Anna’s recommendations
"Right around the corner" (2-10ish min walk)
Our favorite nearby bakery! Proud to say we've tried nearly every pastry item and can personally confirm that you cannot go wrong! The Kouign Amann (An addictive buttery laminated pastry hailing from France, with a crunchy caramelized exterior and a gooey melt-in-your-mouth interior) is my personal favorite (but beware, they sell out quickly)!
Aya Pastry
1332 W Grand AveOur favorite nearby bakery! Proud to say we've tried nearly every pastry item and can personally confirm that you cannot go wrong! The Kouign Amann (An addictive buttery laminated pastry hailing from France, with a crunchy caramelized exterior and a gooey melt-in-your-mouth interior) is my personal favorite (but beware, they sell out quickly)!
Just walk East (toward the skyline/Ogden Ave) down Hubbard to enjoy the famous "Art Institute of the Streets"; an 11 block stretch of unique graffiti murals created by artists from around the world that started back in the 1970s!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hubbard Street Murals
1030-1044 W Hubbard StJust walk East (toward the skyline/Ogden Ave) down Hubbard to enjoy the famous "Art Institute of the Streets"; an 11 block stretch of unique graffiti murals created by artists from around the world that started back in the 1970s!
The best cup of coffee in Chicago (and they have some delicious pastries as well)! Grab a coffee and stroll down Hubbard to enjoy the street murals (mentioned above).
Move Along Coffee
The best cup of coffee in Chicago (and they have some delicious pastries as well)! Grab a coffee and stroll down Hubbard to enjoy the street murals (mentioned above).
Delicious breakfast spot (perfect for stumbling over to since it's a 30-second walk)! Boozy brunch on the patio is always fun! Heads up, it is cash only (they have an ATM).
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Breakfast Club and Grill
1381 W Hubbard StDelicious breakfast spot (perfect for stumbling over to since it's a 30-second walk)! Boozy brunch on the patio is always fun! Heads up, it is cash only (they have an ATM).
Diego
Burgers/bar with a fun motorcycle theme (can't miss the skeleton on the motorcycle out front)! The food hits the spot if you are looking for American bar fare. Great rooftop patio as well!
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Twisted Spoke
501 N Ogden AveBurgers/bar with a fun motorcycle theme (can't miss the skeleton on the motorcycle out front)! The food hits the spot if you are looking for American bar fare. Great rooftop patio as well!
The best coal oven pizza that uses ethically sourced ingredients from local artisan butchers and growers, who pride themselves on providing hormone free, humanely raised meats, and organic, non-GMO fresh produce. WARNING: if you are looking for Chicago-style deep dish, this is not the place. Check out my other food section recommendations for that.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coalfire
1321 W Grand AveThe best coal oven pizza that uses ethically sourced ingredients from local artisan butchers and growers, who pride themselves on providing hormone free, humanely raised meats, and organic, non-GMO fresh produce. WARNING: if you are looking for Chicago-style deep dish, this is not the place. Check out my other food section recommendations for that.
Greasy spoon diner with a huge menu of nearly every guilty pleasure of American fare from breakfast sandwiches to burgers! They are also known for their soft serve! Genuine chicago! Heads up: they are closed on Sundays.
Burger Baron Restaurant
Greasy spoon diner with a huge menu of nearly every guilty pleasure of American fare from breakfast sandwiches to burgers! They are also known for their soft serve! Genuine chicago! Heads up: they are closed on Sundays.
The best Italian subs in chicago (with a small Italian grocer connected to it)! Fresh bread all day from the partnering bakery next door (that also has delicious Italian favorites)! Get the Italian sub and purchase a tub of giardiniera (featured as one of the best in the nation by Bon Apetit magazine)!
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bari
1120 W Grand AveThe best Italian subs in chicago (with a small Italian grocer connected to it)! Fresh bread all day from the partnering bakery next door (that also has delicious Italian favorites)! Get the Italian sub and purchase a tub of giardiniera (featured as one of the best in the nation by Bon Apetit magazine)!
Food/Bar Scene
Only 1/2 mile away: Move aside touristy, over-priced Magnificent Mile - The Fulton Market Neighborhood is the place to be in Chicago!
"Some call it the West Loop. Others prefer restaurant row.
