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Time Out Chicago: Try the mushroom and kale pie from our 100 Best list: This is one of our favorite openings of the year: It’s understated, authentic and charming, just like this individual savory pie.
954 N California Ave (at Augusta Blvd), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · Humboldt Park · 58 tips and reviews
Eater: If you're not serious about great wine, beer and locally sourced, seasonal small plates, this chill Humboldt Park spot will convert you. [Eater 38 Member]
233 S Wacker Dr (btwn Adams St & Jackson Blvd), Chicago, IL
Scenic Lookout · The Loop · 392 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: 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.
Dylan C: Coolest L station in the Loop! Historically renovated to look like it did when it opened in 1897. Make sure to check out the period advertisements while you wait on the platform.
1200 S Lake Shore Dr (at Solidarity Dr), Chicago, IL
Aquarium · Museum Campus · 449 tips and reviews
HISTORY: It's the world's largest indoor aquarium with over 8,000 aquatic animals representing over 700 species. The Marine Mammal Presentation features staff interacting with whales & dolphins as they dive.
IFC: 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
224 S Michigan Ave (at E Jackson Blvd), Chicago, IL
Museum · The Loop · 51 tips and reviews
HISTORY: The Bungalows By Bus Tour features the Chicago bungalows built between 1910-1940, & the Frank Lloyd Wright Bus Tour shows samples of his unique architecture in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
111 S Michigan Ave (btwn Monroe St & Jackson Dr), Chicago, IL
Art Museum · Grant Park · 686 tips and reviews
HISTORY: The collection encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from around the world & more than 260,000 pieces. The Modern Wing was opened in 2009 & is the largest expansion in their history.
Outdoor Sculpture · The Loop · 16 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: 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.
N Lake Shore Dr (btwn Glenlake Ave & Grand Ave), Chicago, IL
Park · Lincoln Park · 43 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: The park stretches along the lakeshore and contains the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Cultural Center.
1002 N California Ave (at Augusta Blvd.), Chicago, IL
Bar · Humboldt Park · 48 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: The Clipper is a photo booth away from exhibiting the same shabby hipster cool as Goldstar. Slide into one of the gorgeous old booths on a Friday or Saturday for no-cover live rockabilly groups.
Time Out Chicago: Local poet Larry Sawyer has booked one of the best free poetry series in the Midwest here for years, and in Myopic’s new third-floor space, the readings are even sunnier.
Hot Dog Joint · Northwest Side · 236 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Doug has veggie dogs for vegetarians, bagel dogs for kids and specialities for the highbrow hot doggers. But his famous duck-fat fries are only for customers who come out on Fridays and Saturdays.
Indie Movie Theater · Lake View East · 75 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Along with a great selection of hard-to-find and independent films, the theatre's concessions counter is one of the best in the city, with vegan cookies and a popcorn seasoning bar on offer.
4802 N Broadway St (at W Lawrence Ave), Chicago, IL
Jazz and Blues Venue · Uptown · 136 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: This jazz institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s haunted, and the no-nonsense staff will shush you and the friends who dragged you in during jazz sets.
New American Restaurant · Edgewater · 78 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: For anybody who suffers from restaurant fatigue, the notion of a cocktail on a specials menu is irresistible, even more so when it’s described as a blend of pear-infused vodka, plum wine and sake.