Colin’s Chicago Guidebook
Coffee Favorites
Many local options as well as Starbucks on most corners :-)
1 min walk on State - Trendy cafe serving house-brand artisanal coffee, pastries & snacks in a sleek space.
La Colombe
4 E Elm St1 min walk on State - Trendy cafe serving house-brand artisanal coffee, pastries & snacks in a sleek space.
Enduring chocolate seller offering namesake Belgian truffles & boxes of candy plus coffee & tea.
Leonidas Chocolate Cafe
59 E Chicago AveEnduring chocolate seller offering namesake Belgian truffles & boxes of candy plus coffee & tea.
10 min walk on Wells - Traditional French bakery with rustic wood decor selling fresh-baked breads & sweet treats.
28 recommandé par les habitants
La Fournette
1547 N Wells St10 min walk on Wells - Traditional French bakery with rustic wood decor selling fresh-baked breads & sweet treats.
Grocery Essentials
3 min walk - Local supermarket chain with a wide selection, fresh produce, and wine & beer.
675 recommandé par les habitants
Jewel-Osco
3531 N Broadway3 min walk - Local supermarket chain with a wide selection, fresh produce, and wine & beer.
3 min walk - Retail chain selling a range of grocery items, meat & dairy.
131 recommandé par les habitants
Aldi
3363 N Milwaukee Ave3 min walk - Retail chain selling a range of grocery items, meat & dairy.
5 min walk on Wells - Specialty supermarket offering organics, natural meats & fine wines, plus a coffee bar & apothecary.
64 recommandé par les habitants
Plum Market Old Town
1233 N Wells St5 min walk on Wells - Specialty supermarket offering organics, natural meats & fine wines, plus a coffee bar & apothecary.
CVS Pharmacy
1201 North State Street“Next” door for snacks and essentials
Food scene
Too many options for EVERY budget and taste
Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting.
25 recommandé par les habitants
The Capital Grille
633 N St Clair StOutpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting.
Tacos with global flavors in a counter-service setting with beer & margaritas.
46 recommandé par les habitants
Velvet Taco
1110 N State StTacos with global flavors in a counter-service setting with beer & margaritas.
Swanky, all-day restaurant in the Viceroy Hotel with a yacht-club feel, American fare & cocktails.
Somerset
1112 N State StSwanky, all-day restaurant in the Viceroy Hotel with a yacht-club feel, American fare & cocktails.
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with butter crusts.
513 recommandé par les habitants
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StFamily-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with butter crusts.
High-end Chinese dining amid swanky '30s-era decor & on a terrace with views in the Peninsula Hotel.
Shanghai Terrace
108 E Superior StHigh-end Chinese dining amid swanky '30s-era decor & on a terrace with views in the Peninsula Hotel.
Au Cheval burgers, shakes, beer & cocktails served in rustic, take-out-friendly digs with a patio.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Small Cheval Wells
1345 N Wells StAu Cheval burgers, shakes, beer & cocktails served in rustic, take-out-friendly digs with a patio.
Classic & creative pies plus cocktails served in a warehouse setting with tire swings & Airstreams.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Happy Camper Pizzeria
1209 N Wells StClassic & creative pies plus cocktails served in a warehouse setting with tire swings & Airstreams.
Laid-back locale offering inventive Italian cuisine & wood-fired pizza, plus weekday happy hours.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Etta - River North
700 N Clark StLaid-back locale offering inventive Italian cuisine & wood-fired pizza, plus weekday happy hours.
Neighborhoods
Rent a Divvy Bike and explore - great way to see the City and safe on the bike lanes which make access easy
Why we love it
The Gold Coast is a luxury lover’s haven. Charming homes on picture-perfect streets, high-end boutiques, and restaurants favored by celebrities past and present all give this neighborhood its star power. You also have great budget priced bars steps away and on every corner.
Insider tips
Nestled close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Gold Coast is luxury and romance personified (as the name implies, this is one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods). Streets are lined with historic mansions, designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and historic hotels. In the evenings, you’ll find a dynamic bar-hopping scene spilling out onto Rush Street until late into the night.
Gold Coast is also known as an architectural jewel box. The Astor Street District features rows of 19th-century homes designed in various historical revival styles. Among the neighborhoods’s other notable buildings are the Charnley-Perksy House, designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Former Playboy Mansion, legendary for Hugh Hefner’s star-studded parties.