But no matter what name you use to describe Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, there’s one thing we can all agree on: that it’s home to some of the best places to wine and dine in the entire city. Yes, from upscale dinners to casual hangs, this westside strip’s got a little of everything!" - UrbanMatter
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fulton Market
Only 1/2 mile away: Move aside touristy, over-priced Magnificent Mile - The Fulton Market Neighborhood is the place to be in Chicago!
"Some call it the West Loop. Others prefer restaurant row.
But no matter what name you use to describe Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, there’s one thing we can all agree on: that it’s home to some of the best places to wine and dine in the entire city. Yes, from upscale dinners to casual hangs, this westside strip’s got a little of everything!" - UrbanMatter
Only 1/2 mile away: Randolph Street Market is home to tons of restaurants, bars, cafes and cute shops! Stroll up and down this street for a guaranteed fun time filled with some of the best food/drinks in all of Chicago!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Randolph Street Market
1341 West Randolph StreetOnly 1/2 mile away: Randolph Street Market is home to tons of restaurants, bars, cafes and cute shops! Stroll up and down this street for a guaranteed fun time filled with some of the best food/drinks in all of Chicago!
Under 1 mile away: Whatever your cause for celebration, you need an extraordinary location. You will find it at The Dawson. This is one of my favorite brunch/dinner spots in the winter or summer (PATIO)! The atmosphere, decor and food are all wonderful and it is great way to start your day or night!
Whether it's a beautiful summer patio day or a cold winter night, The Dawson is stunning, inside and out! Aside from the amazing decor/vibe, the food and drinks are delicious and it is en route to downtown Chicago!
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Dawson
730 W Grand AveUnder 1 mile away: Whatever your cause for celebration, you need an extraordinary location. You will find it at The Dawson. This is one of my favorite brunch/dinner spots in the winter or summer (PATIO)! The atmosphere, decor and food are all wonderful and it is great way to start your day or night!
Whether it's a beautiful summer patio day or a cold winter night, The Dawson is stunning, inside and out! Aside from the amazing decor/vibe, the food and drinks are delicious and it is en route to downtown Chicago!
Only 1 mile away: Set in a relaxed and welcoming social space for group dining and date nights, The Allis is a restaurant and cocktail bar with an expansive art collection and views of Green Street from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Choose from a selection of fancy cakes, loose leaf teas, and champagnes (you are celebrating, after all).
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Allis Chicago
113-125 N Green StOnly 1 mile away: Set in a relaxed and welcoming social space for group dining and date nights, The Allis is a restaurant and cocktail bar with an expansive art collection and views of Green Street from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Choose from a selection of fancy cakes, loose leaf teas, and champagnes (you are celebrating, after all).
Under 1 mile away: Federales is always a good time - rain, snow or shine (patio/beer garden in the spring/summer)! It's a lively Mexican restaurant in the West Loop that's always a party. Go for a fun time and enjoy some delicious tacos if you're hungry.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Federales
180 N Morgan StUnder 1 mile away: Federales is always a good time - rain, snow or shine (patio/beer garden in the spring/summer)! It's a lively Mexican restaurant in the West Loop that's always a party. Go for a fun time and enjoy some delicious tacos if you're hungry.
Under a mile away: "It’s a coffee shop, it’s a restaurant, it’s the Insta famous eatery of your dreams: it’s Beatrix, and you already know that it’s awesome. Though this modernist-tinged Lettuce Entertain You spot has locations throughout the city, the Fulton Market version has got to be our favorite, featuring yummy bites, a great cocktail program, and a bakery that I may be guilty of visiting just, like, a little too often." --UrbanMatter
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beatrix
519 N Clark StUnder a mile away: "It’s a coffee shop, it’s a restaurant, it’s the Insta famous eatery of your dreams: it’s Beatrix, and you already know that it’s awesome. Though this modernist-tinged Lettuce Entertain You spot has locations throughout the city, the Fulton Market version has got to be our favorite, featuring yummy bites, a great cocktail program, and a bakery that I may be guilty of visiting just, like, a little too often." --UrbanMatter
The name says it all. All the great wines you could ever dream of!
