Guidebook for Chicago
Drinks & Nightlife
Grab a drink in this former speakeasy as live jazz music plays in Al Cappone's old hangout. Its reputation has spread nationwide as the city’s legendary jazz destination. Nightly shows. Cash only.
471 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayGrab a drink in this former speakeasy as live jazz music plays in Al Cappone's old hangout. Its reputation has spread nationwide as the city’s legendary jazz destination. Nightly shows. Cash only.
Incredible live music many nights each week. Here's a tip: if you can't purchase tickets in advance, buy it from scalpers outside. I bought tix for $10 30min. after the concert started.
123 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Aragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence AveIncredible live music many nights each week. Here's a tip: if you can't purchase tickets in advance, buy it from scalpers outside. I bought tix for $10 30min. after the concert started.
Grab a burger and beer here after a night out on the town. Nice outdoor seating area they got going over there.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fat Cat Restaurant & Bar
4840 N BroadwayGrab a burger and beer here after a night out on the town. Nice outdoor seating area they got going over there.
very casual setting for drinks and food while listening to some great live bands or DJ. Check out their website to see who's playing tonight.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Uptown Lounge
1136 W Lawrence Avevery casual setting for drinks and food while listening to some great live bands or DJ. Check out their website to see who's playing tonight.
Live music featuring world class performances. One of the best in the city. See their website for who is playing the nights you're in town. (See my tip at Aragon Theater)
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Riviera Theatre
4746 North Racine AvenueLive music featuring world class performances. One of the best in the city. See their website for who is playing the nights you're in town. (See my tip at Aragon Theater)
One of our 33 best beer bars in America, this perpetually packed gastropub has an extensive selection of 350 bottles and 68 taps. The food is impressive too including Mussels & frites.
251 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StOne of our 33 best beer bars in America, this perpetually packed gastropub has an extensive selection of 350 bottles and 68 taps. The food is impressive too including Mussels & frites.
Boozy martinis that gives a punch! I feel special here: a small hidden space with a patio in this gay established place. Top notch thru and thru!
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Marty's
1511 W Balmoral AveBoozy martinis that gives a punch! I feel special here: a small hidden space with a patio in this gay established place. Top notch thru and thru!
Unique like no other in town. Intimate and unpretentious. This secret venue has jazz, burlesque, magic, wine. Check out their website on what's showing tonite & look for discounts at www.hottix.org
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Uptown Underground
4707 N BroadwayUnique like no other in town. Intimate and unpretentious. This secret venue has jazz, burlesque, magic, wine. Check out their website on what's showing tonite & look for discounts at www.hottix.org
Food Scene
Everyone comes here for the best Vietnamese Pho in the whole city!
For first timers, order the #12 appetizer and Tank Pho Noodle special so you will want more Vietnamese food in the future.
81 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tank Noodle
4953-55 N BroadwayEveryone comes here for the best Vietnamese Pho in the whole city!
For first timers, order the #12 appetizer and Tank Pho Noodle special so you will want more Vietnamese food in the future.
The only Dim Sum place outside Chinatown is steps away, Come for the weekend Brunch, If you're a little nervous,ask me to join you to introduce you to ordering off the cart . I love this place.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Furama Restaurant
4936 N BroadwayThe only Dim Sum place outside Chinatown is steps away, Come for the weekend Brunch, If you're a little nervous,ask me to join you to introduce you to ordering off the cart . I love this place.
Tweet
5020 N Sheridan RdVery nice Brunch within walking distance. Cash only.
Order the peking duck! Order the duck! It's the best in the city! Fantastic place to go for chinese here in the area. Be hungry! It's surprisingly cheap! One of Thrillist.com's top places to eat.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sun Wah BBQ
5039 N BroadwayOrder the peking duck! Order the duck! It's the best in the city! Fantastic place to go for chinese here in the area. Be hungry! It's surprisingly cheap! One of Thrillist.com's top places to eat.
No nonsense little place. Convenience but not an experience. I do like their Pad Thai.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dib Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine
1025 West Lawrence Avenue No nonsense little place. Convenience but not an experience. I do like their Pad Thai.
A bit far, but this mom& pop Mexican breakfast joint is worth the trip. Order the chilaquiles and oatmeal shake on your first visit here. BTW, I really love their backyard patio during the summer.
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tiztal Cafe
4631 N Clark StA bit far, but this mom& pop Mexican breakfast joint is worth the trip. Order the chilaquiles and oatmeal shake on your first visit here. BTW, I really love their backyard patio during the summer.
