The Chicago Traveler Articles
The WingFest Winner Is In & It’s Not A Chicago Native
The search for the best chicken wing is a never ending journey for wing connoisseurs. Once you think, for that brief second, that you have found the best wings and your appetite is suddenly satisfied in each and every way you are wrong. With the sudden realization...
10 Important Things to Consider Before Living in Chicago
I have come to the conclusion that DRD4-7R is very prevalent in my genetic makeup. This combination of letters and numbers is the name of what has been dubbed the wanderlust gene. This is due to its ties to increased levels of curiosity and anxiousness, mainly. I grew...
Get Sophisticatedly Sloshy This St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day is a very relevant holiday in Chicago– being the deep rooted Irish community that resides in the city. It is seen by many as a time to wear green or fear being hurt, stuff your face with brats and beef and probably end up blacking-out and waking up...
Truckin’ Around : Food Truck Extravaganza
Typically, when you want to indulge in some tasty food trucks you have to run all over Chicago. It’s like a giant scavenger hunt. Truckin’ Around has changed that. No more must you run amuck through the street looking for that late night treat. Actually, that is a...
Mondo Meatball May Replace Your Grandma’s Recipe
During a recent trip to New York City, I walked by multiple meatball-focused restaurants and now Mondo Meatball has come to Chicago's Wicker Park. Are we in the midst of a meatball revolution? These are not just your classic Italian meatballs, either. Mondo Meatball...
Tasting the Spring Menu at Unite Urban Grill
The West Town area over the past couple years has truly become a hip place to hang out thanks to trendy shops and boutiques and great restaurants. The latter includes Unite Urban Grill, a sleek and chill neighborhood steakhouse concept. I was invited to stop on by the...
Elgin Police Crash a Car Meet – Opinion from a Car Enthusiast
A video has surfaced very recently of Sergeant Ericson of the Elgin Police department interacting with a group of young automotive enthusiasts in the parking lot of a Taco Bell. (Video Below) This video of the interaction has been gaining a lot of traction over the...
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago may be known for its very high-end dining experiences– but that isn’t necessarily the best situation for everyone. In fact, some ritzy locations don’t even allow babies and/or children. Fortunately, for the ones that want to skip the babysitter and treat the...
Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites
When I lived near the intersection of Armitage and California a few years ago, the food options were fairly limited and imbalanced. You could have a high-end foodie meal at Table, Donkey and Stick or grab a hot dog at the Tastee Freez. All of that has changed...
The Gold Coast’s Coconutz Takes Chicago to the Tropics
It’s clear with a name like “Coconutz” the owner’s of the Gold Coast’s newest bar don’t take themselves too seriously. Taking influences from traditional Tiki Bars, which has made a major comeback in recent years– and the Caribbean, Coconutz promises fun and the...
Chicago Sports Teams From Yesteryear
There is not a shortage of professional Chicago sports teams. Before Chicago had the established teams of today, many have come an gone. Some of those teams appeared a hundred or more years ago, while others have appeared and disappeared in the last handful of years....
A Manly Night at the spa at dana – Ultimate Relaxation
I’ve never been to a spa before. The closest I’ve been to a spa is the one I walk by nearly every day that has a picture of an older man hitting another man with a tree branch. Fortunately, my experience at the spa at dana was nothing like that unsettling image. As I...
Top 10 Chicago White Sox Players – Recent Years
Recently a friend challenged me to create my dream Chicago White Sox team. The stipulations were 1) I could only use players that were active during both of our lifetimes, and 2) at least one of us had have seen them play. Fortunately for me, he didn t know how many...
Famous Chicago Pizza – Top 10 Places
Chicago is known for its famous pizza creations; because of this there are extensive amounts of options. There really is no time to give to eating bad pizza when there are some many taste bud exploding options out there! Follow this list and you will experience some...
Top 5 Venues for Outdoor Movies Chicago Area
Chicago in the summer is a fantastic place to be, especially to be outdoors. Cooping yourself up in a traditional theater should be reserved for the winter-time blues. If you are looking for a new experience, the outdoor movies Chicago scene will surprise you. It is a...
