Guidebook for Chicago
Entertainment & Activities
A great (and free!) zoo located less than a mile away... walk, ride, or bike!
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Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StA great (and free!) zoo located less than a mile away... walk, ride, or bike!
Fireworks for the 4th and on each weekend of summer.Ferris Wheel, food, beer, Children's Museum-anything you could ever want is all right here. Plus, a great view of the water!
https://navypier.com/
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Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveFireworks for the 4th and on each weekend of summer.Ferris Wheel, food, beer, Children's Museum-anything you could ever want is all right here. Plus, a great view of the water!
https://navypier.com/
Kids and adults alike will love this learning experience: IMAX movies, space ice cream, rotating exhibits, and more! Don't miss it!
http://www.msichicago.org/
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Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrKids and adults alike will love this learning experience: IMAX movies, space ice cream, rotating exhibits, and more! Don't miss it!
http://www.msichicago.org/
A wonderful park near the Loop/Millennium Park. Lots of parks and fun! Tons of fun in any weather... plus a rock climbing wall in summer and ice skating in winter!
http://maggiedaleypark.com/
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Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StA wonderful park near the Loop/Millennium Park. Lots of parks and fun! Tons of fun in any weather... plus a rock climbing wall in summer and ice skating in winter!
http://maggiedaleypark.com/
On Navy Pier-- a great place to take the kids, enjoy so many hands-on activities!
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
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Chicago Children's Museum
700 E Grand AveOn Navy Pier-- a great place to take the kids, enjoy so many hands-on activities!
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
Drinks & Nightlife
Huge bar- with both indoor and outdoor seating and tons of unique beer on draft. Great people watching, too!
http://www.oldtownpourhouse.com/
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Old Town Pour House - Chicago
1419 N Wells StHuge bar- with both indoor and outdoor seating and tons of unique beer on draft. Great people watching, too!
http://www.oldtownpourhouse.com/
Delicious menu... don't miss the funky items, like the bone marrow!
http://www.giltbarchicago.com/
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Gilt Bar
230 W Kinzie StDelicious menu... don't miss the funky items, like the bone marrow!
http://www.giltbarchicago.com/
Hotel Lincoln’s rooftop bar is the hottest spot in the city this summer- in addition to the 60-seat indoor space. Seasonal cocktail menus & great views abound!
jparkerchicago.com
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The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StHotel Lincoln’s rooftop bar is the hottest spot in the city this summer- in addition to the 60-seat indoor space. Seasonal cocktail menus & great views abound!
jparkerchicago.com
A great bar- awesome deck, tons of TVs, and plenty of good eats and drinks make this a hot spot in Old Town. Check it out! A 7 minute (max) walk!
http://benchmarkchicago.com/
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Benchmark
1510 N Wells StA great bar- awesome deck, tons of TVs, and plenty of good eats and drinks make this a hot spot in Old Town. Check it out! A 7 minute (max) walk!
http://benchmarkchicago.com/
A FUN bar-- usually a little less crowded than its neighbors with some fun music (think 90s on their 2nd floor). Just walk on down the road... it'll be right there!
http://fireplaceinn.com/
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The Fireplace Inn
1448 N Wells StA FUN bar-- usually a little less crowded than its neighbors with some fun music (think 90s on their 2nd floor). Just walk on down the road... it'll be right there!
http://fireplaceinn.com/
Bar/brewery with a tour! Definitely worth checking out! FOR FREE!!!
http://revbrew.com/home
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Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
3340 N Kedzie AveBar/brewery with a tour! Definitely worth checking out! FOR FREE!!!
http://revbrew.com/home
Whisky distillery tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book these tickets a few days in advance to be safe-- only $10, too!
http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/
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KOVAL Distillery
4241 North Ravenswood AvenueWhisky distillery tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book these tickets a few days in advance to be safe-- only $10, too!
http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/
Bar in the Hancock Building-- good food, good cocktails, unbeatable view! (Or venture up to the 96th for just the lounge!)
http://www.signatureroom.com/
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The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveBar in the Hancock Building-- good food, good cocktails, unbeatable view! (Or venture up to the 96th for just the lounge!)
http://www.signatureroom.com/
Great place to check out- food, drinks, fun! $10 tours are also available!
http://www.gooseislandbrewpubs.com/
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Goose Island Brewhouse
1800 N Clybourn AveGreat place to check out- food, drinks, fun! $10 tours are also available!
http://www.gooseislandbrewpubs.com/
Yet another tour of a distillery... this one is around $17/ticket but very cool to see the science of booze!