A short walk from the apartment. However, may I recommend you heading to La Patisserre or Andersonville to grab coffee at one of their local establishments. It's worth the walk.
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Starbucks
6738 N Sheridan RdA short walk from the apartment. However, may I recommend you heading to La Patisserre or Andersonville to grab coffee at one of their local establishments. It's worth the walk.
Rave reviews for this African restaurant. The wait staff are so helpful and will help you decide which to order. I recommend a combo plate and it's definitely big enough for 2. Try the honey wine.
65 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Demera Restaurant
4801 N BroadwayRave reviews for this African restaurant. The wait staff are so helpful and will help you decide which to order. I recommend a combo plate and it's definitely big enough for 2. Try the honey wine.
Yes, their sushi is good, very good. But the best way to eat here is get Mike to make his favorite concoctions and get ready for some fun eating! Yum. Service is a hit or miss though.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tanoshii
5547 N Clark StYes, their sushi is good, very good. But the best way to eat here is get Mike to make his favorite concoctions and get ready for some fun eating! Yum. Service is a hit or miss though.
Outstanding sushi! This place has the best especialty rolls including the Dynamite Roll. Also get 2/person tuna belly sashimi if there's any left. It may not be on the menu. RSVP suggested.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ora
5701 N Clark StOutstanding sushi! This place has the best especialty rolls including the Dynamite Roll. Also get 2/person tuna belly sashimi if there's any left. It may not be on the menu. RSVP suggested.
Weekend Brunch hangout! Trendy and good food. I just hate waiting in their line when it's a nice summer morning. Try the back patio. Get Bloody Mary's here! (Brunch anywhere in the city has lines)
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The Bongo Room
5022 N Clark StWeekend Brunch hangout! Trendy and good food. I just hate waiting in their line when it's a nice summer morning. Try the back patio. Get Bloody Mary's here! (Brunch anywhere in the city has lines)
I like coming here because it has a live polka band in this German restaurant.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chicago Brauhaus
4732 North Lincoln AvenueI like coming here because it has a live polka band in this German restaurant.
This place is not all about the Hummus, Falafel or the Kabobs. It’s one of most flavor, fresh, and varied cuisines for mediterranean. Occasionally there's a discount on Groupon.
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Andies Restaurant
5253 N Clark StThis place is not all about the Hummus, Falafel or the Kabobs. It’s one of most flavor, fresh, and varied cuisines for mediterranean. Occasionally there's a discount on Groupon.
Go for the home made pastas on the menu. They use a lot of local produce. Or try the three-course $30 prix fixe menu from Sunday-Thursday
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Anteprima
5316 N Clark StGo for the home made pastas on the menu. They use a lot of local produce. Or try the three-course $30 prix fixe menu from Sunday-Thursday
Big Jones brings you dinner, brunch, and lunch inspired by the history and richness of Southern cooking from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Carolina Lowcountry, and Appalachia. Get the Fried Chicken.
78 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Jones
5347 N Clark StBig Jones brings you dinner, brunch, and lunch inspired by the history and richness of Southern cooking from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Carolina Lowcountry, and Appalachia. Get the Fried Chicken.
Closest Sushi from the apartment. I come here because they have a great Groupon special. Otherwise look for the other sushi bars in my guidebook.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Agami
4712 N BroadwayClosest Sushi from the apartment. I come here because they have a great Groupon special. Otherwise look for the other sushi bars in my guidebook.
One of the best Vietnamese food in the city. Try the spring rolls, its 'famous' Bo La Lot, lemongrass chicken, pea shoots. Never had a bad dish here! This is not a fancy place. Just good food.
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hai Yen Restaurant
1055 W Argyle StOne of the best Vietnamese food in the city. Try the spring rolls, its 'famous' Bo La Lot, lemongrass chicken, pea shoots. Never had a bad dish here! This is not a fancy place. Just good food.
Get the Hot Pot for an evening exp! Yum Yum! Try the Ma Po Tofu. With its bobbing cubes of squishy tofu, this is a quintessential Chinese comfort food -it's one of the best vegan entree in town.
63 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer AveGet the Hot Pot for an evening exp! Yum Yum! Try the Ma Po Tofu. With its bobbing cubes of squishy tofu, this is a quintessential Chinese comfort food -it's one of the best vegan entree in town.
There are many reasons Hema’s continues to stand out among a sea of excellent Indian restaurants on Devon Ave. The lamb vindaloo is one to get. Take a taxi/uber. It's worth the trip.
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Hema's Kitchen
2439 W Devon AveThere are many reasons Hema’s continues to stand out among a sea of excellent Indian restaurants on Devon Ave. The lamb vindaloo is one to get. Take a taxi/uber. It's worth the trip.