Top 10 Wine Bar Chicago List
Chicago has an explosive craft brewery scene and an upcoming distillery scene, but we must not forget to reap the fruit of our labor – wine. The wine bar Chicago scene provides great venues to enjoy intimate conversations and indulge in some exquisite food options...
Best Donuts In Chicago – Top 12
Chicago may be known for its famous deep dish pizza and Chicago style hot dogs – but now it is time for the donut world to receive its praise. From the traditional buttermilk, to maple bacon, and banana Nutella infused creations – your taste buds will dance with every...
Top 10 Boutiques in Chicago
Specialty boutiques in Chicago provide the fashion-trendy city with the latest styles, as well as unique gift selections for any occasion. Super stores can be great-and-all, but boutiques give you a feel for the city around you – they reflect the people and the...
Top 10 Chicago Coffee Shops – Caffeinate Your Life
From the hustle and bustle in the city of Chicago, we all need a little caffeine to keep us going. From an extra perk to get us through the day, to a latte to warm us up, to using a coffee shop as a get-a-way from our normal routine. These are the top Chicago coffee...
Velvet Taco is a Welcome Addition to the Gold Coast
Does a Texas-based taco concept have anything to offer Chicago? While Chicago may already have an insane number of incredible taquerias, Velvet Taco in the Gold Coast manages to offer something different with tacos influenced by world cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of...
11 Best Chicago Golf Courses – Some of the Greatest Courses in the Nation
Golfing has been a way for my family to bond since I was in middle school. Going out with my dad and my brother to soak up some sun, b.s. and knock a few balls around the golf course made for an almost unbeatable day– even when I lost more balls than holes on the...
Wicker Park’s MAK Fuses Traditional Chinese and Modern Healthy Eating
Division Street in Wicker Park is rich in bar food, but if you just want a quick bite on your way home from work your options are pretty limited and pretty greasy. Thankfully, there’s MAK: Modern Asian Kitchen. MAK is a fast casual, counter-service restaurant...
Top 10 Chicago BBQ Joints
When you think about Chicago food, it s typical for the mind to conjure images of deep-dish (and thin crust) pizzas, hotdogs, and all ranges of Italian fare probably not barbeque. But believe it or not Chicago is knee-deep in a full out Barbeque renaissance these...
Top 10 Restaurants In Chicago
Chicago is full of great spots to eat, and when we sat down to make this list, we knew it could draw some controversy. In fact it did among the staff here – but we powered through and came up with these as a consortium. This is a general list of a variety of types of...
Top 10 Movies Filmed in Chicago
Chicago is not only the beautiful backdrop for tourists and residents alike, it also makes the perfect scenery for some of the most popular big screen hits ever made. Check out this list: Top 10 Movies Filmed in Chicago #1 The Blues Brothers Nothing says Chicago...
Top Stops For A Mens Haircut in Chicago
For some men, getting a haircut is put-off as long as possible others look forward to the experience. Fortunately, for a mens haircut, Chicago offers everything from the classic barbershop experience, to a sophisticated lounge experience that will make you want to...
Go Karts Chicago – The Top 4 Tracks
Being behind the steering wheel and being able to push the pedal to the floor can be one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world. Not everyone has the means to build a racecar; luckily these four venues can get you on a track in race-prepped karts that will...
Top 5 Breakfast Places in Chicago
Let's face it, whether it's an early morning breakfast, or brunch after an evening out, there's nothing more fun than hitting a great spot in Chicago for breakfast or brunch. With lots of great places to chose from, we compiled a list that we know will not disappoint...
Spas in Chicago – The Ultimate Relaxation List
Life can take a toll on the body and mind – especially while living in the bustling city of Chicago. Luckily, spas in Chicago aim to relieve the stress and release the tension to help you get back to living life to the fullest. From massages to facials, and everything...
