Kate’s guidebook

Kate
Kate’s guidebook

Sightseeing

One of the largest parks in Chicago, with running trails, a fishing pond, soccer fields, playground equipment, an Olympic-size pool, and a hockey rink!
McKinley Park
2210 W Pershing Rd
One of the largest parks in Chicago, with running trails, a fishing pond, soccer fields, playground equipment, an Olympic-size pool, and a hockey rink!
91 locals recommend
Chicago White Sox
333 W 35th St
91 locals recommend
Chicago boasts the only growing Chinatown in America. There are dozens of great places to eat after you check out the gateway, do a little shopping, and find your horoscope animal in Chinatown Square.
217 locals recommend
Chinatown
217 locals recommend
Chicago boasts the only growing Chinatown in America. There are dozens of great places to eat after you check out the gateway, do a little shopping, and find your horoscope animal in Chinatown Square.
The Bean needs no further introduction. IMHO, the best photos are from the underside, where you really get the funhouse mirror effect.
473 locals recommend
Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St
473 locals recommend
The Bean needs no further introduction. IMHO, the best photos are from the underside, where you really get the funhouse mirror effect.
Chicago’s premiere outdoor music venue! Free public concerts most nights from May to September, including the Grant Park Orchestra, Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, and more
52 locals recommend
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
201 E Randolph St
52 locals recommend
Chicago’s premiere outdoor music venue! Free public concerts most nights from May to September, including the Grant Park Orchestra, Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, and more
This is the place to book your walking tour downtown! They have a variety of angles around specific types of architecture or historical events. The rotating exhibits inside are also worthwhile.
114 locals recommend
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr
114 locals recommend
This is the place to book your walking tour downtown! They have a variety of angles around specific types of architecture or historical events. The rotating exhibits inside are also worthwhile.
Highlights of the Art Institute include the impressionist collection, the Modern Wing, and the original Chicago Stock Exchange chamber. Monet was a personal friend of one of the founders, so you can see a number of his works side by side.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave
1159 locals recommend
Highlights of the Art Institute include the impressionist collection, the Modern Wing, and the original Chicago Stock Exchange chamber. Monet was a personal friend of one of the founders, so you can see a number of his works side by side.
The aquarium has always been great for kids. Recent updates make it more fun for adults, too. Say hi to Wellington the penguin, who became an internet sensation during the pandemic
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr
673 locals recommend
The aquarium has always been great for kids. Recent updates make it more fun for adults, too. Say hi to Wellington the penguin, who became an internet sensation during the pandemic
Kids will love this hands-on environment. History buffs gravitate towards the German U-Boat captured during WWII- a whole wing of the museum was constructed around it
483 locals recommend
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr
483 locals recommend
Kids will love this hands-on environment. History buffs gravitate towards the German U-Boat captured during WWII- a whole wing of the museum was constructed around it
No trip to Chicago is complete without a wander along the lake! Enjoy 18 miles of car-free cycling and running, or an easy stroll after dinner. See the waterfront on foot, bike, water taxi, kayak, segway, or paddleboard- just don't miss it. Points of interest along the path include Navy Pier, the sculpture garden, multiple harbors, Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place.
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail
229 locals recommend
No trip to Chicago is complete without a wander along the lake! Enjoy 18 miles of car-free cycling and running, or an easy stroll after dinner. See the waterfront on foot, bike, water taxi, kayak, segway, or paddleboard- just don't miss it. Points of interest along the path include Navy Pier, the sculpture garden, multiple harbors, Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place.
Great for kids and adults. Enjoy optical illusions and science you can touch! Adult bar features local beer, kids bar features crazy cereal concoctions
22 locals recommend
wndr museum
1130 W Monroe St
22 locals recommend
Great for kids and adults. Enjoy optical illusions and science you can touch! Adult bar features local beer, kids bar features crazy cereal concoctions
Free musical performances are offered frequently here, right under the world's largest Tiffany glass dome. The building was the original public library and has mosaics throughout
203 locals recommend
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
203 locals recommend
Free musical performances are offered frequently here, right under the world's largest Tiffany glass dome. The building was the original public library and has mosaics throughout
22 locals recommend
Urban Kayaks on the Chicago River
435 E. Chicago Riverwalk
22 locals recommend
Urban Kayaks on the Lakefront
110 N Lake Shore Dr
657 locals recommend
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr
657 locals recommend
This is an actual working bridge house for one of Chicago's many moving bridges. Exhibits tell the story of the Chicago River's evolution from early traders, to heavy industry, and on to today's restoration efforts. The tower also boasts one of the best lake views you can get for free. Admission is pay what you can.
6 locals recommend
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
99 Chicago Riverwalk
6 locals recommend
This is an actual working bridge house for one of Chicago's many moving bridges. Exhibits tell the story of the Chicago River's evolution from early traders, to heavy industry, and on to today's restoration efforts. The tower also boasts one of the best lake views you can get for free. Admission is pay what you can.
The Conservatory boasts an amazing variety of indoor gardens from tropical trees and flowers to desert landscapes. It's a local favorite - especially in winter, when blooms can really lift your spirits.
258 locals recommend
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave
258 locals recommend
The Conservatory boasts an amazing variety of indoor gardens from tropical trees and flowers to desert landscapes. It's a local favorite - especially in winter, when blooms can really lift your spirits.
Our friends at Urban Rivers operate this boardwalk and wildlife sanctuary in the north branch of the Chicago River, complete with kayak/canoe launch. The Wild Mile's floating gardens with native species have been featured in National Geographic! When you go, please be respectful of the wildlife. You may see geese, beavers, mussels, herons, and many many other species!
Wild Mile Chicago
Our friends at Urban Rivers operate this boardwalk and wildlife sanctuary in the north branch of the Chicago River, complete with kayak/canoe launch. The Wild Mile's floating gardens with native species have been featured in National Geographic! When you go, please be respectful of the wildlife. You may see geese, beavers, mussels, herons, and many many other species!