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
City Winery
1200 W Randolph StThe name says it all. All the great wines you could ever dream of!
Under 1 mile away: Delicious ice cream! Don't miss it!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BomboBar
832 W Randolph StUnder 1 mile away: Delicious ice cream! Don't miss it!
Walk on over (just a few blocks) to this delicious local hot spot! The food is delicious (can you say Mac & Cheese bites?? Imagine the look of a tater tot (which is also available), but instead filled with fried mac & cheese) and it has a GREAT PATIO for when the weather is right! Super easy and delicious food and drinks! Definitely a local favorite and a great place to stumble over to!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Aberdeen Tap
440 N Aberdeen StWalk on over (just a few blocks) to this delicious local hot spot! The food is delicious (can you say Mac & Cheese bites?? Imagine the look of a tater tot (which is also available), but instead filled with fried mac & cheese) and it has a GREAT PATIO for when the weather is right! Super easy and delicious food and drinks! Definitely a local favorite and a great place to stumble over to!
Only 1 mile away: In the heart of restaurant row, Bar Siena is a great spot for a good atmosphere and great Italian food!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bar Siena
832 W Randolph StOnly 1 mile away: In the heart of restaurant row, Bar Siena is a great spot for a good atmosphere and great Italian food!
Only one mile away: Can't decide what type of food everyone in the group wants to eat, no worries! Go to the new, fun, hip TimeOut market and everyone can choose whatever they want. A mix of some of Chicago's top restaurants are all available under one roof! It's a fun environment and perfect for big groups!
Time Out Market boasts three bars — a massive bar on the first floor, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar serving Chicago-inspired cocktails, and a hidden speakeasy from the team behind Lost Lake. To find the speakeasy, just look for the bell on the second floor. Give it a ring, and a window slides open to reveal a secret tiki bar with a full menu of tropical drinks!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Time Out Market Chicago
916 W Fulton MarketOnly one mile away: Can't decide what type of food everyone in the group wants to eat, no worries! Go to the new, fun, hip TimeOut market and everyone can choose whatever they want. A mix of some of Chicago's top restaurants are all available under one roof! It's a fun environment and perfect for big groups!
Time Out Market boasts three bars — a massive bar on the first floor, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar serving Chicago-inspired cocktails, and a hidden speakeasy from the team behind Lost Lake. To find the speakeasy, just look for the bell on the second floor. Give it a ring, and a window slides open to reveal a secret tiki bar with a full menu of tropical drinks!
This is THE Mr.Beef where Hulu’s “The Bear” is filmed at! It’s a Chicago staple now made even more famous by the hit show. Obviously, you have to get the Italian beef.
Mr. Beef On Orleans
666 N Orleans StThis is THE Mr.Beef where Hulu’s “The Bear” is filmed at! It’s a Chicago staple now made even more famous by the hit show. Obviously, you have to get the Italian beef.
Unique ideas that I love!
Only 1 mile away: If you’re looking for a totally immersive spa experience, head a few blocks north to AIRE Ancient Baths. Located in a restored 1902 factory building, the soaring space offers a traditional ancient bath experience. Achieve total zen as you travel through the six candlelit thermal baths. Plus, enjoy add-on special rituals like massages, Himalayan sea salt or argan oil experiences, and even a bath full of red wine.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AIRE Ancient Baths
800 W Superior StOnly 1 mile away: If you’re looking for a totally immersive spa experience, head a few blocks north to AIRE Ancient Baths. Located in a restored 1902 factory building, the soaring space offers a traditional ancient bath experience. Achieve total zen as you travel through the six candlelit thermal baths. Plus, enjoy add-on special rituals like massages, Himalayan sea salt or argan oil experiences, and even a bath full of red wine.
Under 1 mile away: Axe Throwing - it's a ton of fun and the people that work there are so nice! Walk over and then just keep on walking a few more blocks to hit all the bars and restaurants of Fulton Market and Randolph Street!
Bad Axe Throwing
165 N Loomis StUnder 1 mile away: Axe Throwing - it's a ton of fun and the people that work there are so nice! Walk over and then just keep on walking a few more blocks to hit all the bars and restaurants of Fulton Market and Randolph Street!
Less than 3 miles away: View Chicago from a fun angle while getting some exercise! It's a ton of fun and something uniquely Chicago! You can see all of the skyscrapers from a vantage point that few people see and take some amazing photos!