For an out-of-the-ordinary museum experience, head to the curiosity-laden International Museum of Surgical Science, the only museum of its kind in America. It’s housed in a stunning lakefront mansion, and features a tiny gift shop filled with fabulously quirky finds.
Explore like a local
Experience a new kind of steakhouse at ultra-modern Maple & Ash, where steaks are seared over a live wood fire. Visit humanities haven Newberry Library on lovely Washington Square. Dine in the light-filled courtyard of a historic building at 3 Arts Club Café.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Gold Coast
Why we love it
The Gold Coast is a luxury lover’s haven. Charming homes on picture-perfect streets, high-end boutiques, and restaurants favored by celebrities past and present all give this neighborhood its star power. You also have great budget priced bars steps away and on every corner.
Insider tips
Nestled close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Gold Coast is luxury and romance personified (as the name implies, this is one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods). Streets are lined with historic mansions, designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and historic hotels. In the evenings, you’ll find a dynamic bar-hopping scene spilling out onto Rush Street until late into the night.
Gold Coast is also known as an architectural jewel box. The Astor Street District features rows of 19th-century homes designed in various historical revival styles. Among the neighborhoods’s other notable buildings are the Charnley-Perksy House, designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Former Playboy Mansion, legendary for Hugh Hefner’s star-studded parties.
For an out-of-the-ordinary museum experience, head to the curiosity-laden International Museum of Surgical Science, the only museum of its kind in America. It’s housed in a stunning lakefront mansion, and features a tiny gift shop filled with fabulously quirky finds.
Explore like a local
Experience a new kind of steakhouse at ultra-modern Maple & Ash, where steaks are seared over a live wood fire. Visit humanities haven Newberry Library on lovely Washington Square. Dine in the light-filled courtyard of a historic building at 3 Arts Club Café.
Why we love it
It’s the birthplace of modern American improv, where you’ll find one of the world’s most legendary comedy clubs. We also love Old Town for its vintage charm, beautiful boutiques, and late-night buzz.
Insider tips
Old Town is home to comedy star-maker The Second City, which introduced the world to Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Key & Peele, John Belushi, Jane Lynch, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and…well, you get the picture. You can catch a live show every night of the week, featuring the city’s top up-and-coming talent.
But Second City isn’t the only reason to explore here. This historic neighborhood is a picture-perfect place to shop on-trend boutiques, dine at historic restaurants, and admire homes in one of Chicago’s most luxurious residential districts. Wells Street is the main drag where you’ll find tons of buzzing spots to eat and drink — it’s a popular spot for bar hopping with the younger crowd.
One watering hole not to miss — Old Town Ale House, a go-to for Second City cast and alums, where you’ll find locals at the bar and the owner’s art lining the walls. For another classic Old Town experience, grab some barbecue ribs at Twin Anchors, a former speakeasy where Frank Sinatra was a regular.
And in June, the Old Town Art Fair brings a ton of nationally acclaimed artists together to showcase their work, drawing a crowd of 30,000 art lovers.
Explore like a local
Stop and smell the flowers at A New Leaf, a gorgeous garden shop and studio. Indulge in the “Old Town Classic,” filled with The Fudge Pot’s chocolate goodies (they’ve been making everything right there on the premises since 1963). Stop by The House of Glunz for a glass of wine; it’s Chicago’s oldest wine merchant, setting up shop more than 120 years ago.
49 recommandé par les habitants
Old Town
Why we love it
It’s the birthplace of modern American improv, where you’ll find one of the world’s most legendary comedy clubs. We also love Old Town for its vintage charm, beautiful boutiques, and late-night buzz.
Insider tips
Old Town is home to comedy star-maker The Second City, which introduced the world to Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Key & Peele, John Belushi, Jane Lynch, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and…well, you get the picture. You can catch a live show every night of the week, featuring the city’s top up-and-coming talent.
But Second City isn’t the only reason to explore here. This historic neighborhood is a picture-perfect place to shop on-trend boutiques, dine at historic restaurants, and admire homes in one of Chicago’s most luxurious residential districts. Wells Street is the main drag where you’ll find tons of buzzing spots to eat and drink — it’s a popular spot for bar hopping with the younger crowd.