Food scene

These offerings are a mix of neighborhood places in McKinley Park and iconic eateries across Chicago
This is the best sit-down place in walking distance of the house. Jaime makes modern Mexican with a little something extra. Try the mushrooms or the mole. His relatives own 5 Rabanitos in the adjacent Pilsen neighborhood, also an excellent choice
Chile Toreado
2022 West 35th Street
This is the best sit-down place in walking distance of the house. Jaime makes modern Mexican with a little something extra. Try the mushrooms or the mole. His relatives own 5 Rabanitos in the adjacent Pilsen neighborhood, also an excellent choice
Best tacos in Chicago- the owner cooks on a grill in front of his house Wed-Sun nights. Cash only. Grab a drink at the corner store next door and talk to the neighbors while you wait
Taco Loco Of Pilsen
2022 S Leavitt St
Best tacos in Chicago- the owner cooks on a grill in front of his house Wed-Sun nights. Cash only. Grab a drink at the corner store next door and talk to the neighbors while you wait
Ceviche in walking distance! If you like seafood at all, this is a great place. Don't let the homemade surroundings fool you- the food is fantastic.
12 locals recommend
La Palapa
2000 W 34th St
12 locals recommend
Ceviche in walking distance! If you like seafood at all, this is a great place. Don't let the homemade surroundings fool you- the food is fantastic.
If you really want to experience deep dish, you need to do it in a neighbourhood place. Freddie's has amazingly fresh cheese and they make their own sausage. My favourite pizza in Chicago
24 locals recommend
Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery
701 W 31st St
24 locals recommend
If you really want to experience deep dish, you need to do it in a neighbourhood place. Freddie's has amazingly fresh cheese and they make their own sausage. My favourite pizza in Chicago
My favorite noodle shop in Chinatown. Giant picture menu makes it easy to order when you don’t know what you want. The walk up window serves bubble tea and smoothies
52 locals recommend
Joy Yee
2139 S China Pl
52 locals recommend
My favorite noodle shop in Chinatown. Giant picture menu makes it easy to order when you don’t know what you want. The walk up window serves bubble tea and smoothies
Chicago’s iconic hot dog joint. Nearest location is at Canal and Taylor
270 locals recommend
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
270 locals recommend
Chicago’s iconic hot dog joint. Nearest location is at Canal and Taylor
Xoco makes their hot chocolate from bean to cup. It’s so thick, you’re gonna need a spoon. The rest of Rick Bayless’s menu here is also worthwhile. Probably the most affordable place in town you can eat something crafted by a famous chef
40 locals recommend
XOCO
65 N Clark St
40 locals recommend
Xoco makes their hot chocolate from bean to cup. It’s so thick, you’re gonna need a spoon. The rest of Rick Bayless’s menu here is also worthwhile. Probably the most affordable place in town you can eat something crafted by a famous chef
Kasia's in Ukrainian Village is the most amazing place for pierogi! It offers a wide selection of other Eastern European specialties at the lunch counter, and there's a small grocery for take home. Try the cabbage rolls!
29 locals recommend
KASIA'S DELI, INC.
2101 W Chicago Ave
29 locals recommend
Kasia's in Ukrainian Village is the most amazing place for pierogi! It offers a wide selection of other Eastern European specialties at the lunch counter, and there's a small grocery for take home. Try the cabbage rolls!
Recently moved to 18th St, this place started 2 blocks from the house. They serve one thing - overstuffed tacos with melted cheese and dipping broth - and they do it incredibly well.
Birria Tacos con Consome QuesaBirria
1314 West 18th Street
Recently moved to 18th St, this place started 2 blocks from the house. They serve one thing - overstuffed tacos with melted cheese and dipping broth - and they do it incredibly well.
Eataly is a culinary adventure. It set up like an Italian public market, so you can wander through booths selling different Italian specialties like pizza, pasta, pastry, and gelato. They also have staples like olive oil for take home
140 locals recommend
Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio St
140 locals recommend
Eataly is a culinary adventure. It set up like an Italian public market, so you can wander through booths selling different Italian specialties like pizza, pasta, pastry, and gelato. They also have staples like olive oil for take home

