Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California Ave Great pie, really nice outdoor seating, open early.
Great pizza, especially late night, thin crust but more bar-style than New York
152 locals recommend
The Boiler Room
2210 North California Avenue Great pizza, especially late night, thin crust but more bar-style than New York
En Hakkore Bibimbap & Taco
1840 N Damen Ave
Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage Ave $2 beer, good vegetarian options, nice patio
Michelin-starred restaurant, the burger is good and relatively affordable ($12 I think) if you want to scope it out
830 locals recommend
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave Michelin-starred restaurant, the burger is good and relatively affordable ($12 I think) if you want to scope it out
Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave Tacos
MingHin Cuisine
2168 S Archer AveIpsento 606
1813 N Milwaukee AveCoffee and cocktails, right off the 606
Atomix Cafe
1957 W Chicago AveGood sandwiches, cool interior
Delicious meat pies (vegetarian options) and other fare, just moved to new larger location.
60 locals recommend
Pleasant House Pub
2119 S Halsted StDelicious meat pies (vegetarian options) and other fare, just moved to new larger location.
Plein Air Cafe
5751 S Woodlawn AveHip cafe in Hyde Park
Jackalope Coffee & Tea House
755 W 32nd StCool cafe in Bridgeport, good sandwiches and drinks
Good food with social mission, somewhat strange hours and a little pricey.
30 locals recommend
Inspiration Kitchens
3504 W Lake StGood food with social mission, somewhat strange hours and a little pricey.
Very hip spot, it has a lot of meat, plus some good sides.
107 locals recommend
Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StVery hip spot, it has a lot of meat, plus some good sides.
nana
3267 S Halsted StGood brunch, nice dinner
Very hip, Theaster Gates designed cafe with a soul-food inspired menu. Right off the green line.
9 locals recommend
Currency Exchange Cafe
305 E Garfield BlvdVery hip, Theaster Gates designed cafe with a soul-food inspired menu. Right off the green line.
Drinks & Nightlife
Slippery Slope
2357 N Milwaukee AveHumble Bar
3018 W North Ave
Lost Lake
3154 W Diversey AveThe Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee AveBerlin
954 W Belmont AveMaria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar
960 W 31st StParks & Nature
Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrBloomingdale Trail
Bloomingdale Trail Nice for biking and walking
Logan Square Park
Beautiful indoor and outdoor space, free with suggested donation
258 locals recommend
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveBeautiful indoor and outdoor space, free with suggested donation
Really nice new park, fun to walk around if you're in the area.
38 locals recommend
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
2700 S Halsted StReally nice new park, fun to walk around if you're in the area.
Arts & Culture
Ukranian Institute of Modern Art
2320 W Chicago AveFree with 3 small exhibits, nice place to spend an hour
23 locals recommend
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
3015 W Division St Free with 3 small exhibits, nice place to spend an hour
Comfort Station
2579 N Milwaukee AveMuseum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveFrederick C. Robie House
5757 S Woodlawn AveFrank Lloyd Wright house with decent tours
Essentials
Foodsmart
3415 W Diversey AveOpen 24 hours, good selection and decent prices, post office attached.
Burger King
113 Roosevelt RdThey sell large bags of ice here.
Shopping
Seminary Co-op Bookstores
5751 S Woodlawn AvePilsen Community Books
1102 W 18th StCute new store with curated selection
Getting Around
California & Milwaukee station