I cannot tell you how many times I have put off writing this Chicago visitors guide. I’m coming to realize it’s been a challenge to start because I don’t want to have to choose my favorite spots. Growing up in close proximity, Chicago reminds me of home. It’s a place I know and love.
Chicago obviously has the big city life, but adds more of a mid-western pace that you don’t get from New York. There are new restaurants and bars popping up all the time so while my favorites do change, there are some that will always stay. I’ve listed both new and old favorite spots, some of the best touristy destinations, where to stay for the first timer and even my favorite place to stay when I visit. If you’re new to the city or have been there for years, I hope you enjoy seeing some of the places that make Chicago great.
CHICAGO
WHERE TO STAY in chicago
FOR THE FIRST TIMER:
WARWICK ALLERTON
Located right off of Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile), the Warwick Allerton will put you in the midst of it all. It’s close to shopping, restaurants and some of the best nightlife. Plus, this hotel has a lot of history. It used to be a “club hotel” in the roaring 20’s. It’s not as fancy as it was back in the 20’s, but I still love it and you can’t beat the location for your first time.
MY FAVORITE HOTEL:VICEROY
I’m a bit obsessed with the Viceroy brand. They know how to do hospitality the right way. Plus, it’s located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, Gold Coast. It’s close to great shopping and restaurants without the same congestion that the Mag Mile brings. With a rooftop pool and bar, this spot is equal parts perfect for relaxation and fun.
CHICAGO BREAKFAST EATS
FOR classics:
YOLK
If you are looking for a classic no-frills breakfast, Yolk is your place. There are plenty of locations around the city so no matter where you’re staying there is one bound to be close. It gets pretty busy, but with bottomless coffee and their famous five-egg omelets I would argue it’s worth the wait.
FOR a hipster morning:Goddess
The Goddess and The Baker is perfect for those who are looking for an avocado toast or grab-n-go pastry. I love to order a coffee and walk right up the street to the river walk and enjoy the view. You can also take a seat inside and order my personal favorite, the yogurt parfait.
FOR a Breakfast Club: Kanela
My friend who lives in the city turned me on to Kanela breakfast club. The cute bfast joint has a few locations around the city, but if you’re in the Ukrainian Village, pop in and order the french toast. You won’t regret it. Plus, the coffee is great here.
FOR A LAVISH BRUNCH:
MAPLE AND ASH
I don’t think it’s any surprise that I love brunch. There’s something about some champagne with a side of breakfast food that makes me happy. Maple and Ash has found a way to perfect their brunch menu. Ask about their champagne bar cart. You won’t regret it. Plus, look at those cute straws!
chicago LUNCH AND DINNER EATS
FOR THE BEST DEEP DISH:
LOU MALNATI’S
I mean this isn’t even a debate anymore, right?! Most Chicagoan’s will go to bat for either Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s, but in my opinion Lou’s wins every time. Pequod’s is a close second for me, though.
FOR THE BEST HOTDOG:PORTILLO’S
This should come as no surprise. Every visitors guide to Chicago says to visit Portillo’s. But, I don’t go to Portillo’s for the hot dogs. I go for their burger and milkshake. Yes, call me crazy. I love their burgers. I like to think it’s their best kept secret, but what do I know? So, while you should go for the hot dogs, come back for the burger!
For big groups:QUARTINO
This is always a must when B and I visit so it’s an absolute must on this visitors guide to Chicago. Quartino has some of the best Italian food and the atmosphere is so authentic to Italy. It’s also a great spot for bigger groups as they have multiple levels with a menu designed to share. Be sure to get a reservation ahead of time.
FOR A RIVER NORTH Go-To:HUB51
More often than not when I am hungry and in the River North area, I end up eating at Hub51. It’s a tried and true spot for me. I’ve never had a bad meal here and the food is always consistently good. What more could you ask for?
FOR MEXICAN Street-FOOD:XOCO
Great margarita’s and taco’s? Sign me up every time. You order at the counter at this quick Mexican restaurant owned by Rick Bayless. It’s great for lunch or when you just need something to eat before a night on the town.
for a wood-fired menu:etta
Delicious food. Great atmosphere. And, if you visit in the warmer weather, their rooftop patio makes the perfect location for lunch.
for a girl’s lunch:
SUMMERHOUSE SANTA MONICA
Summerhouse Santa Monica is located in Lincoln Park and great for a lunch or brunch with the girls. The decor here is dreamy and the food is made for those who are looking for a light but filling lunch. I love their brussel sprout salad.
for al fresco dining:dawson
All I need to say is start with the ceviche appetizer. Their outdoor dining area would win me over on its own, but the food is worth staying for.