http://chdistillery.com/
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CH Distillery
564 W Randolph StYet another tour of a distillery... this one is around $17/ticket but very cool to see the science of booze!
http://chdistillery.com/
Great summertime place - who doesn't love to get drinks/eats outside on Wells Street?!
http://www.woodieschicago.com/
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Woodie's Flat
1535 N Wells StGreat summertime place - who doesn't love to get drinks/eats outside on Wells Street?!
http://www.woodieschicago.com/
Sightseeing
The famous North Ave. beach is just a mile away-- walking distance, or a quick drive, but always a ton of fun! Both for kids, teens, and adults alike!
http://www.cpdbeaches.com/beaches/north-avenue-
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North Avenue Beach
The famous North Ave. beach is just a mile away-- walking distance, or a quick drive, but always a ton of fun! Both for kids, teens, and adults alike!
http://www.cpdbeaches.com/beaches/north-avenue-
From the famous bean, to the water walls/splash area, to the gardens, and the theatre space (think: free movies and concerts!)-- an absolute must see while in Chicago!
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/
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Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StFrom the famous bean, to the water walls/splash area, to the gardens, and the theatre space (think: free movies and concerts!)-- an absolute must see while in Chicago!
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/
An aquarium that will spoil other aquariums for you! Go early (with any Chicago museum) to avoid the lines. Don't miss the sharks!!!
*Summers: Jazz @ the Shedd!
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
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Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrAn aquarium that will spoil other aquariums for you! Go early (with any Chicago museum) to avoid the lines. Don't miss the sharks!!!
*Summers: Jazz @ the Shedd!
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Willis Tower-- better known and forever known as the Sears Tower. Check out the great views of the city and snap some pictures on top of the glass Ledge.
http://www.willistower.com/
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Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrWillis Tower-- better known and forever known as the Sears Tower. Check out the great views of the city and snap some pictures on top of the glass Ledge.
http://www.willistower.com/
Another fabulous museum in Chicago with rotating exhibits, Sue the dinosaur, and more!
*get there early!*
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
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The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrAnother fabulous museum in Chicago with rotating exhibits, Sue the dinosaur, and more!
*get there early!*
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
There is both the Boat.. but more importantly, on the River Walk is Island Party Hut: http://www.islandpartyhut.com/
Sit on the river, get some food/drink, and enjoy a great, new spot! *Hidden gem!*
Island Party Boat
There is both the Boat.. but more importantly, on the River Walk is Island Party Hut: http://www.islandpartyhut.com/
Sit on the river, get some food/drink, and enjoy a great, new spot! *Hidden gem!*
Famous, fun, and in the heart of it all! Right in Grant Park area, too!
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Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus DrFamous, fun, and in the heart of it all! Right in Grant Park area, too!
Everything Else
Home of the Chicago Cubs-- just a few stops down on the L (red line). Catch a game, grab a beer, see the Wrigley neighborhood.
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Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StHome of the Chicago Cubs-- just a few stops down on the L (red line). Catch a game, grab a beer, see the Wrigley neighborhood.
The world famous Mag Mile! Great shopping, restaurants, people watching-- it's got it all!
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Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
The world famous Mag Mile! Great shopping, restaurants, people watching-- it's got it all!
Free, beautiful, and right near Millennium Park. Check out this beauty in the middle of the city's largest buildings!
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Lurie Garden
220 E Monroe StFree, beautiful, and right near Millennium Park. Check out this beauty in the middle of the city's largest buildings!
Want to explore Chicago like a local? This FREE program pairs visitors with a tour guide who can take you to any of the neighborhoods or 40 attractions! 10 days notice. http://chicagogreeter.com/
Chicago Greeter
72 E Randolph StWant to explore Chicago like a local? This FREE program pairs visitors with a tour guide who can take you to any of the neighborhoods or 40 attractions! 10 days notice. http://chicagogreeter.com/
Get yourself in a boat, on the water, and enjoying summertime in Chicago as it's meant to be enjoyed!
http://www.chicago-boat-rentals.com/
Chicago Powerboat Rentals
111 N Lake Shore DrGet yourself in a boat, on the water, and enjoying summertime in Chicago as it's meant to be enjoyed!
http://www.chicago-boat-rentals.com/
A beautiful place to walk, bike, run, or just sit and soak in the water, the skyline, and the people!
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Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailA beautiful place to walk, bike, run, or just sit and soak in the water, the skyline, and the people!
First Officially Recognized Gay Community in the US. Fun area equipped with great bars and shopping! An L ride away!