One watering hole not to miss — Old Town Ale House, a go-to for Second City cast and alums, where you’ll find locals at the bar and the owner’s art lining the walls. For another classic Old Town experience, grab some barbecue ribs at Twin Anchors, a former speakeasy where Frank Sinatra was a regular.
And in June, the Old Town Art Fair brings a ton of nationally acclaimed artists together to showcase their work, drawing a crowd of 30,000 art lovers.
Explore like a local
Stop and smell the flowers at A New Leaf, a gorgeous garden shop and studio. Indulge in the “Old Town Classic,” filled with The Fudge Pot’s chocolate goodies (they’ve been making everything right there on the premises since 1963). Stop by The House of Glunz for a glass of wine; it’s Chicago’s oldest wine merchant, setting up shop more than 120 years ago.
Why we love it
Uptown is where Chicago’s rich history and international diversity intersect. The area has a long legacy as an entertainment hot spot, with iconic venues that have drawn some of the biggest names in music for almost a century.
Today, the neighborhood’s many vintage theatres and old-school jazz clubs are interspersed with a dynamic array of global cuisine. While the area has become known for its wealth of Asian dining options, you’ll find restaurants representing a mix of cultures from all over the globe.
Explore like a local
Discover authentic African dishes through traditional recipes at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant.
Catch a show at the Black Ensemble Theater that’s guaranteed to have you up out of your seat.
Spend a day in the sun at Montrose Beach, featuring a waterfront restaurant, bird sanctuary, and dog beach.
Graceland Cemetery
Asia on Argyle Night Market
Insider tips
Travel back in time: Uptown was a booming nightlife district in the 1920s and 1930s, with a thriving jazz scene that took off during Prohibition. The area’s renaissance has seen a number of its old-school movie houses and Art Deco buildings restored to their former glory.
Undoubtedly, the Green Mill is the place to be when you’re here. This 100-year-old jazz club still has the same sultry feel of its Prohibition heyday. Grab a seat in the booth at the end of the bar — it was the regular spot for famous gangster Al Capone.
For a deep dive into history, visit Graceland Cemetery, a Victorian oasis of art, architecture, and landscape design that’s one of the city’s hidden gems.
Band playing at Green Mill club in Uptown Chicago
Hear live music at the historic Green Mill.
Immm Rice and Beyond in Uptown
Immm Rice and Beyond
Catch a show: Take your pick from indie rock, salsa concerts, drag shows, and more across Uptown’s exciting clubs and theatres. You’ll find two of the city’s most popular concert venues just a few steps away from each other — The Riviera and the historic Aragon Ballroom both offer a packed calendar of music and events all year long.
Down the street, The Baton Show Lounge has been an iconic drag venue for more than 50 years. You’ll find live shows there every night of the week. Or check our Carol’s Pub, a laidback spot for live country and western music.
Experience Asia on Argyle: On Argyle Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find a treasure trove of Asian eateries, with restaurants serving up sushi, dim sum, banh mi, pho, and more. One local favorite is James Beard Award-winning Sun Wah BBQ, where the Beijing duck dinner is an off-menu hit. Other can’t-miss spots include traditional Vietnamese dishes at Pho Viet and flavorful Thai in a cozy atmosphere at Immm Rice & Beyond.
In summer, the Argyle Night Market fills the street with vendors, live entertainment, and cultural performances. And winter brings the annual Argyle Lunar New Year celebration, including a colorful parade.
31 recommandé par les habitants
Uptown
Why we love it
Uptown is where Chicago’s rich history and international diversity intersect. The area has a long legacy as an entertainment hot spot, with iconic venues that have drawn some of the biggest names in music for almost a century.
Today, the neighborhood’s many vintage theatres and old-school jazz clubs are interspersed with a dynamic array of global cuisine. While the area has become known for its wealth of Asian dining options, you’ll find restaurants representing a mix of cultures from all over the globe.
Explore like a local
Discover authentic African dishes through traditional recipes at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant.
Catch a show at the Black Ensemble Theater that’s guaranteed to have you up out of your seat.
Spend a day in the sun at Montrose Beach, featuring a waterfront restaurant, bird sanctuary, and dog beach.
Graceland Cemetery
Asia on Argyle Night Market
Insider tips
Travel back in time: Uptown was a booming nightlife district in the 1920s and 1930s, with a thriving jazz scene that took off during Prohibition. The area’s renaissance has seen a number of its old-school movie houses and Art Deco buildings restored to their former glory.
