Alex & Laura's Chicago Favorites
Getting Around
Coming from O'Hare or downtown, this is the easiest access point to our neighborhood. Use google maps on your phone for the best directions/schedules.
23 locals recommend
Addison Blue Line Station
Coming from O'Hare or downtown, this is the easiest access point to our neighborhood. Use google maps on your phone for the best directions/schedules.
Essentials
Walking distance from our place, open 0600 - 0100 daily. Recommend using the reusable bags provided in the apartment to avoid Chicago bag tax.
28 locals recommend
Jewel-Osco Pharmacy
3572 N Elston AveWalking distance from our place, open 0600 - 0100 daily. Recommend using the reusable bags provided in the apartment to avoid Chicago bag tax.
Stand-alone Chase bank, vestibule access for ATM transactions after hours.
73 locals recommend
Chase Bank
2228 S Western AveStand-alone Chase bank, vestibule access for ATM transactions after hours.
Food Scene
A small local chain, great Mexican food. Open until at least 2am, sometimes later.
14 locals recommend
Burrito House
3547 N Lincoln AveA small local chain, great Mexican food. Open until at least 2am, sometimes later.
A bit of a walk, but well worth it. Great Irish food and other pub fare. Wine list offers incredible value, but watch out, it's not always up to date. Brunch on Sunday is fantastic, and they offer a number of live music options throughout the month.
29 locals recommend
Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant
3471 N Elston AveA bit of a walk, but well worth it. Great Irish food and other pub fare. Wine list offers incredible value, but watch out, it's not always up to date. Brunch on Sunday is fantastic, and they offer a number of live music options throughout the month.
Dunkin' Donuts
3960 W Irving Park RdSometimes you need a donut.
Open 24 hours.
Great tacos (try the pastor!), fantastic margaritas & micheladas. Great patio, weather depending. Can be a bit loud inside. Be prepared to wait for a table.
1178 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveGreat tacos (try the pastor!), fantastic margaritas & micheladas. Great patio, weather depending. Can be a bit loud inside. Be prepared to wait for a table.
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveInventive food and cocktails. Very popular.
A good example of Chicago-style pizza.
Deep dish is good, definitely try it if you've never had it before.
Most Chicago natives prefer the thin crust. We just can't eat the deep dish all the time. :)
519 locals recommend
Giordano's
5311 S Blackstone AveA good example of Chicago-style pizza.
Deep dish is good, definitely try it if you've never had it before.
Most Chicago natives prefer the thin crust. We just can't eat the deep dish all the time. :)
Good example of Chicago-style pizza. Crust is made with lots of butter. Decadent, but worth it.
163 locals recommend
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveGood example of Chicago-style pizza. Crust is made with lots of butter. Decadent, but worth it.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
2540 W Armitage AveFantastic & authentic Cuban food. Highly recommended.
One of my favorite French restaurants in the city. Reservations highly recommended, this place is tiny and popular with locals.
56 locals recommend
Le Bouchon
1958 N Damen AveOne of my favorite French restaurants in the city. Reservations highly recommended, this place is tiny and popular with locals.
New Haven style pizza and house brewed beer. Very popular. Live band karaoke on some Saturday nights.
490 locals recommend
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveNew Haven style pizza and house brewed beer. Very popular. Live band karaoke on some Saturday nights.
2 locations next to each other, some of the best tacos in the city. Get the one with steak, onion, cilantro, & sour cream. Great place to fuel up before a Division Street bar crawl.
I prefer the location at 1132 N. Ashland strictly because they have an AMAZING black salsa (get it with some chips)
23 locals recommend
La Pasadita
1140 N Ashland Ave2 locations next to each other, some of the best tacos in the city. Get the one with steak, onion, cilantro, & sour cream. Great place to fuel up before a Division Street bar crawl.
