Start your day with some biscuits and lamb sausage gravy. Bacon-studded maple doughnuts are also available... Read more.
There's always room for maple-glazed long johns sporting an entire strip of also-maple-glazed bacon Read more.
Chef'd by a Blackbird/Sixteen alum, FND looks like an unassuming hot dog stand decked out in red, black, and steel and ornamented with photos of local graffiti. Snag an egg-laden brunch dog! Read more.
Marvel at the selection of Japanese vinyl toys, comic books, and other stuff you didn’t know you wanted until you ended up buying it.
Throw a frisbee around. Maybe take a walk through the zoo, and spend a few introspective moments pondering what it means to be human.
Historical Detour: Stroll past Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre happened across the street.
Howells & Hood is an epic beer hall in the Trib Tower, equipped with 114 beers on tap springing from 360 draft faucets spread across the 23,000sqft venue. Read more.
The rooftop watering hole coming at you from the Boka dudes and the Hotel Lincoln is named for one of Abe's bodyguards. Read more.
Join the frequent diner program to earn points for gift certificates at any venue owned by the KDK Restaurant group.
Try the “cake and shake,” a slice of layered buttermilk chocolate cake paired with a vanilla malted milkshake served in a double shot glass.
Take part in Sunday Funday, when $16 gets you a brunch entree along with three mimosas, Bloody Marys, caipiroska or mocktails.
Get a taste of everything by ordering small side portions of pulled pork, brisket, Texas sausage and St. Louis ribs.
Enjoy $3 tapas at the bar from 4–6 PM daily, as well as 10-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
This 24.5-acre park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers. Read more.
According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium tied for home of the best stadium hot dog in 2008. Read more.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open 365 days a year. http://bit.ly/alwaysfree Read more.
In a suspenseful scene, which was shot at Navy Pier for "The Dark Knight", the Joker (Heath Ledger) pits two ferries full of people - one loaded with citizens, one with prisoners, against each other. Read more.
U.S. Cellular Field opened on April 18, 1991, across the street from old White Sox Park / Comiskey Park, which was built in 1910. Read more.
This take-out bakery specializes in the "Big Dat" an enormous doughnut, measuring 9" across and 3" tall.
This take-out bakery specializes in the "Big Dat" an enormous doughnut, measuring 9" across and 3" tall.
One of Chicago’s Always Free Attractions, the museum has a collection of treasures from the Middle East such as a 5,000 year old mummy, a 40-ton Assyrian sculpture & a 17-foot tall statue of King Tut. Read more.
The Chicago Velo Campus is a large, banked track for bicycle racing, and is the first velodrome built in Chicago in a generation.
Located just outside the Damen Pink Line ‘L’ Stop,this mural focuses on the individuality of the people that created the heritage and cultural identity of the community. Read more.
Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the free admission conservatory occupies approximately 4.5 acres inside and out, where thousands of plant species are on display. Read more.
Stroll past three large window galleries with new and engaging artwork to enjoy. This “experimental cultural center” produces art exhibitions, readings, and performances. Read more.
Among the Park’s cool features are a pagoda-shaped pavilion, where you can catch a water taxi to downtown Chicago, and a unique railroad drawbridge. Read more.
Around since 1875, this apothecary's original location is stacked floor-to-ceiling with every medicine, scent and homeopathic brand you can think of. It's one of Lincoln Square's many hip boutiques. Read more.
This free admission beach is one of Chicago’s 33 sandy Lake Michigan beaches. Read more.
Milio’s is the place to go for a punk rock haircut. It’s also the former location of 3 rock clubs that hosted now-famous bands such as the Velvet Underground, Prince, REM, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Read more.
The Music Box plays a mix of independent and foreign films, as well as classic (black and white) movie matinees, and midnight screenings of cult classics. Read more.
The cobblestone, mural-lined Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Rogers Park is home to award-winning theaters, art galleries, a seasonal farmers market, and cute cafes. Read more.
Located outside the United Center’s east end, the sculpture, which can be seen without buying a ticket to a Bulls or Blackhawks game, celebrates one of Chicago’s most internationally known figures. Read more.