Dog Friendly Chicago Restaurants – Dine With Your Pooch
Going out to dinner is always better when your best friend is with you. Whether it is a family dinner to bond or casual friends dinner to catch-up, it is not complete without your furry companion laying at your feet. No more must they remain at home–these dog friendly...
Poutine Chicago – Canada’s Gift to the City
Poutine Chicago options are beginning to expand, from the traditional ways that originated in Canada, to some of the most exquisite ways that you could ever imagine eating fries, cheese-curds, and gravy. When eggs, brisket, pulled pork, or even prime rib are added...
10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds
Chicago’s rich with diversity, from activities to people to food. That is why whether you are visiting or a native, a Chicago Food Tour is a phenomenal idea. Not only might you learn of a few new places to indulge in, but you are also able to taste food from many...
Chicago Air and Water Show – Specials & the Best Seats
The Chicago Air and Water Show is a magnificent spectacle that takes to the skies and lake. I still remember being a young lad and looking up in amazement as planes seemed to perform impossible stunts. My infatuation with aircrafts has slightly lessened into my old...
Chicago 4th of July Weekend Events and Specials
Holidays in the city are nothing short of pure entertainment' that of course includes a Chicago 4th of July weekend! Celebrate this grand country’s independence at any (or all) of these locations around Chicago. Whether you are looking to eat and drink inside or...
Memorial Day Specials in Chicago
Memorial Day in Chicago is the perfect time to kick off summer. The weather is typically on the up and up, the beaches are open and the parks are freshly green. If you find yourself hungry, thirsty or in need of some entertainment this Memorial Day weekend, these...
Must See Chicago Summer Attractions for When You’re Short On Time
Taking a road trip to Chicago or just trying decide how to spend your lazy days of summer? Chicago is a popular place to visit when the weather gets warm, but whether you’re familiar with the area or are a first time visitor, be careful when driving into and around...
The Fifty/50 Has Been Renovated and Reinvigorated
Chicago has a vibrant food scene with new restaurants and concepts constantly popping up. But how do you continue to stay relevant when your restaurant has been around for nearly a decade? Case in point: the Fifty/50. The sports bar was one of the first of its kind on...
Top 10 Beaches In And Around Chicago
Summer is almost over and after Labor Day, Chicago beach season officially ends – however, we often get an extended summer so it’s never a bad time to take a jog down by the waterside. There are several different beaches in Chicago – and here are some recommendations...
Top 10 Events For St. Patrick’s Day Chicago
Chicago is deeply rooted with Irish heritage, and lets face it, the citizens like to show their pride. St. Patrick’s Day Chicago provides a very diverse schedule. Whether you are looking for something to do with your family or looking for a rowdy celebration to fee...
Top 6 Six Flags Great America Thrill Rides
Most of us began our thrill seeking lives with bumper cars, teacups, and baby roller coasters. You don’t always grow out of that thrill-seeking mode; you may just progress to bigger and better rides. Massive drops, high-speed loops and corkscrews are just some of the...
The Best Chicago Bed and Breakfast? – Top 5
Whether you spend time traveling, or are just looking for a little weekend escape from your abode – a Chicago bed and breakfast stay will trump a hotel every time. Great locations, reasonable prices, unmatched hospitality, and some of the best home-cooked breakfasts...
Oktoberfest Chicago Area Activities – Prost!
The spirit of Oktoberfest can be summed up into a single word– Gemütlichkeit. It essentially means being in a place that makes you happy, relaxed, social, and feel accepted. This must be why Oktoberfest revolves around beer and friends. There is no shortage of...
SIP’s Late Night Brunch Menu Reinvigorates the Meaning of Eating Late
You’ve been hitting up the bars for a bit and have a solid buzz going. You’re thinking about calling it a night, but ready for one last stop and there’s got to be food. Pulling up Yelp, there’s not a lot options other than super greasy, but you’re looking for...
Best Margaritas Chicago Mixes Up – Top 10
Perhaps one of the only things that competes with ice cream on a hot summer day is a large glass, or pitcher, of margaritas! For exquisite margaritas Chicago offers a great variety of quality options. Best Margaritas Chicago Provides: Las Palmas – Mexican / Latin...
