Here's a selection of our can't miss restaurants, bars, and activities in Chicago. You're visiting the best city in the world at the best time of year. We hope you find some time to explore summertime CHI and fall in love with it as we have!
Wendella Tours & Cruises
400 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 337-1446
The best tourist attraction in the world. It's honestly the perfect way to see the entire city from the water, learn some fun facts, and enjoy a cold drink on a hot summer day. Do not miss this!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 283-7100
Fact: we love coffee. This is the largest Starbucks in the world. We call Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for Coffee. Head to the experiential coffee bar on the top floor and order the “Cold Fashioned". You can thank us later.
RAMEN-SAN
59 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 377-9950
Obsessed is an understatement. Not only is this restaurant a total vibe but it basically got us through the pandemic. They serve beautiful pints of Asahi from ice-cold Kegs. The pandora playlist (Tribe Called Quest) is the best of any restaurant in the city. All the staff are sponsored by Levi's. Perfect after a big night of drinking.
Gibsons Italia
233 North Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 414-1100
A stunning restaurant with an amazing outdoor patio and incredible river views. Dinner here is amazing. But we suggest you go here for lunch, sit on the patio, and order the off-menu burger. It'll blow your mind but not your wallet!
Sparrow
12 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 725-0732
Our favourite cocktail bar in Chicago. Proper speakeasy vibe with Cuban hotel lobby decor. Insane rum collection and lovely staff. Come here before or after dinner. Or visit post-Cigar at BIGGS mansion.
Good Funk
180 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 929-3185
Our favourite natural vino bar in Chicago. Conveniently located near all our hotels. The wine bar is attached to a restaurant (Beatnik) which serves incredible food. Cheeseburger and the ceviche can't be missed. Highy recommend you do a wine flight and let the servers guide you.
The Green Door Tavern
678 North Orleans Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 664-5496
Local neighbourhood haunt. Elevated bar food with a rustic sports-focused interior. There's a speakeasy downstairs (The Drifter) that's open Wednesday-Sunday. Al Capone used to drink in there. Don't miss the shot wheel or the chicken tendies.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
908 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607, (708) 540-6124
Gilt Bar
230 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 464-9544
RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar
1 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 795-3444
Arbella
112 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 846-6654
Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant
661 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 335-8121
Blue Bottle Coffee
313 West Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, (510) 653-3394
Cigar Lounge Cigar Shop, BIGGS Mansion Chicago
1150 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 809-2444
On Your Mark Coaching and Training
1101 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 733-9330
Flight Club Chicago
111 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 284-2474
WhirlyBall Chicago
1825 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, (773) 486-7777
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 443-3600
Doughnut Vault
401 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 285-2830