Coffee, Beer, and Bars

This is the world's largest Starbucks, and while I'd generally recommend a neighborhood place for a cuppa joe, I have to admit they put on a good show here. Watch the beans zoom around the place in contraptions worthy of Dr Seuss, then try creative cocktails in the upstairs bar.
31 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
646 N Michigan Ave
31 locals recommend
This is the world's largest Starbucks, and while I'd generally recommend a neighborhood place for a cuppa joe, I have to admit they put on a good show here. Watch the beans zoom around the place in contraptions worthy of Dr Seuss, then try creative cocktails in the upstairs bar.
Back of the Yards Brewery and tap room, located in the Plant- an eco friendly building that’s home to community gardens and environmental non profits
12 locals recommend
Whiner Beer Company
1400 W 46th St
12 locals recommend
Back of the Yards Brewery and tap room, located in the Plant- an eco friendly building that’s home to community gardens and environmental non profits
Great patio and great beer! Vegan options available. Individual heated huts allow you to sit outside even as the temperature drops
29 locals recommend
Alulu Brewpub
2011 South Laflin Street
29 locals recommend
Great patio and great beer! Vegan options available. Individual heated huts allow you to sit outside even as the temperature drops
Neighborhood coffee shop known for their flan and tres leches cake
Kristoffer's Cakes
1735 W 35th St
Neighborhood coffee shop known for their flan and tres leches cake
Creative beers and CBD drinks. Food served on the weekends, each with a unique menu designed by a visiting chef
34 locals recommend
Marz Community Brewing Company
3630 S Iron St
34 locals recommend
Creative beers and CBD drinks. Food served on the weekends, each with a unique menu designed by a visiting chef
The Skylark doesn’t look like much, but don’t let that fool you. The food is great, and these days this neighborhood institution is a frequent filming location. Don’t miss the vintage photo booth in the back. I usually go for the tater tots with a selection of dipping sauces
73 locals recommend
Skylark
2149 S Halsted St
73 locals recommend
The Skylark doesn’t look like much, but don’t let that fool you. The food is great, and these days this neighborhood institution is a frequent filming location. Don’t miss the vintage photo booth in the back. I usually go for the tater tots with a selection of dipping sauces
Pleasant House is a British pub decorated to look like your grandmother’s living room. The pies are probably as good as hers, too
60 locals recommend
Pleasant House Pub
2119 S Halsted St
60 locals recommend
Pleasant House is a British pub decorated to look like your grandmother’s living room. The pies are probably as good as hers, too
Our neighbors own this delightful cafe featuring Portuguese baked goods. We highly recommend the custard tarts (pasteis de nata) and all the scones!
Cadinho Bakery & Café
Our neighbors own this delightful cafe featuring Portuguese baked goods. We highly recommend the custard tarts (pasteis de nata) and all the scones!