Get The Most Out Of A Chicago Christmas Season
Experiencing a Chicago Christmas season can almost be a surreal experience. The city is swept with Christmas decorations and the sounds of the holiday. Plus, a white Christmas is almost always guaranteed. The spirit of the season takes many forms in Chicago. There are...
Popular Chicago Area Christmas Restaurants
The holidays are meant to bring everyone together– but not everyone fancies meeting in the kitchen. There are many choices for Christmas restaurants around Chicago, along with Christmas Eve choices. There is a chance that your favorite venue may be open, but here are...
Butcher & the Burger – the Perfect Burger, Created by You
While fun in concept, build-your-own burger places like Meatheads or Five Guys have always left me feeling a little let down. Either the toppings are good but the meat hovers around McDonald’s quality, or the toppings are pretty basic. Lincoln Park’s Butcher & the...
Celebrating the Launch of Inspired Catering & Events
Have you been to a wedding or catered event before where the food is bland, poorly seasoned, and actually put a damper on the festivities? Likely this has happened more than once. Fortunately, there are high-quality, gourmet catering companies in Chicago like Inspired...
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago with these Specials
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Chicago typically brings thoughts of satisfying tacos and gulping down margaritas, which is a great start. In addition to the traditional celebration dishes that many of us are accustom to, you can also indulge in American cuisine that has...
Top 10 Lanes For Bowling Chicago
Sometimes traditional bars and clubs can begin to feel too normal of a setting. Change up your scene and add a little bit of friendly competition by spending some time at one of the premiere venues for bowling Chicago offers. The majority of them have great beer...
10 Succulent Reasons Why Cooking With Beer Tastes So Right
With Chicago’s massive and ever-growing craft beer scene, it only makes sense to incorporate some of the brews into your meals. While it’s always preferred to have a beer with dinner, cooking with beer can elevate the meal so much as well. Chances are you already have...
Cooking Classes in Chicago – Be Iron Chef not Chef Boyardee
While eating out and exploring the extensive amounts of phenomenal restaurants in Chicago is insanely enjoyable– there is perhaps a better way to try new cuisine; cook it for yourself. There are a good amount of options for cooking classes in Chicago. They range from...
10 Best Jefferson Park Restaurants – Poland to Mexico with a Hint of Irish
Chicago’s northwest side is rich in heritage and loaded with flavor. Many Jefferson Park restaurants embrace the Polish side of the community, but you can find quality cuisine from all nationalities in the area. With a true neighborhood feel, many of these restaurants...
Top 5 French Restaurants In Chicago
Orson Welles once drunkenly stumbled through a television commercial extolling the virtues of Paul Masson's California champagne inspired by the same excellence that goes into crafting French champagne. Likewise, Chicago may not be Paris, but there are still many...
Unique Things To Do In Chicago – Get Out There
Chicago has its very glamorous side that you seen strewn across the travel marketing ads, but it also has many attractions off of the beaten path. Spending your time immersed in some of the unique things to do in Chicago can really change your perspective on...
Top 10 Summertime Chicago Beer Choices
Hot days spent on the beach, water, wandering downtown, or bbq’n is what many Chicagoans look forward to the most each year. It is hard to deny that when thirst comes into play, a good brew satisfies like nothing else. With many breweries in the area, Chicago beer...
Best Wings in Chicago – Top 13
Wings are a sacred meal. They are messy, delicious, mainly eaten with friends and beer, and taste even better when sports are streaming across the screen. If you are going to support your favorite teams, then also support your tastebuds by letting them indulge in the...
What is the deal with Divvy? Chicago Bike Rental Service
Divvy Review, From a Traveler’s Perspective: The streets are crowded and parking is expensive. Owning a vehicle in the heart of downtown Chicago is not always the most convenient thing. Public transportation and taxis are great, but sometimes being outside is...
Wicker Park Goes Southern at Carriage House
Chicago is a lot more than hot dogs and deep dish pizza, proof of which is the city's growing love for Southern cooking and barbecue. Evidence of this is Carriage House, which serves modern low country Southern food to Wicker Park at 1700 W. Division Street. We were...
