Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Sunda
110 W Illinois StVery good sushi (on the expensive side but they have cheaper lunch options)
Best burger in Chicago. Usually 2hours wait (put your name on the list and come back when they call - area full of nice bars and restaurants)
620 locals recommend
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph StBest burger in Chicago. Usually 2hours wait (put your name on the list and come back when they call - area full of nice bars and restaurants)
Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueBest deep dish pizza in Chicago - not too far from the apartment
Sultan's Market
2057 W North AveVery cheap and good Middle Eastern Food - Cash only!
The Bongo Room
5022 N Clark StReally good brunch
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen AveFavorite doughnut place!
They have a real Dolorean coming out of the wall!!!! Who cares about their coffee!!
131 locals recommend
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveThey have a real Dolorean coming out of the wall!!!! Who cares about their coffee!!
Crazy pizzas (waffle&chicken, mac&cheese etc.). Used to be very good, now only decent quality and overpriced. Open until very late - which is good.
25 locals recommend
Dimo's Pizza Wicker Park
1615 N Damen AveCrazy pizzas (waffle&chicken, mac&cheese etc.). Used to be very good, now only decent quality and overpriced. Open until very late - which is good.
Used to be really good, now a little more commercial. Margaritas are still strong! Some tacos are good, some are average. Haven't been there in a while. Great patio. Drinks and Food.
1176 locals recommend
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveUsed to be really good, now a little more commercial. Margaritas are still strong! Some tacos are good, some are average. Haven't been there in a while. Great patio. Drinks and Food.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
1769 W Sunnyside AveAmazing pizzas
GREAT pizzas!!!
It is also a great place to visit (fancy "convenient"/specialty store on 2 levels).
140 locals recommend
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio StGREAT pizzas!!!
It is also a great place to visit (fancy "convenient"/specialty store on 2 levels).
Very good burger (if you don't want to wait the two hours for Au Cheval)
9 locals recommend
Kuma's Corner West Loop
852 W Fulton MarketVery good burger (if you don't want to wait the two hours for Au Cheval)
Sushi Taku
1904 W Division St$25 All you can eat sushis - very good quality!!
Famous local spot for ice cream (though last time I went the vanilla ice cream was the one from Restaurant Depot).
They have an ice cream challenge, if you are up to the task!
179 locals recommend
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western AveFamous local spot for ice cream (though last time I went the vanilla ice cream was the one from Restaurant Depot).
They have an ice cream challenge, if you are up to the task!
Decent pizza (nothing extraordinary, far from that) BUT they brew their own beer....
488 locals recommend
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveDecent pizza (nothing extraordinary, far from that) BUT they brew their own beer....
Drinks & Nightlife
Arcade games, drinks, classic movies on the background, live music/DJ, BYOF, a great spot!
158 locals recommend
Emporium Wicker Park
1366 N Milwaukee AveArcade games, drinks, classic movies on the background, live music/DJ, BYOF, a great spot!
Whiskey Business
1367 N Milwaukee AveBar/dance, nice rooftop (rooftop closes early though)
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayBar where Al Capone used to hang out. Live music.
House of Blues Chicago
329 N Dearborn StNice spot for live music.
Great date spot. Fancy cocktails. Bar open during the prohibition (when the outside light is on, it means the bar is open).
355 locals recommend
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveGreat date spot. Fancy cocktails. Bar open during the prohibition (when the outside light is on, it means the bar is open).
Arts & Culture
Museum of Science & Industry station
My favorite museum
Essentials
Aldi
3363 N Milwaukee AveBest price and good quality
Olivia's Market
2014 W Wabansia AveFancy convenient store. Expensive but can find gourmet items.
Jewel-Osco
3531 N BroadwayOpen 24/7
Walgreens
3646 North BroadwayThe store was a former bank and still has the big safe downstairs.
Entertainment & Activities
Comedy club. The Chicago scene is very broad. I only put the Laugh Factory because this is an iconic brand, but I encourage you to look up other comedy and improv club!
79 locals recommend
Laugh Factory
3175 N BroadwayComedy club. The Chicago scene is very broad. I only put the Laugh Factory because this is an iconic brand, but I encourage you to look up other comedy and improv club!
Bad Axe Throwing
You always wanted to throw an axe at a target? They did it!
CorePower Yoga
945 W George StThey have free sessions of Yoga
Sightseeing
North Avenue Beach station
One or two level below the Hanckok observatory but free to get in (save the money and get a drink instead). Best view is from the women's bathroom.
525 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveOne or two level below the Hanckok observatory but free to get in (save the money and get a drink instead). Best view is from the women's bathroom.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrGreat views walking from the Aquarium to the Planetarium