Take a ride on the river for as little as $4 (b/w Michigan and Union Station). If you use them to commute during rush hour, they're even cheaper, but we prefer a lazy-day vibe.
Generic name for the former Beachstro, but the food is decent and thebeer list much expanded under Levy.
With musicians and dancers performing in the galleries, artists getting bigger shows, and young curators infusing fresh programming ideas, the MCA is doing the most to attract a new audience: you.
This gorgeous city landmark building is home to photography and sculpture exhibitions, and hosts film festivals.
The well-edited selection is not to be missed, and includes many vendors and products not always available to Chicago shoppers.
A hidden gem on the Southern tip of the Mag Mile, Roosevelt University's Gage gallery exhibits the best in social documentary photography. Read more.
This jazz institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s haunted, and the no-nonsense staff will shush you and the friends who dragged you in during jazz sets.
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Chicago’s longest-running piece of theater, features an innovative ensemble of writer-performers attempting to perform 30 miniplays in 60 minutes.
Always a bit more crowded than I'd wish, but with reason. Incredible beer selection and tasty food like mussels w/frites. Never had a bad beer there, out of dozens I've tried.
Longtime Lula chef de cuisine Jason Vincent puts out beautiful seasonal fare like chicken-liver pâté, wood-grilled trout with lentils and ham hock, spit-roasted chicken and hand-rolled pastas.
The technology that runs the Sky Theater isn’t just an overhead projector. Chief technology officer Doug Roberts says, “Fourteen years ago, this would’ve been the world’s fastest supercomputer.”
Best rooftop hang in the South Loop. Shoot some hoops and cool down under the shower...
While the amenities aren’t posh, beachgoers appreciate the convenience of restrooms with showers and beach chow like hot dogs, burgers, chips and lemonade.
The market specializes in all things mission, Art Deco, midcentury and mod. Furniture and art is the main focus upstairs, while downstairs you’ll find a variety of lighting, jewelry and more.
If you’re prepared to chill out for about 30 minutes until you get your delicious pesto chicken wrap; smoked jerk turkey wrap; or the housemade beignets, you’ll be just fine.
Uncle Fun is a one-of-a-kind toy store that has been established for over two decades. This whimsical shop features one of the widest selections of vintage finds, knick knacks and hilarious oddities.
A quirky science & army surplus shop, American Science & Surplus has it all. From Russian-made microscopes to 1950s Geiger counters, it stocks loads of educational science kits, games & toys for kids.