This Chicago landmark presents jazz nightly, from traditional to experimental, amid a "speakeasyesque" décor. Read more.
Mosaic portraits in Founders Hall celebrate Dr. Margaret Burroughs, co-founder of the museum, Harold Washington, Chicago’s first African American Mayor, and DuSable, Founder of Chicago. Read more.
Located in trendy Logan Square, Revolution Brewing is one of Chicago’s artisanal brewing companies. Try the Bacon Fat Popcorn at their restaurant, which also has vegan-friendly options. Read more.
Popular with locals and visitors, Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles serves soul food up in a stylish dining room. Read more.
Quimby’s features one-of-a-kind publications such as small and independent press books, magazines, zines, and underground comics, like Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware's Quimby the Mouse.
Form a happy “taste memories” at Ina’s, which has served up brunch for over 20 years. Enjoy the Vegetable Hash and Heavenly Hots signatures. Gluten-free options are available and parking is free.
La Colombe supplies coffee to West Loop restaurants as well as to cafe patrons. Try their Leonardo DiCaprio blend: proceeds go to the Actor’s foundation to support environmental sustainability.
Tomoto Head, known for their cracker thin-crust, puts a unique spin on pizza by using cornmeal instead of flour. Their Fire Breather and BBQ Chicken are popular menu choices!
Ask Porkchop to “add meat” to anything on your menu. Besides their grilled porkchop, this place is also known for fried chicken! Come here on a Friday or Saturday to listen to live local rock bands.
Loretta’s is owned by a family of ten who’ve been lifelong restuarant owners. Grab their signature applie pie, a lemon curd brownie, or a latte served by the local La Colombe Coffee!
Wishbone’s mascot Dolly is the owner’s actual childhood dog. Stop by for fast-service brunch, but also don’t forget to try their signature shrimp & grits, blackened catfish, or smoked beef brisket.
Call Smitten today to RSVP for their free “Wedding 101” classes every Wednesday evening. The friendly owners offer free parking and beautiful items for your wedding, baby shower, and home.
Stop in to The Fig Tree to find the perfect gift for any occasion. Offering candles, baby items, jewelry, lotions, cards, and more, The Fig Tree is sure to have just what you need!
Tribeca is passionate about color - you’ll have to look hard to find anything black in the store! If you’re a woman who loves fun yet sophisticated clothing, Tribeca is the place for you.
Haymarket offers American and Belgium-inspired beers brewed in-house and delicious food (vegan options available). Sip on a brew while taking in a play at the connected Drinking and Writing Theater.
A family oriented dessert spot, call ahead to hear about dates and times for mother-daughter/son cupcake tasting nights. Also look out for Flirty's food truck serving desserts around town.
Catering to all tastes, Skinnie Piggy Cupcakes serves an assortment of vegan cupckaes along with a delicious variety of of regular cupcakes and bulk candy.
Stop in this coffee shop and deli for a corned beef sandwich lunch! Manny's staff says it's a local favorite.
A seasonal stand in the heart of Little Italy, Mario’s is a local staple. Stop in for one of their famous frozen lemonades, which are similar to an Italian ice.
In business since the 1960s, Barbara’s Bookstore has earned a reputation in Chicago for it’s personalized service, amazing author event schedule and great book selection.
Demitasse is a local establishment that proudly brews their own coffee in house! Stop in and have a coffee in house or keep your eye out for their coffee at stores around town.
Making a Chicago-style hot dog, with all its requisite toppings, is also known as "dragging it through the garden".
Except for a brief period when relocating to Union Avenue, Jim’s Original is the longest continuously operating hot dog stand to have once served the hungry patrons of Maxwell Street Market. Read more.
A must stop in Greektown, the family-owned Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop has been serving authentic, homemade Greek pastries for over 38 years, including a delicious traditional baklava.
The museum tells the stories of Greek immigrants through interactive exhibitions for kids and adults. Step onto the rooftop terrace of their newly opened building for awesome skyline views!
