ABODE guidebook: Chicago
Neighborhoods
East Woodlawn is on the Southside of Chicago, just south of Hyde Park. Your new ABODE is minutes from University of Chicago, Midway Plaisance, Museum of Science & Industry and DuSable Museum of African American History. Just a few blocks away is the 65th & Woodlawn community garden, several parks and in the summer, you'll be able to take a quick 5 min drive to 63rd St. beach. Neighborhood favorites include historic Daley's Restaurant where you are sure to have one of the best classic diner breakfast's of your life and Robust cafe. Robust is your quintessential corner coffee shop; you'll find older folks playing chess, students and remote workers clicking away in the wifi lounge and of course a wide variety of cool coffee creations.
8 locals recommend
Woodlawn
East Woodlawn is on the Southside of Chicago, just south of Hyde Park. Your new ABODE is minutes from University of Chicago, Midway Plaisance, Museum of Science & Industry and DuSable Museum of African American History. Just a few blocks away is the 65th & Woodlawn community garden, several parks and in the summer, you'll be able to take a quick 5 min drive to 63rd St. beach. Neighborhood favorites include historic Daley's Restaurant where you are sure to have one of the best classic diner breakfast's of your life and Robust cafe. Robust is your quintessential corner coffee shop; you'll find older folks playing chess, students and remote workers clicking away in the wifi lounge and of course a wide variety of cool coffee creations.
Sightseeing
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
122 locals recommend
The University of Chicago
5801 S Ellis Ave
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
Close to ABODE...sandy beach, snack bar open in summer, pop up cycling classes and you will always find groups having fun enjoying the precious warm days in Chicago.
20 locals recommend
63rd Street Beach
Close to ABODE...sandy beach, snack bar open in summer, pop up cycling classes and you will always find groups having fun enjoying the precious warm days in Chicago.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago—one of the largest science museums in the world—is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.
204 locals recommend
Museum of Science & Industry station
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago—one of the largest science museums in the world—is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.
Architectural Tour
1220 W Le Moyne StCoolest tour I've been on in Chicago!
Premier professional theater on the South Side of Chicago.
Other theaters of note: Congo Square, The Steppenwolf and The Goodman.
21 locals recommend
Court Theater
5535 S Ellis AvePremier professional theater on the South Side of Chicago.
Other theaters of note: Congo Square, The Steppenwolf and The Goodman.
Navy Pier Terminal station
600 E Grand AveCity tourism favorite :)
See the whole city from the Wilis Tower (previously known as Sears Tower) one of the world's tallest buildings.
124 locals recommend
Skydeck Chicago
233 S Wacker DrSee the whole city from the Wilis Tower (previously known as Sears Tower) one of the world's tallest buildings.
One of the coolest aquariums in any city I've visited. Summer jazz concert series. Other cool events are held here as well, check their calendar.
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrOne of the coolest aquariums in any city I've visited. Summer jazz concert series. Other cool events are held here as well, check their calendar.
Awesome live music and concert venue. Pretty decent restuarant and a margarita so strong, they will literally only let you have one!
64 locals recommend
House of Blues Chicago
329 N Dearborn StAwesome live music and concert venue. Pretty decent restuarant and a margarita so strong, they will literally only let you have one!
If you want to shop til you drop -- head down to Michigan or one block over to State St. for some serious shopping!
598 locals recommend
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
If you want to shop til you drop -- head down to Michigan or one block over to State St. for some serious shopping!
Food scene
Classic diner with EXCELLENT breakfast selections. Owner recommendation: Fried Catfish and Eggs with a house made biscuit.
22 locals recommend
Daley's Restaurant
6257 S Cottage Grove AveClassic diner with EXCELLENT breakfast selections. Owner recommendation: Fried Catfish and Eggs with a house made biscuit.
Tasty coffee creations, smoothies, quick to go items as well as plenty of lounge space and unlimited free wi-fi
41 locals recommend
Robust Coffee Lounge
6300 S Woodlawn AveTasty coffee creations, smoothies, quick to go items as well as plenty of lounge space and unlimited free wi-fi
There are many locations- just make sure you stop by one of them for your classic Chicago mix of caramel and cheddar popcorn. In a tin or in a bag - delicious and must try!
7 locals recommend
Garrett Popcorn Shops
737 E 87th StThere are many locations- just make sure you stop by one of them for your classic Chicago mix of caramel and cheddar popcorn. In a tin or in a bag - delicious and must try!
Lem's Bar-B-Q
311 E 75th StNo frills bbq serving late night rib tips!
Locally sourced anti-biotic and hormone free HOT chicken! Try the banana pudding too - to die for :)
16 locals recommend
The Budlong Hot Chicken
1008 W Armitage AveLocally sourced anti-biotic and hormone free HOT chicken! Try the banana pudding too - to die for :)
Braised Beef tacos sooooo good but only on Fridays and Saturdays. Good Mexican food and THE BEST cocktails are available everyday!!!
40 locals recommend
Del Toro
2133 S Halsted StBraised Beef tacos sooooo good but only on Fridays and Saturdays. Good Mexican food and THE BEST cocktails are available everyday!!!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Transportation methods
East Woodlawn is on the Southside of Chicago, minutes from the 90/94 Dan Ryan freeway as well as 55 Stevenson Freeway and US 41 Lakeshore Drive. The property is 25 minutes from Midway Airport and an hour away from O'Hare Airport in moderate traffic.
Public transportation is available. CTA City bus is located 1 block away. Metra Transit, which goes directly downtown, is less than 3 blocks away. CTA train, Green Line-Cottage Grove station is 5 minutes away and UBER and Lyft are available citywide.
Ways to save
CTA Passes are highly advised!
https://www.getyourguide.com/chicago-l225/244872120168-hour-chicago-go-card-t5613/
The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass by Go City provides free admission to the city’s top activities, attractions, and tours, offering the ultimate in convenience, savings, and flexibility. Choose durations of 1, 2, 3 or 5 days at a low, pre-paid price. Save up to 45 percent compared to buying individual attraction tickets. The more you see, the more you save! Take a trip up to SkyDeck Chicago, visit the Field Museum, have fun at Navy Pier, and enjoy a cruise. All these and more are included in the cost of city pass!
What to pack
Pack a good coat!
Bring gloves, layers, scarves if traveling to Chicago in the winter - you may not be prepared for how cold it is if you are not used to Midwest winters. If you are traveling in the summer still have a jacket and umbrella on hand. Weather is unpredictable. If you plan to use the public transit, keep your purses tucked under your jacket or straps accross your chest, keep wallets in front chest pockets or inside back pack zips - not in side or back pockets where they may be easily pick pocketed.