The Chicago Traveler Articles
10 Unique Bars Near O Hare Airport
Many times when travelers are visiting Chicago and staying in hotels near O Hare Airport or the Rosemont Commercial District, they wind up visiting bars either at the airport, in their hotels or the commercial district very close by. They never venture out to...
Chicago Cigar Bars Have Not Been Extinguished
Over the last almost-decade, it has become increasingly more difficult to enjoy a cigar in the city of Chicago. With bans in bars, hotels, restaurants and virtually any other business that you could think of– cigar smokers were left to long walks on the beach and...
The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger
The idea of going to a Wrigleyville bar could either be the greatest or worst thing every depending on who you are. If that is your scene, there’s certainly no shortage of places to choose from to watch the game, grab some lunch, or have a boozy weekend. Located just...
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...
Twisted Spoke Celebrates 20 Wild Years of Bikes, Beers, Burgers and Brunch
With its rusted metal exterior and a revolving skeleton motorcycle rider atop a 'garden' of motorcycle parts, Twisted Spoke may seem a little intimidating upon first glance. While biker-themed, the bar attracts a wide range of customers to its easily accessible 500 N....
Adrenaline Guide to Aerial Extreme Sports in Chicago – Skydiving + More
For some, blasting across Lake Michigan on a jetski– or meeting up with those random Tinder matches that seem like there is a 91% chance that it was not them in their photos– does not quite provide the sense of adrenaline that they crave. For some, they must take to...
Breakfast Pizza in Chicago – Forget About Deep Dish
Eating breakfast pizza in Chicago does not have to mean cold deep dish from the night before or even ordering a deep dish before noon. Eating pizza for breakfast means that you’ll be taking in a deliciousness of ingredients that are reminiscent of a hearty,...
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 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat
Sometimes being unrestricted is much needed. The buffets in Chicago aim to lift limitations and let you choose your own boundaries. Buffets do not always have to be traditional style, as you will see, some of the buffets in Chicago are quite exquisite with their...
Chicago Haunted Houses – Are You Prepared?
Halloween is a time that many people look forward to each year. It is a reason to dress up in ridiculous costumes, get together with friends and enjoy themselves. For others, it is a time for family– and obtaining an absurd amount of candy in the traditional form of...
Unique Gifts For The Beer & Whiskey Lovers
Alcohol evokes passion in many people' everyone has their preference, but it all has the same principal behind it. One of the neat things about beer and whiskey, is that people like to have a lot of fun with it. They have fun while they are drinking it, and they try...
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...
Top 10 Chicago Riverside Restaurants – Pub to Posh
The most fitting way to enjoy summer is to spend as much time as possible outside. These riverside restaurants make it easy to enjoy a variety of cuisine and a multitude of beverages. Whether you are on your lunch break, scouring for happy hour specials, have a hot...
Top 10 Chicago Restaurants With A View
Some of Chicago’s best food can be found in ‘ma & pa’ restaurants and even on the sidewalk. To make your evening of dining out a true experience, a magnificent view of Chicago’s skyline is almost a must. These Chicago restaurants should be on everyone’s bucket-list....
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...
The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch
The last time I was at the Stretch, I was in pursuit of their award-winning Cortland Street Burger and walked away with a very happy stomach. I made a return trip to the Wrigleyville sports bar and grille to sample their new spring menu—launching March 12—created by...
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...
River North’s Dough Bros Tips the Scales in Favor of NY Style Pizza
The battle between deep dish and NY style pizza will likely rage on till the end of time, but there’s one thing you’ve got to give to New York City: you can grab a quality slice pretty much anywhere. In Chicago, it takes a little more effort to get an easy pizza fix....
17 Satisfying Sandwiches to Eat in Chicago’s Loop
Sandwiches are the quintessential lunch food. They were designed to be eaten on the go, and while that still may be the case, there are some sandwich shoppes in Chicago’s Loop that will make you want to sit down and indulge in each and every bite. There are varieties...
Top 6 Things To Do In Chicago During Christmas
If anyone knows how to celebrate the holidays, it's Midwesterners. More specifically, it's Chicagoans. Every year during Chicago's winter wonderland, visitors are drawn like magnets to the city's festive energy. It seems everyone wants to visit Chicago during...
