Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Plenty of good mexican food in this neighborhood. La Vaca has great tacos and they have specials for "Taco Tuesdays"
66 locals recommend
La Vaca Margarita Bar
1160 W 18th StPlenty of good mexican food in this neighborhood. La Vaca has great tacos and they have specials for "Taco Tuesdays"
Dusek's Board & Beer
1227 W 18th StVery highly rated restaurant
Frida Room
1454 W 18th StGreat brunch location
Simone's
960 W 18th StHonky Tonk BBQ
1213 W 18th StGiordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveChicago Style Pizza
Taqueria Los Comales
1544 W 18th StQuick Mexican food
Express Grill
1730 S Halsted StGood for late night hamburgers, fries, hotdogs, etc.
Furious Spoon Pilsen
1316 W 18th StRamen, open late
Highly recommended Chicago Style Pizza, get it with the buttercrust
513 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StHighly recommended Chicago Style Pizza, get it with the buttercrust
Drinks & Nightlife
Great beer, art, and a cozy taproom very near to our apartment
30 locals recommend
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom
2101 S Carpenter StGreat beer, art, and a cozy taproom very near to our apartment
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
2515 S Wabash AveOutstanding beer and great vibe in the taproom
Very large brewery and tap room, usually has live music, full kitchen with good food.
125 locals recommend
Lagunitas Brewing Company
2607 W 17th StVery large brewery and tap room, usually has live music, full kitchen with good food.
Punch House
1227 W 18th StSkylark
2149 S Halsted StA favorite local dive bar
Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport StGetting Around
18th station
18th Street Pink Line.
Take it to the "Loop" to get to downtown
Look for the '8 Bus' which runs North and South on Halsted.
The 8 Bus will take you North to the Blue Line train at the UIC stop. The Blue Line is the train that runs to/from the O'Hare airport. The 8 Bus will also run South to the Halsted Orange Line train stop. The Orange Line runs to/from the Midway Airport.
18th Street & Halsted station
Look for the '8 Bus' which runs North and South on Halsted.
The 8 Bus will take you North to the Blue Line train at the UIC stop. The Blue Line is the train that runs to/from the O'Hare airport. The 8 Bus will also run South to the Halsted Orange Line train stop. The Orange Line runs to/from the Midway Airport.
Look for the '18 Bus'. This bus will take you into South Loop (downtown). You can get off the bus at the Roosevelt stop and transfer to the train lines. You can also get on the 18 Bus at the Roosevelt stop and ride it to this 18th / Racine exit.
18th Street & Racine station
Look for the '18 Bus'. This bus will take you into South Loop (downtown). You can get off the bus at the Roosevelt stop and transfer to the train lines. You can also get on the 18 Bus at the Roosevelt stop and ride it to this 18th / Racine exit.
Essentials
La Casa Del Pueblo Inc.
1810 S Blue Island AveGrocery store within walking distance
Amador Liquors
1167 W 18th StLiquor store
Arts & Culture
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StThe Second City
230 W North AveWatch Improv Comedy at Second City
Sightseeing
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrBest views of the Chicago city skyline from this spot
Chicago Riverwalk
306-370 W Wacker DrWalk along the Chicago Riverwalk for great views of the city
The iconic "Bean" is a must see in Chicago. I also suggest seeing the open-air theater and park behind the Bean, the views of the skyline, and Maggie Daley park.
473 locals recommend
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph StThe iconic "Bean" is a must see in Chicago. I also suggest seeing the open-air theater and park behind the Bean, the views of the skyline, and Maggie Daley park.
Skydeck Chicago
233 S Wacker DrSee the city from the 95th floor Skydeck
The Ashland train station has great views of the city from the west side. There is a bridge over the platform where you can stand above the train tracks and take photos of the trains and the skyline. A must see during sunsets.
24 locals recommend
Ashland station
140 N Ashland AveThe Ashland train station has great views of the city from the west side. There is a bridge over the platform where you can stand above the train tracks and take photos of the trains and the skyline. A must see during sunsets.
Parks & Nature
Great public beach with a volleyball, bar/restaurant, and great views of downtown
338 locals recommend
North Avenue Beach
Great public beach with a volleyball, bar/restaurant, and great views of downtown
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StPublic zoo, nice park, great views