The Chicago Traveler Articles
Top 10 Chicago Bulls Players Of All Time
If you’re not from Chicago, it’s impossible to understand how passionate we are about our sports teams. Unbelievably dedicated as fans and absolutely damning as critics, Chicago fans aren’t ones to cheer for the hottest new team. Team preference is something that’s...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
The Top 6 Blowout Hair Salons in Chicago
Whether you’re looking to get your hair done for a special occasion or just want to bond with your best friend over a glass of champagne and fabulous hair, blowout hair salons are all the rage. Luckily, several of these salons have begun to pop-up around Chicago — and...
Couples Massages in Chicago – Relax Together
Relationships have many feels attached to them. Perhaps the best feel is the feeling of relaxation– wait, isn’t it suppose to be love? Yeah, the best is love– then relaxation. Setting you and your number one up for couples massages is a way to experience love and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 Ice Cream In Chicago – Top 10 Spots
Not much is more satisfying than indulging in the best ice cream in Chicago on a hot, muggy day. From traditional ice cream, to thick custard, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even Italian ice.. Chicago provides it all. Best Ice Cream In Chicago Jeni s Splendid Ice...
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...
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...
Leghorn Café: Ukrainian Village Chicken Staple Comes to River North
Since opening in March 2014, Ukrainian Village’s Leghorn Chicken has become a favorite of hipsters, neighborhood residents, and Chicago’s fried chicken enthusiasts. They boldly positioned themselves as the anti-Chik-fil-A with Sunday hours, branded condoms, and...
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...
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...
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 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...
Top 5 Chicago Basketball Courts
Chicago basketball courts are in abundance outside of the Chicago Bulls’ United Center home court. With so many options, it is sometime hard to narrow it down to one. Many of the courts are located in fantastic parks that provide activities to do when not on the...
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...
15 Simple Ways To Reinvent Your Apartment
We all like to be able to come home after a long day and sink into a place that truly feels like our own. We want it to reflect our style and instantly make us feel at ease. In Chicago, you have to be creative to reinvent your apartment. Small spaces are just one of...
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...
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...
Aerial Sightseeing Chicago – Hot Air Balloons & Helicopter Tours
Going above and beyond to see sights is not necessarily just a figure of speech. Actually lifting off of the ground to experience aerial sightseeing Chicago, whether that be via hot air balloon or a helicopter– it will put the scale of Chicago into an entirely new...
Mixed Greens Is Reinventing Fast Food in Chicago
While America may have exported the bulk of its manufacturing jobs overseas, more and more restaurants are adopting the assembly line model such as Chipotle. One of the more recent additions is Mixed Greens, fast food restaurant focusing on organic and healthy salads,...
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...
Imperial Lamian Brings Authentic Chinese Food to Chicago – Move Over Ramen
Chicago has been taken over by a fever for Japanese ramen noodles. Within walking distance from my apartment alone, I can think of four places I could go for noodles. Jakarta, Indonesia-based Imperial Lamian, a restaurant group with more than 20 locations, picked...
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...
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...
Best Burger in Chicago – 15 Mouthwatering Choices
Seeking out the best burger in Chicago can be an overwhelming task. You can scrounge through Yelp, ask your neighborhood shop keeper or start with these recommendations and see if you learn of anywhere else on your travels. The neighborhoods of Chicago that have the...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Madison Public House – A Logan Square Essential
Madison Public House has been in business for nearly 3 years. Upon opening, they wanted to create an atmosphere that provided an all-in-one experience; they have succeeded. They may possess a bar appearance, but that is not strictly what they are. Rather than going to...
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...
O’Hare Restaurants – Top 10 Places To Eat At The Airport
Airports can sometimes feel more like a prison than a gateway to the world. Time spent between flights should be well used rather than abused. This list compiles some of the best O’Hare restaurants to spend your time, indulge in some food, and refresh with a drink....
Top 10 Hair Salons In Chicago
Choosing one of the hair salons in Chicago can be one of the most stressful moments in someone’s life. There are an enormous amount of options, and hair is not something to just go in to a random shop and ‘wing’ it [Flock of Seagulls style]. Choosing a quality hair...
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...
I Drank Malort, Iodine and Lake Michigan Water Together
I’ve been traveling outside of Chicago quite a bit lately. That is precisely why I felt the need to tap back into the city a little when I returned from my hiatus in December. I’m that guy that orders friends a shot of Malort if they’ve never had it before– heck, I...
A Classy Burger Dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant in River North
The red Weber Grill has been a staple of American backyards since the 1950s, but you may not be aware that the iconic kettle was born right here in Chicago. In 1952, George Stephen Sr. was a part-owner of the Weber Metal Works in Chicago crafting marine buoys....
11 Best Chicago Disc Golf Courses – In the City & Beyond
Disc Golf remains somewhat of a niche sport. It has definitely grown in popularity over the years and professional series do exist, but there is still a good amount of people who have never played it or don’t know much about it. Fortunately, for the people that do...
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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...
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...
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...
The Commonwealth Tavern Brings Fine Dining to the Sports Bar
Have you ever wanted to go out and watch the game without having to eat the same old sports bar food? Sports bars are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but the Commonwealth Tavern (2000 Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village) stands out from the pack by merging your favorite bar...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Emporium Arcade Bar Unites Adulthood With Childhood at 3 Locations
Emporium Arcade Bar fuses retro with modern in a harmoniously entertaining way. Some of you may have been born slightly too late to remember the days when arcades were a place that you wanted to go almost as badly as you wanted to go to Disney World (those commercials...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
15 of the Best Pancakes in Chicago – Cake for Breakfast
Sometimes in the morning nothing is more satisfying than a simple, quintessential breakfast. Nothing tends to fit the bill more perfectly than a plate of some of the best pancakes in Chicago– especially after an aggressive night. Yes– French toast is bomb and it...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 &...
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,...
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...
BYOB Chicago Restaurants – Top 10 In The City
Spending an evening dining out is an enjoyable way to pass the time – especially when in good company. On top of food prices, alcohol can quickly make the bill escalate. Fortunately there are numerous BYOB Chicago restaurants to choose from. Being able to indulge in...
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...
Top 5 Country Bars & Clubs In Chicagoland
Chicago is an epicenter of the music scene in this day and age. Any band worth their salt knows that if they're going on a nationwide tour they need to get to the Windy City at least once. Chicagoans are a diverse musical crowd and there are plenty of places...