The Chicago Traveler Articles
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...
10 Sizzling Bacon Recipes You’ll Obsess Over
America’s love affair with bacon runs strong. Bacon doesn’t necessarily need to be the main ingredient for it to shine though. Taking old recipes and revamping them with bacon additions can really add new light. One of these suggestions only has two ingredients!...
The Essentials To Grilling In Chicago – Be A Grill Master
Grilling is one of the most enjoyable pastimes in Chicago while the weather is nice. Good friends, good eats and beer (when permissible) makes for a solid day– especially with all of the summer holidays. There is a thing or two to know before you whip out your grill...
West Town Pup Crawl – They Have Beer For Your Dog Too
That’s right, your dog and you can now go out for drinks together. Every Tuesday, June 16th through October 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, West Town will welcome two and four-legged friends alike. Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, The Matchbox, Aberdeen Tap, and G & O Tavern...
Chicago Trivia Nights & Locations – Your Guide to Trivia in Chicago
I have a soft spot for live trivia. It’s something that my brother and I try to do on a weekly basis- sometimes as teammates, sometimes foes to see who has to buy the round. With busy schedules, it doesn’t always line up on the same day every week. Fortunately, every...
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...
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...
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...
Top 10 Illinois State Parks For Camping – Get Out There
Illinois State Parks offer a wide variety of options that can be found no where else in the state. Spending a few days camping is the perfect way to experience what they have to offer to the absolute fullest. Scuba diving, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, mountain...
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...
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...
Malort Liquor – Chicago’s Inside Joke
If you closely skim this article, you may notice that it is listed under the Entertainment category. That is because Jeppson’s Malort is not traditionally used for any other reason than as a tool to make your friends cringe (and potentially vomit) while everyone else...
Coffee Fest Chicago Brings You The Latest Caffeinated Trends
Let me start off defending the article title. I am aware that there is such a thing as decaf coffee. However, when I began writing this article at 6:30am after pulling an all nighter, decaf was the furthest thing from my mind. Without further ado. Coffee Fest Chicago...
Municipal Bar + Dining Co. – River North’s Affordable Sports Bar
Open since 2012, Municipal Bar + Dining Co is a sports bar and restaurant located in Chicago’s River North, not far from Merchandise Mart. While the area already has its share of sports bars, Municipal is a bit more upscale than its rivals, quite spacious, and does...
Dog Friendly Chicago Establishments– Plan a Date with your Best Friend
There is no denying that Chicago is an almost continuous expansion of concrete. While you may have the ability of venturing wherever you please, your furry companion is much more limited. Rather than just taking them to visit the patch of astroturf a couple blocks...
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...
Top 5 Minor League Baseball Teams In And Around Chicago
Sure, Chicago has the Cubs and the Sox, but there are plenty of minor league teams spread out across the Chicagoland area. Going to see a minor league game is a cheap way to spend a summer day, and doesn't involve the hassle of commuting downtown. Minor league teams...
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...
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...
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...
Best Holiday Decorated Chicagoland Bars & Restaurants
The atmosphere of the Christmas season is truly something special. Finding your way into a holiday decorated venue can completely turn your day around. Kick out the Scrooge and embrace phenomenal food and fantastic festive surroundings. Ann Sather 909 West Belmont...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 5 Chicago Italian Restaurants
Italian food is easily the most popular style for Chicago restaurants. With so many different options, it can be hard to choose. You'll find everything from restaurants with modern, cutting-edge d'cor to small, quiet discoveries that feel straight out of Italy. Here...
Top Five Chicago Bars to Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Unless you’re living under a rock, if you’re in Chicago, you know the Stanley Cup Playoffs are going on. And if you want to head out to cheer your Blackhawks on, check out one (or more) of our favorite places to watch the hockey games. 1. Emerald Loop. This downtown...
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....
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...
Davanti Enoteca : How to turn Hunger into Satisfaction
I found myself wandering the streets of Chicago one evening. I was aimlessly walking around snapping photos when the slight growl of my stomach made me realize that I had yet to eat anything that day. I made a couple phone calls to get recommendations from friends,...
Top 10 Coffee Shops Chicago Relies On To Wakeup
Coffee is the equivalent to an adrenaline shot for the eyes and more importantly, mind. Chicago is a hard working community and some days that need for a little extra boost is more than others. After really digging into the coffee shops Chicago has, you will realize...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tapas Tour
There are numerous tapas restaurants throughout the city. How can one decide which one to pick? Well, who says we have to pick just one? Whether you prefer old-world or a modern twist, there’s something out there for you. sangriaHaro is a hot spot in the Little Italy...
Top 10 Chicago Walking Tours – Get Fit – See The City
Chicago is one of the most famous cities in America. The Windy City is known for its dynamic past, culture, history, and food. Many visitors come away from Chicago with pleasant memories of the popular deep dish Pizza. Another thing that Chicago is known for is its...
10 Great Chicago Suburbs
When looking for a new place to live, there s no doubt that Chicago with all of its diversity and urban splendor remains among the most sought after living spaces in the U.S. :: however as a city that is surrounded by six counties, there are many gorgeous Chicago...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Forest Park Bars – Madison Street Is Flowing With Beer & Wine
Forest Park, Illinois is known well for neighborhood dining, but in the past it was known for its many Irish pubs. In fact, Forest Park has its own St. Patrick’s Day parade which is quite popular. Some of the Irish pubs and as some like to call, the “old-man” bars...
