A few great Chicago recommendations to see, do, and eat from Sarah O.! If you have your own must-sees, leave them in the comments!
Eats
Uncommon Ground (on Clark) – Amazing local food and fun cocktail menu; they have a certified organic garden on the roof. I’ve been there for dinner a dozen times, but never tried their brunch although I’ve heard it’s amazing. This is near Wrigley Field, so a train or cab ride from downtown.
Deleece (on Southport) – A seasonably changing menu; reasonably priced wines. This is kind of far from downtown, so may not be in the cards for a short trip.
Hannah’s Bretzel – A good breakfast or lunch spot; mostly organic menu and awesome bread! There’s two locations downtown, I would assume the one on Michigan Ave is probably closer to where you are staying.
Decero – An upscale taqueria; great fresh flavors. It’s good for a group b/c you can get a platter of tacos to share. The guac and margaritas are not to be missed.
Drinks
Signature Lounge – The lounge is located on the 96th floor of the Hancock building. I would recommend stopping there for a cocktail one night…it’s kind of pricey but it has AMAZING views of the city. Go for one drink and then head somewhere else for dinner.
To Do’s
Lakefront path – My absolute favorite place in the city, I’ve spent many early morning runs on it. It’s a juxtaposition of the feeling of the city and nature. Beautiful views of the park, beach and lake as well as the skyline and Lake Shore Drive. I’m usually heading south on it and my favorite part is the strip just north of Fullerton when you are heading south – it’s gorgeous!
Shopping – The obvious shopping is on Michigan Ave, but if you want to check out some “less touristy” areas here are a couple –
* Armitage (between Halsted and Racine)
* Southport (between School and Grace)
Public transportation
Transit In Chicago – Google maps is linked in with the CTA, so if you look up directions, you can select public transportation as an option.
Thursday Night Event
YumUniverse Launch Party: Join YumUniverse on August 12, 2010 from 7-10pm at the Chicago Urban Art Society in Chicago’s hip Pilsen neighborhood for an evening of organic drinks and treats, raffles and free massages. RSVP here or here.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Completely and deliciously indulgent, Garrett’s Popcorn is a favorite for me! I love, love, love the caramel/cheddar mix!
http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
I second the lake/beachfront path. You can run or rent bikes, you’re on the water and you have an amazing view of the city.
The best authentic mexican food I’ve ever had was at Des Colores (1626 South Halsted Street). It is absolutely worth the bus ride. You need to bring your own wine/beer.
French Market has amazing vendors, including one selling fresh raw meals and a juicer. Walk around and sample what is available and then have lunch, it’s magnificent!
If you like frozen yogurt you also need to check out Berry Chill. \
I love Chicago and wish I was going to the HLS!
Green City Market is a really pretty farmer’s market!
http://rhodeygirltests.com/2009/10/08/green-city-market-in-chicago/
Also, SUNDA has a great dinner menu and a great scene!
http://rhodeygirltests.com/2009/10/06/restaurant-review-sunda-in-chicago/
Get the rock shrimp tempura or the Summer of Sunda roll!
If you love cupcakes and sweets, you need to check out The Bleeding Heart Bakery. It’s a bit out of the city but definitely worth the trip. It’s a bakery focused on using local, organic and sustainable ingredients, and make amazing baked goods. There is a reason that they have been on Food Network Challenge 7 times! Plus Michelle and Vinny (the owners) are great people!
Ugh no offense, but there are much better options in Chicago. These are all tourist laden places.. not to mention completely random. Especially the Signature Lounge. I would definitely NOT recommend this place- especially on a weekend, unless your idea of fun is an $18 glass of CHEAP chardonnay and watching 50 screaming children running around. With some stale pita bread. Just sayin’.
Someone just did a post on the Epicurious Blog asking where to eat in Chicago
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2010/07/where-to-dine-in-chicago.html
Lots of interesting answers
Hi Nicole,
I’ve never been to Chicago and would love your suggestions on what to do there as well!
- Heather
I don’t know where to start! There are so many great things to do in Chicago and I would welcome any emails with questions for people that might be staying for an extended weekend.
Here are some of the good “touristy” things:
#1 thing to do: Chicago Architecture Foundation River Tour. There are other companies, but this is the best one. I take everyone that visits on it and it is an amazing way to see lots of the loop from the view of the river. Seriously, worth every penny. http://caf.architecture.org/
I think the Signature Lounge is worth the expensive cocktail for the view from the Hancock. I went while visiting Chicago on my 21st Birthday and it made me fall in love with this city. There is even an amazing view from the bathroom. It doesn’t cost to go up (like the SkyDeck of the Sears Tower) but it will be crowded on the weekend.