10 Chicago New Years Bashes For $25 or less!
Taking a step into the New Year does not mean that you need to spend your annual salary to celebrate. Chicago New Years bashes are found on every corner at every price range. However, entertainment can be had for very little commitment from you. You can even snag a...
Lent Specials – The Seafood & Veggies Run Strong
Growing up– I participated in Lent as a religious experience. Unfortunately, as a kiddo, I wasn’t the biggest fan of fish and any sort of plant was still foreign matter to me. I settled with a lot of cereal and pb&j’s (somewhat similar to my current meal plan). To...
Chicago Fine Dining On A Budget– It Does Exist
There are a lot of secrets in the dining world, but one of the most well-kept secrets are culinary school restaurants. Since Chicago is a big dining town, there are many. If you are looking to have a Chicago fine dining experience on a budget, these places would fit...
Love Is In The Air or Maybe It’s Roses? Chicago Florists Work Magic
Valentines Day is right around the corner. If your loved one goes crazy over red roses but you are tired of the same boring arrangement, there are so many creative and unique ways to present her with these flowers. Create a beautiful arrangement that is a combination...
Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out
Chicago was once known as one of the bacon capitals of the world. Back in the day, much of the pork in the U.S. of A. came from Chicago. Maybe that is one of the reasons that bacon bars exist in this land– a homage to the yesteryears. Or, maybe I need to stop being...
Best Chicago Tourist Attractions – Incredibly Popular For A Reason
Traveling to Chicago is quite an experience. Chicago tourist attractions are spread throughout the city, but many of the main ones are found right in the downtown area and along the waterfront. We may have lists already covering some of the best places to visit in all...
Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan
Flagship, to many, may seem like just another typical sports bar. Upon first glance, I wouldn’t argue with you. However, being that sports games were flooding the copious amount of screens throughout the venue and my table didn’t pay attention to any of them one bit–...
Top 10 Things to Do at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is not only one of the most famous landmarks of the Windy City, but also the largest science museum in the entire western hemisphere. Housed in the sole building that remains from the 1893 World’s Fair, the Museum of Science...
Top 3 Blues Bars In Chicago
Chicago is dubbed “Blues Capital of the World” and even has the largest in the world Blues festival held every summer for three days to back up its claim. There are many Chicago venues that keep this music genre alive. However, which ones have the best atmosphere,...
Top 10 Chicago Craft Breweries
When you think about Chicago, one thing that comes to mind is all the different pubs and breweries in and around the area. Not sure which are worth a stop? Here's a list of 10 craft breweries and brewpubs you won't want to miss: #1 Solemn Oath Brewery Located at 1661...
Chicago Soccer Bars – Top 10 For The World Cup
The World Cup is not something to take lightly – it is for worldwide bragging rights after all. The right venue can make all the difference, much like lucky underwear. The Chicago soccer bars are just as stoked about the World Cup as you are! If you are wandering in...
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...
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...
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...
Marion Street Market Re-Opened in Oak Park with New Dining Options
Marion Street Market, located at 100 South Marion St., has been a culinary staple in the Oak Park community since 2008. The restaurant closed on New Year’s Day and reopened today, March 7, boasting a new social atmosphere with tasting tables, grab-and-go items and...
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...
The General Direction For Your Beer & Taco Needs
The General, in Logan Square, is a hot spot for craft beer and satisfying food. Their focus is on soul food and artisan tacos– which is a mighty fine combination if you ask me. Their daily special is really one of the best in Chicago. For $8ºº you can have yourself...
With Steadfast, the Fifty/50 Group Embraces Fine Dining
Chicago’s the Fifty/50 Group has so far been known for their eclecticism with restaurants ranging from the namesake sports bar to Roots Handmade Pizza to craft cocktail lounges like the Berkshire Room. With the recent opening of Steadfast in the Loop’s business...
10 Famous People From Chicago
Chicago has long been known to be a top producer of celebrities and famous people. There are hundreds of people that have lived in and made Chicago proud; however, many of these people were not born in Chicago. The Chicago Traveler has compiled a list of the Top 10...
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...
120 North LaSalle Breaks the Mold
The building at 120 North LaSalle is a fascinating structure to look at from any angle. Down the street from the Bilandic Building, the faade consists of two shades of granite, forming horizontal stripes. Three projecting rectangular grids surround the structure: one...