Top 10 Chicago Comedy Clubs
It is truly hard to beat the feeling of genuine laughter; humor takes many forms and can happen at any moment throughout the day. Some days lack a lot more humor than others – the reason is that you are most likely missing out on these amazing Chicago comedy clubs....
De Noche Mexicana Embraces Mexican Cuisine in Logan Square
Gentrification has drastically transformed Logan Square in the last few years from a primarily Latino neighborhood to hipster paradise with both positive and negative results. For all the cool bookstores like Uncharted and great restaurants like Lula Caf and Longman &...
Top 10 Party Spots At Rush And Division Streets – Chicago
For years, Rush Street and Division Street in Chicago’s swanky Gold Coast neighborhood has been a popular hangout for all sorts of crowds, especially on the weekends. On any given night, you can count on plenty of partying alongside college kids, bachelor and...
Top 10 Chicago Northern Suburbs
Top 3 Things To Do In Chicago During The Fall And Winter
Fall and winter are great times of the year in Chicago, whether you are a resident or a tourist planning a trip. Cooler weather in Fall is ideal in Chicago, not too hot or too cold, and less humid. Temperatures range from the 40s to around the mid-seventies, so its...
Top 8 Steakhouses in Chicago
Known for some of the finest establishments when it comes to dining out, Chicago is one of the best restaurant cities in the world. Some may say Chicago's claim to fame is the deep-dish pizza, but make no mistake, when it comes to steak, the Windy City knows how to...
Restaurants Near O Hare – Unique And Wonderful Food
These restaurants near O Hare airport and Rosemont are a short car drive. If you have a layover or are staying a few days and want to experience some great and unique food, then these places will not disappoint. AGOSTINO GUSTOFINO 2817 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60707...
Top 10 Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants – Eliminate Meat, Not Flavor
Chicago vegetarian restaurants offer many forms of cuisine– from takes on meat dishes to full blown Mexican food and so much more in-between. Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor and only eating celery– which seems to be a common misconception. In fact,...
Top 10 Nightclubs In Chicago
Chicago, of course, is renowned for its night life, offering chic hangout spaces, trendy dive bars, great dance clubs, and everything in between. The options are often overwhelming, though. Are you looking for a great night out over the weekend? Here are our choices...
The Best Things About The North Side Of Chicago
There are many reasons why people love visiting Chicago any chance they get. There's always something to do. If you've been downtown hundreds of times, it never gets boring. Even with all the excitement of the city, there are many reasons why you should check out what...
22 Bars and Restaurants With Fireplaces Chicago Warms Up At
Nothing combats the cold bite of a winter wind better than huddling around a fireplace. Fortunately, there are a plethora of bars and restaurants with fireplaces Chicago warms up at. These venues range from very upscale eateries and lounges, to very laid back bars...
191 North Wacker Fits Right In
The Chicago Lantern Building at 191 North Wacker may not be quite as famous as its next-door neighbor, 333 Wacker Drive, but it holds its own in the downtown neighborhood. This 516-foot tall (157 m) skyscraper with 37 floors borders the Chicago River, and the...
Humana is Bringing Health and Nutrition to Taste of Chicago
Humana to present healthy mocktail challenge featuring WXRT DJ Mary Dixon and ‘Check, Please!’ host Catherine De Orio on July 9 Health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) will showcase its largest ever list of healthy food items through its signature Humana...
Aquanaut Brewing Brings English-Inspired Beer to Chicago
Chicago's craft beer explosion is showing no signs of slowing down with more and more breweries opening every month. The days when Goose Island was nearly the only game in town are easy to remember, but in just a few years it's nearly impossible to keep track of all...
App for Free Parking in Chicago – Don’t Feed the Meters
If you are among the minority that own a vehicle of your own in Chicago– then you know the struggles of finding parking, even more so when it comes to free parking in Chicago. Valets and meters can add up very, very quickly– especially if you happen to find yourself...