I prefer the location at 1132 N. Ashland strictly because they have an AMAZING black salsa (get it with some chips)
La Scarola
721 W Grand AveOld-school Italian. Some of the best in the city.
Great place for some post-Cubs game food. Dogs, burgers, cheese fries, milkshakes. Counter service.
11 locals recommend
Wrigleyville Dogs
3737 N Clark StGreat place for some post-Cubs game food. Dogs, burgers, cheese fries, milkshakes. Counter service.
Fantastic Thai food, great place for before a Cubs game. I think they offer a discount on game days (with your ticket).
33 locals recommend
Cozy Noodles n' Rice
Fantastic Thai food, great place for before a Cubs game. I think they offer a discount on game days (with your ticket).
PR Italian Bistro
3908 N Sheridan RdFantastic Northern Italian food. Highly recommended.
Fantastic Fried Chicken. A must try in the neighborhood.
14 minute walk from the apartment.
99 locals recommend
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston AveFantastic Fried Chicken. A must try in the neighborhood.
14 minute walk from the apartment.
Great sweet and savory pies. Picnic tables (weather permitting)
468 locals recommend
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveGreat sweet and savory pies. Picnic tables (weather permitting)
Pretty authentic Mexican food. A little less gringo oriented than the Burrito House next door. ;)
"It's like going to someone's house."
El Potosi
3710 N Elston AvePretty authentic Mexican food. A little less gringo oriented than the Burrito House next door. ;)
"It's like going to someone's house."
Great place for a bite to eat before or after a visit to the zoo. Reasonably priced, walking distance from the park, quiet neighborhood.
22 locals recommend
GEMINI
2075 N Lincoln AveGreat place for a bite to eat before or after a visit to the zoo. Reasonably priced, walking distance from the park, quiet neighborhood.
Great Italian food. Pretty good wine list, good draft beer selection. Favorites of ours include: grilled calamari, eggplant parmesan, chicken mirabella (spicy), grilled veal chop, black pasta with seafood. Open in the evenings, every day except Mon.
14 locals recommend
Mirabella Italian Cuisine & Bar
3454 W Addison StGreat Italian food. Pretty good wine list, good draft beer selection. Favorites of ours include: grilled calamari, eggplant parmesan, chicken mirabella (spicy), grilled veal chop, black pasta with seafood. Open in the evenings, every day except Mon.
LD Pho
4722 N Kedzie AveGreat place for slightly Americanized Vietnamese food.
Michelin Star rated restaurant within walking distance from the house. Inventive food, popular spot for locals, reservations highly recommended.
69 locals recommend
Parachute
3500 N Elston AveMichelin Star rated restaurant within walking distance from the house. Inventive food, popular spot for locals, reservations highly recommended.
One of our favorites. Great wine list, 1/2 price bottles on Wednesday nights. They have other deals throughout the week, call them for details.
30 minute walk, 7 minute car ride
33 locals recommend
Angelo's Wine Bar
3026 W Montrose AveOne of our favorites. Great wine list, 1/2 price bottles on Wednesday nights. They have other deals throughout the week, call them for details.
30 minute walk, 7 minute car ride
Great spicy chicken, simply served with white bread and pickles. The sandwiches are great, oysters are usually on point. Get some sparkling wine to start, then move on to the frozen negronis!
660 locals recommend
Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage AveGreat spicy chicken, simply served with white bread and pickles. The sandwiches are great, oysters are usually on point. Get some sparkling wine to start, then move on to the frozen negronis!
Portugal meets Macau at this Southeast Asian restaurant. Inventive and incredibly delicious food, served in a casual environment. Reservations are highly recommended, but if you can't get one, you can always line up right before opening and try for a bar seat. They are usually a bit more flexible with seating right at opening time.
126 locals recommend
Fat Rice
2957 W Diversey AvePortugal meets Macau at this Southeast Asian restaurant. Inventive and incredibly delicious food, served in a casual environment. Reservations are highly recommended, but if you can't get one, you can always line up right before opening and try for a bar seat. They are usually a bit more flexible with seating right at opening time.