Chicago Board of Trade Building
The Chicago Board of Trade Building has towered over the LaSalle Street 'canyon' since its completion in 1930. With 44 floors and standing at 605 feet (184 m), it was Chicago's tallest building from 1930 until 1965 (when it was surpassed by the Daley Center). It has...
10 Great Stores To Visit On Michigan Avenue Chicago
Native residents and tourists alike know that Chicago has some of the best places to shop in the world. Chicago's Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile is most certainly among them. Michigan Avenue has everything you could need, from clothing and...
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,...
Easter in Chicago – 33 Restaurant Specials
Easter in Chicago is a phenomenal time of the year. Not only is the weather warming, but there are also an abundant amount of restaurants in Chicago and the surrounding area offering food and drink specials to warm you on the inside. Have a relaxing brunch with...
Top 5 Ways to Experience Chicago Sights Outside of a Car
The majority of us spend a good portion of our lives in a vehicle. The convenience factor is huge, but it can take so much away from our surroundings. Chicago is a city rich in culture and sights; many of which can be easily missed while stuck in traffic. Eliminate...
Top 10 Water Parks In Chicago For Summer Fun
With hot weather, comes the need for two thing: outdoor fun and a way to cool off. Spending your day at one of the water parks in Chicago or the area is really one of the most enjoyable ways to do it. Wether you are looking for a quick visit or willing to head to...
Southport & Irving Transports the Jazz Age to Modern Day Lakeview
Located in Lakeview’s Southport Corridor, Southport & Irving (SIP) is a classy yet relaxed cocktail bar and restaurant taking inspiration from the days of speakeasies and jazz clubs giving it the feeling it’s been around since the days of Capone and Machine Gun...
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...
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...
Bars With Outdoor Games in Chicago – Do More Than Just Drink
There seems to be more and more bars catching onto the notion that sometimes it’s nice to do more at a bar than just drink. Below, we have listed a number of bars with outdoor games in Chicago. Pretty much all of these options are only available spring through fall–...
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...
Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler
As if Restaurant Row wasn’t already a foodies dream come true, the West Loop’s dining scene continues to grow and expand beyond the confines of Randolph. Head just a little bit south of Randolph to 1045 W. Madison Street and you’ll find the Mad Boiler, a Cajun seafood...
Top 10 Places To Get A Hot Dog In Chicago
Chicago is known for its incredible food, but that recognition doesn’t just come from the Windy City’s many fine dining establishments. In fact, some of Chicago’s most memorable food can be found at locally owned and operated hot dog stands. For the perfect lunch or...
Bike Shops Chicago – Top 10
Choosing one of the many bike shops Chicago houses can be a tough ordeal. Many of times, people choose what is closest to them. In a pinch this can be a good solution. When you have some spare time, building a relationship with a reputable shop can change your biking...
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...
Find Your NFL Team At These Chicago Sports Bars
Some traditions require you to sit in the exact same spot on your couch if you want your team to trump the competition' others require one of the Chicago sports bars packed with familiar colors. Many bars are equipped with NFL Sunday Ticket, which will expand your...
Great Lakes Tattoo – 1st Annual Walk-Up Classic Tattoo Convention
Great Lakes Tattoo is taking everything that they’ve come to not fancy about mainstream tattoo conventions and proceeding to do the opposite. GLT’s owner Nick Colella commented: “I feel that present-day tattooing and standardized tattoo conventions have gotten so far...
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...
TOP 10 Chicago Sushi Restaurants
If you’ve got a taste for raw fish and the many ways it can be prepared, you may be interested to know which the top sushi places in Chicago are. Each has its own unique décor and personality. They’re about as different from each other as night from day, but Sushi...
Chicago’s Little Italy Restaurants – Italian on Taylor Street
Taylor Street is well known as the Chicago Little Italy (also University Village); however, over the years it has expanded from only having Italian influence. Fortunately, in the midst of barbecue and Mexican restaurants, some of the best Italian restaurants in...
L’Appetito Chicago – the Deli You’ve been Looking for
As I’m sitting here reminiscing about my last visit to L’Appetito, which a friend of mine highly recommended, I find myself mowing down a sandwich that I just just whipped together in my kitchen. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for a simple, yet satisfying...
