Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Au Cheval (restaurant located in the West Loop) has the best burger in the nation according to Bon Apetit. This location's burger is almost as good without the 2-3 hour wait.
1732 N Milwaukee Ave
1732 North Milwaukee AvenueAu Cheval (restaurant located in the West Loop) has the best burger in the nation according to Bon Apetit. This location's burger is almost as good without the 2-3 hour wait.
1747 N Damen Ave
1747 North Damen AvenueThe restaurant is delicious, but typically I go here for the burger and dessert.
Not exactly a restaurant (though there is seating upstairs). This place has delicious prepared food.
1649 N Damen Ave
1649 North Damen AvenueNot exactly a restaurant (though there is seating upstairs). This place has delicious prepared food.
If you're looking for something close, inexpensive and delicious, this is the place to go.
Tarboush Mediterranean Grill
2815 West Diversey AvenueIf you're looking for something close, inexpensive and delicious, this is the place to go.
Amazing Tacos! Go here. It is cash only though. You should really eat here.
1174 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Star
1531 N Damen AveAmazing Tacos! Go here. It is cash only though. You should really eat here.
I'll be honest. I'm a pretty die hard Big Star person, so I can't say that I love this place. I have several neighborhood friends who love it here though.
113 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee AveI'll be honest. I'm a pretty die hard Big Star person, so I can't say that I love this place. I have several neighborhood friends who love it here though.
1520 N Damen Ave
1520 North Damen AvenueIf you do want the Chicago deep dish experience, get the butter crust.
If you want a great bar with a fun vibe, unique cocktails and Asian fusion food, definitely check out Mott St.
84 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mott St
1401 N Ashland AveIf you want a great bar with a fun vibe, unique cocktails and Asian fusion food, definitely check out Mott St.
I haven't eaten here, and I can't promise they'll answer their phone or not cancel your reservation last minute, but if you're feeling spendy and want something special, Schwa is for you.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Schwa Restaurant
1466 N Ashland AveI haven't eaten here, and I can't promise they'll answer their phone or not cancel your reservation last minute, but if you're feeling spendy and want something special, Schwa is for you.
I've only been here for Sunday brunch. It's not one of the trendy brunch places, but it was a solid brunch.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jane's
1655 West Cortland StreetI've only been here for Sunday brunch. It's not one of the trendy brunch places, but it was a solid brunch.
It's a diner, and it's open 24 hours/day. It's nothing to visit Chicago over, but if you need food at 4am, they've got you covered.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hollywood Grill
1601 W North AveIt's a diner, and it's open 24 hours/day. It's nothing to visit Chicago over, but if you need food at 4am, they've got you covered.
My kids reccommend this one (me not so much. It's basically just delicious smelling, fast food burger joint. If that's what you're going for, my daughter applauds your decision.
Choppers
1659 N Ashland AveMy kids reccommend this one (me not so much. It's basically just delicious smelling, fast food burger joint. If that's what you're going for, my daughter applauds your decision.
If you to pair good coffee with some classic Nintendo, this could be the place for you.
131 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveIf you to pair good coffee with some classic Nintendo, this could be the place for you.
Everything Else
Crossroads Trading
1519 N Milwaukee AveThis is my favorite upscale resale store.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee AveMy favorite Ice Cream in Chicago.
Walgreens
3646 North BroadwayIt's a Walgreen's...that used to be a bank.
If you came to Chicago specifically for donuts, I'd probably send you to Donut Vault, but Stan's is the beloved shop in our area with a cute atmosphere. Glazed and Infused is also accross the street.
209 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen AveIf you came to Chicago specifically for donuts, I'd probably send you to Donut Vault, but Stan's is the beloved shop in our area with a cute atmosphere. Glazed and Infused is also accross the street.
Sightseeing
Walsh Park is the beginning of the 606 trail, an elevated walking/running/biking trail.
If you want to bike, you can rent a Divvy Bike at Cortland and Marshfield.
1722 N Ashland Ave
1722 North Ashland AvenueWalsh Park is the beginning of the 606 trail, an elevated walking/running/biking trail.
If you want to bike, you can rent a Divvy Bike at Cortland and Marshfield.
Drinks & Nightlife
Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveIt's not Chicago deep dish, but it's delicious.
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveIf you like fancy cocktails, you should go here.
If you want to drink and play old school arcade games, this might be the place for you.
158 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Emporium Wicker Park
1366 N Milwaukee AveIf you want to drink and play old school arcade games, this might be the place for you.
Come here if you want delicious cocktails. Also, last time I was there they had some very tasty salted ganache.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ada Street
1664 N Ada StCome here if you want delicious cocktails. Also, last time I was there they had some very tasty salted ganache.
Essentials
If you need to run to a grocery store, this is the closest one.
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Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveIf you need to run to a grocery store, this is the closest one.
If you have a car, this is where'd I prefer to go for grocery type items.
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ALDI
2431 W Montrose AveIf you have a car, this is where'd I prefer to go for grocery type items.
It's a giant Whole Foods with a high end food court.
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Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StIt's a giant Whole Foods with a high end food court.
If you're visiting Chicago, but all you really want to do is eat cheap fruits and vegetables, you should go here.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Stanley's Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
1558 N Elston AveIf you're visiting Chicago, but all you really want to do is eat cheap fruits and vegetables, you should go here.
Shopping
Good coffee, free wifi. I sometimes like to come here to get some computer work done.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Buzz Killer Espresso
Good coffee, free wifi. I sometimes like to come here to get some computer work done.
If you love used books, you should probably go here.
118 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee AveIf you love used books, you should probably go here.
Arts & Culture
The iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury StGreat Improv place. Lots of options for shows.