Sightseeing and fun touristy things
Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation. It's also FREE! (suggested donation at the door if you like) We love going here in the winter to get a dose of beautiful greenery and moist air, but it is lovely all year round. The outside grounds are perfectly manicured in the spring, summer, fall. Highly suggest Uber or parking in their free parking lot.
258 locals recommend
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveGarfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation. It's also FREE! (suggested donation at the door if you like) We love going here in the winter to get a dose of beautiful greenery and moist air, but it is lovely all year round. The outside grounds are perfectly manicured in the spring, summer, fall. Highly suggest Uber or parking in their free parking lot.
This is one of the best ways to view the city and we highly recommend purchasing somewhat in advance as they do fill up: https://www.cruisechicago.com/tours/. ~ $45 per person
55 locals recommend
First Lady Architecture Tour
112 E Wacker DrThis is one of the best ways to view the city and we highly recommend purchasing somewhat in advance as they do fill up: https://www.cruisechicago.com/tours/. ~ $45 per person
The Chicago Cultural Center, opened in 1897, is a Chicago Landmark building that houses the city's official reception venue where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed Presidents and royalty, diplomats, and community leaders. It's free, too! They regularly have awesome exhibits and it's a must-see when sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
203 locals recommend
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington StThe Chicago Cultural Center, opened in 1897, is a Chicago Landmark building that houses the city's official reception venue where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed Presidents and royalty, diplomats, and community leaders. It's free, too! They regularly have awesome exhibits and it's a must-see when sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular place because it's free and it's amazing! You may have to make a reservation for a time slot because of COVID restrictions, check their website for the most up to date info. Getting there: Driving takes about 15-20 minutes and they do have paid parking. You can also take the Fullerton bus directly there or a Lyft/Uber.
1117 locals recommend
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StLincoln Park Zoo is a popular place because it's free and it's amazing! You may have to make a reservation for a time slot because of COVID restrictions, check their website for the most up to date info. Getting there: Driving takes about 15-20 minutes and they do have paid parking. You can also take the Fullerton bus directly there or a Lyft/Uber.
A fun place to get a great skyline view while sitting on the big sandy beach. There are volleyball nets, and other activities for rental. A busy restaurant/bar called Castaways is also on-site, the food is basic but you're not there for the food! ;)
338 locals recommend
North Avenue Beach
A fun place to get a great skyline view while sitting on the big sandy beach. There are volleyball nets, and other activities for rental. A busy restaurant/bar called Castaways is also on-site, the food is basic but you're not there for the food! ;)
Located at Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum has exhibits for children of all ages, beginning with toddlers 2+. You do have to buy tickets in advance and there is a vaccine mandate:
CCM requires all visiting members and guests to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry into the museum.
12 years old and older must show proof of full 2 dose COVID- 19 vaccination
5 years old to 11 years old must have at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose
58 locals recommend
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E Grand AveLocated at Navy Pier, the Chicago Children's Museum has exhibits for children of all ages, beginning with toddlers 2+. You do have to buy tickets in advance and there is a vaccine mandate:
CCM requires all visiting members and guests to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry into the museum.
12 years old and older must show proof of full 2 dose COVID- 19 vaccination
5 years old to 11 years old must have at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose
We love coming here for a breathtaking view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. There is no cover charge, all you need to do is buy a drink to enjoy the beautiful views. You can also reserve a table to dine though you may have to wait a bit. People don't technically come here for the food, but the mimosas are very good :)
521 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveWe love coming here for a breathtaking view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. There is no cover charge, all you need to do is buy a drink to enjoy the beautiful views. You can also reserve a table to dine though you may have to wait a bit. People don't technically come here for the food, but the mimosas are very good :)
Local favorites within walking distance
A cute coffee shop + breakfast/lunch just a 13-minute walk from Hamlin House. We love their tasty matcha lattes with oat milk. In the summer, they have a fairly large outdoor patio and great wifi year round.
44 locals recommend
Brew Brew Coffee & Tea
3832 W Diversey AveA cute coffee shop + breakfast/lunch just a 13-minute walk from Hamlin House. We love their tasty matcha lattes with oat milk. In the summer, they have a fairly large outdoor patio and great wifi year round.
One of our favorite places for outdoor dining! It's great for families and groups but be sure to call ahead or visit their website to make a reservation because it's always busy.
72 locals recommend
Park & Field
3509 W Fullerton AveOne of our favorite places for outdoor dining! It's great for families and groups but be sure to call ahead or visit their website to make a reservation because it's always busy.
A new local hotspot that's just about a 3-minute walk.