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...
Camping Near Chicago – Cook County Forest Preserves
Chicago may be filled with city parks to give you quick dosages of nature, but if you are looking to immerse yourself a little deeper– you may not have to travel as far as you think. Camping near Chicago, in Cook County to be exact, does not only make for a quick road...
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...
LuxeHome Chill : raising money for charity with wine, food & boutiques
Wandering through the boutiques that make up LuxeHome (website), on the first floor of Chicago's Merchandise Mart, you didn't know what you'd find. Tucked away in model bathrooms, kitchens with Wi-Fi ready refrigerators, and next to paint samples' there might be a...
Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day
Chicagoans love brunch so much that more and more restaurants decide to get into the brunch game. However, the results can often be kind of surreal when you wind up at the local dive that’s trying their hardest to deliver an extravagant Lobster Eggs Benedict in the...
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Overcomes its Competitors in the Chicago Ramen Scene
When we last visited Kizuki Ramen at the end of winter, it was their first night of service. Though Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya is a chain spanning from Japan to the Pacific Northwest, they were breaking in a new staff, trying to get the whole menu together, and concerned...
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 Golf Courses in Chicago
Whether it’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon with your old buddies, or trying to bond with your new son-in-law, one of the most calming, yet competitive, activities is hitting the links. We thought we would count down our top 10 golf courses in and around Chicago. Top...
30 Father’s Day Restaurant Specials in Chicago
Father’s Day is the perfect reason to take your pops out to indulge in some food and drinks. Restaurants'all over Chicago are offering phenomenal specials. With such a wide variety of establishments, you should be able to lock down a restaurant that’s perfect for your...
Brookfield Zoo – One Of Chicago’s Greatest Attractions
Brookfield Zoo is your portal to a world that previously seemed untouchable – especially when living in the midwest. Brookfield Zoo has been offering the chance to connect with wildlife on a much more intimate level since 1934. Their vast selection of attractions,...
Roller Derby Chicago – The Local Leagues
If you trace history back to the late 1800’s, you may be surprised to find that there are roller derby Chicago origins. That is correct, roller derby was essentially formed in Chicago – although, it has evolved over the years. During the 1930s is when roller derby as...
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...
Top 10 Chicago Cubs Players Of All Time
For this post I decided I would go over the careers of those who have graced home plate at 1060 West Addison, as my exhaustive research and by that I mean my ability to keep track of a hundred open Google tabs has concluded. The criteria for making this list are...
Experience the Amazing City of Chicago on a Boat Cruise!
Summer in Chicago means lots of boats on our big, beautiful lake and long, winding river. When I have company in from out of town, be it friends or family, we often head downtown so I can show off our awesome city on a boat tour. Here are the boat companies I’ve...
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...
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....
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 Rooftop Bars Chicago Floats Up To
Going out for a night on the town is what most people look forward to all week. The only thing better than that is a night out above the town! Chicago’s summer weather should be enjoyed to the fullest while it is around. Outdoor seating with a skyline view can really...
Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?
Some days nothing kickstarts you like a hearty meal accompanied by a little champagne and orange juice. That means that one of the bottomless mimosas Chicago brunches is literally calling your name! There are a handful of solid options that will help you get your fix...
The Chicago New Restaurant Rundown of 2014
This is a city of fierce competition. For a Chicago new restaurant to stand out above other new venues, as well as match or surpass well-established names, is a feat of its own. There were many openings last year, but these 15 restaurants have broken through the mold...
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 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...
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...
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....
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,...
Blackwood BBQ Makes Getting Smoky Loop BBQ Easy
While visitors to our city may have hot dogs and deep dish pizza on their minds, Chicagoans are well aware of our city's rich, if not complicated, barbecue scene. There's not exactly one specific Chicago-style barbecue with many rich traditions divided by region,...
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...
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...
Top 10 Things To See At The Field Museum of Natural History
Get off the couch, gather up the family, and go explore the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. One of the many exciting institutions that makes up the city’s museum campus, the Field Museum offers great attractions for families and school groups. Here are...
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...
13 Essential Chicago Apps To Better Your Life
With our lives seamlessly integrating with technology, it comes to no surprise that there are apps tailored to all forms of lifestyles. With Chicago being so diverse, certain apps can give you valuable insight into the city. 312Go 312Go is your no-strings-attached...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Chicago Arcades
Chicago arcades seemed to have disappeared long ago. However, if you look close enough there are still a handful in existence. They range from the traditional arcade game focus, to more expansive ones that focus on mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars. Sometimes we...
10 Yoga Studios That Center Chicago – Find Your Place
Yoga has been growing in popularity immensely over the last handful of years, especially. With many people seeking it out solely as a form of exercise, there are many studios opening that also treat it as exercise, rather than the classical form of yoga which involves...
Top 10 Reasons To Love The Southside Of Chicago
The Southside of Chicago plays an important role in Chicago s economic and cultural life. With its Industrial Park being one of the most successful in the city, the Southside contains a diverse, hardworking population. There s a lot to love about the Southside of...
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...
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...