Greek Island is the staple of Greek Town, importing wines, olives oil, oregano, honey and olives straight from Greece. Try their distinctive lima beans and Colorado lamb.
A hidden gem in Greektown, stop into Meli to grab breakfast, lunch or one of their famous homemade juices from their vast menu.
Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, pH boasts that it gives you "More funny for less money". Most shows are $5-10 and are BYOB.
The world famous Second City, launched the careers of numerous SNL alumni, such improv greats as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey.
The Annoyance Theater combines improvisation, musical theater and sketch comedy to create a raunchy, hilarious and uncensored environment. Tickets for all shows range from $10 – $20.
A Vegas-style comedy club featuring some of the newest, edgiest and funniest comedians in the Chicago. The Red Bar Comedy Club offers two shows every Friday and Saturday for just $10.
Zanies hosts stand-up comedy headliners such as Jay Leno, Richard Lewis and Emo Phillips.
Famous for training some of the sharpest minds in comedy today, iO Theater is a leader in improv comedy and hosts shows 7 nights a week. Plan on a fun–and surprising!–night out in Wrigleyville.
Now in its 10th season, the Lincoln Lodge features the best of Chicago’s comedians as well as musicians, poets, filmmakers and other off-beat variety acts.
Head to the South side for some “Big Laughs and Smooth Sounds.” Jokes and Notes is open every Wednesday - Sunday and highlights urban acts – both national and via an Open Mic. Tickets are $5-10.
The Playground Theater is one of the country’s only not-for-profit improv theaters. It's a completely artist-led theater company and features all forms of improv on weeknights. Tickets are $5 & $10.
The Beat Kitchen hosts The Chicago Underground Comedy showcase each Tuesday with some of the city’s most talented and promising comedians. The showcase is every Tuesday at 9:30pm; tickets are $5.
The racks are dotted with pristine vintage picks, like delicately patterned shirtdresses and ballet-hued silk tops.
A recent trip to this expansive antiques mall turned up both a Coogi sweater from the '80s and a rainbow's worth of Bakelite bracelets.
It may be a big antiques mart, but everything here feels special and handpicked: There's an entire case of owl medallions, plus design classics, like George Nelson clocks and Paul McCobb desks.
This subterranean space specializes primarily in vintage jewelry: the expansive selection is well sorted and well priced, which means you can snap up a great turquoise ring for $40.
Known for its affordable cornucopia of clothes, the shop hosts fun midnight sales that attract flocks of fashionable people.
Within the store's eccentric selection, you can stumble upon an array of furs and beautiful dresses.
Devoted to antiques and up-and-coming furniture and industrial designers, it sits in a warehouse-size space but feels thoroughly intimate, thanks to expertly arranged mini areas.
A giant oak library counter and antique card catalogs make it feel like a study, appropriate since Greer is exclusively devote to exquisite stationary, journals and pens.
The concept of this store is simple and self explanatory. Keep in mind that the store is open...sometimes.
Antique 19th-century wedding dresses get top billing here, but the real pull is the racks up front, full of gorgeous, big-event gowns.
Try the chicken-thigh pizza from our 100 Best list: Everybody knows that, at the end of the day, there’s really nothing more satisfying than a well-made pizza.
Try the moules + frites from our 100 Best list: These things just may be the tenderest, most delicious mussels Chicago has seen yet.
Try the Full English fry up from our 100 Best list: Hands down, this British pub is putting out one of the best brunches in the city, from the ornate coffee service to made-in-house seasonal scones.
Try the fried chicken and waffles from our 100 Best list: The chance to eat Art Smith's incomparable fried chicken from the dinner menu, for breakfast—smothered with Burton’s maple syrup.
Try the bagel sandwich from our 100 Best list: We’ve latched on to one of the few always-present brunch items on this ever-changing menu, this bagel with lush trout cream cheese and a fried egg.
Try the mashbrown from our 100 Best list: The search for the perfect hash browns ends at Bite, where a patty of skin-on potato mash is always fried to a golden crisp.