Millenium Park: Take a picture by the Bean (officially called “Cloud Gate”), watch the Crown Fountain spit water on all the kids playing. Stop by the Intelligentsia Coffee nearby (53 E. Randolph, on the south side of Randolph, just before Wabash). Kath can vouch that this is fun
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitneyinchicago/3750854102/in/photostream/
Beaches: Ohio Street Beach is the closest to Navy Pier and is quite walkable. The bigger beaches are Oak Street (on the top of MIchigan Ave) or North Ave Beach. Plenty of volleyball, laying out, big cold lake.
Lincoln Park Zoo: It’s free! and very well done. Can take the 151 bus from near the hotel (probably would have to catch it on Mich/Randolph) up north and get off at Webster for the zoo. This is also near-ish to North Ave beach if you want to do both.
Farmer’s Markets: Green City is my go to market and it is wonderful, but it is open Saturday from 7-1PM. The Wicker Park market (take the Blue line to Damen) is open Sunday and has many of the same wonderful vendors.
Places to eat: While you are in Wicker Park/Bucktown area hitting the farmer’s market; go eat at Piece which has amazing pizza and even more amazing microbrewed beers. Or Hot Chocolate {1747 N. Damen}, which is Mindy Siegal’s dessert bar and restaurant. Or The Bristol {2151 N. Damen} for their amazing seasonal menu.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery {1220 W. Webster]: Originally a Green City Market vendor, they recently opened a store front in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Lots of pictures here http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitneyinchicago/sets/72157623752625495/
Would be a great excuse for a walking tour of the neighborhood. Nearby is the Core Power Yoga-Lincoln Park studio.
Xoco {449 N. Clark}: Rick Bayless’ newest place, its counter service tortas, churros, etc. You will wait in line but it will be worth it. Closed on Sunday and Monday so maybe plan to hit it up late afternoon Friday for the shortest line. http://whitneyinchicago.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/xoco/
My favorite Bars:
The Map Room {1949 N Hoyne} Lots and Lots of interesting beers, shelves full of old National Geographics; what more could you want.
Violet Hour {1520 N. Damen}: Swanky, speakeasy. They don’t take reservations and the door is quite hidden (its behind graffiti which is constantly changing, between Pierce & Le Moyne on the West side of Damen) but incredibly amazing cocktails.
Webster Wine Bar {1480 W. Webster}: Little hard to get to on CTA, so take a cab but a great space with an amazing, interesting wine list.
DOC Wine Bar {2602 N. Clark}: Also a great wine list. In a happening area of Lincoln Park. Molly’s Cupcakes {2536 N. Clark} is very cute (thing picnic bench swings and board games) and nearby.
Vintage 338 {338 W. Armitage}: Another wine bar which just opened that I love because its close to my apt. Really great white bean dip.
–I could obviously go on and on: Please email me whitneyinchicago (at) gmail (dot) com with any other questions or if you want to know more. Chicago is a wonderful city and I’m so glad that HLS choose to come here.
The architectural boat tour at Navy Pier is also fun. It’s definitely a “touristy” thing to do, but I’ve lived here for four years now and I love going on it. You could probably arrange a group rate if a lot of people wanted to do it too. It’s a fun way to see the city and learn something at the same time.
http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/architecturerivercruise.html
Would someone please go to Hot Dougs with me!?
Under the category of “Not Healthy, But Incredibly Delicious and Uniquely Chicago”:
-Giordano’s Pizza There are a couple of them downtown, the closest one to the hotel is probably the one on Jackson between Franklin & Wells. I’d avoid the one on Rush Street (up near Michigan Ave) because it’s always packed.
-Portillo’s – Get the Italian Beef or a Chicago style hot dog. The closest one is a bit of a ways from the hotel, up at LaSalle & Ontario (across from the Hard Rock Cafe).
Does anyone know if there is any good vegan places to eat? I’ve got the whole of Friday to explore….and is there a Trader Joes nearby!? I’m dying to see one! (being from England and all :p)
Here is a great Vegan restaurant in the West Loop:
http://www.karynsongreen.com/
And there is a Trader Joe’s not too far from the hotel.
44 East Ontario Street
Freya-One of my very good friends is vegan and here are some of her favorites:
Karyn’s on Green http://www.karynsongreen.com/
There is also a Karyn’s Raw and Karyn’s Cooked
The Chicago Diner http://www.veggiediner.com/wp/
And there are multiple Trader Joe’s Locations. The easiest would be the one in River North at 44 East Ontario. Its maybe 1/2 a mile from the La Salle Power Company where the friday night Cocktail party is happening.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Here are some suggestions for vegan, vegetarian and raw eats in CHI!
