Its airy Scandanavian aesthetic makes it a no-brainer for mid-week coffee meetings and its stellar kitchen puts their own seasonal stamp on breakfast, lunch and dinner. Read more.
Order your favorite cocktail or one of the four on offer from the daily menu. Don’t let the casual attitude, vintage taxidermy or $4 High Lifes on the patio fool you – drinks here are taken seriously. Read more.
The store is packed with mid-century treasures and a masculine Hollywood Regency vibe. Their constantly-rotating displays act as a constant source of inspiration (and of course, envy). Read more.
The cash-only spot has an ever rotating selection of flavors (written daily on the window) including standouts such as goat cheese cashew caramel and blueberry french toast. Read more.
Everywhere you turn, your eyes catch a new carnivorous plant, wild bright bloom never seen before, or sparkly pyrite stone to liven up an already magnificent succulent display. Read more.
Located above Roots Pizza, it truly is a respite from the big-screen TVs and carb overloads to be had downstairs. The ever-changing menu always offers some unexpected pleasures. Read more.
The stars of the show will be presented table side courtesy of the constantly-changing chalkboard which will feature a range of appetizers, entrees, and fresh pastas. Read more.
Start off dinner with an order of shortrib beignets and a dozen oysters. Or stop by for lunch, where you can get a sandwich and a draft beer for $15. Read more.
The front of the store is dedicated to jewelry from indie makers and the back offers cards, posters and Chicago-centric goods of all sorts. In all, products from over 100 local artists are presented. Read more.
An easy place to grab a beer, throw down on some gastropubby food, and play a little shuffleboard. Read more.
You are greeted by bright geometric prints, vintage chunky belt buckles, and a wall of motorcycle helmets; warm soul and hard grit in perfect tandem. You leave feeling like you just got a bit cooler. Read more.
Part cocktail lounge/pool hall/dance club that boasts a vast array of delicious spirits to keep your ABV from dropping too low. Come early to grab a spot at the pool table. Read more.
Whether we need to send a thank-you-for-hosting-a-dinner-party card or a sorry-you-broke-your-arm-on-a-Cambodian-scooter-get-well-soon card, Paper Doll has got us covered. Read more.
Somehow, the quintessential dive bar has gained a favorable reputation with just about every Chicagoan you’ll meet. The $3 old school photo booth produces the best b+w tones you’ll see in the city. Read more.
We prefer Tuesday’s Jerk Chicken special for $9 and a few rounds of Red Stripe, but we’ve heard great things about the late night DJ sets as well. Read more.
When we need our cortado fix, we find ourselves heading to Asado. They have three locations around the city, though it’s this one that roasts for their downtown location as well. Read more.
Owner Kevin Starke stocks the shelves with more house music than most. If you didn’t realize that house music was born in Chicago, take a moment for Kevin to school you. Read more.
By using dark roasted malt in their crust, they create a thick, sweet, and marvelous base for some delicious pie concoctions. It’s not traditional – but it’s a treat. Read more.
You’ve got 3 decisions to make: Nashville-style hot or classic pickle-brined. Breast or thigh. Bun or housemade buttermilk biscuit. Bring your own booze if you fancy (but don’t forget to bring cash). Read more.
Perfect for a romantic date night with your boo or a 13 person BYO pre-game for the Big Freedia concert at the Empty Bottle next door, we’ve never had a bad experience. Read more.
Fancy a spot of curry? Pub Royale’s hearty contemporary english-style pub food (read heavy Indian spices) and massive rotating tap list is certain to send you on your way, perfectly full. Read more.
One of only two churches designed by Louis Sullivan, a renowned architect in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the only church built by Sullivan that stands in the city of Chicago. Read more.
They’ve got all the essentials (helmets, handlebar grips, locks), quick service turnarounds and a welcoming staff who tells it like it is. Read more.
Their selection of organic produce, meats, dairy and hand packaged nuts + grains is nothing short of amazing and they’ve got every remedy for a wicked hangover. Read more.
Where do we go when we need to re-up on black garlic? Or kefir lime leaves? Or when we made tonic syrup and needed to special order chincona bark? You get the picture. Read more.
Every now and then a Togarashi Bowl (baked tofu, grilled kale, carrots, pickled radish, scallion, seaweed, sesame seeds over purple rice with a lemon tahini miso dressing) really hits the spot. Read more.
Our top choice? The Tocino combo. A platter full of anise wine-cured pork shoulder, fried garlic rice topped with two eggs any style and a side of salsa. Read more.