Sun-Th: 4pm-1am
Fr-Sat: 4pm-2am
*21 and over after 9pm daily
Surge Billiards
3716 W Fullerton AveA new local hotspot that's just about a 3-minute walk.
Sun-Th: 4pm-1am
Fr-Sat: 4pm-2am
*21 and over after 9pm daily
The owner is awesome and provides top notch service when bartending. They have really unique and tasty craft cocktails and lots of local beers on draft. There is a patio as well as lots of seating inside. They don't have food but you can order takeout and eat it there.
136 locals recommend
The Chicago Diner, Logan Square
2333 North Milwaukee AvenueThe owner is awesome and provides top notch service when bartending. They have really unique and tasty craft cocktails and lots of local beers on draft. There is a patio as well as lots of seating inside. They don't have food but you can order takeout and eat it there.
Owned by two sisters, this place is a hotspot for coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries! It's so good, we go several times per month. Try to go early as they tend to sell out the later it gets. Nice patio for outdoor dining, high chairs for little ones, indoor seating as well.
13 locals recommend
Pan Artesanal Bakery
3724 W Fullerton AveOwned by two sisters, this place is a hotspot for coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries! It's so good, we go several times per month. Try to go early as they tend to sell out the later it gets. Nice patio for outdoor dining, high chairs for little ones, indoor seating as well.
These guys specialize in sandwiches and they are delish! They also serve alcohol and have lots of local brews available. There is a cute patio out back, as well as indoor dining. They serve lunch, brunch, and dinner.
57 locals recommend
Wyler Road
3581 W Belden AveThese guys specialize in sandwiches and they are delish! They also serve alcohol and have lots of local brews available. There is a cute patio out back, as well as indoor dining. They serve lunch, brunch, and dinner.
This restaurant was re-concepted Dorothy's Bistro (formerly Flat & Point), and it's super tasty! Lots of unique beers available and a large patio! They have a small menu, but everything on it is divine. They bake all of their bread and pastries too :)
CURRENT HOURS:
Thursday - Sunday
Open at 5 p.m.
Walk-ins only
6 locals recommend
Flat & Point
3524 West Fullerton AvenueThis restaurant was re-concepted Dorothy's Bistro (formerly Flat & Point), and it's super tasty! Lots of unique beers available and a large patio! They have a small menu, but everything on it is divine. They bake all of their bread and pastries too :)
CURRENT HOURS:
Thursday - Sunday
Open at 5 p.m.
Walk-ins only
A short 10-minute walk from Hamlin House. It has a convenient walk-up window for takeaway if you're not in the mood to eat inside. They have coffee, breakfast pastries and sandwiches, and refreshing teas!
10 locals recommend
necessary & sufficient coffee
3624 W Wrightwood AveA short 10-minute walk from Hamlin House. It has a convenient walk-up window for takeaway if you're not in the mood to eat inside. They have coffee, breakfast pastries and sandwiches, and refreshing teas!
Got a sweet tooth? You won't be disappointed! Great place to take the kids, too. Walking takes about 5-7 minutes.
11 locals recommend
Xurro - Churro Factory
3755 W Armitage AveGot a sweet tooth? You won't be disappointed! Great place to take the kids, too. Walking takes about 5-7 minutes.
One of our go-to's for a quick and delicious meal! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It is cash only.
95 locals recommend
L' Patron
3749 W Fullerton AveOne of our go-to's for a quick and delicious meal! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It is cash only.
This is a new restaurant in the neighborhood that opened Summer of 2022. The ramen is delicious, and they have good options for vegetarians too. Walking here takes about 10 minutes if you're a brisk walker.
Monster Ramen
3435 West Fullerton AvenueThis is a new restaurant in the neighborhood that opened Summer of 2022. The ramen is delicious, and they have good options for vegetarians too. Walking here takes about 10 minutes if you're a brisk walker.
We absolutely LOVE Omarcito's and be sure to tell the owner Omar we sent you. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything you order here, and it's BYOB. His menu changes weekly, so check their IG @omarcitos_chicago for the latest menus and links to order. It's so close, literally 1 minute walk on Hamlin toward Fullerton.
Omarcito’s Latin Cafe
3801 West Fullerton AvenueWe absolutely LOVE Omarcito's and be sure to tell the owner Omar we sent you. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything you order here, and it's BYOB. His menu changes weekly, so check their IG @omarcitos_chicago for the latest menus and links to order. It's so close, literally 1 minute walk on Hamlin toward Fullerton.
Logan Square Hot Spots
One of our favorite restaurants because of the decor and food. This is a perfect choice for brunch, cocktails, and/or dinner. A little dressy, great vibe :) You can make a reservation here.
28 locals recommend
The Whale Chicago
2427 N Milwaukee AveOne of our favorite restaurants because of the decor and food. This is a perfect choice for brunch, cocktails, and/or dinner. A little dressy, great vibe :) You can make a reservation here.
