Food scene
Great spot just a block and a half from the apartment. Mexican inspired croissants! Now only open weekends. Go early, they sell out by noon.
13 locals recommend
Pan Artesanal Bakery
3724 W Fullerton AveGreat spot just a block and a half from the apartment. Mexican inspired croissants! Now only open weekends. Go early, they sell out by noon.
I take ALL of my out of town visitors here for breakfast. It’s my fave. Excellent dinner too, especially for foodies who want to try something different.
830 locals recommend
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie AveI take ALL of my out of town visitors here for breakfast. It’s my fave. Excellent dinner too, especially for foodies who want to try something different.
Daisies
2375 N Milwaukee AveLovely spot for dinner. Unique pastas. The pierogi dish is amazing!
Best biscuits anywhere! Tiny spot but large outdoor patio when the weather is good. Hours are limited so check out their website for times. As of 8/2021 they were open Wednesday to Saturday.
468 locals recommend
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveBest biscuits anywhere! Tiny spot but large outdoor patio when the weather is good. Hours are limited so check out their website for times. As of 8/2021 they were open Wednesday to Saturday.
Local staple. Great food, menu changes often. Limited hours right now, so be sure to check times.
936 locals recommend
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie BlvdLocal staple. Great food, menu changes often. Limited hours right now, so be sure to check times.
My # 1 in Chicago. It’s about a 20-25 min Uber in Pilsen. Upscale Vietnamese. If you go, MUST have the chicken wings and vegetable curry.
31 locals recommend
Mandarin Kitchen hot pot
2143 S Archer AveMy # 1 in Chicago. It’s about a 20-25 min Uber in Pilsen. Upscale Vietnamese. If you go, MUST have the chicken wings and vegetable curry.
Great views of downtown. I like this spot for a glass of bubbly and some oysters while taking in the view. 2nd floor bar more casual and preferred. Very expensive.
13 locals recommend
Gibsons Italia
233 N Canal StGreat views of downtown. I like this spot for a glass of bubbly and some oysters while taking in the view. 2nd floor bar more casual and preferred. Very expensive.
One of my take out go-to’s. Also has a nice interior, relaxed and friendly spot.
15 locals recommend
SABA Italian Bar + Kitchen
2715 N Milwaukee AveOne of my take out go-to’s. Also has a nice interior, relaxed and friendly spot.
My personal favorite BBQ. Located in the West Loop. It’s a foodie paradise.
107 locals recommend
Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StMy personal favorite BBQ. Located in the West Loop. It’s a foodie paradise.
5 min walk from house. Good coffee and treats. Walk up window, so swing by on a walk with the dog. They have treats for them too!
10 locals recommend
necessary & sufficient coffee
3624 W Wrightwood Ave5 min walk from house. Good coffee and treats. Walk up window, so swing by on a walk with the dog. They have treats for them too!
Incredible bakery featuring some of the best savory treats I’ve ever had! The blondie brownie is a favorite and any of the daily special croissants. Open Fri to Sun into sold out (usually @1p).
6 locals recommend
Sugar Moon
3612 W Wrightwood AveIncredible bakery featuring some of the best savory treats I’ve ever had! The blondie brownie is a favorite and any of the daily special croissants. Open Fri to Sun into sold out (usually @1p).
Very cute speak easy featuring some great wines. It’s below a nice restaurant called Testaccio. Recommend getting reservations
Soif Wine Lounge
Very cute speak easy featuring some great wines. It’s below a nice restaurant called Testaccio. Recommend getting reservations
Sightseeing
So fun! Runs mid May through end of October. Great way to spend a Sunday morning (opens at 10a).
135 locals recommend
Logan Square Farmers Market
2400-2556 North Kedzie BoulevardSo fun! Runs mid May through end of October. Great way to spend a Sunday morning (opens at 10a).
Classic old movie theater that was recently renovated. Full bar! Comfy seats and they play new and older movies.
315 locals recommend
The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee AveClassic old movie theater that was recently renovated. Full bar! Comfy seats and they play new and older movies.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StFree! Great way to spend an afternoon strolling the park.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AvePretty spot in both the summer and winter.
There is not a ton of true waterfront options in Chicago, but this is a cute spot for a light meal and they also have live music in the evenings.
35 locals recommend
The Waterfront Cafe
6219 N Sheridan RdThere is not a ton of true waterfront options in Chicago, but this is a cute spot for a light meal and they also have live music in the evenings.
The 606
1805 North Ridgeway AvenueAwesome way to get to Bucktown. Rent a divvy bike and enjoy the ride!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Getting Around
Consider downloading the Ventra app. This has train and bus schedules. Divvy is the app for the rental bikes. The black bikes are electric and great fun to use in the neighborhood. They also don’t need to be docked at stations, so very convenient.