Hands down our favorite cocktail bar in Chicago. And we've tried many. Tiny room, beautiful decor, and consistently the most inventive and approachable cocktails with a chill bar staff.
Probably the most coveted brunch in the entire city of Chicago. Entirely worth it.
An ode to whiskey, elevated bar food, and cocktails.
Excellent drinks and awesome music in a small space.
Awesome neapolitan-esque style pizza. Not deep dish. Also a brewer of very funky beers.
Second location of Marz (main brewery is in Bridgeport) that looks like an 80s community center room. Some of finest beer of the 130 breweries in the city.
Beautiful modern unpretentious space. Large selection of excellent beer.
The OG cocktail bar that launched a thousand other cocktail bars in Chicago. Search for a hidden door within a mural on Damen. They change their menu seasonally and they knock it out of the park every time.
Across the street from Violet hour and next to Big Star (also a phenomenal taco place) is a place that serves an inspired southern Mexican brunch.
The highest expression of Tex Mex. Also one of the most reasonably priced restaurants on this list.
Do you remember the crappy Chinese restaurants you grew up with? Take all of those dishes and execute them better than you've ever had them and you have Chef's Special. Decor is 80's drug dealer chic.
Best ramen restaurant in Chicago. Cute room.
Asian bar food and small plates (mixed with a little midwest tradition). Cool brewery as well. Each beer has a pleasant twist.
Within this triangular room, you'll find a winter getaway that makes you forget the weather outside with a great set of Mexican and South American inspired cocktails.
Incredible black box theater listening room specializing in jazz and non-commercial music
This oasis is a beautiful, warm and humid respite in winter.
Ah, one of the best places in the world to see music. Even though the Jazz Showcase has moved several times in its history, you can feel the history.
Named best museum in the world multiple times, this is a place to get lost in for an afternoon.
If you're an experienced ice skater, go here. If you're not good, head 2 blocks west to the ice rink directly west of the Bean instead.
Possibly the oldest continuously running jazz club in the nation. Al Capone was a regular in the 20s. It is a living landmark that retains the art deco decor and paintings of a century ago. The music is well-curated and it's the only bar where they will shush you for talking too loud.
We love evening walks on the 606. This elevated trail starts just west of Lincoln Park and connects Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square. Also great for a morning run.