Arguably one of the best restaurants in Logan Square. You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu, it's open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a nice patio. They take reservations but it tends to fill up quickly.
830 locals recommend
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveArguably one of the best restaurants in Logan Square. You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu, it's open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a nice patio. They take reservations but it tends to fill up quickly.
A little pricey but worth it! It's a Michelin-star 40-seat restaurant serving globally inspired cuisine, that they like to call Korean American. If you have a group of 4 or more, a reservation is suggested.
68 locals recommend
Parachute
3500 N Elston AveA little pricey but worth it! It's a Michelin-star 40-seat restaurant serving globally inspired cuisine, that they like to call Korean American. If you have a group of 4 or more, a reservation is suggested.
Good, local beer and bar-type fare. It's the largest independent brewery in Illinois and it started in Logan Square in 2010.
724 locals recommend
Revolution Brewing - Brewpub
2323 N Milwaukee AveGood, local beer and bar-type fare. It's the largest independent brewery in Illinois and it started in Logan Square in 2010.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we mostly go here for brunch but their food is all very good! Healthy options available, good wine list.
936 locals recommend
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie BlvdOpen for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we mostly go here for brunch but their food is all very good! Healthy options available, good wine list.
Puerto Rican food, probably the best in the city. Any of the Jibaratos are the menu are DELICIOUS and large enough to split if you aren't super hungry. We go here often! You could walk here if it's a nice day.
27 locals recommend
Jibaritos y Mas
3400 W Fullerton AvePuerto Rican food, probably the best in the city. Any of the Jibaratos are the menu are DELICIOUS and large enough to split if you aren't super hungry. We go here often! You could walk here if it's a nice day.
A vibey and fun place to start (or end) the night. They have amazing cocktails, beer, and small snacks if you're hungry. Love all the vintage decor here and the staff is super friendly.
582 locals recommend
Scofflaw
3201 W Armitage AveA vibey and fun place to start (or end) the night. They have amazing cocktails, beer, and small snacks if you're hungry. Love all the vintage decor here and the staff is super friendly.
If you can eat here, do it. Reservations can be tricky but it is so worth it for the incredible meal you will enjoy. Great for date night or small groups. Must try the pasta - it changes often but we've yet to have one we didn't like.
65 locals recommend
Giant
3209 W Armitage AveIf you can eat here, do it. Reservations can be tricky but it is so worth it for the incredible meal you will enjoy. Great for date night or small groups. Must try the pasta - it changes often but we've yet to have one we didn't like.
This is our favorite place for Mexican food. The tacos and burritos are delish and you can try their Huaraches for a more authentic sandwich. Mmmm! It's cash only but they do take Zelle.
24 locals recommend
El Habanero
3300 W Fullerton AveThis is our favorite place for Mexican food. The tacos and burritos are delish and you can try their Huaraches for a more authentic sandwich. Mmmm! It's cash only but they do take Zelle.
They have a huge outdoor patio with fireplaces that work in all seasons. It's a really fun place for groups with pretty good bar-type food and drinks!
31 locals recommend
The Moonlighter
3204 W Armitage AveThey have a huge outdoor patio with fireplaces that work in all seasons. It's a really fun place for groups with pretty good bar-type food and drinks!
This is the OG Parson's and we've been 10+ times. We love their huge patio and frozen slushi drinks. Of course, the fried chicken is super delish and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
656 locals recommend
Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage AveThis is the OG Parson's and we've been 10+ times. We love their huge patio and frozen slushi drinks. Of course, the fried chicken is super delish and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Parks and playgrounds within walking distance
This is a lovely park with a great playground and lots of grass to run around or have a picnic. They have a 'little kids' play zone and an older kids' playzone. It's about an 8 to 10-minute walk.
Mozart Park
2036 North Avers AvenueThis is a lovely park with a great playground and lots of grass to run around or have a picnic. They have a 'little kids' play zone and an older kids' playzone. It's about an 8 to 10-minute walk.
This park is very large with lots to do! There is a water feature for the summertime so the kids can splash and their playground is large. It's about a 15-minute walk from Hamlin and highly recommended!
25 locals recommend
Kosciuszko Park
2732 N Avers AveThis park is very large with lots to do! There is a water feature for the summertime so the kids can splash and their playground is large. It's about a 15-minute walk from Hamlin and highly recommended!
This is the closest playground to Hamlin House but it's not always open. When it is open for play, the gates will be open and it's a great playground with soft rubber ground for the little ones.
Mozart Elementary School
2200 North Hamlin AvenueThis is the closest playground to Hamlin House but it's not always open. When it is open for play, the gates will be open and it's a great playground with soft rubber ground for the little ones.