Asado Coffee – A Look Into Pickwick Lane
It was a brisk winter morning when I found myself wandering down a sidewalk in River North on the way to meet up with a buddy that I hadn’t seen in years. I had been running on Starbucks drip-coffee for days because of the convenience factor, but I was starting to go...
Top 22 Bloody Marys In Chicago– You Won’t Believe Some
Bloody Marys are one of those drinks that can made in many different way– which is why people have such split reviews on bars and restaurants that serve them. Some like it spicy, some mild and don’t get me started with garnishes. Every place listed is notable in their...
Q-Tine is Your New Favorite Logan Square Fast Food
I’ll admit it: I’ve been there before. As a former resident of Logan Square, there would be many weekends where I’d be out with a group of friends, hopping from bar to bar on Milwaukee Avenue, and end up looking for some food. But, the kitchen at Revolution Brewing...
Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville – Killer Burgers & Malort
Whenever I find myself in Naperville, Jackson Avenue Pub seems to be my go to spot (followed by Quigley’s Irish Pub). The atmosphere is pretty low-key and their food is spot on– especially if you have burgers on your mind. Atmosphere The interior of Jackson Avenue Pub...
Caffè RoM Adds Italian Coffee Shoppe Flair To Downtown
Caffè RoM is an Italian-style coffee shop with three locations in downtown Chicago: Prudential Plaza, the Hyatt Center, and River East. They specialize in Fair Trade coffee creations, gourmet Panini sandwiches, and freshly made gelato. The River East location is the...
26 Unexpected Foods For Grilling Other Than Burgers
I most certainly would not consider myself to be a master when it comes to grilling– but I do know a thing or two about cooking in the kitchen. This easily translates to cooking on the grill. Essentially everything that you can fry or bake can also be grilled– even...
15 Ways to Enjoy Chicago Beer & Coffee Simultaneously
When you combine the Chicago Beer scene with the equally phenomenal Coffee scene– great things happen to your mouth. Some coffee infused beers are served year ’round, such as Aquanaut Brewing, but most tend to be seasonal and available in the colder months of the...
Best Tattoo Shops in Chicago – Quality Matters
Getting a tattoo is almost an indescribable sensation. Having a piece of art forever implemented into your body perfectly at the hand of a master craftsman is just so– satisfying. However, being in the hands of someone that is not quite up to par can bring your...
Just Put A Bow On It– Delicious Gifts
I hate the feeling of being absolutely clueless when it comes to gift shopping for someone. Whether the person has everything, or nothing– finding gifts is not always an easy task. Judging from personal experience, receiving amazing food- especially sweets- or some...
5411 Empanadas is Taking Over Chicago, One Pastry at a Time
5411 Empanadas is one of the fastest growing restaurant groups in the city. Named after the international dialing code for Buenos Aires, the group first opened in 2009 with a quality product and making deliveries to local Chicago businesses. That led to an incredibly...
5 Great Colleges|Universities In Chicago
If you’re looking to complete an undergraduate degree or you’d like to complete a Master’s or Ph.D., then here are 5 outstanding universities and colleges in Chicago you have to check out before you fill out an application. We know that we are all about the “Top Tens...
Easily The Best Performances of Pitchfork 2015
Chicago's Union Park has hosted Pitchfork Media's music festival for 10 years. Other than some stage banners and festival merchandise noting the anniversary, the festival operated just like it was any other year with a finely-curated selection of new buzz bands, hip...
30 Super Bowl Specials in Chicago – Parties & Catering
Super Bowl is always a bittersweet event. The entirety of a season’s battles, trash talking and celebrations come down to this very day. It can be joyous, even if your team isn’t in the running for World Champions. It’s the perfect day for camaraderie. On the flip...
Top 10 Irish Pubs in Chicago
St. Patrick's Day is a big event in Chicago, and to help you celebrate, the Luck of the Irish in Chicago, we've assembled a Top 10 list, with a little something for everyone! From authentic, to affordable, this list has it all! Top 10 Irish Pubs Chicago #1 The...