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Urban Kayaks on the Chicago River
435 E. Chicago RiverwalkLess than 3 miles away: View Chicago from a fun angle while getting some exercise! It's a ton of fun and something uniquely Chicago! You can see all of the skyscrapers from a vantage point that few people see and take some amazing photos!
Great location for big groups! If you want to drink, but also have something fun to do aside from just drinking - punch bowl social is your spot! Karaoke (in a private room - total blast), arcade games, pool, etc. this is a great spot with a fun environment! We were crying laughing in the karaoke room!
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Punch Bowl Social Chicago
310 N Green StGreat location for big groups! If you want to drink, but also have something fun to do aside from just drinking - punch bowl social is your spot! Karaoke (in a private room - total blast), arcade games, pool, etc. this is a great spot with a fun environment! We were crying laughing in the karaoke room!
Just over 2.5 miles away: The world's premier comedy club, comedy theater, and school of improvisation. Live shows every night. Famous alumni include: Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stephen Colbert, Jim Belushi, Cecily Strong and so many more.
433 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Second City
230 W North AveJust over 2.5 miles away: The world's premier comedy club, comedy theater, and school of improvisation. Live shows every night. Famous alumni include: Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stephen Colbert, Jim Belushi, Cecily Strong and so many more.
Under 1 mile away: Similar to Punch Bowl Social, Emporium is a fun places to play games while having some drinks...great pre-game spot or a place to spend the night if dancing isn't your bag!
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Emporium Fulton Market
839 W Fulton MarketUnder 1 mile away: Similar to Punch Bowl Social, Emporium is a fun places to play games while having some drinks...great pre-game spot or a place to spend the night if dancing isn't your bag!
Less than 1/2 mile: The Brew Yards is the best brewery spot in Chicago and literally blocks away (hop on a scooter in the summer, walk or just hop in an uber for a few bucks)! It's an awesome spot for beer drinks or not - it is a self serve location that has 4 breweries under one roof. You put your card in and pour your own tap, however much you want! I love it because I'm not a big beer drinker, but it lets me try a little bit of a few beers - and they sometimes have ciders on tap! The menu is always changing for the beer and the food they have! They also have a few fun little games you can play as well. It's a great atmosphere and a fun spot to go right near your stay!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
District Yards Brewing
417 N Ashland AveLess than 1/2 mile: The Brew Yards is the best brewery spot in Chicago and literally blocks away (hop on a scooter in the summer, walk or just hop in an uber for a few bucks)! It's an awesome spot for beer drinks or not - it is a self serve location that has 4 breweries under one roof. You put your card in and pour your own tap, however much you want! I love it because I'm not a big beer drinker, but it lets me try a little bit of a few beers - and they sometimes have ciders on tap! The menu is always changing for the beer and the food they have! They also have a few fun little games you can play as well. It's a great atmosphere and a fun spot to go right near your stay!
Sightseeing
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveOnly 2.5 miles away - "The Bean" at Millennium Park. A famous attraction with ice skating in the winter, a beautiful park in the summer.
473 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puerta de las Nubes
201 E Randolph StOnly 2.5 miles away - "The Bean" at Millennium Park. A famous attraction with ice skating in the winter, a beautiful park in the summer.
Only 2 miles away, this world famous breathtaking view of Chicago is something you shouldn't miss (on a clear day of course).
348 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Willis Tower Skydeck
Only 2 miles away, this world famous breathtaking view of Chicago is something you shouldn't miss (on a clear day of course).
Sports/Concerts/Entertainment
THE UNITED CENTER (Only 1 mile away) - home of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and some of the world's biggest entertainers for concerts and shows.
Madhouse On Madison
1901 W Madison StTHE UNITED CENTER (Only 1 mile away) - home of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and some of the world's biggest entertainers for concerts and shows.
This historic theater is less than 2 miles away and the location of some of Chicago's biggest shows.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph StThis historic theater is less than 2 miles away and the location of some of Chicago's biggest shows.
Home of the world famous Hamilton musical, the CIBC Theater is one of Chicago's best.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro CIBC
18 W Monroe StHome of the world famous Hamilton musical, the CIBC Theater is one of Chicago's best.
Five miles away - Home of the Chicago Bears and world class musicians (last year the Rolling Stones).
300 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Soldier Field
1410 Special Olympics DrFive miles away - Home of the Chicago Bears and world class musicians (last year the Rolling Stones).
