As a commuter with a fancy job on State Street, just a few blocks from Millennium Park, I'm surrounded by fantastic lunch options. A vast collection of discount shopping opportunities, and more happy-hour bars than I can count. It's a magical city. When it comes to eating out, I'm a huge proponent, planning ... [read more]
Water Tower Place
Anyone going to Chicago and looking for shopping already knows about the Magnificent Mile, or the jam-packed stretch of high end shopping along the River North section of Michigan Avenue. However, Water Tower Place is a mall that offers slightly more reasonable shopping. Named for the nearby Historic Water ... [read more]
Kingston Mines
I would be remiss if I didn't include a lot-a-bit of blues in my recommendation for late night tomfoolery in Chicago, but forget about the House of Blues and other such tourist traps. If you want to have the most authentic, carefree, and romping toe-tappingest best time from late night until very, very late ... [read more]
Three Dots and A Dash
Three Dots and A Dash, in River North, is a great tiki bar for those strictly looking for top quality cocktails and truly enthralling atmosphere. There may not be drink specials, but one of their inventive island drinks is enough to get your night going in full swing. The mugs and drink accouterments alone ... [read more]
Lone Wolf Tavern
Lone Wolf Tavern is a spot in the popular West Loop area that serves an exemplary selection of bourbon, rum, and even a few absinthes. And if you're hunting down quality beer they have a few Three Floyds on draft as well. What makes this bar good for happy hour are the famous south side Pleasant House Bakery ... [read more]
The Purple Pig
The Purple Pig - Cheese, Swine, & Wine - Located on The Magnificent Mile this tapas style place (foodies do love to share) you can simply order cheese, charcuterie and wine and be impressed, but you have to try the salt-roasted beets, the bone marrow and herbs smear, and the popular "JLT" among many, ... [read more]
HB Restaurant
HB Restaurant - An unassuming front to a small, relaxed bistro offers New American shared plates in the part of Lakeview dubbed "Boys Town.” The menu tends to change a bit, and truly everything is great, but the rainbow trout is fantastic, and if you've never tried escargot, this Michelin Guide recommended ... [read more]
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant - I recommend the pork, since that's all they serve. On weekends they do have really good cactus salad and menudo (if you're brave enough), but you're going for the pork, and dear sweet, salty, savory food gods it's worth the trip to Pilsen, Chicago's most recent up-in-coming ... [read more]
The Bristol
The Bristol - Located in a fun neighborhood and operating under the helm of a new head chef, this American restaurant has been doing the "complete" dining experience for every season. It's tough to recommend anything specific due to the changing menu, but the Millers Farm roasted half chicken with dill ... [read more]