For a special occasion:
Girl & the goat
Scoring a coveted reservation at Girl & The Goat should be enough of a reason to celebrate. While getting in is tough, it shouldn’t steer you away from this eatery. Be sure to plan in advance so you can celebrate those special occasions at the chef’s table. And, save room for dessert here!
chicago BARS
for A GNO:
beauty bar
A beauty salon by day and 90’s themed bar by night? Yes, please! I love going here with the girls for a night full of dancing.
FOR A TIKI DRINK:
NO BONES Beach club
If you love mezcal or a tiki drink then hit up this gem tucked away in Bucktown. Even if you hate mezcal, still head inside for a summer getaway in the dead of winter.
FOR a night of DANCING:
DISCO CHICAGO
Complete with a light up dance floor and disco ball, this spot can get anyone up and dancing.
FOR A DIVE BAR: RAINBO CLUB
Coolest part about this bar? Head to the back of the bar for an old school photobooth.
FOR CUBS GAMES: SLUGGERS
I may have a few too many here, but this bar is always a good time for before, during and after a Cubs game.
chicago ROOFTOP BARS
FOR THE BEST VIEW: London house
FOR THE BEST PARTY: JOY DISTRICT
FOR A HIDDEN GEM: CELESTE
FOR PRE-DINNER DRINKS: CERISE
FOR POST-DINNER DRINKS: UPSTAIRS AT THE GWEN
chicago SWEET EATS
FOR GELATO: eataly
I am a sucker for gelato and Eataly always hits the spot. Inside is more than just gelato, though. You can eat, drink and shop your way through Italy in the store.
FOR donuts: DO-RITE
Whether it’s for a quick early morning or a sweet treat, my favorite donuts in the city are from Do-Rite.
FOR THE BEST ice cream FLAVORS: JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAM
This visitors guide to Chicago would not be complete without mentioning Jeni’s. Some of the best and unique flavors can be found at Jeni’s. I’m drooling just thinking about a scoop from there.
WARMER MONTH activities in chicago
MICHIGAN AVE BEACH
concert at wrigley or tinley park
CUBS GAME
THE RIVERWALK
BOATING ON LAKE MICHIGAN
COLDER MONTH activities in chicago
ICE SKATING IN MILLENNIUM PARK
CHRISTKINDLMARKET
LIGHTING OF THE TREE
CONCERT AT THE RIVIERA THEATRE
chicago TOURIST activities
navy pier
skydeck chicago
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
magnificent mile
MILLENIUM PARK & THE BEAN
Chicago has a plethora of activities and dining spots. Don’t agree with something I recommended? Shoot me a note and convince me otherwise. I would love to chat with you about what you love about the city or what you think I should add on my visitors guide to Chicago!
happy travels, liz stanford
pin me for later!
Kate Toll
I can’t believe I’ve never visited Chicago! It sounds like an amazing city. I love Warwick hotels, so I’m so happy to see that there’s a great one in Chicago. Saving this for my first trip there for sure!
Liz
You have to visit Chicago! It gets passed over a bit being in the midwest but so worth visiting!!
thebratpackergals
Wow! What a complete guide for foodie’s in Chicago! The last time I was in Chicago, I was about 9 years old. I just remember trying deep dish pizza. So many cute spots here, I’ll have to find the time to head back!
Liz
thanks so much! we definitely love our deep dish.. maybe a bit too much. 😉
Kay
I’ve only been to Chicago once and had an amazing four days! This post just made me realize HOW MUCH I missed! You really can’t do it all in one trip! My favorite memories in Chicago (aside from just catching up with friends) is how great the food was! So I’d be excited to go back and try some of the restaurants you mentioned – especially the breakfast ones haha!
Liz
There really is so much to see and do! Hope this inspired you to visit again. 🤍 🙂
Krista
I haven’t made it to Chicago yet, so this is really helpful guide for me! Thanks for all of the great tips.
Sarah Arnstein
I lived in Chicago for 8 years and this brought me right back! I looove those rooftop bars – especially London House!
Liz
I love hearing that! Wishing I was sipping a drink on LH right about now. 😂