Upscale yet affordable Mexican food. Classic street food interpreted for a sit-down restaurant. FANTASTIC cocktails, if they have the prickly pear margarita, definitely give it a try.
30 locals recommend
Masa Azul
2901 W Diversey AveUpscale yet affordable Mexican food. Classic street food interpreted for a sit-down restaurant. FANTASTIC cocktails, if they have the prickly pear margarita, definitely give it a try.
Newer restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Very popular, reservations recommended. Rooftop patio for the summertime.
43 locals recommend
etta
1840 W North AveNewer restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Very popular, reservations recommended. Rooftop patio for the summertime.
Slow cooked BBQ, house made sauces in all styles. Moonshine cocktails, amazing dessert. Reservations recommended.
34 locals recommend
Lillie's Q
417 North Ashland AvenueSlow cooked BBQ, house made sauces in all styles. Moonshine cocktails, amazing dessert. Reservations recommended.
Modern Italian food in a classy environment. Well cultivated wine list. Comfortable patio space in the summer.
48 locals recommend
Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted StModern Italian food in a classy environment. Well cultivated wine list. Comfortable patio space in the summer.
Great bar/pub vibe, classic American cuisine. Patio with stylish lighting during the summer.
63 locals recommend
The Dawson
730 W Grand AveGreat bar/pub vibe, classic American cuisine. Patio with stylish lighting during the summer.
Kitschy diner with fantastic food. Milkshakes, cake, patty melts, etc. The classics. Great place to fill up before a game.
55 locals recommend
Rise Sushi & Sake Lounge
756 West Webster AvenueKitschy diner with fantastic food. Milkshakes, cake, patty melts, etc. The classics. Great place to fill up before a game.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes in Boystown. A Chicago staple for 20+ years
87 locals recommend
Chicago Diner
3411 N Halsted StVegetarian and vegan dishes in Boystown. A Chicago staple for 20+ years
Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with a great wine list. Cozy and comfortable seating, including love-seats at the bar.
34 locals recommend
Ella Elli
1349 W Cornelia AveItalian-Mediterranean cuisine with a great wine list. Cozy and comfortable seating, including love-seats at the bar.
If this place ever has porchetta on the menu, definitely get it. Southern Italian food, lighter options include fresh made pizzas, and a well-cultivated wine list.
39 locals recommend
Coda di Volpe
3335 N Southport AveIf this place ever has porchetta on the menu, definitely get it. Southern Italian food, lighter options include fresh made pizzas, and a well-cultivated wine list.
Pizza by the slice available in the small area by the kitchen. Great for pre- or post-game food. Sit-down service in the front. Greasy and delicious, but not the best example of Chicago-style pizza.
34 locals recommend
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub Wrigleyville
1351 West Addison StreetPizza by the slice available in the small area by the kitchen. Great for pre- or post-game food. Sit-down service in the front. Greasy and delicious, but not the best example of Chicago-style pizza.
A quiet wine bar in Roscoe Village. Winter is cozy and small, summer is light and airy with a patio in the back. Inventive and tasty dishes, with a great wine list.
173 locals recommend
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
954 North California AvenueA quiet wine bar in Roscoe Village. Winter is cozy and small, summer is light and airy with a patio in the back. Inventive and tasty dishes, with a great wine list.
Really great place for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Definitely try their signature orange coffee.
31 locals recommend
Paul's Noodle Shop
3400 N Sheffield AveReally great place for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Definitely try their signature orange coffee.
My 2nd favorite breakfast/brunch place in Roscoe Village. Try the Green Eggs & Ham!
36 locals recommend
Kitsch'n on Roscoe
2005 W Roscoe StMy 2nd favorite breakfast/brunch place in Roscoe Village. Try the Green Eggs & Ham!
Wow, this is some great French food. It's a newer place that the locals love, so reservations are definitely recommended. If you're lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. There's a great list of wines by the glass, sit at the bar and make friends with the bartenders.