Mana Food Bar: hands-down one of my favorite veg spots in Chi. Get the Slider! Outdoor Seating.
http://www.manafoodbar.com/
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Karyn’s Raw restaurant and cafe: Stock up on raw snacks and supplies or eat a raw meal in the dining room. Outdoor Seating.
http://www.karynraw.com/
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Karyn’s Cooked (vegan comfort food): Priced well and delicious. Jerk Wrap if you like spicy and the bread pudding and coconut cream pie for dessert. Outdoor Seating.
http://www.karynraw.com/Cooked/
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Karyn’s on Green (fancier vegan food): Yum all around. Outdoor Seating.
http://www.karynsongreen.com/
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Chicago Diner (Vegetarian): 6 words…Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Shake. Outdoor Seating.
http://www.veggiediner.com/wp/
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The YumUniverse Launch Party taking place Thursday night will have tons of gluten-free, raw and vegan goodness for FREE. Organic cocktails, wine tasting and more too…RSVP!
So many good suggestions – thankyou so much!
Sooo many good places to eat/drink and be happy here in Chi!
if you are a cupcake fanatic (like moi), must go to:
1) More Cupcakes http://www.morecupcakes.com/
2) Sweet Mandy B’s 1208 W Webster Ave(between Magnolia Ave & Racine Ave in Lincoln Park)
3) Sprinkles (Just in!) 50 E. Walton St. (Gold Coast)
If you want somewhere fun to eat and are staying at Congress Hotel, try:
1) Mercat a la Planxa (a lil pricey but totally worth it) http://www.mercatchicago.com/
2) Bongo Room – great breakfast/brunch but get there early to avoid long lines 1152 S Wabash Ave (south loop)
3) Coast Sushi- hands down some of the best sushi in the city AND its BYOB! http://www.coastsushibar.com
If you are looking for fun activities during the day:
1) New Modern Wing of Art Museum is great!
2) Lincoln Park Zoo- it’s free!
3) Green City Market (as many other have pointed out – this is a great market with all sorts of yummy foods)
4) Shedd Aquarium
If anyone wants more suggestions or has questions, feel free to email me:) I have lived in Chi for 6 years and love this city! So excited for HLS!!!
The closest Trader Joe’s looks like it’s about 2 miles away from the hotel, close to the Navy Pier!
Best Cupcakes: Phoebe’s on Broadway in Boys Town
Bleeding Heart Bakery
or Swirlz. (Swirlz and BHB, both do vegan cupcakes and Swirlz does Gluten Free)
Must Have Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Pizza. (imho it’s better than Giordano’s stuffed)
Chicago Diner, Karyn’s Raw and there is another raw place, I will get their exact location when I go back to work, their card is on my desk!
i want to try this place too. http://www.icreamcafe.com
you pick milk or soy (you can bring a sealed carton of almond or other milk too) and then choose a color and flavor(s) and they make your ice cream instantly.–looks like fun!
More: I haven’t been, but want to try: SweetCakes Bakery in Ukranian Village section of the city–it’s a father/daughter run vegan bakery
http://chicago.timeout.com/restaurants/ukrainian-village/8100/sweet-cakes-bakery
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-cakes-bakery-chicago-2
AND, http://mollyscupcakes.com who will be on Cupcake Wars this Tues night (can u tell I am obsessed w/cupcakes & desserts?)
the other raw place I wanted to tell you about is Cousin’s Incredible Vitality at 3038 W Irving Park Road, Chicago They had delicious looking cheesecake at the Green Fest that I wanted to try but was too full.
BRUNCH Must do: http://www.orangerestaurantchicago.com/orange/html/index.php
This place has Chai Tea french toast that is to dye for! that and “Frushi” which is fruit sushi. mmmmmm I ate here last November after working at the Hot Chocolate 15K and it was just the thing to fill the hole in my tummy with yum!
Veggie and vegan restaurants are one of my reasons to love Chicago. Green Zebra is spendy but so good. Then of course, there’s amazing comfort food at The Chicago Diner (though it will be far from where we are staying). Close by and so much fun is Mercat ala Planxa for Spanish tapas and sangria (not nec. veg.). VTK does thai right with Vermilion’s fun take on India meets Latin American cuisine located right next door. Trendy but delish are Avec and Blackbird. And don’t get me started with Greektown hot spot Santorini- whole grilled fish and yummy mezes… Oh yeah, we’re going to have a fun time keeping it healthy AND eating our way through the city.