Every time you shove your face with a forkful of one of the many pie options, you’re doing good, as this charming corner café is committed to serving 4000 meals per month thru outreach programs.
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
First Slice Pie Cafe
5357 N Ashland AveEvery time you shove your face with a forkful of one of the many pie options, you’re doing good, as this charming corner café is committed to serving 4000 meals per month thru outreach programs.
A modern candlelit space for a traditional Korean Dol Sut Bi Bim Bap rice dish and try the popular (and potent!) Asian Pear and Jinjer Sojutini cocktail.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jin Ju
5203 N Clark StA modern candlelit space for a traditional Korean Dol Sut Bi Bim Bap rice dish and try the popular (and potent!) Asian Pear and Jinjer Sojutini cocktail.
The most expensive item on the menu is $7.50, which means you can eat for under $10 in this tiny, dine-in storefront. Chicken shawarma, falafel, lamb kabob, and baklava are served fast and authentic.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
1509 W Foster AveThe most expensive item on the menu is $7.50, which means you can eat for under $10 in this tiny, dine-in storefront. Chicken shawarma, falafel, lamb kabob, and baklava are served fast and authentic.
A 2 Michelin Star restaurant in my neighborhood! 1 of the BEST IN THE WORLD is here.! 13 courses of unique and great tasting food as well as an awesome atmosphere. There are only 8 -10 seats in the restaurant. RSVP prior to your arrival.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
42 Grams
4662 N BroadwayA 2 Michelin Star restaurant in my neighborhood! 1 of the BEST IN THE WORLD is here.! 13 courses of unique and great tasting food as well as an awesome atmosphere. There are only 8 -10 seats in the restaurant. RSVP prior to your arrival.
Parks & Nature
Free live music concert on Friday nights around 7pm. Grab a seat early though. It fills up fast but there are bar tables you can stand and still have a place to put your drinks on. Kayak Rental
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Montrose Beach
Free live music concert on Friday nights around 7pm. Grab a seat early though. It fills up fast but there are bar tables you can stand and still have a place to put your drinks on. Kayak Rental
My favorite beach along Lakeshore Drive. It's quiet yet active & popular. There's a outside cafe for drinks and snacks. Paddle board rentals. Take a Divvy if you don't want to run/walk there.
96 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kathy Osterman Beach House
5800 N Lake Shore DrMy favorite beach along Lakeshore Drive. It's quiet yet active & popular. There's a outside cafe for drinks and snacks. Paddle board rentals. Take a Divvy if you don't want to run/walk there.
Getting Around
Divvy bike rental location. See www.divvybikes.com for more information and locations around the area.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Divvy
Divvy bike rental location. See www.divvybikes.com for more information and locations around the area.
Essentials
One of three grocery stores I am recommending. Walk, bike, or bus to and from here. This is the one I go to the most.
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Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveOne of three grocery stores I am recommending. Walk, bike, or bus to and from here. This is the one I go to the most.
One of three grocery stores I am recommending. It's my least favorite of the 3 but it's right off the Berwyn red line. It's so convenenient.
675 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jewel-Osco
3531 N BroadwayOne of three grocery stores I am recommending. It's my least favorite of the 3 but it's right off the Berwyn red line. It's so convenenient.
Get off the Thorndale redline stop if you like to get your groceries here.
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Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted StGet off the Thorndale redline stop if you like to get your groceries here.
Sightseeing
This Swedish neighborhood is a must do: Great dining, shopping, antique shops, etc. It's our little Main Street without the hustle or bustle of downtown. Definitely a hidden gem for us northsiders
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Andersonville
This Swedish neighborhood is a must do: Great dining, shopping, antique shops, etc. It's our little Main Street without the hustle or bustle of downtown. Definitely a hidden gem for us northsiders
This German neighborhood has numerous dining establishments and shopping. Try this area out during early dinner hours. It's a straight bus ride on Lawrence to get here.
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Lincoln Square
This German neighborhood has numerous dining establishments and shopping. Try this area out during early dinner hours. It's a straight bus ride on Lawrence to get here.
Run, Bike, Walk, People Watch, Beach, Play are what you will find in this amazing and popular trail along Lake Michigan. The trail is less than 1 mile from the apartment. This will take you to Dwtn
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
North Lake Shore Drive
North Lake Shore DriveRun, Bike, Walk, People Watch, Beach, Play are what you will find in this amazing and popular trail along Lake Michigan. The trail is less than 1 mile from the apartment. This will take you to Dwtn