9 locals recommend
Le Sud
2301 W Roscoe StWow, this is some great French food. It's a newer place that the locals love, so reservations are definitely recommended. If you're lucky, you can grab a seat at the bar. There's a great list of wines by the glass, sit at the bar and make friends with the bartenders.
Local place for diner breakfast and lunch. Great skillets and omelettes. If you're interested in different hot sauces, ask the server, they make some of them in house and she'll bring you all of the choices! Family owned. =)
Closed Tuesdays
Sunshine Restaurant Inc
3523 N Kedzie AveLocal place for diner breakfast and lunch. Great skillets and omelettes. If you're interested in different hot sauces, ask the server, they make some of them in house and she'll bring you all of the choices! Family owned. =)
Closed Tuesdays
Classic neighborhood diner with a great menu, and a larger-than-average pancake selection. A slightly longer walk than our other recommendation, but great reviews and open every day.
23 locals recommend
Original Alps Pancake House
3637 W Irving Park RdClassic neighborhood diner with a great menu, and a larger-than-average pancake selection. A slightly longer walk than our other recommendation, but great reviews and open every day.
New BYOB Cuban restaurant nearby. Great selection of Cuban classics within walking distance. Delivery available. It's become a favorite of MLB players from home and visiting teams.
Mima's Taste Of Cuba
2925 W Irving Park RdNew BYOB Cuban restaurant nearby. Great selection of Cuban classics within walking distance. Delivery available. It's become a favorite of MLB players from home and visiting teams.
This is not your dorm room ramen! Lots of flavorful options with some great add-ins available. Ask your server/bartender for recommendations. Grab a Japanese beer or some sake to go with your meal.
37 locals recommend
Furious Spoon Logan Square
2410 N Milwaukee AveThis is not your dorm room ramen! Lots of flavorful options with some great add-ins available. Ask your server/bartender for recommendations. Grab a Japanese beer or some sake to go with your meal.
Parks & Nature
Athletic Field Park
3546 W Addison StClosest park to our house, if you're in the mood for some green space.
Entertainment & Activities
Small, locally owned theater showing current releases. Tickets available for purchase on their website. Bar inside. Lots of nightlife in the area.
315 locals recommend
The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee AveSmall, locally owned theater showing current releases. Tickets available for purchase on their website. Bar inside. Lots of nightlife in the area.
Recently remodeled local theater, great seating arrangements. Tickets available for purchase on their website (you can pick your seats). Select adult beverages available at their concessions counter. There's also a nice bar/restaurant attached if you want to grab some food before or after your movie.
104 locals recommend
Davis Theater, Chicago
4614 N Lincoln AveRecently remodeled local theater, great seating arrangements. Tickets available for purchase on their website (you can pick your seats). Select adult beverages available at their concessions counter. There's also a nice bar/restaurant attached if you want to grab some food before or after your movie.
Drinks & Nightlife
Focus on hand crafted cocktails. Inventive food menu. Beautiful patio, weather dependent.
144 locals recommend
Billy Sunday
3143 W Logan BlvdFocus on hand crafted cocktails. Inventive food menu. Beautiful patio, weather dependent.
Brewery with tours, and a tap room. Craft beers.
101 locals recommend
Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
3340 N Kedzie AveBrewery with tours, and a tap room. Craft beers.
Main outlet/original location for Revolution Brewing. Great food, lively atmosphere
724 locals recommend
Revolution Brewing - Brewpub
2323 N Milwaukee AveMain outlet/original location for Revolution Brewing. Great food, lively atmosphere
The coziest bar in Chicago. Great patio, weather permitting.
Have a conversation with the bartenders about their infused vodkas. Great place for whiskey or martinis.