Wrigley Field is the oldest baseball stadium in the National League (second oldest in all of major league baseball) and just an iconic American venue! I'm obviously biased as a big Chicago Cubs fan, but Wrigley Field is one of the most historic/greatest places in the city (whether you are a baseball fan or not)! Wrigleyville has been overhauled over the last few years and has become a place to go even if you aren't a baseball fan (ice skating in the winter, bars/restaurants and concerts in the summer).
1004 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Estadio Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StWrigley Field is the oldest baseball stadium in the National League (second oldest in all of major league baseball) and just an iconic American venue! I'm obviously biased as a big Chicago Cubs fan, but Wrigley Field is one of the most historic/greatest places in the city (whether you are a baseball fan or not)! Wrigleyville has been overhauled over the last few years and has become a place to go even if you aren't a baseball fan (ice skating in the winter, bars/restaurants and concerts in the summer).
Fine Dining (Make a reservation well in advance)!
Only 1 mile away: It's pricey, but honestly one of my absolute favorite restaurants ever! The food is unbelievable!
Hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen. Girl & the Goat was nominated best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2011 and Izard won the Beard award for Best Chef Great Lakes in 2013. She was also named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2010.
496 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StOnly 1 mile away: It's pricey, but honestly one of my absolute favorite restaurants ever! The food is unbelievable!
Hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen. Girl & the Goat was nominated best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2011 and Izard won the Beard award for Best Chef Great Lakes in 2013. She was also named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2010.
Only 1 mile away: Founded by chef Grant Achatz (Alinea) and Nick Kokonas, Next has received an unprecedented thirteen 4-star reviews from the Chicago Tribune and won a James Beard Award as Best New Restaurant in America.
Look up chef Grant Achatz and you will understand why this is a must-go restaurant and so close to your stay!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Next Restaurant
953 W Fulton MarketOnly 1 mile away: Founded by chef Grant Achatz (Alinea) and Nick Kokonas, Next has received an unprecedented thirteen 4-star reviews from the Chicago Tribune and won a James Beard Award as Best New Restaurant in America.
Look up chef Grant Achatz and you will understand why this is a must-go restaurant and so close to your stay!
Under 1 mile away: Smyth and The Loyalist - 2 Michelin Stars, what more is there to say?
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Loyalist
177 N Ada StUnder 1 mile away: Smyth and The Loyalist - 2 Michelin Stars, what more is there to say?
Under 1 mile away: "Temporis, which Michelin’s international director called “under-the-radar” in the release, is Chicago’s feel-good Michelin-star story for 2019. The venue, which opened in January 2017 on Ashland Avenue and charges $125 for its nightly menu, wowed inspectors more than any other new restaurant in Chicago.
“The experience [at Temporis] was consistently impressive and it revealed a meal that really had a mastery of technique,” the chief inspector said. “It had a really distinct personality that we saw come through.” - Eater Chicago
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Temporis
933 N Ashland AveUnder 1 mile away: "Temporis, which Michelin’s international director called “under-the-radar” in the release, is Chicago’s feel-good Michelin-star story for 2019. The venue, which opened in January 2017 on Ashland Avenue and charges $125 for its nightly menu, wowed inspectors more than any other new restaurant in Chicago.
“The experience [at Temporis] was consistently impressive and it revealed a meal that really had a mastery of technique,” the chief inspector said. “It had a really distinct personality that we saw come through.” - Eater Chicago
Only 1 mile away: One of only a few 2 Michelin star restaurants in Chicago!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oriole
661 W Walnut StOnly 1 mile away: One of only a few 2 Michelin star restaurants in Chicago!
Only 1/2 mile away: One of the other 2 Michelin star restaurants in Chicago!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elske
1350 W Randolph StOnly 1/2 mile away: One of the other 2 Michelin star restaurants in Chicago!
Only 1.5 miles away: Blackbird is a delicious Michelin star restaurant!
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackbird Restaurant
619 W Randolph StOnly 1.5 miles away: Blackbird is a delicious Michelin star restaurant!
Featured in Hulu’s “The Bear”! This fine dining establishment is a short walk away (5 minutes), but it does require a reservation of course!
Ever Restaurant
Featured in Hulu’s “The Bear”! This fine dining establishment is a short walk away (5 minutes), but it does require a reservation of course!