Undoubtedly, the Green Mill is the place to be when you’re here. This 100-year-old jazz club still has the same sultry feel of its Prohibition heyday. Grab a seat in the booth at the end of the bar — it was the regular spot for famous gangster Al Capone.
For a deep dive into history, visit Graceland Cemetery, a Victorian oasis of art, architecture, and landscape design that’s one of the city’s hidden gems.
Band playing at Green Mill club in Uptown Chicago
Hear live music at the historic Green Mill.
Immm Rice and Beyond in Uptown
Immm Rice and Beyond
Catch a show: Take your pick from indie rock, salsa concerts, drag shows, and more across Uptown’s exciting clubs and theatres. You’ll find two of the city’s most popular concert venues just a few steps away from each other — The Riviera and the historic Aragon Ballroom both offer a packed calendar of music and events all year long.
Down the street, The Baton Show Lounge has been an iconic drag venue for more than 50 years. You’ll find live shows there every night of the week. Or check our Carol’s Pub, a laidback spot for live country and western music.
Experience Asia on Argyle: On Argyle Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find a treasure trove of Asian eateries, with restaurants serving up sushi, dim sum, banh mi, pho, and more. One local favorite is James Beard Award-winning Sun Wah BBQ, where the Beijing duck dinner is an off-menu hit. Other can’t-miss spots include traditional Vietnamese dishes at Pho Viet and flavorful Thai in a cozy atmosphere at Immm Rice & Beyond.
In summer, the Argyle Night Market fills the street with vendors, live entertainment, and cultural performances. And winter brings the annual Argyle Lunar New Year celebration, including a colorful parade.
Why we love it
How long do you have? The Loop is the heart of the city and it’s bursting with iconic Chicago attractions, including historic architecture, river cruises, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, a vibrant theatre district, incredible dining, shopping along State Street…and that’s just for starters.
Insider tips
As Chicago’s official downtown area, the Loop is celebrated for its dynamic architecture and big city buzz. To get a grasp on the area’s architectural legacy, start your visit with one of the many great architecture river cruises, like the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.
The Loop is also home to the award-winning Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian-only pathway lined with great waterfront restaurants, the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, and the mind-blowing digital art display Art on theMART.
On the lakefront side of the Loop, you’ll also find the Millennium Park Campus — home to iconic Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), Crown Fountain, peaceful Lurie Garden, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that hosts legendary music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and a free summer music series and film series. Right next door, you can rock climb, skate, and play at whimsical Maggie Daley Park.
Get your culture fix at the historic Art Institute of Chicago, one of the top museums in the world according to TripAdvisor. It’s also one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, home to one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist art in the world.
Nearby, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning landmark filled with free exhibits, art, and performances. Gaze up at the largest Tiffany stained glass dome in the world while you’re there. And at Skydeck in Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), you can step out onto The Ledge — a glass box that extends outside the building, 1,353 feet up.
Last but not least, the Loop is where you’ll find Chicago’s celebrated Theatre District, buzzing with Tony Award-winning shows, world premieres, and glittering marquees at the likes of the Auditorium Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the Nederlander Theatre.
Explore like a local
Kayak the skyscraper canyon formed by the Chicago River. Enjoy free classical concerts surrounded by architectural greatness at the Chicago Cultural Center. Explore the city’s underground tunnel system with a Pedway tour.
61 recommandé par les habitants
Chicago Loop
Why we love it
How long do you have? The Loop is the heart of the city and it’s bursting with iconic Chicago attractions, including historic architecture, river cruises, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, a vibrant theatre district, incredible dining, shopping along State Street…and that’s just for starters.
Insider tips
As Chicago’s official downtown area, the Loop is celebrated for its dynamic architecture and big city buzz. To get a grasp on the area’s architectural legacy, start your visit with one of the many great architecture river cruises, like the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.
The Loop is also home to the award-winning Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian-only pathway lined with great waterfront restaurants, the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, and the mind-blowing digital art display Art on theMART.
On the lakefront side of the Loop, you’ll also find the Millennium Park Campus — home to iconic Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), Crown Fountain, peaceful Lurie Garden, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that hosts legendary music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and a free summer music series and film series. Right next door, you can rock climb, skate, and play at whimsical Maggie Daley Park.