56 locals recommend
Matchbox
770 N Milwaukee AveThe coziest bar in Chicago. Great patio, weather permitting.
Have a conversation with the bartenders about their infused vodkas. Great place for whiskey or martinis.
Emmit's Irish Pub
495 N Milwaukee AveGreat Irish bar, very popular.
You're paying for the view, but it's a great view.
Food and drink selection isn't that impressive, but a good spot for a drink while enjoying the view.
124 locals recommend
The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StYou're paying for the view, but it's a great view.
Food and drink selection isn't that impressive, but a good spot for a drink while enjoying the view.
My favorite Wrigleyville bar. Small, a little bit away from the madness, good value (for the most part).
7 locals recommend
The GMan Tavern
3740 N Clark StMy favorite Wrigleyville bar. Small, a little bit away from the madness, good value (for the most part).
L & L Tavern
3207 N Clark StDive bar. Bring cash. Be prepared for anything and everything.
Great place for a slice and a beer (and a shot).
Also try the Jameson ice cream!
152 locals recommend
The Boiler Room
2210 North California AvenueGreat place for a slice and a beer (and a shot).
Also try the Jameson ice cream!
Great Tiki Bar in Logan Square neighborhood. If you want a drink that's on fire, this is the place for you.
They now have a limited menu as well.
356 locals recommend
Lost Lake
3154 W Diversey AveGreat Tiki Bar in Logan Square neighborhood. If you want a drink that's on fire, this is the place for you.
They now have a limited menu as well.
Coffee bar during the day (limited menu), liquor available all day. Bartenders play vinyl for atmosphere. Power outlets all along the bar make this an "office" for a lot of people during the day. Great specialty cocktails, the michelada is out of sight.
85 locals recommend
Estereo
2450 N Milwaukee AveCoffee bar during the day (limited menu), liquor available all day. Bartenders play vinyl for atmosphere. Power outlets all along the bar make this an "office" for a lot of people during the day. Great specialty cocktails, the michelada is out of sight.
Lots of beers on tap and in bottles. Mussels & frites, steak, great sandwiches and composed dishes. If you love wine, this is a great place for some hidden gems, they have a well curated list that is moderately priced. Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. Red line to Argyle or Berwyn, or just take an Uber.
251 locals recommend
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StLots of beers on tap and in bottles. Mussels & frites, steak, great sandwiches and composed dishes. If you love wine, this is a great place for some hidden gems, they have a well curated list that is moderately priced. Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. Red line to Argyle or Berwyn, or just take an Uber.
Great Logan Square wine bar with unique wines, lots of glass pours, and really good food. Lots of windows, so there are some great views of the Square.
73 locals recommend
Websters Wine Bar Chicago
2601 N Milwaukee AveGreat Logan Square wine bar with unique wines, lots of glass pours, and really good food. Lots of windows, so there are some great views of the Square.
Classic cocktails in a semi-divey atmosphere. If you go in the summer there is patio seating in the back, definitely try some of the great food, too. Angostura bitters on tap.
Take the Kimball bus to Armitage and walk the rest of the way.
45 locals recommend
Best Intentions
3281 W Armitage AveClassic cocktails in a semi-divey atmosphere. If you go in the summer there is patio seating in the back, definitely try some of the great food, too. Angostura bitters on tap.
Take the Kimball bus to Armitage and walk the rest of the way.
Speakeasy style cocktail bar. They only allow you in if there's a seat for you. Don't wait in line, walk past everyone to the doorman (inside and to the left), & get your name on the list. They'll call you when they have a spot.
Cocktails are based on the classics, and they take time to craft. This is a place to enjoy your first 1 or 2 drinks before moving on to a place with faster service.
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveSpeakeasy style cocktail bar. They only allow you in if there's a seat for you. Don't wait in line, walk past everyone to the doorman (inside and to the left), & get your name on the list. They'll call you when they have a spot.
