The menu here is classic French Bistro (pommes frites, white wine mussels, steak tartare) perfectly executed. The decor is contemporary New York, but the crowd is all Chicago. Read more.
From cute ruffled party dresses to beautiful hand-forged jewelry, everything you’ll find at this amazing little boutique comes from local Chicago designers. Read more.
There’s no going wrong here: snag a seat in the back and try the grilled octopus with spiced carmellini beans or the incredible polenta fries. For more, follow us on 4sq or at www.renhotels.com. Read more.
Lots of people come here to work (there are outlets everywhere, and wifi is free), powered by espressos, lattes, ‘drip’ coffee, and incredible cold-brewed iced coffees made by expert baristas. Read more.
The pancakes are a local delicacy, but the toppings – which range from ripe berries and marscapone cheese to tiramisu and chocolate – are what set them apart. Read more.
Book an appointment with Patrick Lewis, one of Chicago’s top hair stylists and its undisputed scalp-masseuse champion. Read more.
The self-service wine dispensing systems, each offering 10 outstanding varietals by the glass (red, white and sparkling), mean you won’t be interrupted by a server or have to wait for your next glass. Read more.
From its flickering neon facade to its horseshoe bar, and sunken, velvet-lined stage (not to mention its status as a one-time Capone hangout) it’s as credible-looking as a jazz lair you’ll find. Read more.
The bone-in filet is pretty spectacular, its buttery-soft meat perfectly seasoned, best rare and barely singed by the flame. Try their Old-Fashioned too – it’s one of the best cocktails in Chicago. Read more.
The vast majority of the beers here are from the small, extraordinary breweries around the world, including many esoteric, seasonal or hard-to-find brews, so there’s always something new to try. Read more.
Platters of gleaming, fresh oysters, piles of juicy porchetta and a ribeye steak dry-aged for 60 days are extraordinary, and even better paired with beers from Publican’s world-class beer list. Read more.
One corner of the store is usually given to an artist exhibition, which is fitting, given that Judy Maxwell feels more like a gallery than a store. Read more.
Try the Sepia Noodles topped with avocado-chive, pickled watermelon and garlic, or the Braised Pork Belly with sugar snap peas, coconut, vanilla and plums. Read more.
The twice-cooked fries alone are worth the trip and the boisterous pub atmosphere is exactly what you want when you’re tearing into a moan inducing burger of this caliber. Read more.
Try the Pig Face Poutine - a combination of sweetbreads and fries, it's the richest, and the most popular dish. Served late into the night, of course. Read more.
Laid out like a true, old-school haberdashery, this menswear shop offers a vision of the man you want to be, from classic and rugged to tailored and groomed, all in high quality, all-American brands.
The delicious pork belly sandwich, topped with shaved apple, watercress, purple onions, yogurt and fresh mint, challenges you to find a better lunch in Chicago.
One of the first and still one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago. Come here in the early evening for chief mixologist Cristiana DeLucca’s full attention and unbelievable, hand-crafted cocktails.
Experience the overwhelming umami flavor of the exotic mushroom plate--and a steak drizzled with marrow butter. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Drink, eat and shop at this monthly bazaar where Chicago’s hottest chefs and designers offer their goods. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Stop in here for sublime tapas served in an absolutely stunning setting. Best seen at midnight, with a Pisco Double Punch. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Few know that seat are first-come first-serve here — show up 30 minutes early for great seats at the main stage. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Set yourself apart with a timeless, handmade leather briefcase and other old-school pieces from this new-school haberdashery. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Order a bowl of cream of wheat. Thanks to lamb drippings and brown butter, the simplest dish here becomes simply astonishing. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Ever had an old-fashioned that consisted of a bourbon-filled ice-egg you have to shatter with a mini slingshot? You will here. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