Stay Cool and Caffeinated This Summer at Caffè Umbria
Whether headed to the office or coming into town for a day of sightseeing, most Chicagoans get by with a cup, or five, of coffee. With temperatures this summer regularly reaching 90 degrees, it’s definitely iced coffee season. However, if you’re in the River North...
Top 10 Chicago Events That Come With Spring
The winter months can often be pretty brutal in Chicago. Many days are spent hibernating rather than enjoying everything that the city has to offer. When April and May finally make their way around again, everyone is surprised that they did not freeze to death and...
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...
10 Affordably Fun Stops For St Patrick’s Day
Ahh, the green season is upon us once again. St Patrick’s Day is one of Chicago’s most dear holidays. Everyone becomes Irish for a week and enough whiskey is taken back to make John Jameson proud. The river flows green, as well as the beer. Corned-Beef is not in short...
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...
Top 10 Pizza Places In Chicago
Chicago is known for many things: towering skyscrapers, gorgeous lakefront, Al Capone, sometimes questionable politicians, and of course, food. Chicago offers some of the best eats in the country, especially when it comes to pizza. There s no other place in the world...
14 Touristy Things Chicago Natives Need to Do
The city of Chicago is filled with cultural activities, famous buildings, and hot spots known to the incoming tourists and long-lived locals. But, what local wants to stand in lines and pay cover fees in their own city? From what time to go to The Bean to what day to...
Revival Food Hall Brings Neighborhood Charm to the Office
It’s noon and time for lunch. You’ve really got a craving for Antique Taco, but there’s definitely not enough time to go to Wicker Park and back on your meager lunch break. I guess you’ll have to settle for Taco Bell again… If this is the sad existence you’ve led as a...
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...
Chop Steakhouse Stakes Claim in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection
Chop Steakhouse is the First Restaurant at the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection •Chop Steakhouse Opened July 15, 2015• The Roosevelt Collection is a combination of newer high-end apartments in the South Loop, along with a large shopping area. Despite the gorgeous...
Challenge Your Tastebuds and They’ll Side with Rojo Gusano
Chicago's Albany Park is one of the most diverse areas in the city, if not the entire country. About half of the population of the neighborhood is made up of foreign-born immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Korean, Yugoslavia, Somalia, and many, many more countries. 40...
5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
Farmers Market season is taking full swing. Produce is growing nicely and the sun is making its appearance more often to give you that much needed dosage of vitamin D and happiness. These markets provide you with a great alternative to supermarket shopping and their...
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...
Top 10 Chicago Farmers Markets
Not much accents warm weather better than being outside and indulging in great, fresh, local food. Chicago farmers markets provide a relaxing, friendly atmosphere to pick up some of the best produce around and potentially hear live music while indulging in a freshly...
Top 10 Things to Do at Navy Pier
Most Chicagoans can tell you that you haven't experienced everything that the Windy City has to offer if you haven't spent some serious time at Navy Pier. It's earned its place as the top tourist and leisure destination in the entire Midwest, with more than 8 million...
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...
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...
Perfect First Date Ideas – Get Out of the Bar
Those words come across your screen, “Hey there, how would you like to meet up on Saturday?” Your heart pounds a little harder, your palms start sweating, and your mind races into a thousand different directions. After you come back down to the real world again and...
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...
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...
10 Places to Go in Chicago
Of course in Chicago we haven’t had the best weather. The past couple of days haven’t been bad, but we are certainly not done with winter. So come along with me as I plan out my points of interest for the year. Some of these I have been to and really enjoyed like a...
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...
Red Lion Pub
My best friend and I went out last night to a small pub I had wanted to visit for a long time. It’s classic, cozy, and even haunted! The Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park is full of Chicago history and is a must-see for history buffs and ghost-seekers. There are several...
Oak Park & Forest Park Restaurants – Madison Street
Madison Street, which runs thru Oak Park and Forest Park, is full of boutiques, antiques, restaurants, bars and anything else under the sun. With the holidays coming up, this street is a festive place to do your holiday shopping, and eat some fabulous food. Their...
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 Things To Do At Shedd Aquarium Chicago
Whether you are just visiting the Windy City or you have lived here your whole life, an afternoon spent at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium will be an experience you’ll never forget. Resting on the outskirts of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is as close to Sea World as you...