to the Californian's eye (the owner learned from the best in SF!) BANG BANG PIE & BISCUITS - don't try to come for dessert, they'll be closed. Enjoy a breakfast or midday slice of pie, best in the city
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park - Gina's home base for 4 years after college! In the early days of our relationship, we enjoyed walking to the lakefront, the many miles of parks and lagoons, and the free Lincoln Park Zoo! Other favorite spots include: MON AMI GABI - best steak frites at a great price! DEL SEOUL - Korean street food, a favorite of Chris's WIENER'S CIRCLE - enjoy hot dogs, burgers, and a mild roasting by the chefs, it's their specialty. Bring your food to the back patio for a cocktail; you'll practically be in Gina's old "backyard" SAPORI TRATTORIA - massive portions, incredible pasta, and follow up dinner at ALIVEONE - the bartenders might know us by name KINGSTON MINES - one of the best blues bars in Chicago! Bring cash!
Lake View
* coming soon *
Old Town/Gold Coast
* coming soon *