While a steam-simmered (not boiled) hot dog is preferred among connoisseurs of the Chicago-style dog, grilling is also an acceptable cooking method. Read more.
While a steam-simmered (not boiled) hot dog is preferred among connoisseurs of the Chicago-style dog, grilling is also an acceptable cooking method. Read more.
The Von Steuben Day Parade happens every Sept in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. There you can visit the Chicago Brauhaus (4732 N. Lincoln Ave.), where it's Oktoberfest year-round. Read more.
While at the Art Institute, make sure to check out their self-guided movie-themed tour. Click the link that follows this tip to view the PDF. Read more.
Did you know? Millennium Park is one of the world's largest green roofs. It's 24.5 acres of green space are built on top of a subterranean parking garage. Read more.
Scenes from Transformers 3, depicting the final battle sequence between warring robots (Autobots and Decepticons) were shot outside of the Willis Tower. 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.
The Renegade Craft Fair, which got its start in Chicago, has a permanent storefront in Wicker Park where you can shop year-round for one-of-a-kind DIY goods by over 300 artists. Read more.
Browse the Art Institute’s galleries, then head to their bookshops, which offer a comprehensive range of art titles, as well as artistic stationary and gifts.
With 3 floors of books stacked from floor to ceiling, Myopic is one of Chicago’s oldest and largest used bookstores. They also have a curious piece of memorabilia: Charles Bukowski’s “last breath”.
Set within the historic Newberry Library, this bookstore’s specialties include American Studies, Medieval and Renaissance History, Literature, and books about Chicago and the Midwest, to name a few.
Superman could test whether he is indeed "more powerful than a locamotive" on one of Union Station's 24 tracks, which the METRA electric suburban train system and Amtrak.
The crowd is as varied as the eats—tourists, lunching ladies and local working stiffs rub elbows—and everyone seems content with the large portions. Braised pork tacos and plump maki are both hits. Read more.
Chicago: A training ground for the likes of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell and others, this legendary comedy club now boasts -IFC Staff
Chicago: Any park that plays host to a Barack Obama victory speech and a Radiohead show in the same year deserves to be at the top of this list. -IFC Viewer
An artist-run space dedicated to the collaboration of ideas through exhibitions & printed matter, Golden Age is the place to discover amazing pieces from printed posters to high-end zines to clothing.
Threadless selects and prints hundreds of awesome new t-shirt designs by a talented community of artists. This locale gets the newest tees on Friday, three days before they're for sale on the website.
Scenes from Transformers 3, depicting the final battle sequence between warring robots (Autobots and Decepticons) were shot here. Read more.
Union Station’s south staircase is the setting for one of The Untouchables’ most memorable scenes, which depicts a baby carriage caught in a crossfire. This scene pays homage to Battleship Potemkin.
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.
Superman can leap "the tallest building in a single bound", quite a feat at the Willis Tower, which is 1,450 feet (443 meters) high or 1,730 feet (520 meters) including the twin antenna towers.
I performed improv on stage and I was so nervous. I think I held my own, but I won’t be going on Second City’s professional stage anytime soon. Instead, I’ll let them do all the work. – Samantha Brown Read more.
This museum's centerpiece is a flying machine whose size and reputation dwarfs all others. It is the Hughes H-4 Hercules, the largest aircraft to be built almost entirely from wood. Read more.
What’s my take on the age-old argument: New York thin crust versus Chicago deep dish? Let’s just say, I’m a Brooklyn guy, but Gino's tests my loyalty. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food
In "The Dark Knight" (2008), Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) and his girlfriend Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) show up for a ballet performance in scenes shot in the Chicago Theatre. Read more.
In "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), Matthew Broderick and friends cut school to visit the Skydeck, pressing their foreheads against the glass to get a good look down. Read more.
The Newberry Library's website has detailed information on items in their collection that are mentioned in Niffenegger's best-selling novel "The Time Traveler's Wife": http://bit.ly/7x0Pfy Read more.
Scenes from Transformers 3, depicting the final battle sequence between warring robots (Autobots and Decepticons) were shot here. Read more.
This take-out bakery specializes in an enormous doughnut, measuring 9" across and 3" tall that is known as "Big Dat”.
You might recognize this mural created for the filming of the original Blue Brothers movie, where Ray’s Music Exchange stood. It remains today as a testament to the blues’ Chicago roots. Read more.
One of many bars in Printers Row, Villains has an extensive list of craft beers, as well as an eclectic menu of snacks and meals. They also feature live music and a burlesque show once a month.
This unassuming office building is one of the filming locations for the Superman movie coming out in 2013. It's also super green: it was the first project to be certified LEED-CS Gold.
The Chicago Picasso, a gift from the artist to the people of Chicago, has become a beloved icon of the city and a source of civic pride.
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.
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.
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.
This unique bookstore features unusual and underground material such as self-published, small and independent press books, magazines, zines, body art, and underground comics.
Find Godzilla-like merchandise at Chicago’s top Japanese specialty toystore featuring imported Japanese-made action figures and dragon paraphernalia.