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Boystown
First Officially Recognized Gay Community in the US. Fun area equipped with great bars and shopping! An L ride away!
Arts & Culture
Voted the best museum in the world!
http://www.artic.edu/
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The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveVoted the best museum in the world!
http://www.artic.edu/
Do not miss Second City! Get tickets in advance if they're during a prime time, but it is so worth it... plus, you can (and should) get your drinks delivered to your seats!
http://www.secondcity.com
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The Second City
230 W North AveDo not miss Second City! Get tickets in advance if they're during a prime time, but it is so worth it... plus, you can (and should) get your drinks delivered to your seats!
http://www.secondcity.com
Walk down the block to enjoy some great comedy... and food/drinks! Some of the famous comics started here!
http://www.chicago.zanies.com/
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Zanies Comedy Night Club
1548 N Wells StWalk down the block to enjoy some great comedy... and food/drinks! Some of the famous comics started here!
http://www.chicago.zanies.com/
This is pinging the wrong address, but highly recommend a river architecture tour (on the boat!) with a bar on board.
So much fun!
http://www.cruisechicago.com/architecture_tours/
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Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker DrThis is pinging the wrong address, but highly recommend a river architecture tour (on the boat!) with a bar on board.
So much fun!
http://www.cruisechicago.com/architecture_tours/
Free museum-- not exactly close, so you'll need a car/Uber/something! But free and beautiful. During the fall, they have folk artists from Mexico on site.
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
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National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StFree museum-- not exactly close, so you'll need a car/Uber/something! But free and beautiful. During the fall, they have folk artists from Mexico on site.
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
Kid friendly, great IMAX experience, and an in depth, up close view of the planets, moons, and solar system!
BONUS: Adler After Dark!
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
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Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrKid friendly, great IMAX experience, and an in depth, up close view of the planets, moons, and solar system!
BONUS: Adler After Dark!
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
In Chicago's Southport Corridor, a great place for off-beat, indie, and foreign films... including midnight showings!
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/
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Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport AveIn Chicago's Southport Corridor, a great place for off-beat, indie, and foreign films... including midnight showings!
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/
Movies and beer- what more could you want!? (Plus, $5 admission for most movies -- you can't beat it!)
http://www.brewview.com/
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The Brew & View
3145 N Sheffield AveMovies and beer- what more could you want!? (Plus, $5 admission for most movies -- you can't beat it!)
http://www.brewview.com/
So many good things to say, but not enough words to say it!
http://cso.org/
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan AveSo many good things to say, but not enough words to say it!
http://cso.org/
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn StChicago's Broadway!
http://www.goodmantheatre.org/
Blue Man Group @ Briar Street Theater!
http://www.blueman.com/chicago/about-show
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Briar Street Theatre
3133 N Halsted StBlue Man Group @ Briar Street Theater!
http://www.blueman.com/chicago/about-show
Food Scene
In the heart of River North -- a great place for family dining, with fairly reasonable prices. Family style Italian and quarts of wine! Yum!!
https://www.quartinochicago.com/
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Quartino Ristorante
626 N State StIn the heart of River North -- a great place for family dining, with fairly reasonable prices. Family style Italian and quarts of wine! Yum!!
https://www.quartinochicago.com/
Great outdoor seating right down the road from the condo (walking distance). SCRUMPTIOUS, yet refined, BBQ.
http://chicagoqrestaurant.com/
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Chicago Q
1160 N Dearborn StGreat outdoor seating right down the road from the condo (walking distance). SCRUMPTIOUS, yet refined, BBQ.
http://chicagoqrestaurant.com/
Famous restaurant owned by the first female winner of Top Chef, Stephanie. If you're planning on going, make a reservation early (like, weeks early).
http://girlandthegoat.com/
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Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StFamous restaurant owned by the first female winner of Top Chef, Stephanie. If you're planning on going, make a reservation early (like, weeks early).
http://girlandthegoat.com/
Also owned by Stephanie (of Girl & the Goat) -- not quite as crazy to get into and still very scrumptious!
http://littlegoatchicago.com/
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Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StAlso owned by Stephanie (of Girl & the Goat) -- not quite as crazy to get into and still very scrumptious!
http://littlegoatchicago.com/
Just down the street and a fun spot for kiddos.
http://www.rainforestcafe.com/
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Rainforest Cafe
605 N Clark StJust down the street and a fun spot for kiddos.
http://www.rainforestcafe.com/
Scrumptious spot for sandwiches and baked goodies- breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus... plus freshly baked bread!
https://lafournette.com
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La Fournette
1547 N Wells StScrumptious spot for sandwiches and baked goodies- breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus... plus freshly baked bread!
https://lafournette.com
Yummy coffee and breakfast located within Hotel Lincoln-- La Colombe coffee/espresso drinks, crepes, and more!