Cocktails are based on the classics, and they take time to craft. This is a place to enjoy your first 1 or 2 drinks before moving on to a place with faster service.
Rooftop cocktail bar in a newly renovated hotel. Great views of the downtown area, interesting view of the Blue Line tracks below. Small pools for cooling off during the summertime.
37 locals recommend
The Up Room
2018 W North AveRooftop cocktail bar in a newly renovated hotel. Great views of the downtown area, interesting view of the Blue Line tracks below. Small pools for cooling off during the summertime.
Fun cocktail bar with inventive recipes. Great gin and whiskey selections. Lots of good beer choices. Friendly and accommodating bar staff. Tip a few $$ up front if you're ordering something unusual that's not on their menu.
14 locals recommend
Remedy
1910 N Milwaukee AveFun cocktail bar with inventive recipes. Great gin and whiskey selections. Lots of good beer choices. Friendly and accommodating bar staff. Tip a few $$ up front if you're ordering something unusual that's not on their menu.
There are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Sports Corner has been one of our favorites for 15 years, and it's even better after the remodel to give them a great rooftop.
Sports Corner Bar & Grill
956 W Addison StThere are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Sports Corner has been one of our favorites for 15 years, and it's even better after the remodel to give them a great rooftop.
There are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Casey Morans can be super crowded at times, but they always put on a good party.
6 locals recommend
Casey Morans
3660 N Clark StThere are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Casey Morans can be super crowded at times, but they always put on a good party.
There are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Cubby Bear is one of the old-school bars, definitely worth visiting. Also a concert venue.
36 locals recommend
Cubby Bear
1059 W Addison StThere are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Cubby Bear is one of the old-school bars, definitely worth visiting. Also a concert venue.
There are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Sluggers has been around for a long time, and they have batting cages!!
37 locals recommend
Sluggers
3540 N Clark StThere are a TON of bars to visit before or after a ballgame, most of them similar enough that it doesn't matter. Walk Clark Street and choose whichever one speaks to you in the moment. Sluggers has been around for a long time, and they have batting cages!!
Cork Lounge
1822 W Addison StDivey bar, great place for a pre- or post-game drink.
Arts & Culture
The Art Institute has a number of great collections. It's definitely worth visiting on a rainy day. Special exhibits usually require separate tickets. Check out their website for details
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveThe Art Institute has a number of great collections. It's definitely worth visiting on a rainy day. Special exhibits usually require separate tickets. Check out their website for details
The MCA is a great place to see some interesting modern art. Convenient to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. Special exhibits often require separate tickets, see their website for details.
532 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveThe MCA is a great place to see some interesting modern art. Convenient to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. Special exhibits often require separate tickets, see their website for details.
Located at the south end of Grant Park, the Field Museum houses artifacts of natural and human history, including Sue the T-Rex, and an Egyptian tomb. Special exhibits often require separate tickets, see their website for details.
657 locals recommend
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrLocated at the south end of Grant Park, the Field Museum houses artifacts of natural and human history, including Sue the T-Rex, and an Egyptian tomb. Special exhibits often require separate tickets, see their website for details.
A building with a lot of history, this planetarium has a modern feel in its exhibits. There are a few viewing theaters where you can lean back and stare into the night sky, as well as some interactive exhibits.
393 locals recommend
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrA building with a lot of history, this planetarium has a modern feel in its exhibits. There are a few viewing theaters where you can lean back and stare into the night sky, as well as some interactive exhibits.
One of the most interesting things about this building is that you can see the original, small aquarium when you walk in the front door. Once you get past that, it opens up to a much larger facility with great views of the lake in the area where the whales and dolphins live. Great habitats for all the animals. Check out the otters and penguins!
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrOne of the most interesting things about this building is that you can see the original, small aquarium when you walk in the front door. Once you get past that, it opens up to a much larger facility with great views of the lake in the area where the whales and dolphins live. Great habitats for all the animals. Check out the otters and penguins!