Get your culture fix at the historic Art Institute of Chicago, one of the top museums in the world according to TripAdvisor. It’s also one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, home to one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist art in the world.
Nearby, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning landmark filled with free exhibits, art, and performances. Gaze up at the largest Tiffany stained glass dome in the world while you’re there. And at Skydeck in Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), you can step out onto The Ledge — a glass box that extends outside the building, 1,353 feet up.
Last but not least, the Loop is where you’ll find Chicago’s celebrated Theatre District, buzzing with Tony Award-winning shows, world premieres, and glittering marquees at the likes of the Auditorium Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the Nederlander Theatre.
Explore like a local
Kayak the skyscraper canyon formed by the Chicago River. Enjoy free classical concerts surrounded by architectural greatness at the Chicago Cultural Center. Explore the city’s underground tunnel system with a Pedway tour.
Why we love it
This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream — manicured gardens, a hidden lily pond, a historic indoor botanical garden, and tons of lakefront green space with sweeping city views. It also happens to be home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and an acclaimed dining scene that includes one of the best restaurants on the planet.
Insider tips
What really sets Lincoln Park apart is the area’s namesake park. That’s where you’ll find lushly landscaped grounds, the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum, Nature Boardwalk, Farm in the Zoo, Theater on the Lake — there’s enough here to spend an entire day (or weekend, or week) exploring.
Lincoln Park is also a shopper’s paradise. The charming area around Armitage and Halsted is where you’ll find tons of beautiful boutiques lined up in historic row homes. Create a custom leather bag at Laudi Vidni, find unique decor at Art Effects, or stock up on locally made snacks at Foxtrot Market.
Eateries in Lincoln Park are just as enticing, from the bustling energy of Goose Island Brew House and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, to notoriously romantic fondue haven Geja’s Cafe and Michelin-starred Boka. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reserve a table at ultra-acclaimed Alinea. It’s often named one of the best restaurants in the world, thanks to its avant-garde tasting menus and interactive presentation.
Explore like a local
Find a moment of zen at the tranquil Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Sip on cocktails at the all-seasons J. Parker rooftop, with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Listen to Chicago-style blues at legendary Kingston Mines, where you’ll find live music till 4 a.m. every night of the week.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Lincoln Park
Why we love it
This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream — manicured gardens, a hidden lily pond, a historic indoor botanical garden, and tons of lakefront green space with sweeping city views. It also happens to be home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and an acclaimed dining scene that includes one of the best restaurants on the planet.
Insider tips
What really sets Lincoln Park apart is the area’s namesake park. That’s where you’ll find lushly landscaped grounds, the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum, Nature Boardwalk, Farm in the Zoo, Theater on the Lake — there’s enough here to spend an entire day (or weekend, or week) exploring.
Lincoln Park is also a shopper’s paradise. The charming area around Armitage and Halsted is where you’ll find tons of beautiful boutiques lined up in historic row homes. Create a custom leather bag at Laudi Vidni, find unique decor at Art Effects, or stock up on locally made snacks at Foxtrot Market.
Eateries in Lincoln Park are just as enticing, from the bustling energy of Goose Island Brew House and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, to notoriously romantic fondue haven Geja’s Cafe and Michelin-starred Boka. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reserve a table at ultra-acclaimed Alinea. It’s often named one of the best restaurants in the world, thanks to its avant-garde tasting menus and interactive presentation.
Explore like a local
Find a moment of zen at the tranquil Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Sip on cocktails at the all-seasons J. Parker rooftop, with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Listen to Chicago-style blues at legendary Kingston Mines, where you’ll find live music till 4 a.m. every night of the week.
City/town information
Take the architectural boat tour to explore the old and new downtown - fantastic experience
Chicago has always been a city of neighborhoods. We have 77 distinct communities that represent a diverse array of cultures, people, and experiences. You can visit an authentic taqueria in Pilsen, sip a cocktail in an Uptown jazz club, or explore the historic Pullman community. No matter where you go, there’s something new to see and do around every corner in this vibrant city.
165 recommandé par les habitants
Chicago
Chicago has always been a city of neighborhoods. We have 77 distinct communities that represent a diverse array of cultures, people, and experiences. You can visit an authentic taqueria in Pilsen, sip a cocktail in an Uptown jazz club, or explore the historic Pullman community. No matter where you go, there’s something new to see and do around every corner in this vibrant city.