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Elaine's Coffee Call
1816 N Clark StYummy coffee and breakfast located within Hotel Lincoln-- La Colombe coffee/espresso drinks, crepes, and more!
Delicious sushi, great views, right on Wells (including outdoor seating and upstairs lounge with cocktails from the exclusive mixologist).
http://www.kamehachi.com/
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Kamehachi
1531 N Wells StDelicious sushi, great views, right on Wells (including outdoor seating and upstairs lounge with cocktails from the exclusive mixologist).
http://www.kamehachi.com/
Great Italian food just a few blocks down from the condo. Patio and indoor seating and so mouth wateringly yummy!
http://www.orsosrestaurant.com/
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Orso's
1401 N Wells StGreat Italian food just a few blocks down from the condo. Patio and indoor seating and so mouth wateringly yummy!
http://www.orsosrestaurant.com/
Famous Rick Bayless's restaurant (you may be familiar with him from Top Chef judging, or his line of salsa/chips at your local grocery store).http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/frontera-grill/
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Frontera Grill
445 N Clark StFamous Rick Bayless's restaurant (you may be familiar with him from Top Chef judging, or his line of salsa/chips at your local grocery store).http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/frontera-grill/
Delicious food-- Traditional Chicago style deep-dish. Cannot stop drooling!
http://www.loumalnatis.com/
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StDelicious food-- Traditional Chicago style deep-dish. Cannot stop drooling!
http://www.loumalnatis.com/
Standard Chicago... everyone who lives here and leaves craves it as one of their first stops when back in the area. Delish Chicago-dogs, Italian Beef, the works!!
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Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StStandard Chicago... everyone who lives here and leaves craves it as one of their first stops when back in the area. Delish Chicago-dogs, Italian Beef, the works!!
DELICIOUS! What a great place for brunch/lunch... seriously, have never had anything less than scrumptious here! *WARNING* there will be a wait on weekends, so go early!
www.kanelabreakfastclub.com
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Kanela Breakfast Club
3231 N Clark StDELICIOUS! What a great place for brunch/lunch... seriously, have never had anything less than scrumptious here! *WARNING* there will be a wait on weekends, so go early!
www.kanelabreakfastclub.com
Just the other way down Wells is yet another great breakfast/brunch spot found in Yolk! You're welcome and enjoy!
http://eatyolk.com/
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Yolk - River North
747 N Wells StJust the other way down Wells is yet another great breakfast/brunch spot found in Yolk! You're welcome and enjoy!
http://eatyolk.com/
Sushi! You could walk this, but we always drive. Great sushi - dine in or take out, but we usually take out here.. Mouth is watering! (Crazy Roll is GOOOOD!)
http://www.tiparosthai.com/
Tiparos Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar
1540 North Clark StreetSushi! You could walk this, but we always drive. Great sushi - dine in or take out, but we usually take out here.. Mouth is watering! (Crazy Roll is GOOOOD!)
http://www.tiparosthai.com/
Shopping
A resale shop with exclusive designers (think Armani, Tory Burch) with the proceeds benefitting the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
http://www.mercyhome.org/mercybeaucoup
Mercy Beaucoup Resale Boutique
1545 North Wells StreetA resale shop with exclusive designers (think Armani, Tory Burch) with the proceeds benefitting the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
http://www.mercyhome.org/mercybeaucoup
The flagship store of the now defunct Marshall Field's on State Street is now Macy's, but to the Chicagoan, it will always be Marshall Field's.
In the winter- don't miss the themed windows!
Marshall Field and Company Building
111 N State StThe flagship store of the now defunct Marshall Field's on State Street is now Macy's, but to the Chicagoan, it will always be Marshall Field's.
In the winter- don't miss the themed windows!
Fun for the kiddos- get a new doll, see the play, have tea, and enjoy!
http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/chicago
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American Girl
835 Michigan AveFun for the kiddos- get a new doll, see the play, have tea, and enjoy!
http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/chicago
The LEGO® Store Chicago
835 N Michigan AveMore fun for the kids... and let's be honest, some adults, too!
Chicago
835 North Michigan AvenueShopping on Michigan Avenue... can't beat it!