Marissa & Lester
Things To Do
Chicago Architecture River Tour
If you haven’t read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, put it on your summer reading list and then get tickets to the Chicago Architecture Association’s riverboat architecture tour. It’s a 1.5 hour tour where you’ll learn about the history of Chicago as told through the city’s skyline. Chicagoans will tell you that this is the one touristy thing we can’t get enough of, and everyone’s done it at least twice because you always learn something new depending on which volunteer tour guide you get. We recommend getting tickets ahead of time on their website (linked) to avoid long lines at the ticket booth.
Cindy's Rooftop Bar
One of our favorite views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan is from the balcony at Cindy’s Rooftop on the top floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A great way to spend an afternoon is to pair a walk through Millennium Park with a cocktail at Cindy’s afterward. Head downstairs to the Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association to grab a quick game of bocce ball, chess or pool.
Millennium Park
The iconic Cloudgate (aka “The Bean”) is the main attraction of Millennium Park, but be sure to explore all of the rotating art installations as well. Battle the crowds to get a picture of your reflection in The Bean, and don’t forget to walk right under it and look up to see your reflection cascade across the different facades. It’s cheesy, but it’s classic Chicago and something to definitely check off your tourism list.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Grant Park, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Recognized for its curatorial efforts and popularity among visitors, the museum is a must-see for those visiting Chicago. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the visit.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier commercial district. The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants and posh hotels. Landmarks include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper and the 100-story John Hancock Center, which has a rooftop observation deck with fine dining and panoramic city views. Marissa worked in the John Hancock building for 4 years and the access to shops and retail did her shopping habit no favors!
Happy Camper Pizzeria
Located next to our apartment, we have shared many meals at one of our favorite restaurants in the city. The pizza is okay, but the vibes are great. Expect fun cocktails, great music, top notch ranch dressing, and even better people watching.
Au Cheval
The second most posted thing on Lester's Instagram (after Marissa of course), is the burger at Au Cheval. Not only is it one of the best burgers in the city, but the balance of the menu contains elevated diner classics that you cannot miss. This is the type of meal that you build your day around given the wait time is anywhere from 1-4 hours. Luckily, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to hang around in the West Loop neighborhood to pass the time while waiting for your table.
Parlor Pizza Bar River North
With 3 locations around the city, one being across the street from Lester and Marissa's old apartment, Parlor Pizza has inventive Neapolitan-inspired pizzas (Sgt Pepper, Burrata Be Kidding Me, Save the Last Ranch to name our favorites) prepared in wood-burning Pavesi ovens topped with fresh local ingredients. The West Loop location is a great place to hang while waiting for Au Cheval.
Gilt Bar
When Prohibition hit the Chicago streets in 1920, speakeasies started appearing almost overnight. These hidden houses of spirits and socializing gave the public the opportunity to drink, sometimes eat and be merry. Gilt Bar has a speakeasy vibe, with contemporary food and beverage program. There is also a secret library that transports you back to the 1920's. Other favorites of ours are located right next door - Bavette's is our #1 Chicago Steakhouse and cannot be missed. It's not BYOB, but they allow outside wine to be brought in as long as you share a glass with another table in the restaurant.